Friday, December 25, 2015

Artist of the Week: Artie Vierkant


It's that time of week again, and just in time for Christmas! Through the madness that has ensued in my life in preparation of the busy holiday, I managed to come across another new artist: Artie Vierkant.


 Although I only recently noticed Vierkrant this past week, I find his style of art to be fascinating. Each piece seems to tell a different story through vibrant colors in his distinguished sculptures and exhibit displays.


The shades and hues that make up each work of art add to the overall attraction. Different color schemes and layouts keep the eyes going back for even more to see. From spray-paint patterns to geometric designs, each piece has its own unique flair. 


Aside from capturing different paths of light and prisms of color, Vierkant uses his art to create puzzle-like pieces out of realistic images. While he still seems to use vibrancy in the majority of his creations, he still has a solid grasp on the concept of using both gray-scale and the idea of realistic imagery.


From what I've seen, I admire Vierkant's media and ideas. While his website might not have much information to offer, it still has a good amount of his art on display that can be viewed here.

Happy holidays!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

7 Good Reads


With Christmas Day less than 48 hours away, things have been getting rather stressful in my house. Cooking, cleaning, gift wrapping and last minute shopping endeavors have been consuming each and every hour.

With the minimal times of relaxation that I do have in times of chaos, getting lost in a good book is usually at the top of my to-do list. Because of the limited time that I have within the next few days, here is a list of some of my favorite books that you might be able to snag soon (with schedules permitting).

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic story of love and learning, and forever one of my favorites.

2. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Another timeless tale written by Jane Austen, a wonderful author with even better content.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
If you've seen the movie but haven't yet read the book, I highly recommend doing so. Being in high school can be a confusing and difficult time, which Chbosky portrays beautifully.

4. The Works of Edgar Allan Poe (Volumes 1-5) by Edgar Allan Poe
As a poetry snob, I have always admired Poe and his mysterious mannerisms. From "Annabel Lee" to "The Fall of the House of Usher," each piece is sure to leave you hanging off of the edge of your seat.

5. The Works of Lord Byron (Volumes 1-6) by Lord Byron
Byron's poems are not as dark as Poe's and tend to have more romantic ideas involved. As on of my favorite poets, I could read each piece again and again.

6. The Shining by Stephen King
King flawlessly writes his books with a sense of mystique that leaves readers with chills. If you haven't taken the time to immerse yourself in this classic, I highly recommend that you do.

7.  Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
A perfect book about a girl that we can all relate to at one point or another.

Of course, the list could go on and on. Once things start to slow down and I can indulge myself with some more reads, I'll make sure to come here and share my discoveries.


Saturday, December 19, 2015

Artist of the Week: Kerstin Brätsch


With the chaos of my first semester of my sophomore year in college coming to an end and the holidays in full gear, I've finally managed to find some time to sit at my computer screen and compose my thoughts (and myself) together. This week, I thought that I would feature German painter Kerstin Brätsch.


Brätsch is someone that I have only recently come across. Regardless, that doesn't prevent some of her pieces from being among my top favorites already. The young artist has already become a big part of the art world, with some of her pieces featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.


To say that her work is eye-catching would be an understatement. Her art has so much emotion and volition put into it that you can see it by a mere glance. With every stroke of paint, there is a deeper meaning just beyond the eye's grasp. Unlike other artists, Brätsch's pieces differ in color schemes, patterns, and general themes. While her work remains abstract, she tends to incorporate various styles and themes throughout her creations.


I can honestly say that I am more than thankful for coming across such a creative soul. With every untamed line and splotch of color, each piece is just as good as the next (if not better).



Sunday, December 13, 2015

Climbing the Obstacle of Writer's Block


My mind seems to be a place full of every thought imaginable. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I'm constantly thinking (in fact, that might be an understatement). I'm curious and have undeniable hunger pangs to learn about anything and everything—so why do I come across writer's block as often as I do?

I used to turn my music off only to turn it on again (in which the cycle would usually repeat itself), because I would put the blame on sound as a distraction. I would cut everyone and everything off until my brain found some solid footing to bounce ideas off of.

