Woke up this morning, and realized that I have a real fucked up view on life…and alot has to do with my past relationship with Greg. Greg was a guy that I was deeply, madly in love with for four years straight…then one day I got tired of being mistreated by him, and I changed for the worst. although Greg tried to fix our relationship for the next 4 years…I never put my heart back in! I sit here and wonder sometimes what could have been, and where I would be. I believe that he was the one still…but i have gone to far into the dark end! Its been almost 5 years since I was madly in love with him, and yet I still can’t let him go! I wish “the best “these days…but i am still emotional involved with what could have been. So the proposal: I want to create a series of pieces which show the amazing love which we shared, and the awful misery we put each other through! In this series of pieces I hope to express my feelings, and depth of love I once felt…but also use this as a therapy to get over him, and stop using him as the model of what I want in a guy! I had my chance, and understand what has gone wrong…now hopefully I can detach my feelings towards him, so that we may one day have a chance to become friends!
Note: Some of this proposal was influence by Lux Lindner, and how he said we need to have points, “A”, “B”, and “C” in order to tell a great story through art.
– P.s.- Happy Birthday Greg!
Day 4- December 20
So…Today is our departure from the “city of love”…I can’t help but stare at the streets here, and think how I will miss them. One roommate has already left, and there is a cold silence in the hostel. It’s sad for me today, because I have made some excellent memories. This city is so passionate, and has help me open up to people. When I left I was someone who didn’t like people in my “bubble”, but now I don’t mind as much. I want to say Thanks! to Buenos Aires Argentina, and remember we will always have my sketch book to keep the memories alive! Till we meet again! Chao!
Day 5-December 21
Just got off of a 13 hour flight…Had time to remember my experiences in Buenos Aires! When I got home, I notice that simple things here are taken for granted…such as stop signs, grocery stores, and daily task! Today is hard, because I kind of wish that I was back there. I have never thought that I would like Spanish speaking places, but I have grown to enjoy how people interact with one another. How its okay to show your emotions to one another, and no one judges you! Hopefully, in the next couple of pieces that I have started to develop, I can express my emotions, in the relationship that me and Greg experienced!
Day 6- December 22
Today I feel a little lost! It is now day 2 of being home, I’ve seen a couple of people, and want to greet them with a kiss on the cheek…Its funny because I’m not touchy feely… I feel as if Buenos Aires has opened me up to experience love and kindness of others, and also I feel that has also opened my eyes to selfishness of people and how they feel as if things should be done for them, because they have money! As I have said in my other posts…People take for granted the little things in life…That is one thing that makes Americans different from other countries…They don’t realize how good they have it. I hope I don’t offend anyone, my eyes have just been opened! With that note…That can be a great idea for a piece…seeing through the eyes of an American in a different country…It can be called “Spoiled”.
Day 7- December 23
Today I woke up to a text message….It said that a guy that I knew from school, had passed away. I’m not a religious person, but I want to say “may my prayers be with you Kenny.” I didn’t know Kenny that well, we went to High School together, and had classes at Brookhaven and UTA together…Well Kenny was an incredible person because he was someone who had a disability, but that didn’t stop him from chasing his dream of becoming an architect! He inspired me to push harder for myself, and stop being so lazy! Just wanted to say thanks!
Day 8- December 24
Today I started my process to discovery…and some for fun! I have started a piece that is going to show the beginning to the end of mine and Greg’s relationship…also I have started a piece of art work for my cousin, who works in music. I have never actually made a piece for a present, and it seems to be a bit nerve wrecking…My intentions for the piece is basically aesthetic, but I am trying to collaborate a piece that shows the obsession of the “groupie”. I have selected the classic image of a pin-up girl, and I want to combine the image with an article I have found about my cousin. It talks about how he is the new and upcoming thing. This piece can mock the classic art of the pin-up girl!
As far as the piece for Greg..It shows the moment I decided to walk away from the relationship. This is just a mock-up!
