Holy Scripture, Fairy Tales and the Boogy Man

I have linked my love of dissecting novels/literature with my 12 years of Hebrew school and bible study.

Now all I have to do is instill to my audience the concept of what role Rashi, Rambam and Ramban play in the reading and understanding of holy scripture and how that relates to my version of classic children's literature.

My plan of attack (a year from now) is to focus very little (if at all) on my past work and instead speak of my past experiences and my knowledge and relationship to thinks like religion and Kabbalah (no Demi More required or needed, thank you!)

On the other hand I have to really watch out for drawing out my presentation into a multi-hour event. Too much info can be damning, too little info can confuse people even more.

At least I still have a year (or at the very least 10ish months, to smooth things out and make everything come together.

Fairy Tales Beware!

Getting Over Science and Joining the World of Art

Having a science background, it is quite hard to delve into the subjective world of art.

In science you have a hypothesis, a method of gathering data, data analysis and then a confirmation (or not) of your hypothesis that you were testing. Data, research and scientific measures are combined to come up with a sound, objective judgement of the thoughts/theories you may have.

Art is completely different. Of course there is research involved, however, unless you are writing a history paper, you don't have to rely on previous facts and findings. If you want to create a body of work with a water theme, you can as long as you can justify it in your artist statement.

My issues are with convincing artist statements. I always feel like I need to be working with formulas and equations that somehow, along the way, will prove that what I am doing is sound based on data XY&Z.

Today I was told (in an encouraging way) that I should tie in my own past experiences and history to my work to make it more reliable/believable. I think I am having a hard time accepting the need to expose myself in such a way that makes me so vulnerable.

I guess if I am to become an "artist" these things need to be worked out as well.



PS... its 3am and some of this may not exactly read/sound like it makes any sense.

A Pledge

My Promise to myself is to start taking and showing more of my work.

The problem is making interesting work deserving of a show.

One thing at a time I suppose.

Artists Are SICK!

Word on the net is that a Costa Rican artist found a starving dog on the street, brought the dog into his exhibition gallery, tied the starving thing up and then within the span of the say let the dog die due to lack of food and water... all in the name of art.

I have issues with this. Lots of issues. The cruelty of the actual "artist" not withstanding my other big issue is this: Why did no one in the gallery do something about the dog being tied up and starving before the poor creature died? Are we so afraid of "touching" and "interacting" with art that we ignore a poor dog's whimpers for help? Are we so apt to believe and listen to the instructions of people with "power" or "authority" that we ignore our own common sense?

The phrase "Join Us in Non-Conformity" really comes to mind.


Uh! Human kind is really obnoxious!


That is all!


PS. Read about the story here... http://petloverstips.com/ForTheLoveoftheDog/news-updates/a-dead-dog-as-art-petition

Writers Block

Writer's block is ruining my life! I cannot seem to get my production on its way. I feel that my inability to visualize the next step of my creation is limiting my ability to speak about the project as a whole. The feed back that I am getting is frustrating as well because I feel that it deters me from my vision. I know that these recommendations come from a good place but at this point they are more damaging than helping. (Does that sound as bad as it reads?)

Anyway, here is where I am at...

1. 3 heads are created and are close to being ready for the oven.
2. A skeleton is in its beginning stage of creation... still wobbly and needs more definition. If this one goes well then the rest of them SHOULD be a breeze to put together (although I've said that before and disaster followed).
3. The script/shot list still needs lots of work. (LOTS OF WORK)
4. Set needs to be erected but due to the fact that is very minimalistic that shouldn't take too long
5. Supporting limbs (hands, feet, etc) need to be created and put through the oven.

Let see how much I can get done in the next 2 weeks (hopefully a lot)!

My Journey with Photographs

Haven't updated in a while.

Hope everyone had a great time ushering in the New Year. I was somewhere over the Atlantic when the big 2008 happened.

Here are some pictures from my trip.

Enjoy your break!

See you in the end of January.

Another One Bites the Dust

Another semester is over.

Thanks to all that have shared their work (and frustrations) throughout the semester. It has been pretty interesting watching everyone's work develop.


Also, a special thanks to Kris for a very informative and practical "talk". Its really got me thinking about my future work and development of said work. Plus, its funny to be lobbed together in a group with film people while myself having very little film experience. So thanks to the film "crew" for the support and kind ear...

On that note I shall delve back into my online test and bid everyone a fond adieu. I will try to keep you all updated on my travels.


-RG

Motivation... what motivation?

Not motivated to do anything, including spell.

Some adults are more mature than their bratty and spoiled parents.

Trying to see the end in sight.

Hope everyone is doing well after their turkey comas... or turkey alternative comas.

