New Moon Thanksgiving Belmont

So first things first, New Moon was fantastic. I mean seriously fantastic, without a doubt one of the best movies I have seen this year. I am already planning on seeing it again. Without a doubt much better than twilight. Thanksgiving was typical, semi enjoyable and semi irritating. I made an apple cider brined turkey. It was quite tender and good. I must say my turkeys get better and better every year. Moving on its time to get on the grind and get it together. I have decided to focus completely on school so I can get everything done and hopefully begin to prepare for the Christmas break. Belmont is a great school, but come the end of the semester you get so stressed out. Its amazing. I have two papers, an assortment of creative writing homework, and I need to lose 60 pounds. Its ridiculous so I might have and unfortunate lack of posts in the upcoming weeks. In the mean time, here is Edward Cullen. Oh by the way even if you hated the books, which I did, the movies are so much better!

It's Here

Thanksgiving break is among us. It is the time of year where we eat way too much unhealthy food, argue way too much with unhealthy relatives, and use a holiday that has origins that are way too unhealthy for actual thankfulness. Thanksgiving deals with the Pilgrims and Native Americans, however they then destroyed them later with fever and progress. That being said, I love Thanksgiving! I love eating to the point where you have to unbutton a few buttons on your pants. I love getting my family together and playing rummy, uno and board games. While I don't always like my family, it seems as if at the holidays all the negative memories dissipate for a day or two. Therefore, I just want to say Happy Thanksgiving! Oh here's the most wonderful photograph I have ever seen.

Swing anyone?

Ok, so this week I have been procrastinating in a great way, and as a grand procrastinator, I have been thinking on my upcoming audition for the musical swing. I have to sing and dance, although there are various levels of dancing required for a part in the show. Issue number one: I have not danced in a couple of months, not to mention I am a little bit in the fat area right now. That being said, I also have three papers due this week, not to mention I am behind on a test in my Brit Lit class. I also have to pack up all my stuff because I am moving back to my father's house. This is without a doubt the most difficult thanksgiving/ christmas season ever. Did I mention that I am cooking most of Thanksgiving dinner, and I don't get out of school/ off work until that Wednesday! I don't know how I am going to do it. I am cooking for the most people I have ever cooked for, nine that is if my dad doesn't come. It may not seem like a lot to some, but when you usually cook for three including yourself, it is a big adjustment. Oh well, bring on the american standards practice!
Oh yeah I am so behind in Painting as well.....
Here ya go! the picture above is from a random yahoo search for anger. What do you think?

Justin Nozuka

The man is a poet, a god sent down from Mt. Olympus to gratify our needs for delectable song lyrics. Whew! That a great sentence, but seriously Justin Nozuka is a beautiful singer/ songwriter. The moment he went on stage with his extremely laidback demeanor and his really quiet voice, he controlled the room. Its amazing the amount of power one can have without raising your voice. Its really a great thing. My mother came with me, and even she (a self-proclaimed old-school only nut) had to agree that Nozuka had pipes. He's like a black guy in Japanese skin! She more or less said. Now, not to stereotype, but I think that's part of why he is so popular. He is not like Jon Mclaughlin or any of the other VH1 you ought to know's guys, which is why he has had so much staying power. The music he creates has an r&b edge, a certain depth that can't be sung just any kind of way. My only complaint is too many drunk idiots both male and female at Mercy Lounge. Jeez if you only want to drink and talk go to a bar, don't pay fifteen bucks in addition to your drinks, that is just stupid! Therefore, listen to Nozuka, he rocks! Oh here's your picture of the blog....

Dear John

It has recently been brought to my attention that yet another Nicholas Sparks book is being made into a movie. I have to applaud this decision with every fiber of my overly romantic being. In the opinion of this blogger, Nicholas Sparks writes crap. His books are boring and difficult to get through and in textual space are antiquated and ridiculous. However, his books remade into films are fantastic. They are just the right amount of romance and drama that keep it grown up, but at the same time are almost believable enough to make them realistic. The new film, Dear John stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried two up and coming Hollywood hotties. Obviously I have slight bias towards both of them, Channing in She's the Man, Step Up, GI Joe, and Seyfried actress from Mamma Mia and Jennifer's Body. Here's a trailer it actually looks good.http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/dearjohn/

Take What You Will From This

Back from my long hiatus, I have three various pieces of news information for you.