Day 9- December 25
Today is Christmas! It doesn’t feel like it at all! I have been back in Dallas for 5 days…I feel as if I miss the whole month of December. When I was over in Argentina, I didn’t see much christmas or new years objects around. When I did see a christmas tree, it was in the mall! It seems to me that Christmas is more commercialized for the Americans that are visiting and who live there. When I returned to the States, I asked my friend who is from there, why it seemed non-exhisting…he said that most people there have decorations inside their home, and during the day of Christmas, people party in the streets! How different…I would like to see the day , that us, as Americans come out and meet our neighbors with open arms to enjoy a night of fun!
Day 10- December 26
A Christmas tradition of mine is to go to the movies with my dad….so this Christmas we went to see the movie “Avatar”. It was a good movie, but I felt like it was really long! During the movie, I started to think about my English class that I took at Brookhaven….with this horrible teacher…named Mrs. Dodd! She was approx. 40, and bitter…but one thing that was good about her, was that she knew her stuff, as far as literature, and revolved a course around “The Hero’s Journey”.
A lot of people don’t know what this journey is, but I’m here to educate you on it(a bit!) It is also referred to as “monomyth” and is the basic pattern that is found in many narratives around the world. There are key steps in any story that lead us through the Hero’s Journey. Such as:
(for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth)
For those of you that have not yet seen “Avatar”, I will try not to ruin it! During the movie I kept revisiting what I had learned in this class, and how it followed these steps…Some questions that came to mind were…Do you need all 8 points, in order to tell a good story? I don’t know that answer…Maybe someone can help me! As of right now, I feel that you do, because you may be leaving out some important details, that later will have importance to tell the ending of the story. As I contemplate the movie’s story…it gave me an appreciation for the art behind the movie. If you see the animation, and the technology that is used to make the story come to life, it is amazing! And it better be, because it had a multi-million dollar budget to work with! As I’m doing some research about the movie, I can’t believe some of the things that people read in to! It is suggested that there are alternate stories that are being told in the movie. Also, the reviews are saying that there is a hint of racism with in the movie…because the Na’vi people are blue with dreadlocks…This is what I have to say about this…STOP BEING SO SENSITIVE!
Paul Gauguin is a famous post-impressionist artist, and at one point in his life, he studied the primitive life style of the people of Tahiti. A very famous piece of his is “Under the Pandanus”, and it shows the simple lifestyle of the native people. The point that I’m trying to get across ,is that, in the picture he paints with vibrant colors, and he shows the people “tan” skinned, and with different clothing….I’m sure his intentions, when creating the piece was not to look down of the differences of people, but to show how they are different, and learn from it.
I just came back from Argentina, Buenos Aires….and what I have learned is that you should n’t try to censor art…and just take it as it is sometimes! Art is precious, especially in other countries, and as Americans we don’t always appreciate the privileges that we have as far as viewing art. What I have learned before I went to Argentina was that Art was censored for many years there, because it didn’t want people to think against the government. This must be very hard for an artist in another country because he/she cannot express themselves without consequence. (people get thrown in jail, killed, and sent into exile) We, as people need to appreciate the little things in life…and step out of our boxes here and there, and experience something that we wouldn’t have. It will open your eyes a little wider…So my suggestion is to visit the Dallas Museum of Art soon! There is an exhibit on the second floor, Here you will find Paul Gauguin’s piece ” Under the pandanus”, and remember this entry, and how lucky we are to have art accessible to us easily! Don’t be afraid to open your eyes!
