Maybe it’s just another roadside attraction, folk art, or maybe some folks that have too much time on their hands. Just motor west on Route 66 and check out the art that imitates life. There’s the guy who twists tree limbs into various shapes and animal forms, a welder whose land is littered with rusty iron beasts of every description and form.
The Cadillac ranch down in Texas with the cars buried halfway into the ground, tailfins pointing up to the sky, the giant ketchup bottle, and of course, tributes to Elvis everywhere. Check out the world’s largest ball of string, rubber bands, videotape, and aluminum foil. This predilection for collecting a large number of everyday items and piecing them together has even invaded the church. At the Shrine of the Black Madonna near Eureka, Missouri, a dedicated Father spent some forty years collecting small rocks, pieces of broken glass and seashell to build the shrine.
For those of us who feel a little arts and craftsy but don’t want to spend an entire lifetime at it, there is a neat little “hands on” art gallery in Old Webster just west of St. Louis where you can satisfy your craving to piece together and help out the environment all at the same time: the Yucandu Art Studio takes ordinary things that others throw away and turns them into creative works of art and interesting displays.
Some of the materials include cardboard, old windows and doors, and the mandatory bits of broken glass and china. Instead of calling a supplier for their art materials, dumpster diving is the stock up of choice. This summer Yucandu is planning several “rescue” art projects for their summer art camps. Old trophies that they have been collecting for a couple of years will become armatures for “Family Tree” sculptures.
Yucandu specializes in bringing art into your life by providing all of the materials and the teaching so Yucandu it. For the summer they have special classes on how to make mosaics for your garden. By using bits and pieces of all kinds of materials like tiles, china, glass, pottery pieces, and stones you can make many different and unique decorations that will last for years to come. Yucandu has projects that include mosaics, decoupage, glitter, and paint. Prices range from $5 to $150. By paying an hourly studio fee you can be assisted by staff, borrow tools, store unfinished projects, and best of all, leave all of the mess behind.
Thinking about making one of those clay ashtrays to get started? Here’s an interesting recipe for making the clay: Take 2 cups of dryer lint, firmly packed, and mix with 1/3 cup warm water, 6 tablespoons white glue, and one tablespoon of clear dish liquid. Measure all of the ingredients into an airtight plastic bag and knead thoroughly.
Yucandu Art Studio is at 20 Allen Avenue in Webster Groves, Missouri. For more information you can call them at (314) 963-4400.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Yucandu Studio Just West of St. Louis, Mo.: Turning Junk into Works of Art
Delve into the World of Art Training at the Art Academy in Atlanta, GA
An artist has the ability to do something that very few individuals have the power to do - alter the mindsets of its viewers. It is true that art, in any form, can and will create something more than just a smile on someone's face. Art can be the foundation to peoples belief systems; it can counteract a government's rule of authority. Art can make lovers fall in an even deeper love, or it can cause lovers to completely turn their backs on one another and create a war of emotions - with the canvas as their battleground. No matter how you look at it, art is the utmost power when it comes to altering a human's mind. And to be an artist means to be someone with great creativeness, someone who knows themselves so well that they are willing to hand over their subconscious to a paint brush for the worlds cruel ridicule or wondrous praise.
But what must you do to become an artist of this stature? You must first hone your craft, and become a skilled technician of the paintbrush, charcoal pencil, or any other utensil one might use to conjure the gods of art. And in Atlanta, Georgia there is such a studio that will beckon your inner DaVinci to leap out onto your canvas. The name of this wonderful art studio is The Academy of Art located in Duluth, Georgia, which is only a short drive from downtown Atlanta. Here The Academy of Arts offers a wide range of classes, not just art, that will grow the inner creative genius in all of us. But, it is their art courses that are truly amazing.
The Academy of Art offers an extremely variety of art classes ranging from watercolor techniques, to charcoal drawing, they even offer the very humorous and extremely fun technique of caricature drawing, as well as the pristine world of landscape capturing. They offer every type of art course to "fit your artistic flare." They offer private, semi-private and group settings for your artistic growth. Their weekly private and semi-private lessons are available to students from thirty-minute, forty-five minute and sixty-minute time slots. The Art Academy suggests that students be at least eight years of age before entering a private or semi-private setting for learning. The rates for the private lessons and semi-private lessons are extremely reasonable with lessons from thirty-minutes starting at $82.00, the forty-five minute lessons starts at $123.00, and the sixty-minute weekly private lesson starts at $164.00. These rates do cover the cost of their faculty, although some teacher require an extra surcharge due to their level of expertise - and trust me, the surcharge is absolutely worth it.
