Friday, September 28, 2007

My Passion for the Arts

I found two artists today whose stuff I really like. Lately, I've been interested in contemporary works of up and coming artists. I find their interpretation of modern times fascinating and provocative. It's refreshing to have visual conversation about about events and issues of our day. Sometimes I agree with what's shown or the artist's intent, sometimes I don't. One rule of thumb I go by is to not decide if I like or dislike an artist or series of works until I've seen at least 3 pieces. I suppose that rule works for other things too, like dating... haha!

Enjoy...

1) Maira Kalman - She's an illustrator/columnist/poet. She's clever, somewhat whimsical and ironically realistic.

This image and more can be found here.

2) Jos De Mey - He has a remarkable way of depicting the impossible. Honestly, Surrealism freaks me out. Much of it is marked by bizarre juxtapositions of imagination and is influenced by Freud's theories of madness and darkness of the mind. Think Dada and Salvador Dali.

De Mey's art resembles Surrealism; however, he focuses more on what he calls "constructive illusionism" and impossible structures. Basically, he takes the best part of surrealism, which is the juxtaposition and imagination, and tones it down a notch by using geometrics. In my opinion, this gives off a more realistic essence, as opposed to melting objects in space. You have to look twice. It's really cool.
You can find out more about him by clicking here.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

He Fell Out of an Airplane?!?!

I think the best part of my job is hearing about peoples lives. In fact, I'm obsessed with the elderly population that we serve because these people are SO cool!

Today, I spoke with a man who fell out of an airplane. No joke! He fought in a war and took a jump out of a plane. His parachute didn't open, but fortunately he came away alive.

Yesterday, I spoke with the 100 year old man's son who told me that the old man is still a practicing attorney. Seriously, he's still taking cases! He also mentioned that he can hold a pretty mean debate about the war in Iraq. Sharp as a tack!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Nice to meet you!

I met a man who is 100 years old!!! Unbelievable! He said the trick is to stay sharp. I shook his hand and am taking his advice!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Friday, September 07, 2007

Deal of the Century!

You guys, no joke... after 85% off summer clearance items, no sales tax on shoes in Minnesota (they're a necessity), and 20% off overall price for opening a Herbergers' card, my mom and I bought 16 pairs of shoes for the whopping huge price of $110.00!

Unbelievable!