Day 11- December 27
So….My new reality show that I have enjoyed to watch this season in “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew”, the interest for me is that I see society wasting away because no one sees monogamy as a key importance to a relationship anymore. I have fallen with the best of them, but I am on a journey to becoming a better person…What I think is important to understand is that you must be educated in the areas of fault! What’s intriguing to me is the obsession of addiction, in any form. My dad is a recovering alcoholic, and I am grateful for this…he has been a valued influence in my life, and has taught me about substance addiction, and how it affects the individual emotionally, mentally, and physically! I have a sweet spot for people in need,because of everything that I know…For two years of my life, I was involved with this guy, he was “the cheese to my macaroni!” What I didn’t realize about him, until it was too late, was that he had a substance problem. For about a year, I tried to assist him with getting better, but it was more than I could handle…eventually our relationship lost the battle! So now, I have an obsession to understanding more about addictions, and how painful they are! In this reality show, you feel for the celebrities that are going throw multiple addictions. What I have notice about this show, is that there is art involved….In one episode, they show a way of treatment is using “art therapy”, is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_therapy) This is very interesting to me, because I never notice that this has been used on me my whole life…I have had a very hard childhood, but it has made me what I am today! Because of the reasons my parents split up, I was forced to see councilors as a child…they would let me draw, and then ask me what I am drawing about, then discuss it with me and my mom. During this time, it was a form of art therapy. During the show they have ventured around different aspects of art theropy…but what has caught my interest is….The second to last episode of the season…Dr. Drew is talking to “Penny Flame”, and brings up the issue of “desocialization” in an artist….This is where an artist…literally gets so into a project, that they forget about what is going on around them. This is why we can sit in one spot for hours, and not be tired of the project that we are involved with. When my life was very hectic, I would isolate myself, and not realize it! I never saw it as an issue, and I still don’t really, just have become aware of “getting into the zone”. What are your views on “desocialization”? Does everyone do it with something?not just artist! Let me know your stories…
http://www.vh1.com/shows/sex_rehab_with_dr_drew/series.jhtml
Day 12- December 28
Its hard! trying to find yourself…. I have been stuck in LIMBO…for a long time now, closed off a lot of emotion, and have given in to society’s views of self-worth. I enjoy going out! Having fun with friends…and making memories! I went out yesterday…For my friend Cookies Birthday…had a lot of fun! but I see the priorities of my generation, and how going out can destroy the potential of an individual! I understand that not everyone is made to create masterpieces in life…but I feel as if we should aim higher than what we can achieve because when we don’t get there, we still have lots to look back on, and say “at least I did this…” I made a decision about 6 months ago, to move from Dallas to Arlington, so that I could get my head clear…It was the best decision of my life! Not saying that I won’t return to Dallas…but saying that it has help me priorities my responsibilities and social activities. I want to be the best that I can be…and I need to only surround myself with people who can influence me in a positive way! The old saying ” you are, who your friends are…” is very true! and I have all sorts of friends. One of my goals this new year, is to make more positive influential friends…some that will educate me in areas I didn’t know existed…Suggestion: Do the same…analyze your life, maybe by making a chart, see what you have accomplished this year. Then make another chart…Categorize it your goals: Day, Week, Month, 6Months, Year, 5years! When you see your goals in front of you, thats when you can reach them…Lots of very successful people do this!
So my Goals:
Day: Blog, clean house, draw.
Week: Blog, Party for the new years, Exercise, Finish 2 art pieces.
Month: Finish Wintermester with a “B”- (there are no “A”s in art, always room for improvement), Stay focus on my studies, start looking for a second job (in plants), Continue Blogging!, Send Johnny his pieces of art, Exercise, Take Lucky for more walks, Spend more time with Ashley(try to help find her a hobby).
6 Months: Have a new job working with Plants, Be 6 months into my blog…, Place 3 pieces at Artique (http://www.artiquecollection.com/), get involved with art club at school, Meet 3 influential people, Stay in contact with Proyecto Ace, Read 3 books on Architecture. Visit all important Architecture Spots in Dallas and Fort Worth…(anyone want to come?)
Year: Get people to start looking at me more seriously…I look young, but I have knowledge! Dress more professional! Boost self- confidence. Read 6 books on Architecture, and 3 books on Art.
2 Years- Enter Masters program for Landscape Architecture
5 years- Be recognize for the hard work that I have put in…become project design manager for Landscape Architecture Firm. Start working on creating my own business!
Feel free to post your goals…give people inspiration!
Day 13- December 29
I was suppose to go to New Orleans for the New Year…but decided not to! So lets see what the “Big Easy” has to offer…Well its known as the most unique city in America…
Bourbon Street
The street was named after the House of Bourbon, who was a royal French Family that was around during the founding of New Orleans. We all know that the town was build around the French Quarter, but Bourbon Street is a street known best by Tourist….If you know what I mean!!!
Lets see what else…
The St. Louis Cemetery
This cemetery is visited by locals and tourist frequently because of the history of it residents… The founders of the graveyard, there son was killed in an accident…on a steamboat!
