An open minded person that has a deep insight on the personalities of others. Highly respected and adored, a Nia could rule the masses. Always having something new and exciting to do, one can never get sick of a Nia, even if she killed a man. A Nia is also an intensly unbelievable kisser.
A sexy female with a nice juicy booty. Often stared at by white boys, grown ass men and black boys. Often hated on by fellow girls with no ass.
a sexy chick with a sexy bomb to drop on everyone. The sexiest thing alive. Shes got some sexy moves. Born like a godess Aphrodite like. Can be found in sexy town in Alabama.
Is as hot as Mexico, and damn shes good.
A sex magnet. A sex Goddess. Unbelievably irresistible.
A very fast outrageous swimmer. Said to even win a gold medal in the Olympics. The best at swimming
A Female who is said to win any sport.
Nia is a high-flown Narcissist, devoid of a basis for her bloated self importance, as she has lived a privileged, coddled life heretofore, and confuses superiority with early luck.
By means of sexual austerity, hyperbolic attempts to feign shyness, and (paradoxically) social network self-glorification, a Nia builds a primitive mystique, thereby seducing popularity among a cult of dim witted followers.
A recent study indicated that Nias may actually be robots, as they have tested capabilities at generating trite ideas and exploiting pop culture as a means to appear original, however items like empathy, a comprehension of human suffering, inner substance, and a pulse tested absent.
A Nia's blank slate personality obliges any idealized image you wish to project, making her most appealing to shallow persons who resent strong personalities, diversity, distinct characters, and authentic principals.
Nias claim merit for unearned titles. For example, she may call herself a Doctor, despite never even having earned an Associate's degree.
Nias can be found hiding behind big words and grandiose concepts.
Nias avoid genuine intimacy, humility, bright colors, vulgar discourse, Buddhism, shenanigans, and using citations when attempting to write academic-style.
Nerd. In. Action.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dissection of "About Me"
Strong Idependent mother who believes if it is meant to be then it will be.
The paragraph is opened with a pseudo-spiritual, grounded statement suggesting that you, the femina fortis as it were, are unlike other women. You suggest your separation from hussies who are just lookin' for a man. You suggest that you are not clingy, through your implied belief in fate. Spelling and grammatical errors suggest typing with haste, which is unlikely. Most likely cause is carelessness.
I rather have a few true friends then a lot of fake friends. Quality over quantity.
This part of your crude self essay suggests that perhaps you've had great misunderstandings with others in the past. When examined 1mm deeper than surface meaning, one might assume that this is a silent simultaneous shout out to those that have burned you (fake) and those who have stuck by (true). You want them to know that you don't need them. They know who they are and it is essential that they remain on your friends list so that they can see how happy you are and see that you've overcome, because you're a survivor. You're not like those other girls who have a posse. You don't need that. All you need is the tried and true because popularity is not your goal.
I love cuddling, I am not perfect, I am up for a challenge, I seem like I am always strong but I cry too.
Ah. Yes. The List-O-Descriptive Attributes. You highlight you strength and will once again, and through the use of antonym, paint a true picture of yourself. One full of contradictions, idiosyncrasies, and disclosure of occasional weakness; all of which make you who you are. These things make you human, humble, and relatable.
I am a true and honest friend, the love I give is 100% and unconditional. I don't hold grudges once your in my life then I believe there's a reason your in it. I would take a bullet for my friends and family.
This is the sequel to your second sentence, stated above. Here, you highlight your devotion to those who you love. Mentioning these particular convictions at all imply that we live in a world where perhaps not everyone would go to the lengths you do for your loved ones. Perhaps this has a duel function and also exists with the aim to sting to the silent "fake" people mentioned above. If they hadn't hurt you, they could have been one of the lucky few that remained in your circle of quality friends. Notions of a higher power are alluded to through your statement of believing "there's a reason" that particular individual is in your life.
My daughter and I come as a package deal if you don't want that then you can't have me.
This sentence highlights your devotion to your child and serves as a warning and eliminating factor for the many suitors you encounter. Stating this makes you seem level headed and responsible. You make it clear in this statement that you are not to be associated with all of the other young mothers of the world who party their child's essential developmental years away with many different men. However, you are, in fact, stating that you're in the market, because this sentence is geared toward potential suitors. It could be taken as a general statement to anyone looking for your company, but probably not.
