Portrait of Self, Portraits of Others

My favorite pictures from our "photo shoot" in class the other week.

The Blog Review

Blog Name: Ticka Arts

Artist Name: Kristina Smith

Well, the blogger of this site that I randomly selected happens to be my Intro to Digital Media instructor, Kristina Smith. Her site is organized in a way that her work and information about herself is easy to access, not to mention her own personal artist website. The pictures that are presented on the website are aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion. To be honest, this is more like an online portfolio than a blog. There are several artists on this website, but, being specific to the artist, is it mostly photography that she posts.

The article that begins Kristina's online portfolio is her artist statement about the photographs. Kristina Smith's photographs usually reflect element of self-portraiture or depth of perception. My impression of this "blog" is that the materials are intriguing, but I think that the artist statement should follow, and not precede, the artwork for the benefit of the viewer. The artwork becomes much more interesting when the audience first makes an emotional connection to the piece, then goes and sees how the artist feels about the work.

http://www.ticka-arts.com/?page_id=1268

My organizational SKILL!

Just kidding! We were told how to do this... :)

My World

This is my clock over my bed. The constant ticking actually helps me to go to sleep. Luckily, it hasn't fallen yet! 

This is right by my bedroom door. I keep my keys here so I don't lose them. And I haven't lost my keys yet.

This is most of what my life consists of: Art and Sleep. Nothing makes me happier! 

My shelf of homework... :P

Something else I use everyday: my computer. I am obsessed with Teen Wolf at the moment. But, in order to make sure I do my homework first, I have a little inspirational quote!

5 Portrait Photographers That I Enjoy

1. http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.com/index2.php#/home/

The pictures are taken by Stephanie Williams. She is a wedding, fashion, and lifestyle photographer. Her pictures aren't exactly typical fashion photography. There is a calming aesthetic that shines through her photography.

2. http://www.indiejanephotography.com/galleries/music/

These pictures are taken by "Amanda," who simply refers to herself by her first name or company name "IndieJane."  I like that she doesn't limit herself to a specific kind of photography. But, no matter the subject matter, there is always a stark contrast between the color and the lighting she uses, giving the photo energy.

3. http://www.joannakustra.com/

These pictures are taken by Joanna Kustra. I like the depth of the vision field that she uses. It gives the subjects are dark, calculating persona without looking the part.

4.  http://mattrainwaters.com/Stories/BEARD---The-Book/1/

These hilarious and detailed portraits are taken by one Matt Rainwaters. As I said before, these pictures are detailed! They draw the eyes in with the intricately detailed beards with a bit of contrast, and also provide a bit of humor for the audience.

5. http://iaincrawford.com/BEAUTY-:-Kinetic/1/

These pictures by Iain Crawford, really drew my eyes to the screen. It's a simple concept but also very beautiful and colorful. I can't help but think that this contrast that he has perfected, must have taken a lot of time and dedication, making the art that much more valuable to me.

Questionnaire

 What’s your major? What year will you graduate?

2. Why did you choose a photography class (or photography as a major), and what do you hope to learn from school in general and this class specifically?

3. What are your goals after graduation? Please list your goals in reverse order, starting five years out, then three, two, one, and six months.

4. What artists, musicians, photographers, writers, movies, books have influenced you/your work?

5. Are there any important websites that you are referencing for art/photo competitions and/or information?

6. What museums and/or galleries have you been to in the past year?

7. Have you had any photo projects and/ or training in the past?

8. What is the value of art for the artist?

9. What is the value of art for the audience?

10. Is photography a vocation or an avocation?

11. What is your passion?

12.What are you afraid of? What makes you uncomfortable?

13. Do you have a passport? Are you a traveller?

14. Who is your favorite artist? And why?

15. Why did you sign up for this class? What do you hope to learn from it?

Questionnaire Response

1. 1.       I am an Art major (emphasis in Painting), and I am supposed to graduate in 2017.
2. 2.       I didn’t really choose the class, my Success Coach did, but I didn’t really mind because I used to do a little photography in high school. I hope that I will enhance my photography skills and be able to apply that to my degree. That’s also what I hope for college in general, too. That I’ll be able to apply what I learn to my degree.
3. 3.       I don’t have a habit of planning ahead, years in advance, because I don’t know what the circumstances will be next month, let alone in the next five years. I have only one goal for going to college as well as my future afterwards; I want to become a gallery artist and maybe an author on the side. At the moment, though, I am just trying to survive college.
4. 4.       This is going to be a very long list (and not in order). Michele Mikesell, Michael Buble, Sarah Dessen, James Patterson, Audrey Kawasaki, Jim Lee, Marcus To, Jazz musicians, Lady Gaga (don’t judge), more TV shows than movies, Teen Wolf, Once Upon A Time, Castle, The Mentalist, comic books, ect.
5. 5.       I use Juxtapoz for inspiration, more than anything else. I don’t really get involved with competitions, because they usually have an admittance fee.
6. 6.       Most of the galleries in the DFW area, except for the Kimball Museum.
7. 7.       Most of my training has been in painting and drawing, because my school didn’t have the necessary equipment for photography, but I did help out the school photographer on trips. (She had a Canon J).
8. 8.       I can’t speak for other artists, because I think that it varies a lot. But, for me, the value of my art is expression. I just let go once I have an idea, and it’s kind of like meditating. You are just at peace, and seeing people enjoy what you enjoy makes the art invaluable.
9. 9.       For me, as an audience member, I find the value of art to be mysterious. I mean, it changes depending on your past and personality. So, the artist may have one idea, and you may have a completely different idea about the same piece. The value of art, no matter the piece, is changing. For me, the value never stays constant.
10. 10.   Eh. I’d say it is an avocation that could be useful in the future.
11. 11.   Painting and Drawing.
12. 12.   Grasshoppers, dinosaurs, heights. In that order.
13. 13.   Yes and maybe. We take a trip to another state every other year. My mom is on the travel thing though now, so we have some trips planned.
14. 14.   I don’t have one, because each one has their own style. There are bits and pieces I like about each of their works. So, I don’t choose a “favorite,” because then I would have too many.
15. 15.   Isn’t this like question 2?  “I didn’t really choose the class, my Success Coach did, but I didn’t really mind because I used to do a little photography in high school. I hope that I will enhance my photography skills and be able to apply that to my degree.”