Over time, I have realized that these interruptions haven't been what has hindered me from connecting two and two in my writing. If anything, they have probably helped me come up with words in many different cases.

As of lately, I tend to attribute this obstacle in my thought patterns to the fact that I find it difficult to land on just one topic to write about. Because I always want to write about every little thing, it's not uncommon that I find myself mashing four different topics together until it sounds like a pile of absolute rubbish.

Putting so many thoughts and ideas into one piece makes it look like I wasn't even thinking at all. At times, it looks as if I might as well have sat down and put "¯\_(ツ)_/¯" because that's exactly what it feels like.

So, how do I move past such cringe-worthy moments?

The ironic thing about my writer's block is that I generally find myself writing to overcome it. I jot down some ideas onto paper in an attempt to piece them together. Whether I decide to use them all is to be determined until I mold them into one productive plan. I have slowly (but surely) been finding that lists are a vital tool to utilize in life.

I have also found that mindless phone apps and casual Internet scrolling in my free time have given me some of the greatest inspirations. In reality, it would have originally been the last place that I would have looked.

Thinking less and meditating more is one thing that has also been a stepping stone for me. Recently, I wrote about how overthinking is something that I deal with on a 24/7 basis. Perhaps the reason that I have decided on this notion is because, with less thoughts to deal with, there are infinite ideas to discover.

How do you deal with writer's block?


Friday, December 11, 2015

Artist of the Week: Charmaine Olivia


This week's artist is someone who I'm actually surprised that I haven't mentioned earlier. I first started following Charmaine Olivia on Instagram (@charmaineolivia) about a year ago and have been keeping up with her exquisite work ever since.


I have been a huge fan of the oil painter for quite some time now. The way that she is able to bring such vibrant colors together in the most elegant way possible is a talent that I envy greatly.

 

While Charmaine Olivia primarily paints portraits of other people, she does occasionally add her own twist to items and figures found in the everyday world around us.


As I mentioned earlier, she has a keen sense for painting delicate portraits of many different people, especially pop culture icons like Marilyn Monroe, who is used in quite a few. Other famous muses used include two of my favorite celebrities: Johnny Depp and Lana Del Rey.


Hands down, Charmaine Olivia is one artist that I highly favor in today's day and age. If you like what you see, take a look at her pristine website www.charmaineolivia.com to peek at her gallery, follow her on social media and potentially purchase some paintings.
 

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

  
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an enthralling film starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as the two main characters. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that they portray two people who think that they have fallen apart, until drastic measures are taken and all they really want to do is have their love put back together once again. (I highly recommend it as one of my favorites. However, in case you decide to look up the trailer on YouTube, it is most definitely not a "romantic comedy" like it suggestsit is actually rather sad.)

Long story short, an anguished man longs to forget his lost love until his memories begin to be erased. It is only as his mind relives them that he decides that, no matter the pain he faces thinking of what was and what could have been, he wouldn't trade his memories with his old flame for the world.

Poet Alexander Pope also once wrote, "How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

Of course, something like this is not necessarily feasible in reality. Our memories can't ever be erased, no matter how much we might wish it. But what if we had the opportunity to?

Would you choose a lifetime of rain over one that you never knew existed? How desperate would you be to go back and re-live the times that you favor (or regret) the most? Would you choose to move on, or stay cemented in thoughts?

I have been toying with this post in my mind for a bit now, trying to determine just where I want to place my overall focus. After much consideration, I have decided that I want to put some perspective on the notion of risk.

What exhilaration is there in life without the fear taking a chance here and there?

Say for instance, we could erase everything. Take back everything we wish we had never said, avoid meeting people who ended up being toxic to us, forget every piece of sadness to ever touch our lives. How would we learn?

There is no harm in reminiscing, but there is some danger in living vicariously through our memories. Remaining in what once was, it can be hard to move forward. Thoughts can rust away, but they never truly can diminish in themselves.

So, in theory, if you had the opportunity to "erase" every memory that you wish that you could–would you?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Don't Downsize Depression


I am very close to a lot of different people who suffer from depression. It is hard to see loved ones struggle from an illness that they cannot control, especially when all that you want them to know is how much you love and care for them. We may not understand why they are hurting, but there is a good chance that they don't, either.