I am academically disciplined. I work hard then play hard. I don't judge a book by it's cover. I love extreme sports. I love sports. I am a social person and a people person. I like trying new things.
You've made the decision to go back to school, but make no mistakes, you still know exactly how to have fun. You do so while remaining responsible and true to your goals. You are not shallow, and you use metaphor with precision and accuracy. You're a tom boy, contrary to the entourage of girly photos that accompany this description of yourself. You're adventurous. You are a diverse and well rounded individual. Your mother adores you, and says so when she writes on your Facebook wall.
Take me as I am or you know what to do..
You change for no one because your comfortable with who you are. Those who do not appreciate you should know to make themselves scarce.
The paragraph is opened with a pseudo-spiritual, grounded statement suggesting that you, the femina fortis as it were, are unlike other women. You suggest your separation from hussies who are just lookin' for a man. You suggest that you are not clingy, through your implied belief in fate. Spelling and grammatical errors suggest typing with haste, which is unlikely. Most likely cause is carelessness.
I rather have a few true friends then a lot of fake friends. Quality over quantity.
This part of your crude self essay suggests that perhaps you've had great misunderstandings with others in the past. When examined 1mm deeper than surface meaning, one might assume that this is a silent simultaneous shout out to those that have burned you (fake) and those who have stuck by (true). You want them to know that you don't need them. They know who they are and it is essential that they remain on your friends list so that they can see how happy you are and see that you've overcome, because you're a survivor. You're not like those other girls who have a posse. You don't need that. All you need is the tried and true because popularity is not your goal.
I love cuddling, I am not perfect, I am up for a challenge, I seem like I am always strong but I cry too.
Ah. Yes. The List-O-Descriptive Attributes. You highlight you strength and will once again, and through the use of antonym, paint a true picture of yourself. One full of contradictions, idiosyncrasies, and disclosure of occasional weakness; all of which make you who you are. These things make you human, humble, and relatable.
I am a true and honest friend, the love I give is 100% and unconditional. I don't hold grudges once your in my life then I believe there's a reason your in it. I would take a bullet for my friends and family.
This is the sequel to your second sentence, stated above. Here, you highlight your devotion to those who you love. Mentioning these particular convictions at all imply that we live in a world where perhaps not everyone would go to the lengths you do for your loved ones. Perhaps this has a duel function and also exists with the aim to sting to the silent "fake" people mentioned above. If they hadn't hurt you, they could have been one of the lucky few that remained in your circle of quality friends. Notions of a higher power are alluded to through your statement of believing "there's a reason" that particular individual is in your life.
My daughter and I come as a package deal if you don't want that then you can't have me.
This sentence highlights your devotion to your child and serves as a warning and eliminating factor for the many suitors you encounter. Stating this makes you seem level headed and responsible. You make it clear in this statement that you are not to be associated with all of the other young mothers of the world who party their child's essential developmental years away with many different men. However, you are, in fact, stating that you're in the market, because this sentence is geared toward potential suitors. It could be taken as a general statement to anyone looking for your company, but probably not.
I am academically disciplined. I work hard then play hard. I don't judge a book by it's cover. I love extreme sports. I love sports. I am a social person and a people person. I like trying new things.
You've made the decision to go back to school, but make no mistakes, you still know exactly how to have fun. You do so while remaining responsible and true to your goals. You are not shallow, and you use metaphor with precision and accuracy. You're a tom boy, contrary to the entourage of girly photos that accompany this description of yourself. You're adventurous. You are a diverse and well rounded individual. Your mother adores you, and says so when she writes on your Facebook wall.
Take me as I am or you know what to do..
You change for no one because your comfortable with who you are. Those who do not appreciate you should know to make themselves scarce.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Academia
http://www.hamptonu.edu/hr/job_detail.cfm?id=120 (fill out app, send cv and targeted cover letter to attached address)
Send CV/Cover Letter/DVD to:
Randolph Macon-
*Women's Studies, Evie Terrono (eterrono@rmc.edu.)
*English, Amy Goodwin (agoodwin@rmc.edu)
VCU Art Foundations Department
u of r -- http://art.richmond.edu/contact/index.html
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Block
one of the things that im interested in doing with my work is to say as much as i can while using as few words as possible. I think i did this with Angry Gamers.
Right now, Ive got nothing. I am absolutely blocked and depleted. Theres nothing. Ive read two books about appropriation and memory, and while they were great and I learned a lot, ive got nothing in terms of ideas. Ive never had absolutely nothing to work from. Ive been making work still, but its oversimplified, lacking in layers and isnt adding anything to any dialogue.