Interested in working together with fellow art students? Well The Arts Academy has classes suited directly to your needs. With group classes ranging from "Watercolor Friends" which is for students aged sixteen and up, to "Drawn to Drawing" for students aged twelve through sixteen. All of these classes will offer students the ability to grow in their artistic style while receiving world-class training from their instructors. The rates for group classes start at $18.00 per hour with classes starting at sixty minutes up to two hours. At The Art Academy, you will learn skills that Michelangelo wished he knew.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Academy of Arts
First Baptist Church of Duluth
2908 Highway 120
Duluth, GA 30096
Tel: 770.476.3788 extension 267
E-mail: artsacademy@duluthbaptist.org
2006 Comcast Outdoor Film Festival!
source
Yay! The Comcast Outdoor Film Festival, North Bethesda, MD is such an awesome annual event. Not only do viewers get to enjoy 10 days in a row of great movies for adults and children alike but it's free! That's right! You get to sit outside under the warm night sky and watch a great movie with hundreds of your closest friends! Let me explain a bit more of how the film festival program works.
The grounds are open to the public but nothing is available to eat or drink until 6:30. Local restaurants and patrons provide all kinds of goodies from hot dogs, pizzas, cotton candy and ice cream! And the local restaurants include names like Baja Fresh and Hard Times Cafe! How awesome is that? Great movies and quality food! I know what you're thinking - but it's supposed to be free! Well, you'll be happy to know that part of the proceeds are going towards a great cause. Comcast has teamed up with a number of different charities and are donating a portion of the proceeds to the NIH Children's Charities - Children's Inn, Camp Fantastic/Special Love, and Friends of the Clinical Center. If that won't make you buy more popcorn, I don't know what will.
The movie itself starts at 8:30 and that time stays the same for each day the film festival is showing a movie. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning on coming to a showing. Try to be there early! I would suggest being there within an hour but no later than a half hour before the movie. Parking has become a bit of a problem. The past few years the public was allowed to park at the metro right next to Strathmore Hall (the location of the film festival) and is right off of Rockville Pike. However, last year, the only way you could park in there was to buy a metro pass. Although that is an option, it might be better to park on the side street of the neighborhood within walking distance of the metro. This way, you won't have to pay a dime and will get five extra minutes of exercise walking to the field where the movie will be shown.
Also, because the Comcast Film Festival, North Bethesda, MD is held on a grassy field, make sure to bring a blanket or better yet, a low slung chair to watch the movie in. Make sure to get something portable so you won't feel the pains of lugging a huge chair back and forth from your car to the field. Also, a comfortable blanket and chair would be key since you will more than likely be watching a movie that's two hours long or more.
Anothoer note - I didn't notice a huge mosquito of fly problem but I would still suggest wearing an insect repellent just to be on the safe side. Because of all the food and drinks available, there may be a chance of getting bit and no one wants that!
Other than that, this film festival is great because it's free and they show great movies! Another plus is that they do show kids movies so it's great to take your whole family! The movies usually range from kids animation to classics to movies that are a bit more on the adult side. Make sure to check out the listing of what they are showing so you know when to take your kids before exposing them to a movie that may be a bit too adult for their taste. This year, there are a number of great films I'm sure you'd be excited to see, such as, Maltese Falcon, Madagascar, King Kong, Walk the Line and my ultimate favorite, Batman Begins. I can't wait to watch The Dark Knight on the big screen once again!
The complete 10-day movie listing can be found on the following website: www.filmfestnih.org. Included on this site is a phone number if you have any further questions, however, the website should be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Make sure to take advantage of this film festival as it's only over the course of 10 days and it's only one time a year! Don't miss it! See you out there!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Unique Baby Shower Favor
celtics baby clothes
If you are planning a baby shower for someone you are more than likely trying to think of unique baby shower favors. When it comes to creating a unique favor, the best thing to do is add a picture of the parents to be. This article will provide you with step by step instructions on how to make a baby bottle gift, which is a more personal, unique baby shower favor.
You will need the following supplies to make this unique baby shower favor:
A picture of the mom and dad to be (make sure you include any other siblings if they already have children.)
