"Alone Out There" by Ryan Everson. The title says it all, really. I am completely enamored with this boldly expressive piece of art. In my eyes, it's a prime representation of throwing your vulnerabilities out into the cold, dark abyss that is our world. And that's kind of what art is all about, right? Wood, lights, neon, steel, rope, and foam flawlessly mended into a beautiful, larger-than-life masterpiece.
Another one by the great Ryan Everson in collaboration with Jason Garcia, feast your eyes upon "Fear Expanded." His work is "unlimited by materials and processes and examines emotional states, fame, fear of the unknown, sincerity and inward reflection." The photographs convey such a powerful idea that fear exists only in your mind, and sometimes a different perspective is all you need to conquer your fear. If you choose to face fear straight on, it seems to vanish altogether. Ingenious.
Speaking of great...THE GREAT GATSBY. This is definitely a must-see. As if F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel didn't set my expectations high enough already, the movie was brilliantly executed and I loved every second of it. Everything I imagined it to be and more. Visually striking, visceral, thought-provoking, emotional, festive, and painfully despondent. Modernized but still impeccably classy. And they couldn't have picked a better actor to portray Gatsby; Leonardo DiCaprio absolutely nailed it. I felt every inch of his pain, every ounce of his love, and every jolt of his laughter. Honestly, I just can't wait to see it again. And again. And maybe again. Yeah, it's one of those movies; take my word for it. And don't even get me started on the soundtrack...I'll just leave this here. :)
Mierswa & Kluska is a collaborative project between photographers Andreas Mierswa and Markus Kluska. These gorgeous photographs were taken inside of musical instruments, making them look like large, spacious rooms with wooden walls. I can't get over how well they captured the delicacy of the light streaming in. Transcendent. And I especially love how this first photo of a guitar resembles a grand auditorium with a spotlight on the stage.
Paige Bradley's stunning sculpture, entitled "Expansion," depicts a woman seeking inner peace. Her body is fractured, with light seeping through the cracks, showing the persistent struggle between liberation and being contained. “I ponder if we are more defined by the container we are in, rather than what we are inside. Would we recognize ourselves if we could expand beyond our bodies? Would we still be able to exist if we were authentically 'un-contained'?" There's some food for thought.
It's hard to believe May has come and gone so quickly. This month has opened my eyes to so many opportunities, and I feel so incredibly blessed. And summer is right around the corner! I've got my reading list, camera, and a deep craving for adventure. I'm ready.
(Less than 2 weeks til school's out!)
xxKristin