I thought maybe I needed to move to still work for a while, but nothing excites me. Maybe the pressure of being here is too much. Maybe the German Youtube outright sucks in terms of content. I dont know what it is, but it to change because if this goes on for too much longer Im going to explode.
Ive been trying to make one piece per day, but I hate them all. Theyre trite and boring and dont point toward anything that hasnt already been said or done. I watch Youtube videos for hours and hours on end and nothing interests me. Maybe Im not supposed to use youtube. I duno.
This sucks.
Right now, Ive got nothing. I am absolutely blocked and depleted. Theres nothing. Ive read two books about appropriation and memory, and while they were great and I learned a lot, ive got nothing in terms of ideas. Ive never had absolutely nothing to work from. Ive been making work still, but its oversimplified, lacking in layers and isnt adding anything to any dialogue.
I thought maybe I needed to move to still work for a while, but nothing excites me. Maybe the pressure of being here is too much. Maybe the German Youtube outright sucks in terms of content. I dont know what it is, but it to change because if this goes on for too much longer Im going to explode.
Ive been trying to make one piece per day, but I hate them all. Theyre trite and boring and dont point toward anything that hasnt already been said or done. I watch Youtube videos for hours and hours on end and nothing interests me. Maybe Im not supposed to use youtube. I duno.
This sucks.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Birthday.
Sometimes we use the internet to create a space where we can make memory permanent. We use servers, and sharing sites and as a means of backing up that which we want to remember forever because eventually, our brains will fail us.
Sometimes we use those documents and spaces to to experience memories that we cannot create ourselves.
Sometimes we use those documents and spaces to to experience memories that we cannot create ourselves.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No Ideas
There are too many things im interested in. Right now, I cant make a decision. I havnt been able to make a decision about my work for over a year. Ive been dabbling in about 100 different things, trying to explore different avenues, and read different things, and so far, Ive come up with nothing that strikes me enough to continue to move forward. This is what I know:
Im interested in memory and the role that the archive plays in digital culture.
Im interested in modern interpretation of the wealth and its meaning.
Im interested in image comparison as a way to draw attention to whatever the fuck question i have about whatever the fuck subject.
Im interested in layers, both conceptually and physically.
Im interested in taking the simplest form of something, and breaking it down one step further.
Im interested in how words change meaning over time.
Im interested in whats popular/mainstream now versus what was popular and mainstream then. Not what was first or last, but the most remembered by shared societal memory.
Im interested in why we remember.
Im interested in why we connect.
Im interested in etymology.
For some stupid reason, Im still interested in gender, even though im sick of the conversation.
Im interested in whats not mine.
Genealogy, Wealth and History.
These are surnames from my family tree as far back as i can remember or have been told:
Burks (my/my fathers surname)- Anglo-Norman, came to Ireland in the 12th Century. Comes from the German "-burg", which means town and hill dwellers. Coat of Arms motto: One King, One Faith, One Law. (First came to Pennsylvania mid 18th century).
Hartsell (my mother's surname)- Anglo-Saxton British, dates back to 11th Century England, previously German. Old English etymology refers to those who dwelled by a spring or stream. Coat of Arms motto: Content with his Lot. (First came to Pennsylvania early 18th century).
Jung/Young (maternal grandmother's maiden surname)- German, conquest to England during early 11th Century. Also associated with Normandy. Comes from the Old French words describing the word Young, which it was Americanized to when they migrated in the early 18th century. (First came to New York early 18th century.)
Häal/Hall (paternal grandmothers half brother's surname and hers for a few years)- Irish, early 12th century. Also has associations with Dutch, German, Swedish, Norwegian, via England after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th Century. Comes from the Gaelic word for companion. (First came to Pennsylvania late 18th century)
Ambrose (paternal grandmother/great grandmothers surname)- German, but brought to England after the Norman Conquest of the late 11th Century. Comes from the Latin word for "immortal". This name is extremely popular among the English/German because of St. Ambrose who lived during the 4th century and was one of the four fathers of the Western Christian Church. (First came to Virginia and New England in the early 17th century)
Jensen (maternal surname, first cousins)- Danish, originally from north west Germany. Comes from the Hebrew words "Jehovah is favored". (First came to New York, then settled in the Mid-West during the mid 19th century).
