For People Who Love Bad News

Just a quick note... one of my very favorite Portland bands has a new record coming out. The Helio Sequence is pretty amazing. I've seen them not once, not twice, but three times live and they have never disappointed me. Their new album titled Keep Your Eyes Ahead comes out January 29. Be sure to have a listen. These two guys always amaze me. The drummer toured with Modest Mouse after the release of their album Good News For People Who Love Bad News. My Helio Sequence favorites include 'let it fall apart' (my most favorite favorite), 'hallelujah', 'lately', and 'the harmonic song'.

It's been a crazy week. Two oral presentations in one class, a paper, a math test... I blinked and the week had passed me by. It is a relief to have a bit of a break over the weekend. Going out for chinese at The Golden Horse with friends, and then visiting the Colville St. Patisserie afterwards made for a great end to a hard week. Nico and I went thrift store shopping and to a boutique which we barely got out of without going broke. It's been decided that seva boutique is a dangerous place for either of us when we have money, whether it be for spending or bills... very cute clothes though.

I've been making some prints in my printmaking class and I might post some of the better ones if I ever get the time to do so. Happy Sabbath!

Urnes Portal

Whoa. Two weeks flew by and I didn't even notice. School has started once again, and the struggle to balance my personal life, school, and work has begun yet once more. I am spending most of my free time alone studying, buried under pre-calc and world literature books, trying to understand yet another ancient foreign culture... most of the time it's greek to me. Literally. I am shocked at times how modern some works sound. There are these ancient egyptian poems that sound just like something one of my friends would say to me. I wish I knew who wrote the poems. They are so old that no one knows. I usually hate poetry, but this I liked. It wasn't cliché and sappy like most things I am forced to endure.

Of all my classes, I would have to say that I am enjoying Printmaking with Martha Mason, and History of World Art with Tom Emmerson. I really like learning about the origins of art and seeing different styles repeat themselves throughout the ages with different artists' interpretations. Right now we are looking at the period in Post-Roman Europe, the beginning of medieval times. There are a lot of animals used in very intricate carvings, the lettering in the Book of Kells from Ireland, everything is very ornate and seem to have lots long twisting vines and whorls. My favourite piece right now is part of a church door, called a portal. It is from the stave church in Urnes, Norway. I see it's influence in pieces from the victorian/art deco periods. I love the dog that is biting something that looks like a snake or a vine. I haven't decided. I like the joints of the dog, how they are curled lines. This is a stamp with the Urnes stave church portal. I just love the dog's eyes too. So big!



I think I may have come up with the perfect 5-year plan. I'm pretty psyched! Hopefully it will work out, seeing as I make plans all the time and they don't pan out.

Lately I have been listening to a lot of Nelly Furtado. Embarassing, but true. To make up for it, I've been listening to a lot of Royksopp, Arcade Fire, Seabear, and Electralane. Song I'm currently in love with is 'The Story' by Brandi Carlile. (thanks t!)

A Single Hand Writing Several Stories

"We seem to find comfort in categories and peace in placement. The world moves quickly around us. There are so many variables, and unanswered questions. Who? What? When? And more importantly why? We feel like we constantly need to pick a side and stick with it... whether it be politically, socially, or artistically. Despite the fact that our outlooks and philosophies are ever changing with each passing day. I have struggled with this often through the years, taking one facet of myself—both personally and creatively—and holding onto it so tightly, until there was nothing but ash in my hand. Who would i be without a definite description? A tangible tag line? The weight of one question can be enough to make a back break."

-taken from 'a single hand' by Her Space Holiday

I'm tired of limiting myself, ignore all my other creative options. I keep putting myself in a box, when all my ideas don't just fit into one category. I'm tired of forcing creativity in on category, and repressing any ideas that come up in other areas. Creativity is fleeting, even though some would disagree that there is a definite science to it. Unless I change something soon, I fear I will be left with nothing.

I'm tired of limitations, and limiting myself because of what I think others think that i can or can't do. Just a thought, inspired by an amazing song/monologue. Her Space Holiday is amazing. Go to their Myspace profile to hear how the above selection ends. Thought provoking. I am intrigued.