A First Attempt

Here is my little baby website--my first attempt at web design!  I created this site to be a center for information regarding organic farming and the like.  My hope to make this an on-going project and keep adding to it as a resource for consumer awareness.  Here you go:

 https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/114464630/index.html

Vanish Raindrops While Driving?

This article from Pop Sci claims that raindrop disappearing headlights seem like a "major safety improvement from windshield wipers and a prayer."  Though excited upon first spotting this, I can't say that I am completely convinced now.  In this video the difference these headlights make does not appear to be very significant.

Too Much Technology?

Author Gail Blanke writes this in her book, Throw Out Fifty Things:

"We're constantly bombarded from every direction by flying debris in another form: the news, the media.  On television, on the radio, on our cell phones, online, and in the air, we're deluged with what too often turns out to be life marble--garbage might be a better word: all the stuff that's gone wrong in the world, gone wrong in ourselves, gone wrong in our lives.  Or could go wrong.  Oh, I'm not saying we don't need to be informed.  We do.  We're citizens of a planet on the move, and we must know what needs to be done to keep it spinning forward.  But we can't move forward, we can't move at all, if we're locked inside a block of marble, largely of our own making." (written in reference to Michelangelo's statue of David)

Flying debris... I thought this to be an interesting take on current technology, social media, and all that we have easily accessible at out finger tips.  Does it really enhance our lives, or does it actually enhance complication in our lives?

Questioning Installation Ideas

Mary Stewart lists a handful of valuable key questions* to ask when it comes to thinking up an installation art piece.  If I create an installation in the future, I will certainly consider answers to the following:

• What ideas do you most want to express? What emotions do you most want to evoke?
• What is the advantage of a confined space as opposed to an expansive space?
• How much lighting is needed, and what is the most appropriate light source?
• What sounds will you provide? What sounds can be generated by the audience?
• How can you invite viewers into your artwork? What will they discover? What might they know on leaving that they didn't know on entering?
• Will interaction among viewers or between the viewers and the artwork expand meaning or heighten emotion?

*Found on p. 360 of Launching the Imagination

3D Printers Enter the Music Scene

So we've heard of 3D printing.  But, have we heard of 3D printers being used to play music? Rickard Dahlstrand explores alternate uses for the 3D printer, and as a result of generating a tune with the printer, found a new form of printed music.  So not only does the printer play music, it prints music (just not in the "notes on a staff" way we are used to seeing). I find this...incredible.  Take a look at this video and read more if you are so inclined.

Best Thing About Birthdays

For me, the best thing about birthdays is a renewed perspective. On that day everything is beautiful, everything is happy, and everything is fun. Almost everything at least. What does this have to do with art or anything of that sort? Well, a lot. If I lived one day a week with that same birthday perspective, just think how much more opportunity for inspiration would abound in my life! That's got to be a goal. There is beauty and inspiration in every single day. Don't just robotically (that's not a word) navigate the daily grind, but rather feel the rhythm as you walk your routine path. Make new music with each day as you take in every color, every opportunity, every tidbit of inspiration around you.

Carrie Mae Weems

I so appreciate the opportunity to take in Carrie Mae Weems' exhibit at the Art Museum in Portland, the same city where she was born and raised.  My felt connection with Carrie Mae Weems goes beyond nearly sharing the same birthday and middle name.  I identify with the way she uses lyrics and text to tell her story, to make a point, and to provoke thought.  For this reason her work spoke to me more than many others I've seen.  Two of my favorites of her bodies of work are The Kitchen Table Series (1990) and From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried (1995-1996).

In The Kitchen Table Series, Weems communicates the story both as the subject and photographer.

Just Launched: Walgreens App to Print from Instagram

Well this is exciting!  For me anyway.  I've been curious about easy ways to print from Instagram.  I enjoy making my own prints on textured paper, but that is much more time consuming than simply printing straight from my phone.  Yes, there are apps that offer print services specifically for Instagram-sized photos, but then they have to be shipped, etc.  A mere minutes ago, I was notified that Walgreens now offers a "new and noteworthy" app: Print From Instagram.  You can bet that I will definitely be trying this out.  These prints are 4x4 inches and will be ready for pick up in about an hour at your/my local Walgreens.

Hmm, what to print...

@estherflatau

Not So Scary

Just want to take a moment to say that web design is not as scary as I thought it might be.  I am totally enjoying the opportunity to work with Dreamweaver--makes it a breeze!  This is opening a whole world for me.  So excited!

Now brainstorming layouts and searching for inspiration....
I like something like this for a home page, like a simple directory.
Or this is similar, except in a different fashion with a beautiful photo filling the page.
I also really like the layout of this lovely sight.