Beyer (paternal great grandmothers husbands surname)- German (specifically Bavaria), and Jewish (Ashkenazic) 12th century. (Came to New York, then Pennsylvania in the late 17th century).
In conclusion: Variants of British, German, Irish, Danish and Jewish.
(houseofnames.com)
I made a ghetto family tree. it doesnt include any cousins or great aunts/uncles, its really really simple. I also dont know very many of my first cousins or their last names, let alone the 2nd, 3rd and up. I also havnt met very many of my great aunts or uncles (and dont have contact with any of my parents siblings), so i have no access to finding out anymore information about anyone anywhere. For my grandmothers, and great grandmothers, there were multiple marriages and multiple children from each marriage and my knowledge of original names is somewhat unknown. None of my grandparents siblings are listed. Some of my grandparents may or may not have siblings, I have no idea because I've never met them (my grandparents).
Burks (my/my fathers surname)- Anglo-Norman, came to Ireland in the 12th Century. Comes from the German "-burg", which means town and hill dwellers. Coat of Arms motto: One King, One Faith, One Law. (First came to Pennsylvania mid 18th century).
Hartsell (my mother's surname)- Anglo-Saxton British, dates back to 11th Century England, previously German. Old English etymology refers to those who dwelled by a spring or stream. Coat of Arms motto: Content with his Lot. (First came to Pennsylvania early 18th century).
Jung/Young (maternal grandmother's maiden surname)- German, conquest to England during early 11th Century. Also associated with Normandy. Comes from the Old French words describing the word Young, which it was Americanized to when they migrated in the early 18th century. (First came to New York early 18th century.)
Häal/Hall (paternal grandmothers half brother's surname and hers for a few years)- Irish, early 12th century. Also has associations with Dutch, German, Swedish, Norwegian, via England after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th Century. Comes from the Gaelic word for companion. (First came to Pennsylvania late 18th century)
Ambrose (paternal grandmother/great grandmothers surname)- German, but brought to England after the Norman Conquest of the late 11th Century. Comes from the Latin word for "immortal". This name is extremely popular among the English/German because of St. Ambrose who lived during the 4th century and was one of the four fathers of the Western Christian Church. (First came to Virginia and New England in the early 17th century)
Jensen (maternal surname, first cousins)- Danish, originally from north west Germany. Comes from the Hebrew words "Jehovah is favored". (First came to New York, then settled in the Mid-West during the mid 19th century).
Beyer (paternal great grandmothers husbands surname)- German (specifically Bavaria), and Jewish (Ashkenazic) 12th century. (Came to New York, then Pennsylvania in the late 17th century).
In conclusion: Variants of British, German, Irish, Danish and Jewish.
(houseofnames.com)
I made a ghetto family tree. it doesnt include any cousins or great aunts/uncles, its really really simple. I also dont know very many of my first cousins or their last names, let alone the 2nd, 3rd and up. I also havnt met very many of my great aunts or uncles (and dont have contact with any of my parents siblings), so i have no access to finding out anymore information about anyone anywhere. For my grandmothers, and great grandmothers, there were multiple marriages and multiple children from each marriage and my knowledge of original names is somewhat unknown. None of my grandparents siblings are listed. Some of my grandparents may or may not have siblings, I have no idea because I've never met them (my grandparents).
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sample Statement
Nia Burks
Statement and Documentation Script
The lens has always been used to record and remember the special events and extraordinary moments of one’s live, but what happens when everything becomes special and extraordinary? As the cost of recording devices continuously drops and access to sharing mediums through the global reach of mass media increases, the meaning of memory changes. Declarative memory is being replaced by cheap and easy access to external memory. Recording devices and social media act as surrogates to the self, so we are no longer subject to the effects of time on our brains.
In a time where the permanence of memory is preferred and forgetting has become a virtue, it is increasingly important to call into question what it means to remember and, further, reconsider the role that the archive plays in the digital age.
The current body of work explores memory/recollection, ideas surrounding the notion of archive and the possibility of a shared societal memory through social media, popular culture and desire.
Monitor 1
A Modest Study of the Sexual Awakening of Britney Spears:
Baby (116)
Vocal Range Demonstration
A Modern Reference to the Venus of Willendorf
Instruction/Reaction
Monitor 2
A Death Metal Tribute to Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair”
The Official Grind
Scene Tutorals
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Modest Study of the Sexual Awakening of Britney Spears: A 5 Part Series
-The total length of all of Britney Spears music videos is 1 hour, 47 minutes and 32 seconds (107:32).