I Like this Artist

As I was searching for websites that I might like or might inspire me to model mine after, I noticed an artist that I REALLY REALLY like; Lindsay Page...

I don't particularly like her website lay out but I thought you may enjoy viewing her work...

http://lindsaypage.com/home.html

you can also click the title of this blog post to get directly to Lindsay Page's website... enjoy....

A Memento Mori

Here is a Memento Mori of my Electric Blue African Chiclid who died unexpectedly...

No idea how many people have one of their fish... (cue tear now)

Halloween at the ViZ

This is how we do it at the ViZ (VSW) on Halloween.

Photos Featuring

Kris Merola as herself.

Marta Filipek as Baba Yagga

Guest Staring Dave F and Matt M.


Enjoy!

Who the Fuck is Bela Lugosi?

Who indeed...

Tonight I had the pleasure to see "30 Days of Night" with Marta and Josh. Lets just say that its not a cinematic masterpiece. The vampires had a bad case of "lets see what happens when we take liberties with the Photoshop Liquify Tool". Meh!

At one point in the movie, one of the human characters cracks a joke which mentions Bela Lugosi. Naturally, Marta, Josh and I start to cackle like a bunch of hyenas. Out of the entire theater we were the only ones laughing. "Perhaps it wasn't that funny," I thought to myself. Before those words had a chance to dissipate from my mind, I heard the following conversation from the folks sitting behind us:

"Who the FUCK is Bela Lugosi?"

"I dunno what the Fuck that is."


I couldn't believe my ears... How can you call yourself a vampire fan and not know who Bela is. AHHH! If this isn't a cry for medial literacy, I don't know what is.

I feel like there should be an "International Get to Know Your Obscure, Once Famous, Silver Screen Stars and Starlets Day",

And now some pictures of the handsom Bela Lugosi...

My Goals Don't Mean a Thing

So, my goal for next crit is 700 frames at the very least. At the same time I have to figure out how to put everything together on Final Cut to make it look a little better.

I think I now have a better grasp of what I can and cannot (should not) do on sand. Also, I have to really work on the lighting situation.

Here's to hoping...

GAHHHH!!!! DUHHHHHHH!!!!

GAHHH!!!!

More money has been spent on the clay animation. MORE MONEY!!

I have run into one problem after another with this damn thing but by hook or by crook I am going to have at least 250 framses ready and done with by Tuesday.

I am still trying to figure out what the hey happened to the week off we were supposed to have. I was really counting on it to catch up on work but I found myself preparing for one presentation, a mid-term exam, some back logged commisioned work and other non-claymation related CRAP!

So, its time to dive into work, finish up and get ready for the insanity.

Something New

I am pretty impressed with this 17 year old.

http://www.joeyl.com/#

I Cannot Tell a Lie

So I have something to admit. I am about 2 weeks behind on my clay animation and I cannot seem to get started. I was hoping this week off was going to be a good starting point but I find myself increasingly scattered in the wind (que Kansas).

I am hoping that by Thursday, at the latest I will have the first 500 frames done.

Here's to ambition!

My Universe

Behold, I have created a universe out of straw, grass and metal parts.

The set is mostly complete minus the magic tree and more sand... lots more sand. I will post pics of the finished product soon... or you could always come in and see it for yourself, but please don't bump the table because its not sturdy yet (bad design on my part).

Now, anyone know anything about which plants balance water Nitrite and Nitrate levels?

In Case You Missed It

Here is my evil creation. He taught me a lot about weight proportions and what not to do with scotch tape and clay.

Unfortunately his armature doesn't move. Basically he is a glorified paper weight.

Enjoy!

Don't Mind the Smell

My table for my claymation is assembled. Its a bit wobbly but nothing that cannot be fixed. Dimensions are 45inches high and a 4'x4' surface area. The hardest thing to find for it (and turning out to be most expensive) are sheets of styrofoam.

I have also found a solution to my armature construction issue. The key turns out to be wooden dowels. HAHA! Take that brass tubing. So the clay characters are coming along slowly. I expect to have the whole set complete for mid-semester crits. I also think that a few characters will be ready for showing as well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh, the smell is a result of my use of potpouri for some of the set design. Its a bit overwhelming, especially for such a small room and I hope the smell will diminish before people take a tour at mid-semester. For now though, don't be surprised to smell the distinctive aroma of clean linen as you pass by the media center.

Good luck to all and see you at mid crits!

Dear Kris,

Please forward this to Mike of the first years.... (i don't know his last name... he has glasses) ... I think this has something to do with what he is doing for film/video class...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSodM4pLGIs


Its a great short called Manipulation