Isotoners

There are so many stories behind this photo...let me rephrase that: There are so many stories behind the elements in this photo. None of them interesting I'm sure, except to me. Regardless, I'll continue.

I went to great lengths to save the chair you see in this photo. I bought it at Salvation Army to go with my desk and the colors matched beautifully. When I moved, there was limited space for all of the items I acquired while working at Salvation Army. Much to my dismay, my parents and my boyfriend convinced me to leave it behind in the old apartment. But, I couldn't let it go. It bothered me that I no longer had it and after much swaying, I was able to get the boyf to get back into the apt. to get it! I definitely got holes in those tights behind the knee from that chair and as much as I hate when tights get holes in them, I think it was worth it for this photograph! 

It was taken by one of my closest friends, Emily. We were both enrolled in the photography program at Grand Valley and bonded through our trials and tribulations at college. You should definitely check out her flickr page. She has a great style and has been featured on the band OAR's website as well as Habitat for Humanity.

I love that the focus is on the gloves. Those are actually what they call a "rag-out" at Salvation Army. The palms are pretty damaged but I loved these style of these gloves and since I caught them before they were ragged-out, I only had to pay 99 cents for them! Well, less than that if you include my discount. I've come to learn that they're called Isotoners and found another knit pair in some winter accessories my Grandpa's wife left behind when she moved to Florida (one of which I recently lost!). This photo was actually taken in my Grandpa's condo. It's been vacant for some time...Oh my goodness, one purposeless story leads to another. 

Still, it can be interesting to learn how things come to pass. Perhaps I've eluded the mystery, but oftentimes, we are merely presented with the result and never become aware of the stories behind the conclusion. There's a story behind the shoes as well, but now I think enough is enough. 

Hat > thrifted

Coat > on sale at Urban Outfitters

Dress > Forever 21

Gloves > thrifted

Tights > gift

Shoes > Moda Spana via DSW

Neige.

Kleines glück (happines in little things). 

I'm currently reading the memoir of Roma Ligocka, cousin of Roman Polanski, entitled The Girl in the Red Coat.  It begins with her as a 3 year old girl living in the Krakaw Ghetto. She describes the horrific life she endured as a young impressionable child with innocence and simplicity. Through the pure heart of a little girl, vile and disturbing events are recounted. This juxtaposition is incredibly heart-wrenching. No person ever should have been subjected to the horrors that were witnessed under the Nazi regime, let alone a child.

Growing up in middle America, it's difficult to imagine the extent of the hideousness of the Holocaust. It's fascinating to me that with all that was going on around her, Roma was still able to appreciate aspects of her life. To find kleines glück. If she was able to do it, there's absolutely no reason we shouldn't be able to do the same.

The Apple Orchard

Growing up, the area I lived in was filled with fields and apple orchards. Since then, the Mom and Pop stores have all but disappeared in favor of the Wal-Marts and Dairy Queens. It's quite unfortunate, really. As the surrounding area of my home had once inspired wonderment and imagination in a child it know stirs feelings of resentment and discontentment in an adult. Perhaps, this change in sentiment could be attributed to age, however, I still find myself searching for the character that has become hidden in my own hometown. I believe, it's the photographer in me that attempts to discover the beauty in places and objects that isn't always apparent to others-to reveal the hidden aesthetics. For me, the more character and mystery, the more beautiful.

At least the orchard still exists! Even if the country store doesn't.

The Violent Femmes- Gone Daddy Gone

Photos courtesy of Ben Dehaan. 

This is easily my favorite photograph of his from our shoot together. You should check out his Holga and Architecture sets on flickr. You'll find some pretty incredible photos there. 

Negative Space

This recent snowstorm has gotten a lot of people down. Life is already a series of trials and tribulations without these copious amounts of snow creating yet another roadblock (quite literally and figuratively). The darkness in the winter months can be overwhelming and consuming. Much like in these dark, depressing photos, but beauty and aesthetics can be found in both.

I've always had a penchant for silhouettes and high contrast photos; anyone who has seen my undergraduate thesis can verify that. I'm somewhat convinced that it's a result of an early childhood memory; my father's car headlights shining through my shutters and traveling across the room as he descended down the driveway in the early morning hours for work. It's never pleasant to have your sleep interrupted, but if I awoke before he left, I would wait until he did leave just so that I could watch this simple, yet impressive, phenomena. As a child who was afraid of the dark, i believe it was this illuminating delight that sparked my wonder and interest in the quality of light. 

Collage

I have all these great collages that I want to share. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the paper exceed the dimensions of the scanner; so, the images are a bit cut off. Until I figure out a better way to make them digital- this will have to do. Here is a representation of the first collage.

Perhaps I'll work up to my own designs; but for now, these outlined silhouettes suit me just fine.

Harry Belafonte- Mama, Look a Boo Boo