-Britney Spears only says the word "baby" approximately 116 times in her music video career.
-Shots only containing her body, with her head decapitated is approximately 2:28. This does not include full body "come hither" stare's or 3/4 length shots. This only means shots in which her identity is anonymous.
-Footage in which her facial expressions suggest felatio are cleverly disguised as physical facial displays of her vocal range.
-Britney Spears was in peak physical condition between "Stronger" (2000) and "I Love Rock'n'Roll" (2002). This was after her "innocent" days were over, but before Kevin Federline, her knee injury and children.
-In her later video's, her dancing is mostly replaced with slower movements, either to allude more to sex, or because of burnout. Also, the shots become wider, as not to put as much focus on the details of her body.
-After watching this footage frame by frame for almost 60 hours straight, I totally believe she has breast implants.
-Her costume designers are really the ones with the talent.
Artist Statement to come soon.
-Britney Spears only says the word "baby" approximately 116 times in her music video career.
-Shots only containing her body, with her head decapitated is approximately 2:28. This does not include full body "come hither" stare's or 3/4 length shots. This only means shots in which her identity is anonymous.
-Footage in which her facial expressions suggest felatio are cleverly disguised as physical facial displays of her vocal range.
-Britney Spears was in peak physical condition between "Stronger" (2000) and "I Love Rock'n'Roll" (2002). This was after her "innocent" days were over, but before Kevin Federline, her knee injury and children.
-In her later video's, her dancing is mostly replaced with slower movements, either to allude more to sex, or because of burnout. Also, the shots become wider, as not to put as much focus on the details of her body.
-After watching this footage frame by frame for almost 60 hours straight, I totally believe she has breast implants.
-Her costume designers are really the ones with the talent.
Artist Statement to come soon.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wedding Thriller Statement--1 year after the creation of the work.
Wedding Thriller shows American brides who, during their traditional First Dance, break out into an amateur rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller choreography. The videos almost always has an element of “spontaneity” in which the DJ’s CD skips, and everyone looks around in a shocking and embarrassing manner before the entire wedding party is overtaken by the start of the song “Thriller”. Once the music starts, zombie-like wedding guests suddenly break out into near perfect synchronization and proceed to dance the entire song in unison. This type of video can be found all over YouTube. Wedding Thriller takes a sampling of these videos and organizes them into one work, which draws attention to the similarities of our collective desire to rebelliously respond to that which is expected of us. These responses are quite safe in nature, yet are regarded by the creators as a rather daring and non-sequitor way to spice up their wedding reception. Wedding Thriller aims to function as a stand in for issues of originality and self celebrity in the digital age.
Selected Videography
A Modest Study in the Sexual Awakening of Britney Spears (5 Part Series), 2011
Haul Bloggers: Transitional, Descriptive, and Exclamatory Statements, 2011
Scene Tutorials, 2011
Official Grind, 2011
Death Metal Whip My Hair Tribute, 2011
Cake Walk It Out, 2011
Booty Meat (Entering), 2010
Booty Meat (Exiting), 2010
Reaction 1, 2010
Reaction 2, 2010
Reaction 3, 2010
Reaction 4, 2010
Panda Sneeze Reaction, 2010
Girls Who Havn’t Posted In A While, 2010
Boy’s Who Havn’t Posted In A While, 2010
Just Saying Hey, 2010
Bully/Hater, 2010
Angry Gamers, 2010
Wedding Thriller, 2010
He-once, 2010
Stripper Shoe, 2009
The Glitter Dick Soliloquy, 2009
Phonejacker, 2009
Pleasure in Looking, 2007
New General Bio/Statement
Nia Burks is interested in the roles of memory, archive and popularity in the digital age. Her work addresses these subjects through the use of appropriated footage found on the Internet. She aims to call into question how we, as a populace, determine what is worth recording, saving and distributing. Her work uses humor as a tool to respectfully and humbly ask why we are compelled to create permanent external memory and how that desire will effect what is deemed important or noteworthy in our lives personally, and in mainstream digital culture.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Scene Tutorials
Project Synopsis:
My interest in social history and anthropology in the digital age has lead me to in-depth research in origins of social movements in the United States. I have become particular interested in Scene and Emo culture and its roots in Goth. As an American artist residing in the East Berlin neighborhood of Friedrichain, the German Gruftis and post punk culture is indeed inherently different from American interpretations of the movement. I made Scene Tutorials to be one particular interpretation of how cultures can change through time, space, and language. My particular curiosity lies in the projection of the participant’s own role in their lifestyle through digital media.