A small baby bottle (make sure you get enough for each guest)
Curling ribbon
Scissors
Small teddy Bear (you can also use a small baby bottle or other baby related item)
Glue Gun
Glue Stick
Candy (Whatever type of candy you prefer)
This unique baby shower favor is very easy to assemble. The first thing you have to do is make several copies of the picture of the parents. Make sure you make enough for all of your guests. Then you can start putting the pictures on the baby bottle using the glue stick.
First use the glue stick to put enough glue on the back of the copied picture to cover all of it. Then stick the picture onto the baby bottle. Make sure you smooth it out so that there are no wrinkles. Do the same to all of the bottles. The first bottle should be completely dry by the time you finish sticking on the last picture.
Next you can begin to fill the bottles with candy, and putting the tops on the bottles. After all of the bottles are full you can tie the ribbon around the top of the bottles and make a bow. Then curl the edges of the ribbon using the scissors. Next you will need your glue gun and the bears, (or whatever small baby item you will be using.
You can then glue the small bears onto the bottle, right at the center of the bow. Hold the bear on the glue for a few seconds until the bear stays in place. Then your baby bottle favor is complete.
If you would prefer, you can use baby food jars for this as well. You can even create your own unique baby shower favors, just by being a little creative and using your imagination. Whatever you choose just make sure you remember to have fun.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Photographer Interview: Break into Concert Photography
Photo Credit: celtics baby clothes
Anthony Siciliano of Ramsey, NJ, was initially attracted to photography through some playful competition with his friends. Even when he realized his friends had no idea how to use their cameras, he stuck with it and earned recognition in photography and videography.
As a photojournalist and concert photographer his experience is transferring into his newest venture as part of Awesome Farm - a video production and photography business formed with his friends. At least with the friends that know how to use a camera.
Siciliano answered a few questions and gave some advice for fellow photographers looking to break in to photography, specifically concert photography and photojournalism.
What was your first camera?
My first DSLR was a Nikon D80 with the 18-70 mm lens. However, the first point-and-shoot that I bought for myself was a Pentax Optio S-40, which I still have. I really enjoyed taking pictures of flowers, but I was dissatisfied with the performance and results of my point-and-shoot (particularly, the shutter lag). I looked into DSLRs, and ended up purchasing the D80. Thousands of dollars, and much gear later, here I am.
What photographers - well known or unknown - inspire you?
I really have fun with concert photography, live shows where I bring back photos that give you a good sense of what happened during an event. A photographer that does this very well is Todd Owyoung. His website is http://ishootshows.com/. Not only does he get awesome results, but also he shares his wealth of knowledge with everyone, which I respect immensely.
Check out the Strobist blog as well. It features off-camera lighting and lots of DIY equipment at http://strobist.blogspot.com/.
Is there a certain piece of gear you could not live without?
I do not skimp on my gear, and it has definitely paid off. In my opinion, it is better to save up for a longer time and get better equipment, than it is to spend early on something else. Unfortunately, I am addicted to buying new things, which can get very expensive. I could not live without any of this stuff, but if I had to pick one lens, the one that does most of my work is the 18-70mm lens.
Do you have any goals in mind with your photography?
I hope that I will be shooting famous bands very soon. A lot of doing that is getting to know the people who run the events, and the people who manage the bands. So far, the most famous people I have photographed in concert are Kate Voegele, Jack's Mannequin and the rest have been local bands. Currently, I shoot for local newspapers. The pay is not very good, but it is fun and better than nothing at all. Doing this will help me get exposure.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to shoot concerts?
The gear that is best for concert photography, at least in my opinion, is fast lenses and cameras with high ISO abilities. It is deceptively dark inside most music venues. My 50 mm lens does a lot of work there, with its extremely fast 1.8 aperture. My other lenses that go down to aperture 2.8 are extremely important. Large wide-open apertures are important for catching performers in action, without blur. Someone that wants to shoot concerts should definitely invest in a 50 mm lens, and save up to buy other fast lenses. Many places do not allow flash during performances, and your brand-new flash unit will not do any good when security tackles you. Also, watch out for drunken people and mosh pits at shows, which is a good way to wreck your camera.
How did you get a job with your local newspaper? What skills does that require?
When I was doing physical therapy for my tendinitis, I met a photographer who was shooting some photos for a brochure. We got to talking, and she gave me the contact info of a local photo editor. The skill involved in photojournalism is the same most other photographers use, except more irritating. Not only do you have to capture good pictures, but also you have to do it consistently, and make sure you get people's first and last names. If you do not get their names, editors will not use your photos. That can be a big disappointment, after all your hard work. You also have to be versatile and ready for anything. Get to events early and scope things out. that is the best advice I can give. Coming in late and not getting a good spot makes things a lot more difficult.
