Blog 1A

As a creative individual, like many, I’m constantly viewing real life as a frame. Either as a photograph or in motion. I decide what I like in the frame (my eyes) and what I would change in it. I view what I’m seeing in several different angles, wide shot, close-up, would I use a tripod?, or would I use a dolly track? Its a smart way to practice ideas while becoming a better observer. Unfortunately, I don’t always write my ideas down or act on them. I’m definitely trying to do so.

Moreover, my artwork and my personality are almost completely different. CONSCIOUSLY, I’m a pretty well-humored individual and not much gets to me, for example, MacGruber is probably one of my favorite / funniest movies created. On the other hand, my artwork is nothing like my personality. My photography is pretty high CONTRAST black and white, and I try to create a completely unusual time and space. I love the idea of timeless places. I’ve come to realize that my art is a way to tap into my SUBCONSCIOUS.

Overall, I’m not completely trying to create a meaningful, metaphorical piece. Honestly, I’m really trying for a “That’s cool!”.

Three Large inspirations to me are Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, Guillermo del Toro and musically, I really like Modest Mouse.


Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison are both fine art photographers. I love seeing photographs shot on film just as much as using film to shoot with. Film is awesome. The development process is such a major part in photography and the use of digital takes away the genuine feel of photography as an art. Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison use complex darkroom techniques as well as sculpture and painting, clearly defining their photos from other well-known artists. They incorporate beauty, grieve, hope, confusion, and several other feelings into their images. In one series, they contrast a suited man and nature in the most compelling way. Its hard to tell whether the man is controlled by nature or if the nature controls the man. They are an inspiration to me because of their creative capability. When I’m having trouble creating or coming up with ideas, its easy to get lost in their photographs and really stretch my imagination. They allow me to realize it is possible to create the things I imagine.


Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors. After seeing Pan’s Labyrinth, I really realized where I would like my creativity to stand in film-making. The clashing of a harsh fantasy world and a coarse real world is remarkable. When Ofelia enters the fantasy worlds, TENSION is created. When she returns, there is a sense of RELEASE from the tension, but it is soon picked up again due to the obstacles she faces in the real world as well. Guillermo del Toro is an inspiration to me because he also allows me to realize I am able to create my imagination. His use of fictional croaky characters appeal to me most, as well as the escape from real world to a timeless imagination-constructed place. All elements in which I would like to include in my creativity.


Everyone has that one particular band that helps them enter a creative mindset, one band that will always put them in the right place. Modest Mouse is my musical inspiration. When I’m creating or thinking, I am usually listening to Modest Mouse. Each album is different and they each consist of common themes. For example, The Moon & Antarctica typically involves songs about outer space, both lyrics and music, and The Lonesome Crowded West seems to be a more personal, angry, depressing album. The reason I like Modest Mouse so much is because Isaac Brock is a lyrical genius. There is an incredible amount of SUBTEXT in his songs. In addition, the music underlying his poetry really emphasizes his points in his music.

Modest Mouse- Grey Ice Water



Whether its a photographer, director, or musical group, they all contribute to my creativity. With their help, I am able to realize there are no creative boundaries and if I work hard enough, I too will be able to create a piece of work that I can admire.