Artist Statement:
Scene Tutorials is a video loop of appropriated footage consisting of self proclaimed "scene kids" demonstrating proper hair and makeup tips that fall in like with the Scene lifestyle. Usually lacking in verbal description in favor of their favorite song, young girls go through the motions of their daily beauty regimen for the educational benefit of their viewers on YouTube. Heavy eyeliner, side swept bangs and androcentrism have often been associated with the Scene lifestyle.
Scene Tutorials aims to call into focus contemporary interpretations of this subculture with regards to its roots in ideas of goth. Mood and aesthetic still appear to be of utmost importance, however, a sense of history becomes lost in youth culture (and arguably American) interpretations of the lifestyle. Overtones of cute are meant to exist in sharp, yet neutral, contrast to the stereotypes associated with its goth ties. Scene Tutorials is a single example among many, which illustrates an intersection of goth, youth culture in the digital age, and modern aesthetic adaptations of previous social movements.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Role of Memory
I found this website that does optically real paintings of any pictures you send in. It takes like 17 days or something to produce the work, then they ship it out. I find it really interesting that the people have chosen paintings to symbolize that which they do not want to forget. Like the photo (or even the memory) isnt real enough. A painting is needed in order to establish the importance of the subject. It reminds me of just about everything I was ever taught about commissioned paintings in art history. Paintings were commissioned to emphasize status and importance. They were purchased by the rich. Now theyre 149€.
So its like this:
- Event happens.
- Event documented with digital camera.
- Digital photo sent to paintyourlife.com
- Paintyourlife.com paints, in oil usually, an optically real rendering of said photo of said event.
- Your "original" work of "art" is shipped out.
So lemme get this straight. You have the EXACT same image reproduced, nothing changed except the medium, pixels to paint, thats it. (Part of the marketing emphasizes the fact that its a realistic rendering, same as life). At that point, the event, the subject, the document seems to become elevated, that is to say, more important; more regal and stately than the simple camera.
Funny how thats switched back and forth over time. Long ago, the elite had their paintings commissioned, then after the advent of the camera, they commissioned photographs, now the painting (the analog, if you will?) has made its way back, except that you dont have to be rich to have one done.....its no different than a digital lab blowing up a photo, except that its painting.....which makes it more important.
A notable testimonial:
The commissioning of a painting can be a commodity, no longer limited to the elite. Not only that, but they make it look exactly like the picture. WTF!? I need to do one of these cheap commissions of a something that will be easily forgotten, like Boo or Antoine Dodson. Most of the paintings on the companies website are of something or someone that is important to the patron. What if it wasnt? What it it was one of these stately oil paintings of an internet meme, soon to be forgotten, or maybe already forgotten?
I'd also like to point out that these paintings ive been looking at are posed like sears portrait studio shots, which are also cheap and easy. or snapshot photography. Neither of which lends itself to the idea of the commissioned portrait. whats with this trend of the cheap and fast being used to preserve that which is supposedly super super important to someone?
"This is the most important dog ever, i love my dog, my dog is so important to me! I need to have his portrait hung in my house forever! Now make sure its done in an hour....."
Also note that painting a person is, on average, $5 more than a pet. (ie- $71 for an 8x10 pet portrait, $76 for an 8x10 human portrait).
Some of my favorite paintings are the one that the "artist" painted in evidence of a flash....hahahaha!
http://www.paintmyphotonow.com/
http://www.paintyourlife.com
So its like this:
- Event happens.
- Event documented with digital camera.
- Digital photo sent to paintyourlife.com
- Paintyourlife.com paints, in oil usually, an optically real rendering of said photo of said event.
- Your "original" work of "art" is shipped out.
So lemme get this straight. You have the EXACT same image reproduced, nothing changed except the medium, pixels to paint, thats it. (Part of the marketing emphasizes the fact that its a realistic rendering, same as life). At that point, the event, the subject, the document seems to become elevated, that is to say, more important; more regal and stately than the simple camera.
Funny how thats switched back and forth over time. Long ago, the elite had their paintings commissioned, then after the advent of the camera, they commissioned photographs, now the painting (the analog, if you will?) has made its way back, except that you dont have to be rich to have one done.....its no different than a digital lab blowing up a photo, except that its painting.....which makes it more important.
