NOT Photography, but still my art

I told you all that I would probably feature my drawings and paintings on here, didn't I? Well, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Lately, I've been painting a lot and searching for inspiration as well as trying to figure out what my style is. In many of my paintings, I noticed that I kept pulling from a particular style that has always resonated with me and for years now, I forgot from where and I. First, let me show you some of my work and then I'll get into what has been my inspiration.

"Big Poppa"

In an effort to get back into the swing of things re: painting, I did this cartoon creation of the Notorious B.I.G. If my memory serves me correctly, I found a doodle of him on Tumblr, used it as inspiration, did my own recreation, added my own touch, and then went from there. I enjoy art and I enjoy painting, even though I don't think that I'm good at it (painting). However, for this to be the first thing that I painted in years after not doing much 2D artwork and focusing on photography, I was quite proud of the final result. Like I do with all of my art, I viewed painting this as educational. I looked at ways in which I could improve as well as reinforced the message to myself to work more on my patience. Patience as an artist makes you better and I believe it limits opportunities to slack off or not put forth your best.

"If A Tree Falls"

The next thing that I ended up painting, MONTHS after painting Notorious B.I.G. was this cute little picture, I like to call "If A Tree Falls..." Originally, I didn't have the fallen tree across the river, but I wanted to disturb the theme of repetitive vertical trees. I've only painted a perspective/horizon type picture once and that was months ago in college (pictured below). So really, I only have two types of these under my belt and I look forward to working on more and improving.

"Moon"

February--Putting in Work

"Cherub"

For Valentine's Day, I painted the above picture for my mother. She loves angels and cherubs, plus she didn't want me to buy her anything, because "She already has anything she could ever want." So, she wanted me to create something from the heart, like I used to. Therefore, I painted her a black Cherub with a quote about angels and being loved. I noticed with this painting, I stuck to a theme that is comfortable and familiar to me. A theme that I enjoy, not painting faces, painting black people, and Afros (stick with me, I'm gonna explain why I love this).

"Quvenzhané"

I cannot remember the exact day I found the inspirational image for this painting, but the day after Valentine's Day, I painted it. It is my own recreation of a photo of actress, Quvenzhané Wallis.

I was captivated with the photo of her and immediately said "I HAVE TO PAINT THIS!" That rarely happens, even though I'm OFTEN seeking means of inspiration and motivation to paint, because my creativity seems to be depleted, lately. I enjoyed painting this the most. Particularly, because when it came to the shirt, I had no limitations, I wasn't trying to be perfect; the final result was fantastic. Reminds me of something Vincent Van Gogh would paint re: the shirt, now that I think about it. I need more practice painting hair and afros, because I don't want to always rely on a Sharpie, however, it's working for now.

 "With Liberty & Justice for All?"

Also, that same day, because I was on a roll and feeling motivated to be in my artistic space, I painted this picture symbolizing the lack of liberty and justice Black people receive in this country. I drew from many different artists and inspirations as far as the picture, especially because I've often seen artists paint the red in the flag as blood. I've always wanted to try something like that and when you see it so often from different artists and you feel connected to what that imagery means, you must take it as a sign to create the work. Trayvon Martin is the inspiration for the hooded young man, obviously, but he symbolizes so many others. Of course, I had to paint the hands up! The more I look at the way I painted he hoodie, the happier I get because I'm proud of how it came out, especially because I have no experience doing something like that. I'm happy how the stars came out, too, because I was dreading painting them. I wasn't sure if I would include them and while doing them, I hated how they looked.

So, I guess it's time to share why I'm so fascinated with faceless Black people and natural hair. I'd completely forgotten about this painting and the artist who inspired it until recently when I asked myself why my painting style is the way that it is.

"Son"

In high school, for our ceiling tile project, I painted two tiles that combined into one picture--a recreation of a painting by Lashonda Scott Robinson that I adored. It was a painting of her son.

Vincent Van Gogh was my favorite painter until I discovered Robinson. I was ecstatic to see the beautiful works of another female Black painter. I immediately fell in love with her paintings and her style, because it was what I liked to paint. It was what I imaged my style to be once I improved as a painter. Featureless faces resonated with me, because I feel faces ares distracting from everything else going on (+ I hate painting them, but that may change with more practice/technique work). I prefer to leave it to the viewer to imagine the emotions going on in the painting and to examine the surroundings instead of focusing on a face. Plus, I personally feel there's something captivating and beautiful about it.
Robinson's paintings appeal to me, because Black is beautiful and I love my people. There needs to be more of us in media, music, and art. We should represent ourselves; show the beauty in ourselves. We are art. I want Black people to be in my art.
You can learn more about her and her work here [x] [x]. I couldn't believe after all of these years I'd forgotten about her/her name, making it hard for me to find other examples of her work, but I'd also went years without painting and when I did start painting again, it was based on a themed class assignment with a direction rather than what I wanted. Anyway, my favorite paintings by her are featured below.