Ideas, ideas.

Physical Force: Gravity

So the word "gravity" makes me think of John Mayer, to be honest.  But considering gravity as the physical force that it is, I believe it's important to remember that gravity is not our enemy, as Mary Stewart rightly pointed out (page 271).  Gravity may seem to be more of a consideration when working with sculptures, but it certainly plays a part in all forms of art. Even just the concept of gravity is important to keep in mind.  Could I venture to say that we all subconsciously feel that downward pull?  Maybe that is just my pessimistic outlook on life coming through.

P.S. Happy Easter and last day of March!

The Best Things

Watched a film with Joseph Campbell today.  He had some interesting insight and said something to the effect of this:

The best things in life can't be told. The second best are misunderstood.  And the third are what we talk about.

How are the best, second best, or even third best things communicated through art?

Materials, Methods, & More

Okay, so the Materials and Methods chapter in Mary Stewart's book is super intriguing.  I get inspired by unique materials, but she mentions some viable considerations such as durability, work-ability, and strength.  These are things to think about when choosing materials for a project, going beyond just what might look good.  Of course there are ways to increase strength and many methods of construction that come into play as well.  Stewart also touches on connections and transitions.  These concepts are important to us as people, whether we consciously think about it or not.

Ernest Daetwyler's Time Bomb, constructed of old furniture parts, exemplifies use of ephemeral materials.

Photo found here.

Another Nutrition Facts

Seems that I come across this spin on the nutrition facts label everywhere I look. Not quite, but still. Saw this on the back of an album my sister just got.
My own spin is still a work in progress, but it's gonna happen.

No Shadows

Thinking about light and shadows.  Mary Stewart addresses light as a "pivotal aspect of three dimensional design" (p. 206).  Light defines art as we know it, more than some of us may realize.  The values of light have potential to enhance and create depth, depending on the light source.  Light, highlights and shadows cast by light, and the absence of light define our lives.  Here's a thought: Will there be no shadows in heaven?  I read in the Bible, the book of Revelation, just to find out what it has to say about that.  Verse 5 of chapter 22 reads: "And light will be no more.  They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever."  If God is light and God is everywhere in heaven, then light will be everywhere too...following me?  I do believe this might mean that there will be no shadows!  I can't even comprehend such a light source.  But I sure do want to be there see what that will look like.

Instagram to Advertising?

Land a job through Instagram!  From Business Insider a while back, I found this article to be quite inspiring.  Your creativity through simply doing what you love and doing it well can take you to unexpected places.  Well, for some fortunate people at least.  It's exciting...interesting marketing opportunities...and learn about the gal who created hashtag fromwhereistand.  Ready?  Read.

Propaganda Project

Creating a propaganda poster in protest of organic hype is a bit exciting.  Any propaganda poster would have to be a little exciting.  It's all about making a statement.  I'm working on conveying my message through use of the common Nutrition Facts label found on many foods.  Here are a few examples I've found where others have employed the same concept. 

Mulan - My Favorite

I'm going back in the book a bit.  Stewart references Disney's Mulan when writing of dynamic space (see page 100-101).  I love that she makes this reference!  Mulan has been a long-time favorite of mine.  I remember even watching it when I was much younger, I distinctly noticed the dynamic "shots" that were captured within the animation.  I got chills when the army advanced down the snowy mountain side before Mulan and her people.  The camera angles showing off the palace captivated my attention and drew me in.  Even at the end when Mulan slides down the string of Chinese lanterns from the roof, the shot reveals the mass of people below.  Though the animation is simple, the movie is incredible because of the creators' approach to space.

Angle on the advancing army, they are just spilling over the side of the mountain.

Love all these reflections. (Ha, no pun intended with the song title.) 

Peeking through the flowers, this has always been a favorite scene of mine.

This May Be Abstract

My middle name is May.  There are a lot of things that I "may" do.  Travel, for instance.  This abstract reminds me of a map or shapes found on a globe.  Or it could be reminiscent of creatures of the sea.  Either way, the colors and feel of these shapes inspire me--they inspire me to pursue the ideas in my mind of what I may do someday.

Careers in Art...Make Sure You Can Spell

Not sure how accurate this info is, but more importantly, can you find the typo?

Call to Charm Cellphone Handset

Want to add a little retro to that special phone call?  I kind of like the idea. This lovely gadget can be found on modcloth.com.  We so often hear of a "headset," but not often do we hear talk of a "handset."

Created in a high-priority hue of eye-catching crimson with a soft-to-the-touch exterior, this ‘handy’ accessory also features a button on its inside edge, which allows you to begin and end calls, among other functions.  