Just because you cannot see their pain does not mean that it does not exist. The wind cannot be seen, yet it still exists. Thoughts cannot be heard, but they remain nonetheless. Pain may not necessarily be seen, but it might feel like the stabbing of one million knives.

Do not diminish another person's anguish because you cannot see what they are going through. The mind can be a beautiful place, but it can also be torturous to many. You have no idea what another person is really thinking, so don't find it acceptable to demean them for what they have to say.

Do not ever call a victim of depression weak, because they are some of the strongest people to walk the planet. Every smile that they make is a moment in which they choose to let light into their lives. Every day that they wake up is another day that they choose to live.

Often times, internal struggles are far more difficult to cope with than external. Whether they are open with you about their pain or not, let the people that you care about know that you are always there for them. Assure them that they have a shoulder to cry on, even on their toughest days.

You do not get to tell anyone what they can and cannot feel. The only time in which you have the right to that is with yourself. Instead, you can offer guidance to those who feel lost. Offer release to them, talk with them, be with them. 

Sometimes, the only thing that we can do is listen. Besides simply lending a helping hand, reach out with your heart as well. Listen to what they have to say. Listen to why they feel the way they do. As much as you would like to do for them, hearing what they have to say is among the most important initial steps.

If you suffer from depression or someone close to you does, remember: "Tough days don't last–tough people do."



Sunday, December 6, 2015

Confessions of a Perpetual Overthinker

 
Overthinking is something that I deal with on a daily basis. I know that I'm not the only one, but it can get awfully frustrating when so many thoughts flood my mind day in and day out. When anxiety, excitement, worry and happiness are felt at the same time, I have no idea what to think at all.

I am probably one of the most curious people that you will ever meet. I love learning new things and exploring different ideas. However, this can be one thing that only adds to my swirling mind. I get so fidgety and distracted by the simplest of matters, which tends to only make things worse.

Perhaps I am such an overthinker because I have a lot to say, but do not know how to express all of it. As an artist and a person with an imaginative spirit, I have so many ideas that I want to communicate. Rather than talking about them all of the time, I tend to put them into writing or imagery. Even though others might not understand, it makes all of the sense in the world to me, which is what truly matters.

I worry about matters that don't need to be worried about at all and have doubt about a lot of things, especially in myself. I get nervous about everything that I shouldn't, making it hard to distinguish important circumstances from minor ones. I feel like there is a pit in the bottom of my stomach that never goes away, just because of how I feel the majority of the time.

The only way to really describe such thinking patterns is that it sucks. It's hard to deal with, and it's even harder to get over. My worst enemy is myself a lot of times, and it can seem like an impossible cycle to escape from.

One thing that really helps me in taming my restless head is turning my thoughts into creations. I write down just about everything that comes to mind, and it is something that helps a ton. Being able to physically look at and read just what is going through my head can be a comforting concept, especially when there are so many different things going on at once. I keep a journal (or at least something that I can write in) with me at all times, because I know that I will get the urge to write at least something down, even if it is only a few words.

Meditation is also a wonderful way to calm myself down. Even just a few minutes of solidarity and quiet allows me to get in touch with myself once again. Ignoring the chaos that is the world around us for even a short time can make all the difference. 

I guess that the primary reason that I'm choosing to write all of this today is for that very reason. It's so easy to fall into silly patterns in life, especially ones like overthinking. If you struggle with similar problems as this, remember this: if the issues that you are facing won't matter even a short time from now, then they aren't worth getting worked up about today.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Artist of the Week: Lawrence Weiner

In search of a new artist to showcase this week (and also to peak my personal interest), I came across Lawrence Weiner. With a bit of a different style, the New York resident expresses his creativity through typography.
 