Beautiful isn't it?

Copyright infringement applies to my paintings! Unauthorized use of my images on other websites is prohibited.

Digital Photography Certification Course? Yes, please.

Well look at God! I've recently been bouncing around the idea of getting a job or getting certified in different fields. Randomly, last night, I decided to look into what Groupon has to offer in reference to certification programs, because in the past, I've found deals for being a legal assistant and a couple of days ago, someone posted a Groupon for getting certified in I.T. and something else. I can't remember. WELL lo and behold, when searching for certification programs on Groupon last night, not only did I find a Beginner's Criminology course on there (which would be a refresher for me), I found a DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE! I'll learn about digital photography, web animation, web development, Photo Art Studio, and Photoshop.
The fine print reads: Expires 180 days after purchase. Limit 4 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift for 1 class option. Limit 1 per person for 2 and 4 class options. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for option purchased. Online registration required. Must activate by the expiration on your Groupon, course will expire 1-year from activation. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Not only does this mean, I need to get off my butt and buy a digital camera and equipment, I'm gonna need to get out there and actually start shooting. I'm going to need to be serious about doing this course. Investing my energy into my art has been very troubling lately, because I've got some personal stuff going on that I'm trying to work out, but I'm trying... or would like to push myself into being energetic and motivated as far as photography and art. When I purchase the Groupon offer and begin using it, I'll give you all a review. The offer can be found here [x].

Finding quality equipment

I'm venturing into digital photography. Like I've mentioned in the past, I don't have the equipment and space to keep doing caffenol + black and white film photography, but I still want to take pictures. Digital will allow me to take pictures in color, learn a new medium, and it's more convenient. Because of my new interest, I have been researching like crazy what camera is best for me and what other equipment/tools I will need. I'm looking into purchasing a Canon T3i. Vlogger, Sarah Rae Vargas, uses a Canon T4i for her vlogs and I like the quality of her videos, but a college classmate of mine uses the T3i and I like the quality of her pictures. I feel that there wouldn't be much difference between the two. I'm starting off and limiting myself on how much I'll spend, so T3i may be my choice.
I've been looking for new and used cameras on Amazon, KEH, and B&H photo. I would look on eBay, because I got a really awesome macro lens for my Pentax K1000 on there, but I'm just really apprehensive about buying a camera or camera parts on eBay as of lately and for something I'm completely venturing into "blindly." I'm struggling on deciding whether to buy a camera body & lens together or trying to find the body for cheap on one site, then look for the lens on another. Again, I'm still learning and researching, so I don't know. What do you think? Comment below your suggestion(s)!
I asked my photo-friend about memory cards and batteries, she told me to get a battery that goes with my camera (Canon camera = Canon battery), so that's what I've been doing lately. I've added a few on my wishlist. I have to look for a reasonably priced battery charger and some memory cards, next. My photo-friend recommended SanDisk, which I have used in the past and usually lean towards. However, I found this awesome web page with memory card recommendations for the Canon T3i here [x]. Once I get the necessary basics, I'll look into a carrying case and a tripod. Maybe even decent photo editing software, Any recommendations on that? Anyway, I know I said I wanted to purchase some lenses for my iPhone 6, but after some research, I discovered that the kind that I want will not fit on my phone once my Otterbox Defender case gets here. I will have to take my case off to use the lenses and I don't have time for that. Taking my case off and on will stretch it out, plus the entire thought of doing that seems exhaustive/inconvenient. Maybe I will find lenses that can work around the case, maybe I change my mind and decide to go through the trouble of taking my case on and off. Who knows...

2015 | New year, new interests!