What advice would you give new photographers?
The best way to learn photography is by doing. When I bought my camera, I barely knew how to use the thing. One great thing I think everyone should do is a Project 365. That is where you take one photo per day (at least) and write a little bit about it on your Flickr account or a photo blog. It will help you learn to shoot in all current situations as well as on days or times where you think a camera might not be convenient to have. Then, at the end of the year, you look back and see how much you have improved, as well as your year in a series of photos. Also, do not forget to take a break when you are post-processing your images. I got a bad case of tendinitis from using the computer too much, and it really puts a kink in your photography.
Where can people see your photography?
Check out my photography on my Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scis/ and soon at www.awesomefarm.com.
Budget Winter Wedding Photography Guide
photo source
Do-it-yourself wedding photography is an excellent way to save money, but it is important to plan the details. Chances are you probably know a few photography buffs who are willing to help with your wedding photos. Use this guide to make the most of their skills and generosity to get beautiful wedding pictures.
1. Recruit multiple friends or family members to help with the photographs.
Designating multiple people as photographer splits the workload and means the wedding pictures will reflect a variety of perspectives. Choose knowledgeable, reliable people who are experienced in digital photography.
2. Use a high quality camera.
Make sure the camera you choose is technologically capable of capturing your winter wedding memories. Varying lighting conditions and action scenes are no problem for a good digital camera.
3. Have backup batteries or a backup camera ready.
Be sure the camera you use is charged and have a backup battery or backup camera ready.
4. Bring extra memory cards.
With digital cameras, most people take a few photos then delete the bad ones. The quick pace of a wedding probably will not leave time to edit along the way. Besides, pictures that are out of focus or unusual often have a unique beauty that is not immediately apparent. Bring extra memory cards to avoid missing a good shot.
5. Be very clear about what you want.
Research online and browse friend's wedding albums to get an idea of the type of poses and moments you want to commemorate. Make a list to be absolutely certain each milestone is photographed.
6. Get a mix of candid and posed shots.
A variety of photos best captures the spirit of the day.
7. Plan for the weather.
Depending on the wedding location, winter weather may mean it is too frigid to venture outdoors for a photo session. Plan to take group shots of the bridal party and family members indoors.
8. Edit the photos.
Try cropping and adding different special effects. Sepia and black and white pictures take on an elegant, timeless quality.
9. Order quality photo prints.
Since you saved so much on the cost of a photographer, invest in prints that use high quality paper and ink.
10. Make a wedding album.
You can use traditional photo prints to make a wedding album, but digital photos give you more options. A variety of book options, including hardbound books and small flipbooks, are available online and in many drug and discount stores.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Photographer Interview: Break into Concert Photography
source,source
Anthony Siciliano of Ramsey, NJ, was initially attracted to photography through some playful competition with his friends. Even when he realized his friends had no idea how to use their cameras, he stuck with it and earned recognition in photography and videography.
As a photojournalist and concert photographer his experience is transferring into his newest venture as part of Awesome Farm - a video production and photography business formed with his friends. At least with the friends that know how to use a camera.
Siciliano answered a few questions and gave some advice for fellow photographers looking to break in to photography, specifically concert photography and photojournalism.
What was your first camera?
My first DSLR was a Nikon D80 with the 18-70 mm lens. However, the first point-and-shoot that I bought for myself was a Pentax Optio S-40, which I still have. I really enjoyed taking pictures of flowers, but I was dissatisfied with the performance and results of my point-and-shoot (particularly, the shutter lag). I looked into DSLRs, and ended up purchasing the D80. Thousands of dollars, and much gear later, here I am.
What photographers - well known or unknown - inspire you?
I really have fun with concert photography, live shows where I bring back photos that give you a good sense of what happened during an event. A photographer that does this very well is Todd Owyoung. His website is http://ishootshows.com/. Not only does he get awesome results, but also he shares his wealth of knowledge with everyone, which I respect immensely.
Check out the Strobist blog as well. It features off-camera lighting and lots of DIY equipment at http://strobist.blogspot.com/.
Is there a certain piece of gear you could not live without?
I do not skimp on my gear, and it has definitely paid off. In my opinion, it is better to save up for a longer time and get better equipment, than it is to spend early on something else. Unfortunately, I am addicted to buying new things, which can get very expensive. I could not live without any of this stuff, but if I had to pick one lens, the one that does most of my work is the 18-70mm lens.