A notable testimonial:
| "My husband took a picture of this castle in Killarney Ireland. It is Ross castle. We loved the picture so much that we wanted it painted. Here it is painted and it looks just like the picture. Every time I look at this painting it will always remind us of our unforgettable trip. Thank you for making a permanent vacation for us. Patricia Overton" | |
| Patricia Overton , GA, United States, |
The commissioning of a painting can be a commodity, no longer limited to the elite. Not only that, but they make it look exactly like the picture. WTF!? I need to do one of these cheap commissions of a something that will be easily forgotten, like Boo or Antoine Dodson. Most of the paintings on the companies website are of something or someone that is important to the patron. What if it wasnt? What it it was one of these stately oil paintings of an internet meme, soon to be forgotten, or maybe already forgotten?
I'd also like to point out that these paintings ive been looking at are posed like sears portrait studio shots, which are also cheap and easy. or snapshot photography. Neither of which lends itself to the idea of the commissioned portrait. whats with this trend of the cheap and fast being used to preserve that which is supposedly super super important to someone?
"This is the most important dog ever, i love my dog, my dog is so important to me! I need to have his portrait hung in my house forever! Now make sure its done in an hour....."
Also note that painting a person is, on average, $5 more than a pet. (ie- $71 for an 8x10 pet portrait, $76 for an 8x10 human portrait).
Some of my favorite paintings are the one that the "artist" painted in evidence of a flash....hahahaha!
http://www.paintmyphotonow.com/
http://www.paintyourlife.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Self Absorbed, Selfish Artist Manifesto (in no particular order)
1. Never complain to the public or art community about money. Complain in the company of friends as a way to blow off steam, otherwise its unprofessional and tacky.
2. Just shut up and work.
3. I don't like very much art, and I like artists even less.
4. The art world is even more cruel than the creative process. Accept this. Move forward.
5. Art thats about "sticking it to" something (ie- the man, money, capitalism, Barack Obama) does nothing.
6. The past work is in the past. Growth is constant. Referencing any past work in current discussion is moot.
7. The artist makes the work. The critic writes about it. End of discussion.
8. One liners aren't given enough credit. Sometimes.
9. Being too broke to make the art that lives in your head happen is not a good enough excuse.
10. Stop making art about your genitals, and your identity.
11. If you feel comfortable, its time to move on.
12. You will work longer and harder than almost any other field for much much less.
13. You are here to make friends. Drink up. It helps.
14. Distance yourself from the toxic, and the toxic that cant be avoided should be encountered with a HazMat suit. Remember the HazMat suit.
15. Don't show work for the sake of showing work.
16. Fear should be 1/2 of why you do what you do.
2. Just shut up and work.
3. I don't like very much art, and I like artists even less.
4. The art world is even more cruel than the creative process. Accept this. Move forward.
5. Art thats about "sticking it to" something (ie- the man, money, capitalism, Barack Obama) does nothing.
6. The past work is in the past. Growth is constant. Referencing any past work in current discussion is moot.
7. The artist makes the work. The critic writes about it. End of discussion.
8. One liners aren't given enough credit. Sometimes.
9. Being too broke to make the art that lives in your head happen is not a good enough excuse.
10. Stop making art about your genitals, and your identity.
11. If you feel comfortable, its time to move on.
12. You will work longer and harder than almost any other field for much much less.
13. You are here to make friends. Drink up. It helps.
14. Distance yourself from the toxic, and the toxic that cant be avoided should be encountered with a HazMat suit. Remember the HazMat suit.
15. Don't show work for the sake of showing work.
16. Fear should be 1/2 of why you do what you do.
Official Grind
Official Grind featuring Peer Pressure, Wet Dream Boiz, Fantasy Boyz and others. Music is Late Nite Special by Pretty Ricky.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
"I've been whippin my hair since like 1981!!!!!"
I just made an all female death metal tribute to Willow Smith's Whip my hair. Heres a still. Epica is my new favorite Dutch metal band.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Owl Symbolism in Contemporary Popular Hip Hop Culture
(New Subject, but itll all relate, i swear)
I recently heard an NPR talk about Jay-Z, then immediately after I saw his interview on Charlie Rose. In it, he talked about his origins and how they related to and contributed to the dialogue of the origins of hip hop. Jay-Z has a book out, which I need to buy immediately. There is also another book called "Big Payback: The History and Business of Hip Hop" (very important).