It's a new year and I figure what better time than now to blog about my newest art interest... DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY! That's right, I want to delve into the digital world. I've graduated college and I'm back home with my parents. Being home with my parents means not having any space to practice my film photography. When I get my own place, I aspire to have one room dedicated to photography--basically, a dark room. I'll use it for loading my film into developing tanks, drying film, and of course looking at my photographs. However, because I don't have that privilege, right now, I decided to look into digital photography. This way, I can still do what I love as well as continue experiencing, experimenting, and learning.
My biggest crisis right now is figuring out what I need. I feel as if it is fairly simple, but seeing as I spent my years in college learning about film photography, my knowledge goes as far as the camera body and lenses, film and the best kind, developing tanks, weighing scales, making caffenol and fix, developing paper, and enlargers. In reference to digital, I've grasped that I'm going to need a camera body, lenses, memory cards (?), and a battery. I'm still learning, I'm asking other photographers, and I'm asking friends who went from film to digital.
Right now, I'm looking at purchasing a Canon T3i. The T4i has been recommended, but I was told besides the price difference, the features are similar. I would purchase used or rent, but I know the type of the person that I am, also, I'm a beginner. Meaning, I'll be purchasing a new camera. I've also decided to purchase lenses for my iPhone 6. The camera on this baby is already mag-freaking-nificent... getting a fish eye and macro lens wouldn't hurt. Especially if I see something while on-the-go, but don't have my camera with me. Since I'm getting lenses for my iPhone and venturing into digital photography, I'm going to make an Instagram for my photography. Of course, it will be called gregariousalisnaps. It will be a private account however, because people tend to steal other artists' work. It's already hard out hear for black female photographers [x], I don't need the disrespect and/or people stealing my work... unless they'd like to face that good ole DCMA Takedown *smirking emoji*.
Anyway, I hope you come along with me on this journey. Leave me comments and you're welcome to contact me about anything. Thanks ❤

Center City Park, Immigration Reform, New Lenses, Mastercolor Labs, and Finals!

I went back to Center City Park to take more pictures for my final exam. Can I just say that the park is spectacular. There is so much to capture in photograph form if one would open their eyes and look for it. I went by myself this time and got to spend the amount of time there that I wanted to... I was able to explore more than just the park and I captured so much in doing so. For instance, there were a couple of Hispanic/Latino festivals occurring, as well as a protest for Immigration Reform which I thought was AWESOME! I heard people chanting from across the park and when I rushed across they had picket signs, people were dressed in traditional Hispanic wear, dancing, and protesting for equal rights for immigrants. It was luck that I ran into that, because I got a few photos from it.

In other news, I purchased two new lenses for my camera last week from KEH and they were delivered to my house today! I got a 70-210 F4 Macro Lens and a 28-80 F3 Macro Lens; I don't know where my photography ventures will take me this summer and I hope to stick with this even though the semester is over... but I'm excited to have my own lenses, because my original is broken and the one I'm using now is a loaner.

My final for photography is approaching next week. I went to Mastercolor Labs in Greensboro, NC yesterday and today to try and get my pictures together for the final to see how they look in print compared to on my screen. Some were too dark, some had a purple tone to them, but Mastercolor worked with me to be on the way to the perfect prints that I want. I started with 15 images, but ultimately, I realized that not all of them were necessary for my final; a couple, I just didn't like in print form. Ultimately, I'm showing 11 images for my final. I'll find out this Thursday if my pictures for my final will be everything I hoped for and more. I'm excited and I hope they translate properly in the final product.

Some of the below are reproductions/edits of pictures I posted in my last blog post:

Copyright infringement applies to my photographs. Unauthorized use of my images on other websites is prohibited.

Center City Park, Greensboro, NC

On 18 April 2013, my photography class and I went to Downtown Greensboro for a workshop/field trip to explore the area and take pictures. My teacher told me about a park and the middle of downtown and I ended up falling in love. There were so many shapes, so much movement, people, and activities to take pictures of up. I think what particularly interested me was the curves, lines, and shapes of the three different fountains in Center City Park. In addition, I fell for the way the water in the fountain moved. I had so much to take pictures of and so much to look at. For once, I was excited to get out there and take pictures. It didn't to matter to me who all was in the park that may be watching me do what I do - I was "geeking out" and capturing the best essence of what interested me the most. The most eventful part of the trip was gaining photographic clientele. I got contact information from four different people while in the park, because they wanted me to send them the pictures that I had take of either them or their little ones that I used as in-the-moment models. I haven't had a chance to digitally upload the rest of my images, but below are what I was able to get to throughout this evening.

As stated in older posts [x] [x] [x], I take my black and while film negatives and scan them into an Epson scanner to create a digital photograph which can later be printed off into a digital print.

Copyright infringement applies to my photographs. Unauthorized use of my images on other websites is prohibited.

Change

Lately, I have been wanting to do things differently than how I have been. I've had moments in which I've been tempted to go back into the darkroom, because I miss the feeling of accomplishment and achievement I get out of my darkroom prints compared to how my images have been looking digitally. I cannot decide whether my images look shitty because I'm not exposing properly, my shutter speed isn't slow enough, or if it's the content that I'm taking pictures of. I can only determine whether my pictures are missing what they used to have by stepping back into the darkroom.

