Visual Intuition is a series of monoprints that I created using various mediums of surfaces and paints. The image above is an installation made using canvas paper, acrylic paint, and ink, displayed in a glass and wire installation.
Ola Feroz
I confess… I am a bikini addict. I just love those darn little swimsuits in all shapes and colors. As a swimmer, surfer, and just all around beach girl I can honestly say I live in my bikinis. So when I was asked by swimwear designer Jessica Garcia to help her with some graphic design and the remodeling of her new website I jumped at the opportunity. Her company Ola Feroz is a beautifully crafted company that caters to the bikini addict like myself, and makes amazing handmade swimwear for the girl who loves to flaunt it. Check out her newest website www.olaferoz.com to view her bikini collection. Summer is closer than you think so perfect time to purchase a bikini or two : )
What defines an ARTIST?
What does it mean to be an artist? I have always struggled with this question. Is it someone who intentionally creates something? And does the creation need to have meaning or purpose in order to be art? I recently read an article No Artistry in Apes which talks about the contemplation of art made by monkeys such as the well-known “artists” Congo and Betsy both chimpanzees as being defined as art or not. Many Art Critics argue both sides with substantial evidence in both cases, however the question always arises does the monkey consciously know what he or she is doing and understand aesthetic values, and if so would that determine their status as an artist and their work be approved as art?
While sitting in my backyard overlooking a typical Florida-style fenced in yard with just the tops of palm trees and roof tops showing I realized something. I define myself as an artist because I have the ability to see beauty in the most unexpected of places. I sometimes depict this beauty in form of a poem, portrayed through a painting, or captured in a photograph. However, other times I simply take it in and only reflect on it. In my opinion alone, I don’t believe an artist necessarily has to create something, and I don’t believe everyone who creates something is an artist. I believe an artist is a poetic soul who views the world around them as living art. A being who uses any or all of his senses as tools for reflecting this living art. They can see beauty in the most unexpected and ugly of places as easily as they can see it in the most expected and beautiful of places. That captured moment is then what becomes an act of inspiration for them to create and to share with others or to simply digest and take in for themselves alone.
© DOTALart & Design 2012
Bird Series Progression…
Strength, Courage, and Wisdom the Flight of the Owl | © dotalart 2011
January 18th 2012 – The Internet Protests
In a world of conflict, greed and power-hungry governments it is easy for one to lose hope. For the average worker/parent/sibling/neighbor it is easy to feel helpless and at some point say a variation of these words “why try when I can’t make a difference”. It becomes easier to step aside and let some one else do all the work. The easiest thing for one to do is conform rather than confront. By doing so you are insisting that you are a NOBODY, but the truth is you are a SOME BODY, you are a friend, you are a worker, you are a parent, you are a son or daughter. We all have a voice and we all have the ability to influence some one else whether it’s a direct or indirect influence.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) has the ability of shutting down those voices, it uses fear as a tactic for control and conformity. If you don’t know about the act or want more references here are some helpful places to start looking:
http://lifehacker.com/5860205/all-about-sopa-the-bill-thats-going-to-cripple-your-internet
http://americancensorship.org/
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.3261:
What ever your take is on the matter, make your voice be known and don’t take it for granted. As the wise Gandhi once said “be the change you wish to see in this world”. Go out and be the change and never again think you can’t make a difference. Below is an article on the Jan. 18th internet protest against SOPA and PIPA bills showing that we can make an impact. It does however take small steps in creating a brighter tomorrow.
http://nvonews.com/2012/01/19/censoring-the-internet-by-sopa-pipa-bills-google-wikipedia-blackout/
little life designs
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Images from the Seed studio in Byron Bay, Australia
Bird Series -> acrylic on canvas…. work in progress from the Seed Studio and Gallery in Byron Bay, Australia. Click on the link to learn more about the gallery.
Bird Illustration
graphite drawing on pieces of sewn magazine paper
The life of a nomad
Its been a while since I wrote my last post, mostly because I am doing some adventure traveling and living the life of a nomad throughout the Australian Outback.
I’ve also been overwhelmed with inspirations for my next collection of paintings, the colors in the outback are incredible – light blue hues, with shades of maroon, faded out purple and hints of dark blues. Deep oranges that stunt your eyes. Dull yellow-green splatters that cover the fields between rusty-red sand shades, and every once in a while a pop of bright yellow glows against a background of earthy tones that speaks to your inner most self. It’s a sight that not even the most perfect picture could capture yet many try hard to get a glimmer of its glory. It’s a huge contrast from the bright and vibrant colors of Bali, and although not comparable equally stunning.
Something worth blogging about
While searching for inspiration in the most modern of places via the internet I casually stumbled upon this inspiring and beautifully crafted short video about the life of a surf photographer. Everything from its striking imagery to its harmonious music to its story line, this short video has quickly become one of my favorite’s.
Hope you enjoy it as well.
DOTALart 