Other interesting things about this cemetery is…that the bodies are somewhat floating in water…let me explain! Because the water table in the ground is high…the graves are shallow…and if you start to dig the grave up, the dirt becomes soggy! The caskets are floating in a soggy mud! Gross…but cool!
I knew about this cemetery because of my trip to Buenos Aires…believe it or not…this is cemetery is a similar to the one in Buenos Aires…
Buenos Aires Cemetery
Both cemeteries are beautiful because they are above ground…what sets them apart is that the one for Buenos Aires is only for rich people…and most were selfish, except for Evita…she took from the rich and gave to the poor…A lot of families that have relatives buried there, think that she should not have a grave there…The people of the city love her! The cemetery in New Orleans is to remember the people of the city,and be able to reconnect with their love ones again…
I feel that we should make more cemeteries above land…because the architecture if beautiful, but understand why we don’t…Did you know that each monument in the Buenos Aires Cemetery starts at $500,000 American Dollars…How many us have that kind of money just for the males in our families? That’s right! Once you change your name, you can’t be buried with the rest of the family!
Day 14- December 30
For Christmas, my dad gave me a book about Dallas…its called ” Dallas: Now and Then” , by Ken Fitzgerald. Its very interesting to me, because I feel as if you should know where you live and where you come from. I was born in Dallas, and have lived here all my life…but until recently I never knew the history behind the city.
So let me fill you in!!! There is a man named John Neely Bryan, in 1841 he decided to come to Texas and build a cabin along the Trinity River…
***The cabin is located at the Dallas Memorial Plaza…I didn’t even know that this existed! Its on my list to do’s…***
He was brave because there was nothing here at the time, and the only plan that he had in mind was to clear the Trinity River so that he can travel to the Gulf of Mexico and distribute goods! His plans worked, but wasn’t used for very long…As people notice that this is an area to live, they start to settle here…Companies started to develop quickly, and over the next 150 years it would develop itself from a town to a city!
* Dallas skyline in 1912.
The difference of the city is crazy to me…Thinking that it hasn’t even been 200 years since Dallas has existed! Where do you think we will be in the next 200 years? Do you think that we will ever become like New York? I don’t because we have lots of space to expand…I personaly feel that we will just make new major cities soon! Look we have Dallas- Fort Worth….
Day 15- December 31
Today is the last day of the year…I can honestly say that I haven’t done much this year…not because I can’t, but because I didn’t want to! I have changed that feeling in the past couple of weeks…I want to be great, and have all the potential to be! I just need to get off my lazy ass, and start working hard…So, by my last entry I will have something great to tell you! and I will be a paid artist! I have a great feeling for this year…I am starting to become a responsible adult! Love to everyone who is supporting me! Thanks!
Day 16- January 1, 2010
Have you ever wonder about why there are so many homeless people in the world…especially in America? When I was growing up, I remember my aunt always giving to people that are less fortunate than us, but now with all the scams…how do you know who to trust? When I was in Argentina…I didn’t see that many homeless people. Not saying that there wasn’t any, but they weren’t in your face begging for money. This lead me to the question of how do homeless people differ from country to country? Do we give more to our homeless people than other countries???
Some reasons for being homeless in America are:
– Economy: wages are staying the same, but the price of living is getting more expensive
– Abuse: When a family in an abusive environment…this sometimes leaves the members of that family to homelessness. Children that are part of this family, that go to school, usually have low grades and attendence scores.
-Approx. 60% of homelesss are single males…that have some sort of health problems.
– Homeless people in rural areas, usually aren’t homeless as long as people who are in the central cities.
We have started programs that try to prevent homelessness in America…Such as …”McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, the federal law that provides funding for homeless assistance programs. The law emphasizes “continuums of care”—regional systems that provide services and housing for an entire range of needs, from medical care to employment.” (http://www.solutionsforamerica.org/thrivingneigh/homelessness.html) Do these programs really work? What happens in a crisis?
In Europe…
Europe has the same reasons for homelessness, but they also have homeless because of war (evacuations), poor work ethics, and natural catastrophes (which we have seen here in the U.S….such as…Hurricane Katrina) for more info visit… (http://www.youthxchange.net/main/b236_homeless-b.asp)
Thinking about this situation of homelessness…it reminds me of a solution that one of my favorite architects tried to develope for people in France, who were finicially challenged. The project is called Unite’ de’ Habitation, developed by Le Corbusier.