As of recently I haven't had time to devote to my photography, because of my mother's illnesses and repeat hospitalizations which have set me completely off track and put me behind in all of my work. However, this past weekend, I found time to go take pictures of cute kids (my intention for the semester), develop them, and I attempted to make prints in the darkroom, but after 15 minutes I just wasn't feeling it. Something in me wasn't feeling being in that darkroom. I wanted to geek out, but I felt like I had to get out of there because my mind wasn't in it. Ultimately, I turned my negatives into digital images and the results of that... I don't like too much. All of my pictures seem underexposed. I've been so focused on taking a picture of what I want to be the right thing that I keep forgetting to properly expose it. In result, all of my pictures seem to be too dark.

Lately, I've been debating on whether I want to change the vision and direction that I want to go in for my final project. I enjoyed photographing adorable babies last week and I thought spending my semester visiting my classmate's daycare would give the pictures I was looking for, but I just feel like, "Okay that was cute... but this is boring."

I want to photograph subjects in which once you look at that picture, you can see what I was trying to capture, you can feel my essence in it. I'm supposed to go home this weekend and I plan on photographing my sister's kids. For some reason, I feel like my best photographs come from time I spend with them. I guess it's because I love them so much. I bought a couple of rolls of more film and I might have to buy more once I get a new bank card, because I lost my old one, but I think I just need to get a bunch of pictures of my niece and nephews then work from there.

Copyright infringement applies to my photographs. Unauthorized use of my images on other websites is prohibited.

Update

Hello all,

I've had a lot going on in my personal life, as of recently, that I've been trying to handle and deal with, but when I get on top of things, I'll be back to posting regularly... you'll see more personal posts, pictures, etc. Just hang with me. Thanks.

Artist Spotlight

Tatsuo Suzuki

Tatsuo Suzuki is from Tokyo, Japan. I tried to find biographical information about him or a history to his photography, but I couldn't find anything, at all, other than where he currently lives.

I chose to spotlight Suzuki because I was attracted to his close up portraits of the Japanese. He captures liver spots, every wrinkles, freckle, stray away eyebrow strand, and pore. I've seen so much photography of white people and blacks, but this is my first time seeing so many awesome portraits of Asians.

In almost each portrait, some sense of emotion is expressed... it makes me want to know the individual person's story or what they were feeling at the time or why. What is also interesting about his portraits is that these aren't beautiful models... these are everyday people with facial feature flaws and character to them. In one of his portraits, the man is missing an eye. His Flickr is here [x] and his blog is here [x] in case you'd like to see all of his work.

Artist Spotlight

Nan Brown

Brown studied photography at the San Francisco Art Institute in the 1970s. She taught herself Ansel Adams' Zone System and was influenced by his philosophy of craft. Brown was self instructed. In 1975, she pursued a career in studio photography. On her site, she features to collections of work: Trailers and Intimitations. Her Intimitations are quirky photographs of children [x]. Her Trailers Collection is just that... trailers [x]. However, there's more to her collection of photographing trailers than what it sounds. I believe that's why I chose her as a photographer to spotlight - I found her images of trailers intriguing and beautiful. In reference to her trailers collection, she stated:

"I have long loved trailers as objects. They are often alone in a landscape, ironic metal comments. From the side they are billboard-like and wonderfully two-dimensional. Their facades are of subtly beautiful tones and textures, a black and white photographer’s dream. The squares and rectangles of windows within the squares and rectangles of trailers, I trapped within the square camera format. The repetition of form causes people to look closely at each trailer for variation. Portrait-like, individual personalities are revealed. The spark for the series included not only their visual charm but also the emotional impact of trailers as shelter. As a child, traveling across California, I was drawn, through my car window, to the otherness of the small, roadside communities or the dislocation of lone trailers. Their fascination for me now includes the seeming license expressed in the treatment of the exteriors and yards, a result, I think, of the diminutive and transient nature of trailers. The images refer obliquely to culture. But trailers are so versatile and useful that the quality of that culture cannot easily be corralled, certainly not within a silly stereotype like “trailer trash” or even a category like poverty. Yes, they offer ubiquitous, inexpensive shelter, but they also serve those seeking simplicity, “freedom”, or a get-away, and even those just needing storage. For the most part a mobile home is just that, a home. I have become deeply attached to the images as I have collected them. They are stand-ins for the gamut of spiritual states from valor to depression to depravity, conditions not the province of any given social class or group."