As I have noted many times on this blog, three of my favorite artists are John Mayer, Justin Nozuka, and Michael Buble. I am really excited to note, Justin Nozuka concert next week here in Nashville at Cannery Ballroom and John Mayer just posted a complete concert schedule for next spring. Yay!

In other news, there was recently an Manic Street Preachers's album cover so beautiful and provocative that it was deemed inappropriate, don't you just love it when art resurfaces with such immense power, that it "has" to be censored by the media? I love this so-called democracy. Its a fantastic thing. Anyways here's the painting, and I am for one and unclear of its so-called inappropriateness... You decide.
















Oh and finally, Twilight:New Moon will be coming to theatres on November 20, 2009. I for one am extremely excited about it, and this is how I justify my love of the books and the first movie. Its pure unadulterrated teen awkwardness at its peak. In my opinion, the Twilight books stink, they are unoriginal and very teenage in their writing structure. However, that's what makes them addicting. The love that is bigger than two species, the oddness of both main characters, and the awkwardness that is felt in every first real teen relationship is put into easily understood words in Stephanie Myers novels. The only difference being the final book which is just really cool fantasy stuff. I can't help it I think that imagining a fantastical romance with a vampire who is a hottie like Robert Pattinson would be just an amazing experience.

Working I'm Working Warning It's a Rant

So I am so far behind due to past illnesses, that I now have an overabundance of makeup work to do. This would have been ok if it weren't for the fact that I was supposed to go to Virginia this weekend. I am so screwed! Not only did I forget my poem rewrites in my apartment, but I forgot my rough draft as well. So I am now sitting here at my job unable to leave and go get my hw and wasting valuable time. All I will be able to do is type up my already written hw. This is just horrible. Not to mention that I am also behind in painting and can't start on my new piece until my roommate gets back so I can photograph her. Plus my apartment got written for Residential vagrancy. I have to ask, can it get any worse? To give you all something interesting to think about, here is the music that I have been obsessing over as well as the inspiration for my newest art piece.

http://www.mess.net/galleria/dix/1921mirror.jpg this is the art piece! Oh, and just so you know this is not a picture for the faint of heart!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA this is yet another Michael Buble song, but it is keeping me grounded!

Thanks and goodnight!

Work Work

So I know its been forever since I have posted, but the start of school, plus illness has made it difficult to post. But, I am Back! I Have had a lot of time to work on my play/ book. I wrote the first seven chapters or scenes based on a dream I had. There is a lot of reworking thats needs to occur, but so far its looking like it could be a good thing. Wish me luck!

YEah yeah yeah

ok so I realize it has been over a month since I have posted anything, and all I can say is oh well. I am preparing to go to France in the spring, and it is much more work than I anticipated. I am in the middle of french lessons/ courses, french flashcards, practice CLEP French exams, practice AP French exams, and budget sheets all in the hopes of being ready come January. Alas, it is easier said than done. Well, I got to get back to work so see ya!

Well well well....

I don't really know what to say. I have been highly neglectful when it comes to my blog. I think its because of finals, and final projects, that sort of thing has been overwhelming my mind. As far as interesting music, I have to say that my buddy and pal Future the MC has seriously overdone himself this time. His new EP is not only free, but it is his best work yet. The music just speaks to me. lol I hope it will to you too. Here's his blog: futurethemc.blogspot.com

Anyways, I have come to a conclusion, I am going to be a lawyer. Because of that, I am also now going to write two blogs instead of one. I also feel that in order to be the best future law student I can be, I should procrastinate twice as much! So following that line of thought, I have also decided to post at least twice a week on both blogs. Therefore, the very few of you that will be reading this will have to suffer through inane comments that even longer in length and twice as odd.
See YA!

New Discovery!

Ok so this might not be a newbie to some of you, but for me it is. k.s. Rhoads is the new thing going on around Nashville. He is a part of the area's Ten out of Tenn group, and boy does he hold his own amongst those indie giants (like Erin McCarley and Katie Herzig). Here is a prime example of his musical talents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLqH766klvY Happy Hunting!

Where Is Ben Folds?