This building was designed to provide a place for people who have low incomes, and need a safe environment to bring up there kids. It was created to accomidate families, such as day care…a park…exercise areas…grocerie areas! Unfortunally, people still like to walk the streets and venture out there living quarters…this made the idea unsuccessful…and later the building turned into a unsafe place.
I feel, if we could develope a similiar idea to this building in the United States…it may help us develope a solution to homelessness in America, and help families that are trying to get on there feet…a chance to do so, and set a good example for children who are forced into homelessness. I understand that this would be a major expense, but if they took a dollar out of everyones paycheck in America….Im sure that we could afford a building that could help the people.
Day 17- January 2
During this past semester I was introduced to TYPOGRAPHY, which is the basic study of the letter form. During this my past class, I learned of a design called Yulia Brodskaya, who designs peices of art work from letter forms and paper. Here is some of here work!
After seeing what can be done with paper and a little imagination….I was fascinated! I explored the idea…Don’t make fun of it! It took about an hour, just to make this “A”. I have to give her respect fot the amount of work that goes into a design like these.
to the left: my version of this paper typography.
Day 18- January 3
Have you ever wonder what your reation is to different colors? During my studies in Interior Design, we learned that color effects the mood of the room, and when creating a room, you must choose your color wisely…I have provided some information below from…http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html, to help anyone who is trying to paint/ create a new room.
Color Meaning
Red
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.
Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, , and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.
Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as an accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect color for ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Click Here’ buttons on Internet banners and websites. In advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails, red-light districts, ‘Lady in Red’, etc). Red is widely used to indicate danger (high voltage signs, traffic lights). This color is also commonly associated with energy, so you can use it when promoting energy drinks, games, cars, items related to sports and high physical activity.
Light red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love.
Pink signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes feminine qualities and passiveness.
Dark red is associated with vigor, willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath.
Brown suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities.
Reddish-brown is associated with harvest and fall.
Orange
Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.
To the human eye, orange is a very hot color, so it gives the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as aggressive as red. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance.
Orange has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention and highlight the most important elements of your design. Orange is very effective for promoting food products and toys.
Dark orange can mean deceit and distrust.
Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, domination, aggression, and thirst for action.
Gold evokes the feeling of prestige. The meaning of gold is illumination, wisdom, and wealth. Gold often symbolizes high quality.
Yellow
Yellow is the color of sunshine. It’s associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.
Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice.
Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children’s products and items related to leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, ‘childish’ color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety. Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy.
Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy.
Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy.
Green
Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money.
Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a ‘greenhorn’ is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road traffic.
Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to promote ‘green’ products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.
Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace.
Blue
Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.
Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.
You can use blue to promote products and services related to cleanliness (water purification filters, cleaning liquids, vodka), air and sky (airlines, airports, air conditioners), water and sea (sea voyages, mineral water). As opposed to emotionally warm colors like red, orange, and yellow; blue is linked to consciousness and intellect. Use blue to suggest precision when promoting high-tech products.
Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and stability; it is a preferred color for corporate America.
Avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking, because blue suppresses appetite. When used together with warm colors like yellow or red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant designs; for example, blue-yellow-red is a perfect color scheme for a superhero.
Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness.
Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness.
Purple
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic.
According to surveys, almost 75 percent of pre-adolescent children prefer purple to all other colors. Purple is a very rare color in nature; some people consider it to be artificial.
Light purple is a good choice for a feminine design. You can use bright purple when promoting children’s products.
Light purple evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings.
Dark purple evokes gloom and sad feelings. It can cause frustration.
White
White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection.
White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.
In advertising, white is associated with coolness and cleanliness because it’s the color of snow. You can use white to suggest simplicity in high-tech products. White is an appropriate color for charitable organizations; angels are usually imagined wearing white clothes. White is associated with hospitals, doctors, and sterility, so you can use white to suggest safety when promoting medical products. White is often associated with low weight, low-fat food, and dairy products.
Black
Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery.
Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black humor, ‘black death’). Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color (black tie, black Mercedes). In heraldry, black is the symbol of grief.
Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, but a black background diminishes readability. A black suit or dress can make you look thinner. When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a black or gray background to make the other colors stand out. Black contrasts well with bright colors. Combined with red or orange – other very powerful colors – black gives a very aggressive color scheme.
Day 19- January 4
When I was a freshman in High school, I started to develope this interest in Graffiti. I always associated it with people in gangs, people who had an interest in music (techno), and also the “rebeling artist”… During my time in Argentina, I was reminded of how beautiful Graffiti can be…here is a glimpse of what I saw while I was down there…
What sad about this, is that a guy in Corpus Christi (18 years old) got busted for a first time offense graffiti charged…when he goes to court..the judge decides to make an example out of him…and give him the max sentence…which was 8 years in jail, with no chance in getting out early…I feel that this is so sad, because this kid had talent, he young, and I’m sure there are plenty of other ways to punish him, where there can be a positive that comes out of this! Looking at the image posted…can you believe people go to jail for creating masterpieces like this…its tragic!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS STORY…VISIT (http://www.graffnews.com/?tag=corpus-christi-graffiti)
Day 20- January 5
So my landlord went on a trip to the Grand Canyon…and told me about his experience visiting the fairly new Grand Canyon Skywalk. I’ve heard of this Sky walk about a year ago…but never really looked in to it( because I forgot! oops!) For those that don’t know what it is, its an arched walk way that looks over the grand canyon. Whats great about the design is that the floor is glass, so it appears that you are floating!
After seeing what it is….Don’t you think its amazing? This skywalk has been in existed since March 2007. It was engineered to hold 71 million pounds of weight. To give you a mental image its about 71 fully-loaded 747 airplanes…image below
Since I have a huge interest in architecture…one of the most intersteing things to me about the design is the floor…it is 5 layers of glass bonded together, and each peice of glass can withold 1,200 lbs. It takes 46 panes of glass to form the arched walkway. This makes the structure very sterdy.
This is one of the things I hopefully can experience in the next two years! I love state-of-the-art design….I gives me hope on what I may one day develop!
For more information about this sky walk, I have provided the website for information of pricing, and other events that are held at the grand canyon!(http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/engineering.html)
Day 21- January 6
So I can’t believe that I have been blogging for over 20 days! Im so proud of myself! Lately I have been getting back into design mode for architecture…Even though I am studying the art of printmaking for my Undergrad Degree, I want to pursue my Graduate Degree in Landscape Architecture….I have been real interested in tree house design. When I tell people this, they usually look at me like im crazy, but I know once I show you the pictures of what I am interested in doing, you will be amazed that there are even tree house out here like this!
I have provided a link so that you can look at the top 10 amazing tree houses from around the world. I hope you enjoy…and if anyone knows of a Landscape Architect that needs some side help…please let me know! It will be greatly appreciated. (http://weburbanist.com/2008/02/10/10-amazing-tree-houses-from-around-the-world-sustainable-unique-and-creative-designs/)
Day 22-January 7
One of my new architectural interest is in Las Vegas…recently they developed the City Center in Vegas…Its an amazing new architectural development dedicated to shopping, hotels, and residential living.
What interest me the most is the two residential condo towers called the VEER towers. What interest me the most is that they look like they are leaning…I love any type of art that seems to have movement…and for a building to display that type of motion is an great design!
Another architectural design that I like because of the movement in the architecture is Frank Ghery’s “Dancing House” in Prague
What great about both of these buildings, is that they are both used for residential living…although there is approximately 15 years difference in architectural development…they both have a contemporary flare to them.
The City Center- (http://www.citycenter.com/0)
Frank Ghery-http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/dancinghouse/index.htm
Day 23- January 8
During my time spent in Argentina…I found a new love for this sculpture there called the Floralis Generica, by the architect Eduardo Catalado. It interest me because it opens up, and closes with the sunlight. (except on certain important days of the year)
During the trip…a conversation was brought up about a sculpture in Chicago, that has a similar look…I had to find out what it was and when I was going to visit it!
