Death of Dia de los Muertos

Two years ago, on October 27th, I had my first date with Jessica. We had planned on going to the Blanton art museum, on the University of Texas campus. But the Fates had other plans: there was a football game going on, and we could not get anywhere near the musuem. Our plans of a simple, quick meeting dashed, we ended up at an old miniature golf course, then onto the Tavern for burgers. Eventually, we ended up downtown on 5th and Congress, near the...

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Pushed to the Point

Over the years, I have written many things. Some professionally, others for my own need to put thought on paper. I have always labeled myself as a 'writer' more than anything, but have yet to actually take the step into becoming a novelist. It has bothered me over the years, incessantly. One of the reasons has been that even though I have written professionally (e.g. HBO Original Movies scripts), to sit down and attempt a novel is daunting at best...

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Art to the Beholder

I am learning that photography has a lot to do with perspective just the same as illustration, both visually as well as philosophically. Composition is everything with the former, and taste, the latter. I have seen enough photos to understand that things like 'the rule of thirds' and color balance, etc. can mean the difference between something that is appealing and something that just doesn't sit right in your mind. The same can be said with taste,...

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National Seashore

The National Seashore. 55 miles of beach with no crowds, no one in sight. We went 30 miles in (4x4 access only) and on the first day not a soul to be seen. Fishermen come by on occassion usually, but not this day. Weather was perfect, feeling like Hawaii. The gentle sound of the sea, and the warm air coming off the ocean. Water temperature here is about 80 degrees in May/June, then warmer in August/July. So few know about this treasure. When you...

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Art for work-sake

In my current 'day job' profession, I am fortunate enough to be able to do at least some design and writing. Though the writing is for marketing purposes, and therefore not completely enjoyable or creative, the design aspect of my position allows me to maintain my skills as a graphic artist and designer. The projects may not be the most beautiful works, but they still create challenges of their own in design. Especially when those who ultimately...

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Art and the Purist

A digression: I was speaking with an old friend a few weeks back after some 15 years since last I had seem him. During our reminiscence and catching up, I found out he has also taken up photography as a pursuit. We discussed whether altering a photo in Photoshop maintains the integrity of the art of photography. He has taken the path of the purist; if the photo is not to his liking through the lens, and only in its native form, he discards the photo...

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True photographer

When I owned that Canon AE1, it eventually acquired a light-leak somewhere in the body after a former 'friend' borrowed it and then treated it rather poorly. At the time I hadn't been taking any images that I'd consider art at all: just family photos and the like. So I went to my brother (the REAL photographer), handed over the camera and asked him what should I do about the leak? He returned it 3 days later and I asked him if he had fixed it for...

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Art through the Looking Glass

Photography is an art I have always wished to pursue, but for many reasons, had always eluded my grasp. I had taken a class in high school many years ago, learning the traditional dark room techniques and old-school film process, but never having the funds nor the time to dedicate to the art following those early years left me on the outside looking in. At one point, I decided to pursue my secret desire of the art a bit more and bought a Canon AE1 at the recommendation of my brother (a REAL professional photographer) and played around with it a...

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