Do you have any goals in mind with your photography?
I hope that I will be shooting famous bands very soon. A lot of doing that is getting to know the people who run the events, and the people who manage the bands. So far, the most famous people I have photographed in concert are Kate Voegele, Jack's Mannequin and the rest have been local bands. Currently, I shoot for local newspapers. The pay is not very good, but it is fun and better than nothing at all. Doing this will help me get exposure.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to shoot concerts?
The gear that is best for concert photography, at least in my opinion, is fast lenses and cameras with high ISO abilities. It is deceptively dark inside most music venues. My 50 mm lens does a lot of work there, with its extremely fast 1.8 aperture. My other lenses that go down to aperture 2.8 are extremely important. Large wide-open apertures are important for catching performers in action, without blur. Someone that wants to shoot concerts should definitely invest in a 50 mm lens, and save up to buy other fast lenses. Many places do not allow flash during performances, and your brand-new flash unit will not do any good when security tackles you. Also, watch out for drunken people and mosh pits at shows, which is a good way to wreck your camera.
How did you get a job with your local newspaper? What skills does that require?
When I was doing physical therapy for my tendinitis, I met a photographer who was shooting some photos for a brochure. We got to talking, and she gave me the contact info of a local photo editor. The skill involved in photojournalism is the same most other photographers use, except more irritating. Not only do you have to capture good pictures, but also you have to do it consistently, and make sure you get people's first and last names. If you do not get their names, editors will not use your photos. That can be a big disappointment, after all your hard work. You also have to be versatile and ready for anything. Get to events early and scope things out. that is the best advice I can give. Coming in late and not getting a good spot makes things a lot more difficult.
What advice would you give new photographers?
The best way to learn photography is by doing. When I bought my camera, I barely knew how to use the thing. One great thing I think everyone should do is a Project 365. That is where you take one photo per day (at least) and write a little bit about it on your Flickr account or a photo blog. It will help you learn to shoot in all current situations as well as on days or times where you think a camera might not be convenient to have. Then, at the end of the year, you look back and see how much you have improved, as well as your year in a series of photos. Also, do not forget to take a break when you are post-processing your images. I got a bad case of tendinitis from using the computer too much, and it really puts a kink in your photography.
Where can people see your photography?
Check out my photography on my Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scis/ and soon at www.awesomefarm.com.
Shooting for Stock Photography
source
A great way to earn money and learn a lot in the internet is participating in stock photography. Stock photography has been around for a while. And there are a lot of great stock sites that sell photographs for a reasonable price.
Just how and what should you shoot to be able to participate in stock photography?
Photographers say you should start with the concept. But the very first thing you should do is to know your equipment. I literally spent ten times more time trying to know how my camera works than thinking of something to shoot.
Stock photography is a very demanding industry. It's as close as you'll get to professional photography. It requires you to be able to produce images of the highest quality. That is because this industry is very competitive.
Try shooting the same subject with different settings. You should know how your camera reacts with different kinds of light. You should also know how it responds to different levels of illumination. Note the differences you see and keep them in mind.
Next you need a concept. Your images should present an idea, a thought or an expression. Consider a photograph of a man typing on a computer. What is he doing? Why is he typing? Is he working? Is he Blogging? Or just playing?
Designers buy stock images because of the concept they present - not because they look good. Stock photos are used in web sites, brochures, magazines, publications, advertisements, and almost anything that has a print.
So you need to have an image that has a concept that satisfies the needs of the would-be buyers of your pictures.
Then, you need a lot of light. Stock photos require that images have the right level of illumination and contrast. They need to be clear. If you can't afford a big set-up, you can always use desk lamps or even the sun.
You'll also need a computer and two kinds of programs: noise reduction tool and a photo editing application. Most stock photographs go through a noise reduction process. They also get a little tweaking in color, contrast and brightness.
Stock photographs need to be as close to perfect as possible. It's like what they say in the computer graphics industry: "it does not matter how you do it as long as you get the job done." Don't think that editing a photo in your pc is cheating. That only goes for journalism.
The next is pretty simple. You need a stock agency to upload your images to. Or you can showcase your work in your own site. Uploading in stock agencies is better. That is because you can find out where and how to improve. Use their powerful community to find out your weakness and strengths as a photographer.
Then when you have all this, what you need to do next is to be consistent and improve and improve and improve. You need to keep up with the ever demanding industries. If you don't, you'll get left behind.