The hip hop industry (music side) brings in about $1billion per year, while the fashion/branding side makes about $2billion. Images and brands are a very important part of the culture.
(Bringing it all together)
I chose to use the owl and its associations as a jumping off point to start a series of small portraits of todays biggest rappers and their brand associations. We'll see where this goes. At this point, its mainly just formal. I dont know what its going to lead to. Because the last 30 years of development of rap were pretty substantial, I've decided I need to limit myself to 5 or 6, and they have to be alive and popular today. Products of the groundwork their predecessors have laid. So far I have Jay-Z. Next, Im doing Nicki Minaj. I have a few more......narrowing between Lil Wayne, Kanye West, 50 cent, Eminem, Missy Elliot, TI, and Snoop Dogg (still!).
This is one of the only business i can think of that not only dresses the people, but addresses them too.
This is one of the only business i can think of that not only dresses the people, but addresses them too.
I am obsessed with the concept of "cool". Mark Zuckerburg said that cool is a priceless asset you should never give up. This all feeds into a larger context.....youth culture, real time web, originality, the idea of the archive......
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Arrived. Day 1.
My initial reaction is this: I am freezing and I want to keep my door shut all the time because it'll stay warmer that way, but i worry that ill come across as anti social in this extremely community oriented residency. Everyone seems really nice so far.
The public transport in Europe puts America to shame. So does the higher education system. Enough said.
Tomorrow I go to the grocery, prepare some shit for a community pot luck, and I start working. First thing to knock out is the Urlesque video thats longlong overdue. I hope to knock it out in about 12 hours.
I have this urge to take this time, right now, right this second and immerse myself into making something immediately, but I know that these initial social interactions will make or break my relationship with these people very fast. I want to go to a thrift store i found, buy food, get something to make this place look somewhat like a home, get some essential art supplies, and then fucking get to it. I dont know what I want to get to so bad, but i just do. I may make a sketch tonight.
Sean has added himself to the list of folks coming out. I want everyone on earth to travel here and everywhere else for that matter, but I worry how its gonna effect the studio practice already. I trust that my friends can entertain themselves for a few hours each day to let me work.
Niakunsthaus. The very bare essentials.
The public transport in Europe puts America to shame. So does the higher education system. Enough said.
Tomorrow I go to the grocery, prepare some shit for a community pot luck, and I start working. First thing to knock out is the Urlesque video thats longlong overdue. I hope to knock it out in about 12 hours.
I have this urge to take this time, right now, right this second and immerse myself into making something immediately, but I know that these initial social interactions will make or break my relationship with these people very fast. I want to go to a thrift store i found, buy food, get something to make this place look somewhat like a home, get some essential art supplies, and then fucking get to it. I dont know what I want to get to so bad, but i just do. I may make a sketch tonight.
Sean has added himself to the list of folks coming out. I want everyone on earth to travel here and everywhere else for that matter, but I worry how its gonna effect the studio practice already. I trust that my friends can entertain themselves for a few hours each day to let me work.
Niakunsthaus. The very bare essentials.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Berlin Travels Start Today.
Funny how reading through this blog makes me totally embarrassed; almost the same feeling i get when i read my diaries from high school. Jack Wax said that the artistic process is half fear, half doubt that that if you're not totally embarrassed by the product that you put forth to the world, then you waited too long. The creative process is ruthless bitch. Kind of like the people at H&R Block.
Anyway, when I found out I got the residency at Takt, I immediately changed my iGoogle page to a "Berlin Wallpaper". I never knew, or cared to know the building that was shown on my email wallpaper page. As it turns out, its Hauptbahnhof, the largest train station in all of Europe. Its also my first stop after the airport. Should be fun to navigate that shit in a language I dont understand.
I leave in 40 minutes.
Here is my google page.
Heres a streetview photo of Hauptbahnhof. Funny how that worked out.
Anyway, when I found out I got the residency at Takt, I immediately changed my iGoogle page to a "Berlin Wallpaper". I never knew, or cared to know the building that was shown on my email wallpaper page. As it turns out, its Hauptbahnhof, the largest train station in all of Europe. Its also my first stop after the airport. Should be fun to navigate that shit in a language I dont understand.
I leave in 40 minutes.
Here is my google page.
Heres a streetview photo of Hauptbahnhof. Funny how that worked out.
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