Using different fonts and phrases to cover the walls of his exhibitions, Weiner allows a person to read and comprehend what they are seeing, rather than absorbing a visual image into their mind.
Up until today, I have never really discussed my interest in typography. I have been interested in the art form for quite some time now, and I could not be more thrilled that I came across Weiner to share in this post. The phrases and words that he strings together, combined with simple color here and there, have so much more meaning than there appears to be. 
I actually found it incredibly difficult to pick just a few pictures that I wanted to attach to this post. I saved about twenty files before realizing it might be a bit excessive to add them all. (But really, is there such a thing as excess in the world of art?)
 
Perhaps the most crucial lesson that Weiner represents in his art, is that there is no limit to artistic expression.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Stop Idolizing Kylie Jenner


Unless you have lived under a rock for the past year or two, there is a pretty good chance that you are familiar with the Kardashian/Jenner family. You know, the one that gets ultra glamorous with their daily make-up teams and "momager" Kris who makes sure their lives always have a hint of drama? Yeah, that family.

In case you somehow are not familiar with them, media figures Kourtney, Rob, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian are the children of Kris Jenner and the late Robert Kardashian, who was OJ Simpson's attorney during his 1995 murder trial.

Although they are divorced as of 2014, Kris Jenner and retired American track star Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) have two children together, Kendall and Kylie Jenner (try saying all of these names ten times fast). The twenty-year old and the eighteen-year old have started to outshine their older sisters with modelling contracts and, as Kylie has clearly demonstrated, plumped lips.

Truth be told, I have no real problem with the Kardashian/Jenner family. I do not care how Kim initially made her claim to fame and I have no real opinion on what they do. In fact, I was someone who kept up with their dramatic shenanigans on their popular television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians once upon a time. They are simply a family in the media who gets paid for what they do on a daily basis, and I do not have anything awful to say about them.

However, in recent months, I have become more than sick of seeing the youngest sibling, Kylie, being idolized by the media. Yes, she has botox-enhanced lips, making them much fuller than average. Yes, she is apparently dating twenty-six year old rapper Tyga. But there is absolutely no reason for everyone to go crazy over a few dramatic features and aspects of her life.

I guess the real reason that I am going on and on about all of this is because after the recent attacks in Paris, I went online to stay in touch with the bombings and find out the whole story as it was unraveling. While doing so, I went on Facebook in hopes that I might also find some posts there that would educate me further on the situation. I took a look at the side bar that Facebook offers with recent updates in the world, and found nothing about Paris. Instead, all that I saw were "urgent" (more like infuriating) posts about a dress that Kylie had worn on a date with Tyga. Seriously?!

Amidst tragedy and fear, the media was solely concerned about what an eighteen-year old had worn to some expensive date with her boyfriend. Call me crazy, but there is something seriously wrong with this picture. It seems like everyday I see another post about what another dress she wore or another statement she made on another red carpet.

The most recent stunt that the media has put on blast is Kylie's latest photo shoot for Interview Magazine, in which the teen posed in a wheelchair as a fashion statement. Many have found this to be offensive, and rightly so.  

All in all, I am just getting tired of seeing headline after headline and hearing about Kylie Jenner with everything else going on in the world. Do not get me wrong, I have nothing against Kylie as a person. I have never met her, so I cannot really say anything as to how she truly acts or responds. What I do have a problem with is how the media has been seemingly worshiping her when there are much bigger matters to worry about at hand. Of course, this is true with many celebrities, it is just that this is one figure who I have been seeing the most about lately.

Rant over.




Tuesday, December 1, 2015

25 Ways to Get Into the Christmas Spirit


This post is a little out of my normal range of posts, but December 1st has finally arrived, which means that Christmas cheer is about to get kicked up a notch. This is my absolute favorite time of year, so I cannot wait to celebrate as much as I can. 

Feeling extra "grinchy" this year? Here are some ways to boost your holiday spirits.

1. ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas"
Every day through Christmas, ABC Family has a nonstop lineup of Christmas movies from early in the morning until late at night. With movies like Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the possibilities are endless. You can view the entire movie line-up for the 2016 Christmas season here. 

2. Classic Christmas cartoons.
Of course, you can't simply forget Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, or Frosty the Snowman, either. 

3. Baking holiday treats.
Because who doesn't love Christmas cookies and cranberry nut bread? Find some of the most delicious recipes for holiday goodies here.