Ok, so as previously stated, I am an avid Ben Folds fan. Not only have I been to four of his shows, I frequent (not on purpose) many of his stomping grounds. I have all his albums and know where his house is.
I am not a stalker though. I know where his house is purely because my friend Hbomb's sister stalked him when she was in high school, and I live off of his street. I attend Belmont, I can't help but know him and love him. Anyways so the reason behind my extremely unclever "where is waldo" reference, is because of this. Not only do I constantly run into Ben Folds outside of a concert arena, but I did today twice in one day at two different places with two parts of his family. I don't really know how I manage it, but I have run into Ben at my two favorite hw places, 21st avenue starbucks and fido in hvillage. I have run into Ben at Fido before, and when I say run, I mean literally run into him. haha
I also know that his kids go to USN which is down the street from starbucks, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I ran into him here. Still, its really weird people go their entire lives without running into anyone famous, and I run into people all the time. And again, I didn't stalk him the reason I know that his kids go to USN, is simply because my brother went there, as did a few of my friends, and my friend ali found out through a high school literary conference. What made today's encounter even funnier was that I was listening to Hiroshima as he walked in, how ironic is that? lol It made my horrible day a little bit better let me tell you.

Well moving on to slightly more interesting topics, todays artwork is a piece by Vermeer a painter from the renaissance, who constantly painted people at a window. I had to do a project on him in 2-D design, and its only fair that you all are exposed to him as well.

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:amZHqXhcjTbZpM:http://www.artsology.com/gfx/whatswrong/vermeer_1.jpg

And just cause, I will post a wonderful clip of a limited release Ben Folds Five Song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UBNBgE2lg

Just so you know, the countdown to Death Cab for Cutie at Ryman auditorium is on, May 4th people!!!

I know this turned into a music/ art blog, but whatevs

So, easter break is over. That is the last break for the semester, until school is out. Oh where oh where has the time gone? Omg! well anyways back to my extraordinarily interesting blog. I subscribe to teen girl magazines. Yeah I admit, seventeen, teen vogue, cosmo girl, elle girl, all of them. Of course, now I subcribe to just seventeen and teen vogue, until I get bored or my subcription runs out, whichever happens first ;). Seventeen is kinda sad, but teen vogue has great things in it. For instance, my music topic for the day: Harlem Shakes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NzECTWzvYc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzR84GH_KBU

I don't know if they are a new band, but they are to me. They are kind of a vampire weekend/ clap your hands combination. Great music though. Without Teen Vogue, I wouldn't have discovered them for myself. So while your hating on my teen vogue habit, think of that. I want you to look at them, while looking at this week's art, and think of vacation and really cool manhattan hippies with fedoras. That's what I think of.

Here is your weekly art pic, and as always enjoy it and life peace!

Level of Nirvana has been reached

It is amazing what good music can do to your psyche. Last night, I attended the Ben Folds concert at the Ryman Auditiorium in Nashville, and it was amazing. Ironically, I have seen Ben on three other occasions, but I could never appreciate how well he plays at the Ryman. I am even more excited to see what Death Cab does with the Ryman in May.

Anyways the opening act for Ben was this band called Jukebox the Ghost. Without a doubt, one of the best bands I have heard in a long time. Not only were they a little quirky, they were also adorable, with a side of intellectual. Like any redblooded american college student, I proceeded to stalk them at the next available opportunity, they all went to George Washington University! Intellegience mixed with quirky is always a good combination.
Here are a few links to some of their videos, I highly recommend them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua4YlN9tQKQ ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EsT1t7hPPU, and one of my new faves "hold it in," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIJTDwyQw5Y

As for Ben Folds, what more can be said about the man? He takes the "Piano Man" to a new level that at this point in history no one has been able to copy. The talent for being an indie/ alternative musician, but having commercial success without sellling out is quite endearing and gives hope to those of us who follow a "real" alternative lifestyle. This post is for all thos Vandy and Belmont indie hopefuls/ preppy kids that were at last nights sold out show. I am one of you!

And as such, here is my indie art pick of the month: highly representative right? lol have fun with life you bohemian dopes!

Again I Apologize for my absence

Ok so heres the dealio,
Belmont is in quite the competition frenzy this week. We have the upcoming elections for sga president and vicepresident, 6th thru the 8th I believe, the student art exhibition/ competition thingy gets going thursday at 4-7pm check it out!!! (LCVA) With this rush of competitve adrenalineI must remind you that I am also an "artiste" so without further adue, here are three of my pieces, whatcha think? I can handle the criticism, just dont tell me where you live! ;) jk!!


Anyways as always, there is music involved with my art choices, and todays is yet again another one by justin nozuka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq28SAHDVhY

I swear everytime I hit youtube I fall in love with yet another of his songs!

To keep you from getting bored however here is an oldie but a goodie, Space Cowboy, by the steve miller band : www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIHP9o6X6D8

enjoy!