The Bean in Chicago’s Millennium Park
What appeals to me about this piece is that it reminds me of MC Escher’s works… What is your view??? Am I just to creative…and look beyond things?
Day 24- January 9
I would like to say thank you to all my friends that support me! Especially you Luis! I know you are my number one supporter…(with Miriam and Blanca) This insert is inspired from a song I heard this morning…I believe it was Lil’ Wayne, and he said ” remember you friends and family” thank them for your support.
Day 25- January 10
Some say that I may get to personal in my blog, because I speak of Greg and my family…but the intention is to inspire people to be proud of who they are…and remember that we all go through hard times, and because of those hard times, we are who we are…
I found a song from Lil’ Wayne…and it shows his feelings towards someone…I feel that we have a common interest in sharing our feelings…he just does it in a different way… you may enjoy this!
(something you forgot lyrics- lil wayne)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNg7FM6uGjA
Day 27- January 11
An artist that my boss introduce me to was Fornasetti. He is an artist that was know for printing images on furniture peices…during his time of finding a consentration in art, he discovered a model that he enjoyed looking at, he began to create peices of art which showed he face. He named her Julia…
These images where originally printed on china plates, distributed by Rosenthal China. Today you can still find these plates, alot of images are retired…Barney New York now re-prints the images on pillows and other house hold things…also Kravet Fabrics has a wall paper with the images on it available.
For more information…http://www.fornasetti.com/
Day 27- January 12
Today I took some time to work on my art…here is how it is going!
Day 28- January 13
Today I came to my neighborhood coffee shop to blog! ( D-town Coffee Shop) Ran into this girl from school and she suggested that I go back and refer to some of my past blogs, and create new blogs from there…So…lets so if this works! On Day 14 I talked about Dallas, and asked the question of where do you think the city will be in 200 years. This concept of looking into the future, reminds me of the builder in training, Antonio San’t Elia, he developed a series of drawings that referenced how cities would look like in the near future…
After looking at these sketches…would you think that they were developed in 1914? The theory behind the development of the city is that it would be able to accommodate the everyday needs of the people that live here…as far as transportation, working, and living!
These sketches inspired artist and architects to start to develop similar ideas. Such as Le Corbusier with the Vision Plan…
Day 29- January 14
A month till Valentines Day, What to get? Here in the U.S., it is considered a day in which lovers express their love for one another, by sending cards, and gifts! For men, this day seems like another reason to spend money on another “Hallmark Holiday”, but for women this day is important! It reminds us that we are still wanted and loved! So guys! Show that special lady that she still puts a twinkle in your eye…
One of my personal favorite Valentines Day’s was last year…My valentine provided products to take a bubble bath with…as I was doing so… he prepared dinner filled with my favorite dishes…I felt this was so thoughtful at the time! Later that evening he presented me with a bouquet of flowers in a custom vase…That was the perfect touch! Remember that Valentines Day isn’t always about material things…although they are nice to recieve!
So some suggestions…think of an idea thats normal, it may save you some money, with the extra money that you saved, put it towards a small, but thoughtful gift she will enjoy for a lifetime… Here are some ideas
– picture frame: place a picture of you and your honey in it!
Perfume Bottle: great present for any occasion…
I
haven’t met a girl who doesn’t like fun jewelery…
Glass pieces of Chocolates!!! They look so real!
All items shown can be found at www.ArtiqueCollection.com
And because you are an exclusive member of Lancegray02.com, I can extend an exclusive inventation from Artique…Please click the link below for discount!
Full%20Page%20January%20Flyer[1]
Day 30-January 15
Is a plastic surgeon considered an Artist?
Earlier this week, Hill Star, Heidi Montag released to People Magazine that she had 10 surgeries in 1 day…After hearing this, it posed the question, is plastic surgeon a form of art? After doing some research, I found this website of this lady, that had gone through 8 hours of plastic surgery…I choose this site because of how she referred to plastic surgery…
“This section is devoted to the wonderful “art” of plastic surgery. I call it an art because the plastic surgeon is, in some ways, the same as a sculptor of clay or stone. Like an artist who creates a masterpiece, a plastic surgeon uses his or her skills, to contour and mold the body in specific ways to create beauty, better function, and enhance the self respect of the patient.” (http://www.wlscenter.com/PlasticSurgery/Intro.htm)
I thought this was a beautiful way of looking at things…So the major question is, who would you let work on you? Would it be someone from the past, like Michelangelo…or a lisence physician?