4. Buying presents.
With the season of Christmas comes the season of giving. Giving family and friends presents is probably one of my favorite things about this time of year, and with Cyber Monday only a few days ago, some websites like Amazon.com have them available all week long. Of course, even if you are not able to snag a good deal this week, plenty of stores keep them popping up all month long.

5. Wrapping presents.
To be honest, I love wrapping presents but am dreadful when it comes to putting sheets of wrapping paper and Scotch tape together to make something look pretty. If you are the same way or simply want cute and creative ideas, check out this ultimate gift wrapping guide.

6. Keeping a countdown (or twenty).
Planners, laptops, cell phones, white boards and calendars make great places to keep as many countdowns as you want. (I may or may not have round twelve at the moment.)

7. Constant Christmas music.
From Mariah Carey to Bruce Springsteen, it can be hard to grow tired of the seasonal classics. Spotify has some pretty great playlists, too. Try looking up "Merry Christmas: The Best Holiday Music" on your account to spruce up your day.

8. Decorating.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or whatever you want! Tinsel, bells, wreaths, snowmen and absolutely anything with glitter make perfect touches. 

9. Putting up the Christmas tree.
 Besides a great family pastime, putting up the Christmas tree is often filled with memories. Finding old ornaments and remembering the significance behind them can be a heart-warming task, even for Ebeneezer Scrooge.

10. Seeing Christmas lights at night. 
Maybe your family is something out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. If that is the case, it might be a good idea to look at the twinkling lights around your town and see your neighbors' small victories. 

11. Making wish lists.
 I always find myself thinking of things that I want for Christmas, but constantly forgetting them when it comes time for someone to ask me what they should buy me. Try writing your own thoughts down virtually or in a notebook so that you do not forget, either.

12. Fireplaces.
My dad never lets me turn on the fireplace until the Christmas season is officially upon us. Who doesn't love the toasty feel of a roaring fire?

13. A long vacation ahead. 
The time that you have been waiting for since Thanksgiving ended. One week, two weeks, or however long, make this the vacation that you know that you deserve.

14. Paper snowflakes.
I do not care how old you are, you are never too old to make paper snowflakes. Whether you have snow in your area or not, hang them from your ceilings and tape them to your walls. Make some more like when you were a kid by learning here. 

15. Planning holiday parties.
Planning parties in general has always been a favorite of mine . . .

16. Attending holiday parties.
. . . but sometimes, it is nice to let someone else do the work, too.

17. Volunteer.
No matter how fortunate you may be (particularly during the holidays), not everyone can be as blessed. Take the opportunity to volunteer at a local shelter, nursing home, or soup kitchen and lend a hand to those who might not have anyone to spend this time of year with. You might really make someone's day. 

18. Traditions.
Every family has their holiday traditions. Big or small, there is bound to be at least one that you are attached to. Not with your family to celebrate them? Practice them on your own or share them with close ones who might not know of them. 

19. Start your own traditions.
There is a first time for everything! Why not make some new traditons for you and your loved ones to celebrate?

20. Family Christmas pictures.
If you hate making new ones, at least you can have a good laugh while looking at some of the old ones.

21. Getting Christmas cards. 
 Especially in college, receiving Christmas cards from loved ones back home is enough to make me smile all day.

22. Build a snowman.
Do you want to build a snowman? HA I am totally joking. But . . . maybe?

23. Go ice skating.
If you are as clumsy as me this might not be something that I advise, but it can be a good time with the right people (especially when they laugh at your misery whilst hitting the ground).

24. Watch the NORAD Santa Tracker.
I am not sure that there is anything much better than seeing the faces of my little cousins light up when I show them the NORAD Santa Tracker every Christmas Eve to see where Santa visits before Christmas morning. There is something about that spark in one's eyes, especially with such belief and excitement in their hearts, that makes everything glow just a little bit brighter.      

25. Getting the family together.
Because there is no place like home for the holidays. "The best gift around the Christmas tree is the presence of family wrapped in love." (Perhaps a bit of a cheesy end note, but in the spirit of Christmas, bear with me.)