New News

So in light of the fact that I haven't made any posts recently, I thought this little tidbit would be interesting.
It appears that two major forces in music/ movie scene are making to the ultimate collaboration, marriage. Death Cab for Cutie's and Postal Service's frontman Ben Gibbard, and Zooey Deschanel, the wonderful lead of She&Him/ quirky character in lots of movies (i.e. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). This is a collaboration to be proud of. Night, all oh and here is some Zooey to get you in an interesting mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtlO0RXktlo

Starbucks, global domination, spring break, and music

So, this past week was my spring break and unfortunately while I worked every single day I have yet to finish anything. So, today you see the musical stylings of beyonce and death cab, the two musicians that I listened to non stop. Specifically "Halo" and "I will follow you into the dark." Both are brilliant songs, but like I said I was in study mode so I therefore, I haven't any new art for you, but be gracious and happy. Death Cab is better than any art work!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70AgyIEnBRE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liicFXA3QYk

As of right now, I am currently working on three art projects, three pieces for the student art show, and an english presentation. Did I mention that I also work, and have all of that due this week? I love college. Its a brilliant plan created by Starbucks, as I spent a total of 7.00 dollars a day six days in a week. That's 42.00 dollars, which on a student's budget is like a month's worth of income. Brilliant Starbucks! Brilliant, world domination is upcoming, I can see it in their future.

Oh and everyone I ran into Ben Folds Yet again!! I love that man, he is just as awkward looking in person as he is in pictures/ videos.

Just in case you are behind in the Ben Folds love here is one of my favorite songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9csWhlHWM

No New Music News

Ok so I was unfortunately unable to go to the Justin Nozuka, Missy Higgins, Lenka concert at Mercy Lounge this past Tuesday, but I included a few links so you will know exactly where my mind was for this week's art piece.

Justin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnwOkqp3XTE

Lenka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTSU-mFWGs

Missy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WaVv874DfE

The new post pic is Gustav Klimt's the Kiss. I don't think I have discussed it before, but I believe listening to the three artists listed exhibits feeling evoked by this painting.

So for my new profile picture, I chose something that I just liked because of the colors. Its amazing what color can do to a seemingly ordinary object. I am not sure who painted it, but it is stunning!
Enjoy!

Cafe Coco for Dummies

Ok so this past VDay eve, my friends and I went to a show at Cafe Coco, a Local coffee shop known for open mics and their pasta dishes. Anyways a friend of ours James Fate aka Nate from Starbucks was playing with his full band. Along with Fate, was a singer/ songwriter, Molly Jewell. This Molly Jewell was fantastic! She had one song in particular about a crush she had on her doctor. She included both the violin, viola, and guitar in her set. Her songs were different than the typical female pianist/ singer but at the same time classic. There was an opening band as well, Abbydoyoudance, but once I realized I had the same pants as the male vocalist, I lost interest. the whole night was fantastic, and we ended with a movie on my friend's couch, Garden State. Now, if you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you remedy that immediately. Garden State is without a doubt one of my alltime favorites. The soundtrack got me to thinking, want to see some artwork inspired by the Garden State Sondtrack? Here you go, enjoy! Don't forget to check out Garden State!
www.myspace.com/jamesfate and myspace.com/mollyjewell

grammy night!

I realize it has been a while since I have posted, so I figured what night would be better than grammy night? GO Coldplay!! Any who, I am watching the Grammys as I post this, and came across a new album from a friend of mine on facebook. First of all, yes I have and regularly use facebook; its a passioin of mine. this photograph is gorgeous! I plan on using it as the inspiration for a painting piece in the near future. This would be a great background for Coldplay's lost video right? I know I think so. Enjoy!

Death Cab Coming Soon To A Town Near You

So, even though this is a blog about art and its influence on life, society, blah, blah, blah. I wanted to include yet another tidbit on how art reflects music and vice versa. When I paint I have a playlist that is solely for me to paint. Included on this Itunes playlist is one of my alltime fave bands, Death Cab for Cutie. Death Cab= Ben Gibbard, who is a musical mastermind, I mean the man is a genius and his voice, well you will figure it out for yourself. Anyways one song in particular is brought to mind, especially when I look at this random long exposure photograph of a city street that I found, doesn't it remind you of I Will Possess Your Heart? Its a relatively newer song from Death Cab, but its a great one. Check it out, while looking at this new picture! See what you think. Oh yeah, and the reason I thought of it is because my friends got Death Cab tickets!!

