I’m such a lazy blogger… 
Not much is going on, just working and waiting for spring.
I’m attempting the 365 project at flickr. One self portrait a day for a year. I think I’ve already missed one day…
Anyway, scoot over to flickr and check them out.
Right now my pictures reflect how I’m feeling…. which is actually great therapy.
Not to worry, I’m sure some less dismal ones are coming soon.
24 Jan
The importance of art and music
Posted on 2009 under Photography, alaska, blog, music, wasilla | No CommentI’ve been taking some time lately to discover new music. I try to do this from time to time, to keep up trends, keep up on my favorite artists, or find new artists in a similar vein… and lets face it, the ipod gets stale after spinning it a few hundred times!
I’m reminded and humbled every day of the profound effect music has on my life and my environment. Music to me is a massage for my soul… release of stress… therapy. It’s helps me clean my house, lifts my spirits, puts me to sleep. It makes my long work days bearable. I change it with my moods, or sometimes it can change me.
I’m a sucker for lyrics. Sometimes they don’t have to be complicated, it’s just the way they are put together, the way they move with the song, their simple inflections, the number of beats they’re held. In my opinion, the most brilliant lyrics, are some of the simplest ones.
A great wordsmith can wrap up your feelings and emotions so succinctly, it’s scary. Sometimes lyrics and songs move me so much, I wonder how the artist is able to sing the song… especially if it came from a deeply personal place.
Along with the lyrics are the vocals of the performing artist. Voices so on key and beautiful, it’s almost unbelievable when you listen. I’m talking about natural vocals… like young Joni Mitchell. My other favorites are Patsy Cline, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Bonnie Raitt, Jonatha Brooke, Norah Jones, Lisa Loeb, Brandi Carlisle, Joan Baez, Allison Krause, Patty Griffin.. I could go on and on. Equally there are so many male vocalists that take my breath away…
Along with the music and writing, are the visual arts. Our daily lives are full of still and moving images, from what we see through our own eyes, to print ads, books and magazines. Let’s not forget the forgotten album art, and CD inserts… I’ve worked pretty hard to improve my craft, either by taking pictures, or studying theories and great photos from other artists. For me, it’s difficult to make time some days for my art… my jobs suck the life out of me, and drains my creativity. My life is out of balance right now… and that is taking its toll in more ways than one. But I know my situation is temporary, and I try to keep that in mind as a plow through each day, ipod in my ear, feeding my brain with necessary stimulation, and keeping me out of the darkest corners of despair.
Art writing music and my friends are family (cats included) are the only important things to me… so that’s what I will concentrate on.
When I’m running late for work in the morning, and the choice is to arrive on time and drink office Folgers, or arrive late with my snobby Americano … you can guess what happens.
That’s right, I’m late… but properly caffeinated!
My two favorite coffees at the moment are Zoka Paladino, and 100% Kona, shipped to me fresh roasted from a small organic coffee plantation on the Big Island.
Mmmmmmmm…….