Day 31- January 16
About tw0 years ago, I was taking this architecture class… this semester I learned about this house in Toyko called,Plum Grove House. Whats interesting about this house is that it was designed to meet the needs of the Japanese Culture, and how there is limited space. It must accomidate the needs of a five member family.
Although this space is small…it is lite well, and economical.
Plan: Pay attention to the bedrooms…
Day 32- January 17
Did You Know?
Fun Fact #1
Doberman Pincher’s are the only dog that blushes when it is happy! – Dogs 101 (animal planet.com)
Day 33- Tacky House
So…those of you that know me, you know that I work for Fabrics and Frames Fine Custom Furniture. The first thing that I learned while working there was how to match color! This is actually more difficult than you think. Once I was able to master this skill, I was able to start creating rooms that actually match! This was the most important thing to learn as a designer…
So I was watching this show on the STYLE network, called “Tacky House” I thought it was so funny because the crew walked into this lady’s house , and told her that her house was Tacky! and she flipped out! She couldn’t believe that anyone would think that of her house. But the truth of this story is ,that most people’s attempt to create a nice looking home, but they fail because they don’t know the simple rules of design.
So…Remember that form follows function!….Color is just an accent!…and Don’t be scared to color outside the lines a little, you can follow your favorite architectural magazine for some inspiration.
Day 34- January 18
During my Tyogrpahy course, last semester, we had a project which we had to construct the alphabet using a theme source. Mine project was on Architecture Study Models.
While doing research for this project, I discovered really interesting buildings. Check them out!
Day35- January 19
Today I started school! I am soooo. excited because my teacher gave us the option of deciding what we would like to do for the whole semester. So I have decided to focus on Egypt, and how the leaders influenced the Art and Architecture there. I will be using silk screen, and a form of waterless lithography that I learned at Proyecto’ Ace in Buenos Aires. I hope to develop some images that will be able to be used on T-SHIRTS!!! (so place your orders!!!)
Day 36- January 20
Land Art/ Earthwork sculpture: movement which merging landscape and work of art together.
I remember in my architecture history course at UTA we learned about how sometime artist create peices of artwork that can be seen from space because there are so large. These form of art are called Land Art. In the 70, Robert Smithoson, created a peice off of the Great Salt Lake, in Utah. It was called Spiral Jetty: it was constructed basalt rocks and Earth. It is approx. 1500 ft long, 15 ft wide counter clock-wise. The fun fact of this project is that when it was created, there was a drought in Utah, once the water started to rise, it made the sculpture disappear. This peice was unable to be seen for 30years. In 2004, we went through another drought, allowing the sculpture to reappear. Kinda makes you think about what is out there.
Day37- January 21
What happens to a building, when it is no longer in use?
Most would think that it would be forgotten, and never thought about again. For the opera house, located in Buenose Aires, this is nothe case. When architects Pero and Torres Armengol designed the Teatro Gran Splendid Opera House, they probably thought it would be converted into a cinema agter 1946, and later become a bookshop in 2000.
What I found most interesting about this space was how theyleft most everything original, and found another use for them. Such as…the stage…now a cafe, where you can read a BOUGHT book, and enjoy a great tasting croissant with coffee. The box seat area is now used for private reading, ( which is quite peaceful.) The rest of the space is used to sell books. My suggestion is…visit this place if you ever go to Buenos Aires. Its fabulous!
Day 38- January 22
During the time spent in Buenos Aires, I was inspired by a peice of advertising I saw on a building, on the street of 9 de julio. (this street is also the widest street in the world) The advertising was created by an Argentine Artist.
When I was passing Downtown Dallas this weekend, I saw one of teh first advertising on our buildings. This was very exciting for me because it shows how cultures start to learn from each other.
One of the reasons cities advertise on the side of buildings is because it is a way for them to cover up construction. While developing the research for this topic I found really cool advertisements that you may like too!
Erica Guajardo's Blog 
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lovin the blog! keep it up!