Would you use this retro red device?  Would it in fact be more comfortable than holding your iphone to your ear for an hour-long phone conversation?

Decomposed

Decomposition 

With this image I wanted to explore my own composition of music and sort of "decompose" it in a sense.  This photo montage is comprised of images shot within just a few seconds.  Rather than simply focusing on my fingers and their motion, I created this image to only allude to their contribution.  Enjoy.

Speaking of Windows

*photo by me*

It's a beautiful Saturday, yet I need to clear the cobwebs off my mind. 

I'm partial to the space usage in this image.  

It wouldn't be the same, without showing that much window pane.  

Not that I want to write a poem or anything.

For a variation of this photo and more, see: http://instagram.com/estherflatau

Out the Window

Reading through chapter four, "Illusion of Space, Illusion of Motion" of Launching the Imagination brought me back to an image found in chapter two.  In regards to space and perspective, Andrew Wyeth's "Wind from the Sea" from 1947 is a bit confusing to me.  At first glance I did not understand what was going on outside the window frame.  Perhaps this is just because there is not much in the scenery surrounding the road, but I found this image to be confusing.  While I love the look of the blowing sheer curtains, I don't quite understand Wyeth's perspective for the rest of the painting.

image found here

Expecting This? The Impossible Project Instant Lab

This invention certainly wasn't on my radar. Then again I've never thought to develop an iphone pic into a polaroid, in a bathroom stall, during a party, just real quick (see video for that). Never occurred to me. But it is an incredible and insanely innovative "camera" created by The Impossible Project. If this suits your fancy, you can sign up to be notified via email as soon as the Instant Lab has been launched.

An Equation of Me

Esther = thought > action

I think too much and don’t do enough.  I over-think everything that I want/need to do, when I should just simply be doing it.  For example, I’ve had so many thoughts while reading through Launching the Imagination--thoughts about design, concepts, shape, space, line, color, people, relativity, practical application, etcetera, etcetera.  I’ve done a lot of creating blog posts in my mind, but not a lot when it comes to actually completing them.  I feel like I can’t let my thoughts be known until I’ve perfected and refined them.  But that may never happen, so I guess I’ll just have to put my perfectionism aside.

Gosh, why does everything have to be a life lesson?

Blogging Inspiration

Adorable promo for a book about blogging.

 

 

Published late 2012, Blog, Inc. covers just about everything blogging-related to set reading bloggers (or almost bloggers) up for success.  Blog, Inc. has been a hit among much of the blogging community and is temporarily out of stock on Amazon.  Joy Deangdeelert Cho, the author & creator of this book, has a beautiful blog full of inspiration.  She is, in her own words, "a graphic designer, blogger, food enthusiast, and the founder and editor of Oh Joy," which she launched in 2005.  I find it fantastic that she had the opportunity to be featured by Anthropologie (one of my favorites!).

The animation of this trailer is quite fun, so I wanted to share. 

What is Wise

At age 16 I had my wisdom teeth removed.  I became sick not long after having surgery and ended up with a nasty infection in the left side of my jaw.  It grew and got worse, but after a late night trip to the doctor I finally began to recover.  A few months passed then much to my surprise, the infection came back interrupting my summer plans of being a junior high camp leader.  I again recovered, but again the infection decided to reoccur—this time a couple weeks before my sister’s winter wedding.  Frustrating as it was, I gained wisdom in battling that infection.  It wasn't just about the physical battle of getting well, but rather the mental battle of fighting for understanding. 

For this self portrait I chose to reflect on that time in my life.  I scanned two of my actual wisdom teeth (yes, I kept them) and layered them over the top of a portrait of my face.  The striped texture comes from the scanner glass.  You may ask why wisdom is questioned.  My answer: I question most everything.  My wisdom teeth ordeal was a growing experience.  I questioned why I was going through that time and sought out what I could learn from my experience.

Design is Deliberate

A relevant quote from Mary Stewart:

"Design is deliberate--a process of exploring a wide range of solutions and choosing the most promising option for further development."

My favorite part of that is the mention of further development.  How often do I take "further development" into consideration while in the designing process?  Just as with many other things in life, I need to be intentional with design.  Something to consider.

Launch

Here I go with this blog.  One who reads will get a peek into my mind, perplexing as it may be. 

Of course, I am thinking about design as I start this blog...so much so, that I got hung up on how my blog would appear rather than the words written.  To design is to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.  I wanted to plan, then fashion this blog both artistically and skillfully.  But there comes a point when you just gotta go with what you got.  Perhaps the plans and fashion will come in time. 

Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design is a book with which I have recently made friends.  Yes, it is a textbook.  But I like textbooks.  I like most all books.  So this will be good.  Stay tuned for additional thoughts.