Grimeys/ Great Escape: Great CD Cover Art

In an age where the Compact Disc is slowly becoming something of the past, with Itunes, Amazon.com, and Rhapsody , it is nice to see the art on cds from newer and older bands. After an absolutely delightful cd excursion with some friends saturday, I discovered a category of art that has yet to be developed into its full potential, cd cover art. The designs and pictorials that cover some of the cds nowadays are fantastic! They range from cartoons to serious pictures to intricately drawn landscapes and portraits. The cd covers themselves could easily go in a design portfolio. As an art major, I am always looking at art that isn't traditional, and this definitely fits that. The sarcasm, irony, and comedic value that is expressed in such a small way is truly remarkable. The creative devotion that had to have gone into such clever drawings, is just inspiring. It is yet another way to show how art and music are complementary to each other. Without that aesthetically pleasing picture and intriguing format, we wouldn't even notice cds.  Here's a great example of awesome cover art, The Submarines cd. 

Art can reflect music

There is a lesser known piece called Autumn Landscape, by Vincent Van Gogh its a gorgeous piece. Although that is where the similarity between it and his more famous works ends. It sticks with depicting an autumn scene in earthy tones, nothing like the bright colors that we are used to seeing in his more famous works. (Starry Night, Sunflowers, Self- Portrait) The reason it struck me as interesting, is the immediate thoughts of a song off the nick and norah's infinite playlist soundtrack, the song Speed of Sound By Chris Bell. For some reason when I saw this painting that song came immediately to mind. I don't know why but it did. Following that, half the Almost Famous Soundtrack came to mind. I think it is the fact that even though the landscape is unlike most of Van Gogh famous works, it is unlike many typical landscapes of that period. For instance in comparison to Van Gogh's landscape, any of the many outdoor scenes that Monet painted or Renoir. The lightness and "sweetness" could fall off the page. In Van Gogh's however, it is obvious he painted with a completely different spirit.  It is dark and somewhat angry unlike the typical spring depictions of nature. 

This isn't art but what the hell!

So I was doing the Let Freedom Sing Concert here in Nashville, TN last night and our guest singer was none other than Melinda Doolittle, the real American Idol. Anyways it was so much fun and my brother about had a conniption when we finally found her after the concert. It was nuts. Anyway I met her and got take pictures with her. Now here's is why this has somewhat to do with art. In front of schermerhorn symphony center, there is a large fountain that i have seen before but never really paid attention to until that night. Its been freezing in Nashville, and it was obvious from the fountain, but in my opinion that just made it better! The water from the fountain is an enthusiastic depiction of excitement, it's a free billboard announcing to all what can be found in the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. All in all, one great night.

again he said

wow! two in one day! 

well anyways, I wanted to comment on my chosen profile picture for this week. Egon Schiele's painting, Donna Seduta. The first thing that screams out at you while looking at this work in particular, is the realism. Egon Schiele is most known for his erotic expressionist portrayals of himself, and others. This piece in particular is quite realistic and not at all erotic. There is the woman's slight state of undress, (by the decorum standards of the time.) but compared to most of Schiele's other works there is nothing illicit about it. The woman is painted almost demurely, when in fact she was supposed to be a prostitute/ seductress of some kind. The painting is beautifully light and pretty, which is also another difference between it and others in Schiele's collection. "A beauty in the rough," most of Schiele's paintings are proud of their grotesque and somewhat beautiful-ugly images. Now this piece is completely opposite which explains why it is one his most well-known works around the world. The poor thing, he died before he was thirty. He was also a somewhat odd looking fellow, what do you think? 

Starting Now

Today I am creating a blog. My roommate and another friend of mine both have blogs and I figured why not? I want to be an artist a third of the time, a lawyer a third of the time, and a writer for the rest. (I chose thirds because they are the easier to separate) So, I am hopefully going to influence whoever reads this blog to A) have a deeper comprehension of art that is typically under-appreciated/ over analyzed; and B) understand in the opinion of an art student  exactly what is art and what is hysterical. If you hate art, maybe this will change your mind. Its interesting, blogs are like diaries that you let people read. Every week or so, I will post a different profile picture and write a paragraph about it. Throughout the week, not only will I continue to comment on it, but I will also look for things in my life that remind of this painting. Either in color, size, location, etc. everything in the world represents something else its just a matter of finding it. In the eternal words of  Scott Adams, "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep."