Inspiration Whore

Whip It. Whip it Good.

2009-09-18T21:15:00.003-04:00

As autumn weather sets in it's hard to resist cozy coffee shops and the warm drinks waiting inside. Gathering your books, laptop, or friends is essential to any coffee shop experience, but unless you're going to sit in and get the most out of your caffeinated experience it's best to stuff your wallet back into your purse. Our addictions can cost us an average of $20 a week. Iced or hot teas and coffee are easy to put in your thermos or to enjoy at home, but it seems every cozy drink comes frothed. Looking to save money and refusing to give up on my steamed-milk options I researched ways to achieve similar results.

I started with this conversation about steamed milk. I think I may just go in for the espresso machine at some point, but I'm really not interested in getting a cheap espresso machine. It might make good froth, but what's the espresso like? So I'm thinking of picking up one of these steamed milk contraptions for the time being. Seems cheap, easy, and fun. Looking forward to cafe au laits and chai lattes more often!

Cinnamon Oil can be used as a disinfectant

2009-09-08T12:47:00.003-04:00

"STOP USING THE ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP!" I want to scream at my coworkers every time they take a pump of the bubbly liquid. It's only making bacteria stronger and increasing our problem.

The New York Times just came out with an article about cinnamon oil and its uses as a disinfectant. My reaction after reading it? Thieves oil eh? Well they need not worry. My jewelry isn't going with me to the nether world.

Find out what I'm blabbering about and read the short piece. It will get you thinking and it won't take you more than a minute or two.

Fistful of Crumbs: Kim Sunée leaves her mark

2009-08-23T23:26:00.003-04:00

A week ago I came across a memoir writing course on Mediabistro.com taught by Kim Sunée. I've always wanted to write a memoir and though I don't quite feel it's the time yet, I already have my central theme in mind. Curious about the course I did a little research on the instructor and came across her first memoir, "Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love and the Search for Home."

The freelance writer and food editor known for her culinary contributions to The New York Times, Elle and Southern Living published "Trail of Crumbs" January 2008. The memoir recounts Sunée's limbo life from the age of three through her mid-twenties. Left by her birth mother in a crowded Korean market with nothing but crumbs in her tiny fist, Sunée was adopted and raised in New Orleans. The book matches mouth-watering recipes from her life to each of the chapters detailing her university years in France and her decade living, working and trying to love in Europe. I recommend the book--though an old read--to anyone with a love for memoirs and food. Readers will find themselves cooking through Sunée's memories, inviting the tasteful dishes as memorable additions to their own lives.

Complimentary Facials at Sephora Thursday

2009-08-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

Amorepacific and Sephora are providing mini facials this Thursday at Sephora's Soho location. Facials will be tailored for each visitors' skin type. Skin-care consultations will also be part of the gratis service.

Sephora 555 Broadway, New York, NY, 10012 between Prince and Spring sts (212.625.1309) 1-7pm

A Kiss of Moisture: Nivea Hydrating Lip Care

2009-08-23T13:58:00.012-04:00

Growing up just outside of New York City I've always treasured the ability to have what I want at my fingertips. Hard-to-find beauty products, rare clothing stores, some of the best restaurants in the world were all available to me should I want them. If I came across products on my travels I was sure there was a corner of the city selling them if I just looked hard enough. That's why it's so frustrating that no matter how hard I look I can't seem to find Labello Lip Balm. This soft and smooth lip care is a European staple. Cheap and reliable, the brand is plentiful in tastes, tints and color choices--like an American Apparel for your lips. There was a tip not long ago from Nylonmag.com about a Greenwich Village drugstore having a supply, but I turned up empty-handed. Unfortunately the search continues.

Thankfully the German company, Beiersdorf, has been marketing lip balms under Nivea--known to U.S. citizens for their creams and lotions--that match the Labello quality. Their most recent addition is Kiss of Moisture, a hydrating lip care with SPF. The light-weight formula of joboba oil and shea butter is quickly absorbed as it glides on to lips. Definitely a must for any make-out session as it isn't messy and gives lips a suppleness worth coming back for. It's a great addition to your daily lipstick, tint or gloss though it provides just enough shine to wear alone. Just try resisting an addiction.

TMNT makes a come back

2009-04-26T22:56:00.004-04:00

Confession
Originally uploaded by lpasarin

Yes, children-of-the-'80s: you are that old. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles celebrated its 25th Anniversary this past week with events through out the city. Time Out New York was able to recap some of the Tribeca Film Festival TMNT event--complete with glowing manhole covers and a free screening of the 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles--so be sure to check out the fun. Apparently a new TMNT film will be on its way out in the near future. At least then the current teenage generation won't look at me like I'm crazy when I name off all four crime-stopping reptiles and their respective color bandanas.

Scanning the images I noticed plenty of children dressed as Michelangelo, but barely any Donatello love at all. What a shame. The brainy, sensible leader always sent tingles down my spine.

Now if you excuse me I'm going back to role-playing April O'Neill. At least I'm closer in age now than I was in pre-school.

Low vs Diamond - "Don't Forget Sister" Video

2009-04-19T23:47:00.002-04:00

This is such a simple video, but it's clever and catchy like the song itself. Enjoy ;-)

Tegan and Sara: Back in Your Head

2009-04-08T21:35:00.003-04:00

Back In Your Head - Tegan & Sara

Though the song is nearly two years old I can't help still liking it. It's a little too true of my relationships.

On another note, Tegan and Sara is an awesome band. What's cooler than twin, lesbian sisters who can rock out with thoughtfully catchy lyrics?

Flickr Blog Inspiration

2009-04-06T01:32:00.004-04:00

To find more amazing photos from the G20 protests check out the flickr blog post associated with them.

A better look at that skirt from BCBGMAXAZARIA

2009-04-05T01:55:00.006-04:00

Earlier I discussed the awesomeness that was a skirt from BCBGMAZAZARIA, but the slideshow didn't exactly give the best view. It cut off the best part of the clothing: it's waistband.

Here's a better look at the fabulousness of this... did I mention it comes in MOCHA?? Get your booty to the store. That cut might be a year old, but it's flattery is still going strong.

Gone Shopping Part II

2009-04-05T01:37:00.010-04:00

Not that I actually have the money to purchase all these things, but a girl can dream. Hell, it's why I read catalogues like magazines. I started out just looking at the earrings at Urban Outfitters--I'm a sucker for earrings--and ended up hopping around to various stores.

Some notes on the items:

• I'm a sucker for all dangly or delicate jewelry.

• Fabulous Fanny's and Screaming Mimi's are two of the places to go for sunglasses or vintage frames.

• I like the concept of jewelry cabinets in addition to jewelry boxes. Boxes are great for rings, some earrings and bracelets/watches, but really a cabinet helps make sure those necklaces aren't getting tangled. What a pain in the arse it is to attempt to untangle (but not succeed) a necklace when you're running late for work!

• The BCBGMAXAZRIA skirt caught my fancy when I ran into an old friend from HS at my store. Her friend came in to find a body suit to match with this skirt (she bought it in MOCHA) and can I just say it's FABULOUS and worth every darn penny...

• That night stand might be hard to see since it's white-on-white, but ooooo the pattern is cute as well as the overall structure of the dresser itself.

• The GUAM jewelry reminds me of the monkey bone jewelry my dad made for my aunt when he was going to school for jewelry design. I've inherited those lovely thick beads... everything makes a come back I guess... Brian Crumley's design for the earrings is reminiscent of the fake plastic jewelry you made as a kid growing up in the late 80s/early 90s. While I'm intrigued... I'm not sure I'd fork over my hard-earned money.

Tweet Tweet Tweet.. shut up!!!

2009-04-04T12:52:00.002-04:00

Is there a reason everyone has a Twitter account now?

Because these people know how to rock out

2009-04-04T12:41:00.006-04:00

Inspiration Whore is indeed back... we took a bit of a detour, but there are plenty of goodies to come in the next few days all scanned and drafted. Oh joy!

I'll probably be putting the archives on another site since this didn't have as much focus or regularity as I would have liked before.

Now... if you want to catch some people who REALLY rock check out my short piece about Wednesday Night Song Club and catch them tomorrow with Sunday Social at LIC Bar. Yippee!

-LP

Gone Shopping

2009-04-04T12:24:00.008-04:00

Just some items I'm into lately. Many are from Urban Outfitters (hence the "UO"), but they sell numerous designers and items so it's hard not to look there for inspiration. The skirt from Guess mocks me from the window when I walk by the display at Garden State Plaza. I have the American Apparel disco pants in black, but this Navy color is quite the hit. The pants are great no matter what color you get them in. I admit I'm biased since I'm an employee. The Sexuality Tee is worn pretty short on this model, but I like to wear it (longer) as a mesh dress over a bandeau and some leggings or black jeans cinched with a belt or tied up Flashdancer style.

Twist and Shout

2009-04-04T11:41:00.003-04:00

Ryan makes some unexpected cash while playing Mady's request at the Subway station.

Two weeks ago I met some pretty amazing people and the night proved to be quite interesting. It ended with us singing in the subway. More videos to come, but I really think this one shows their personalities as well as Ryan's performance persona.

Oren's Daily Porter: Heartland Brewery

2009-02-03T23:03:00.005-05:00

What could be better than coffee and beer? A blend of the two in the same drink.

Woven patterns

2008-11-10T22:46:00.003-05:00

Suddenly inspired to start making friendship bracelets again... I read an article in the November issue of Nylon magazine while at Barnes and Nobles yesterday evening.

I had so many woven bracelets as a pre-teen. The chevron was my favorite pattern. My fingers worked so fast as I knotted and spun. The same way I knit. I'm always in a hurry and I have little patience when I'm inspired to finish a project. I just focus and work until it's all done.

Documentation

2008-11-09T13:36:00.001-05:00

Everything is cinematic and poetic to me lately. My senses are tingling. Even rubbing cocoa butter into my newly shaven legs is suddenly something I want to document.

Film Scanner

2008-10-30T14:20:00.003-04:00

I am itching to shoot and develop film at this point, but I don't have a film scanner... I think I may have found something reasonable. The Epson Perfection V500?

I was talking with francis about his film scans and he wrote back that this is what he uses. It looks reasonably priced and I'm sure I can find it even cheaper on ebay. i'm not in the position to make any big purchases right now, and of course I'll keep looking, but what do you think? Have you heard anything negative about this yet?

Seeking advice...

-LP

Glow

2008-10-29T00:29:00.002-04:00

I'm noticing a pattern among my Flickr favorites as well as my editing lately. I am drawn to soft yellow/orange glows... it used to be blue. I am always drawn to photographs to people or beautifully crafted images of props. But The yellow/orange glow is the clincher. Nine out of 10 tries I will favorite it the photograph.

Another Love

2008-10-28T16:54:00.003-04:00

Another Love
Originally uploaded by Federico Erra

Romantic photographs. Washed out tones, soft focuses... these are the elements filling my Flickr favorites and inspiring me... motivating me to try...

I really wish I had some female friends/models I could call upon, but I'm still getting established here in NYC. This isn't the only photograph I've fallen in love with, but it did motivate me to blog about it.

Also check out Federico Erra's photographs in the latest issue of JPG magazine.

Photographic Urges

2008-10-28T14:46:00.004-04:00

What I really need is a film scanner. I am itching, itching, itching to use the packs of film for my pinhole, Smena 8m and Holga cameras (especially because I picked up eight free packs at the PND convention this week). Alas, I have no scanner so I am trapped and doomed to stare at my film rather than use it.

Ed Note: While there are affordable scanners I'm in no position to be spending money right now.

Broken

2008-10-28T14:45:00.002-04:00

"Without you I was broken, but I'd rather be broke down by my side,"

Jack Johnson

Sweet Whiskey and Cake

2008-10-26T22:03:00.009-04:00

Kelly Sweet, "We Are One":
Last April I saw a beginner modern dancer attempt to choreograph to this song. If it's not done correctly it could look cheesy, but the song is frickin' beautiful.

Kaki King,"Yellowcake":

A soothing song that I'm currently creating a modern dance out of. Trust me it's amazing... especially if you enjoyed the soundtrack to Into the Wild

Sound Fix Lounge's Signature Hot Whiskey
I got a little tipsy on the stuff, but it rocked my world. If you're a whiskey-kinda-gal definitely have a drink. This little joint is the place to go... especially because I think they're losing their liquor license in a bit...

Texture Overlay: I have been working with texture overlays in my photographs lately. I like playing around in photoshop, but I worry that I've messed with the photograph too much. I am drawn to the natural mistakes made by film (Polaroids, Holga, Lomo, Smena, Dianas, etc.), but it's too expensive for me to be playing with film right now. The developing and scanning is primarily what I'm concerned about. Textures and color overlays are fun to play with. The melding of your layers bring about a unique image.

Inspirations in October

2008-10-22T00:34:00.011-04:00

The photo used for the ODC/Dance advertisement Pasarin saw in Time Out NY Wednesday October 15.

It's been awhile. I appologize. Things have been busy and at times not so busy which is often worse. I hate feeling unproductive. Am feeling rather inspired right now through a number of mediums. This evening my focus is really on music and dance. Here are a few thoughts.

Danceworks I noticed that my alma mater (Syracuse U) had Danceworks auditions this past Saturday. I miss being in the company, but I've had to move on. Sorry to say I've been living vicariously through Facebook and the new website to see how everyone's doing. Ha. I can't wait to see the finished product in late February even though I can't be a part of the production anymore. We all have to graduate sometime.

Ani DiFranco's "Fire Door" The repeitition in the guitar always gets me. Mostly it's the fact that I can sing the song just like DiFranco. A gift or a curse that I can effectively mimic singers' voices? I almost choreographed a dance to this song and after seeing ODC (see below) dance this evening I'm fighting the urge (and failing) to dance around my apartment. The lyrics are what really get me.

Any Minus the Bear song I've probably blogged about this before, but ever since T introduced me to the band I've been hooked. It took me awhile to get into the music (now I can't imagine why), but it was the lyrics that sold me.

Feist's "My Moon, My Man" Perhaps I've just been itching to choreograph something lately because I keep thinking of this one. I see people dressed up with breifcases, but I'd rather not go into detail at this point in case I plan on actually using this idea in the future. Only problem is that while there are many songs I could choreograph to there are few as dynamic as "Breathe Me" there for I find it hard to match. What I'm really looking for is an instrumental song or something off beat.

Enter Kaki King. Her album "...Until We Felt Red" is filled with instrumentals. I like parts of songs, but I haven't listened enough to really feel any of them yet. I think "Gay Sons of Lesbian Mothers" is actually pretty interesting. Imagine if I was attempting to choreograph to that for Danceworks?? They'd have a heart attack on the song title alone I'm sure. "Yellowcake" is another good song off the album.

ODC/Dance This San Francisco company was absolutely amazing. Strong, great athleticism, very creative, awkward, smart and cheeky. I will write a review shortly though I was able to make opening night at the Joyce Theatre. I really wanted to see them in San Fran when I was there this past March. The minute I saw the ad in Time Out NY I called and managed to get one the last $19 tickets available. First row. Middle seat. Couldn't beat it. I was floored by my luck and the amazing performance.

Late August soundtrack

2008-08-28T01:27:00.004-04:00

"Coffee & Cigarettes" Augustana:

"Round Here" Counting Crows:

"Sunday Best" Augustana:

"Pachuca Sunrise" Minus the Bea:

"Lion's Mane" Iron and Wine:

"Teardrop" Massive Attack:

"Hometown Glory" ADELE:

"Saeglopur" Sigur Ros:

"Colorblind" Natalie Walker:

Taking Strides in Video Production

2008-08-17T11:09:00.008-04:00

Lately I've been amazed by the amount of digital video uploaded online. I might seem behind the times: You Tube made its fame ages ago and here I am "in awe" of the pattern. It's not the video or how it's being uploaded. It's that people--without any [or very little] training in video production--are putting such thought into the videos they're editing. In the few months that Flickr has alowed it's pro users to upload video (max: 90 seconds) i've seen some great inspirational videos of photographic moments expanded. I've even witnessed some of my friends using You Tube, Vimeo and other Website outlets for their creations. We are able to explore our creative outlets and tell our stories through multiple datatypes and for that I am enthusiastic. Becca Fishow just finished a rough edit on a video about her short time in Luxembourg this summer. She can explain why she didn't stay for the time she thought she would, but I think her experience--no matter the length--taught her a great deal about her artwork, and goals as a writer--or creator.

In Stephen Masiclat's new media courses we'd argue which was the better direction for journalism on the Web: the allowance of user-generated content and transparancy of the media organization providing the venue or the elitist judgement that only "qualified" journalists should upload content and the users should simply devour that content. The elitist concept never went over well even though it seems hard for many media organizations to accept. I'm thankful to be part of one that has seen the light, even with a little bit of struggle.

The point here is that user-generated content isn't just prevalent. Much of it is actually interesting and entertaining and I'm excited to see where users will go with their creativity as it's most cost effective to explore different artistic mediums these days. For example, digital cameras are getting better. They're stronger, more compact, can carry professional flashes and hold interchangable zoom lens, and can tape high quality video. This allows the standard user to interact with video in a way they haven't before. It allows the trained photographer and videographer the ability to leave their heavy equipment behind for daily tasks.

I recently started playing with the Canon's G9 and am blown away at each use. I wouldn't trade my 40D or my photographic equipment, but I would leave it behind without guilt. For the last two years since I've become serious about photography I feel guilty when I'm not taking pictures. But living and working in the metropolitan area means I'm often worried to carry around my equipment if I'm just going to work or going to a concert, etc. The G9 is sturdy and compact giving me the opportunity to take quality images and videos without killing my back or breaking a lens in the tight crowds. I find myself experimenting more with photographs, which is exactly why I liked toy cameras (i.e. the Smena 8m and Holga). Photography might be a job for me now, but playing with the G9 gives me the ability to take a short video on my way to get coffee and use the footage as a cut in a bigger video project as time goes by. thus I'm still finding inspiration even when I've gotten into a routine at work.

I'll be keeping my eyes open for any new video inspirations and I'll send some of my projects along to my personal blog, Heart-Shaped Sunglasses, whenever I can.

Flickr: Rebeccamissing

2008-08-10T12:18:00.003-04:00

This image is from Rebeccamissing on Flickr. It's one of the most gorgeous images I've seen in a long time. I'm deeply inspired by G's work. Please check out his account and the video that parallels this photograph.

American Gothic: This August's choice of nailpolish color comes tinted with wine; dried blood

2008-07-21T00:54:00.006-04:00

America Ferrera in Black Book's August issue

Heart Shaped Sunglasses: Lolita's back in style

2008-07-13T22:40:00.001-04:00

There are many articles of clothing that I'm picky about purchasing for one reason or another. I don't buy these on a whim, but rather after I've searched for and craved the item for an extended period of time. So was the case for my Trench coat--a classic chocolate, double-breasted coat I fell in love with the summer before my junior year of undergrad. It's also the case for my black jeans, Converse low tops *I'm currently searching for a replacement and I'm looking for a particular shade of green), and red, heart-shaped sunglasses. I've been in love with the look of these since watching Lolita many years ago.

Thankfully silly 80s threads and accessories are back in style and it's easier to find a pair at a cheap rate. My friend Becca has a pair (or had as I'm not sure if she still owns them) and because I was thinking of her while driving home wearing my semi-new glasses I'm creating a multimedia project with a similar name as my new/old blog.

The name being Heart-Shaped Sunglasses. It caught on with me this evening as I decided that Inspiration Whore needed a new URL and a seperate location from my personal musings. That said Inspiration Whore (and it's archives) will be moving here while archives and new entries of my musings, artwork and other random entries will still be found at lpasarin.blogspot.com under the new name.

Enjoy!

-Linz

Dancing on air

2008-07-06T11:12:00.000-04:00

I didn't get into So You Think You Can Dance until this season. Stange I know seeing as Danceworks members talk about it all the time, but I I always thought it was Hip Hop strong and while I do love watching strong hip hop choreography it's not my favorite genre. Nor is ballet, which is what I was trained in. Contemporary, lyrical and modern are so interesting.

This past holiday weekend I can't seem to stop watching this video. I'm in awe. Just enough attitude and yet contemporary movements. Oh I love Mia Michaels' choreography!

I love the song (even the way it's cut down here). But mostly I love that there's no fancy props or costumes; it's just raw emotion and complete faith in your partner. Without absolute trust in each other Katee and Joshua wouldn't be able to pull of the choreography as seamlessly as they did. This was just gorgeous.

This inspires me to get back into choreographing, ha!

Things I like: fashion edition

2008-07-05T09:48:00.001-04:00

Things I like:

Bare Minerials eye shadows: After dressing up for two Thursday evening parties these last two weeks it's been a life saver. I'm not much of a makeup person and applying it can be disasterous... so lo and behold. When there's a shadow that's easy to apply and makes my eyes look GORGEOUS... I'm sold.

Black Jeans:An essential part of any 20-something's wardrobe.

Converse:Just grabbed up a pair of green ones this afternoon. Suddenly loving the high tops as well.

Kimichi & Blue: Cute, ruffled, summery sundresses all year 'round. That's not all they make, but their designs are whimsical and remind me of Erin Fetherston's Fall 2006 collection (remember Wendy Bird starring Kirsten Dunst?)

Pencil skirts and tucked blouses: trendy and yet sophisticated. Finally, people can dress and not look skanky on the subway... OK... some people can.

High-waisted wide-leg jeans: The Gap just brought these back. I'm in love... and so thankful the low-rise skinny jeans fashion is one it's way out. I hope.

Plummage for the hair.

Lolita sunglasses: Classic and cool. Definitely something you can

Clutch wallets

High heeled oxfords: They may be "out of style" in just a few months, but I plan on wearing mine regardless.

The color eggplant: Is my favorite color and I'm psyched to see it's in fashion for the time being.

Flowy sundresses: See Kimchi & Blue.

Solid color long cardigans: Slimming for ever figure and oh-so cozy.

Black leggings: They're essential and have been since the late 80s/early 90s. To be paired with any outfit when you need a little extra coverage... or haven't shaved in some time.

Riding boots:I've got a pair in black: I swear by them. Great added flare to any quiet outfit and yet quiet enough to take a back seat with outfits that have plenty of flare.

Black cut out toe pumps: Pair these with those pencil skirts, paint your nails red and watch the men stop in their tracks as you turn the corner.

Private-school-like emblems to sew on to countles sweaters and blazers: I like the idea and have plenty of old patches in my closet, but don't go crazy with these as the trend won't be around long and you'll be using a stitch ripper to pull them off.

Chocolate brown bra: It's so much hotter than black. Trust me.

P.S. I Love you

2008-06-30T09:54:00.001-04:00

I'm not much for sappy movies, but I recommend watching P.S. I Love You

I want. I want.

2008-06-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

I was doing research for Zink and an upcoming issue. This won't be in it, but I want it. Thanks Wired.com for showing me where I need to spend my money. Thankfuly I won't need to purchase a pocket wizard anytime soon...

-LP

CyberSync Gives Flashes a Cheap Trip

Posted using ShareThis

How does your heart beat and why do you breathe?

2008-05-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

Who's not a fan of Lisa Loeb? I always wanted a pair of those funky glasses. I had a fake pair that I wore over my contact (because that makes sense) when I was 15 or 16, but my mom threw them out saying they were going to make my eyes worse (ok....). I finally picked up a pair that are reminiscent of dear Lisa, but seem a bit toned down. I guess funky frames don't matter anymore--not since hipsters and wannabe hipsters made them popular. Still, I'm happy I can finally live out my 13-year-old desire. Woot!

She plays guitar with her fingertips... she'll play your heart with her tender lips

2008-05-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

Those Hanson brothers are at it again. Once known for making music they're spending their time between tours making babies. All three are all married and now.. all three have kids.

As the article below states, Taylor's got three kids, Issac (the oldest) has one with another on the way and the youngest, Zac, just had his first child, Shepherd, yesterday. Their ages span 28 to 22. I guess we all should have guessed that since they come from a family of seven they would only take to popping out kids like their mid-90s hits "MmmBop," "Where's The Love," and "I'll Come to You." Read the People story here.

Inspiration: Corinne Bailey Rae

2008-05-29T17:58:00.000-04:00

Trouble Sleeping
Originally uploaded by StarGirl714

Corinne Bailey Rae has inspired my mood and my artwork lately. I've been practicing a new illustration for an upcoming poster. More about this here.

New Project underway. Coming summer 2008

2008-05-16T14:33:00.000-04:00

It didn't take me long after settling back into the NYC area to get started on a new project.I pulled in last night around 3:30 (I left around 11PM due to unforeseen circumstances)and nearly drove off the road a few times I was so tired. After some sleep and time relaxing while listening to the rain I'm ready to start a new project. I haven't even been here 24 hours.

The short story is that this summer I plan to gather photos and audio of my Abuela on an extended story. It'll be in Spanglish (w/ translation when necessary). Interviewing her about her life growing up in Cuba, her immigration to the U.S., life working in the garment factories, the sacrifices she made for my father and aunt annnndddd other details I was always too scared to ask(e.g. her life with an alcoholic husband).

Elva Pasarin just turned 88 two days ago. I don't know how long I've got with her. I'll be working with my aunt on the interviews since I'm not 100 percent fluent in Spanish.

You all know I need to keep busy even when no one's giving me assignments to work on. I'll drive myself crazy otherwise. I think this is necessary for me. I'm moving back into my old apartment, which is in my old neighborhood. There's much to deal with when it comes to that. I live in two different worlds: the one back home where people think they knew who I was and one in Syracuse where I was the most honest with myself and those that met me. Working on this project is as much for her as it is for my understanding of her and my understanding of home. I need this.

Looking forward to the outcome-

-LP

Food for thought

2008-03-30T21:58:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite things to eat lately is Stonybrook Farms non-fat french vanilla yogurt mixed with cinnamon.

Mission: Kelburn Castle

2008-03-29T22:16:00.001-04:00

Well now I'm on a mission to make sure I got to the Kelburn Castle before it's torn down and renovated (in the next 2 or 3 years). Hmm...

Flickr Inspiration: Madelaine Adelaide

2008-03-29T21:56:00.001-04:00

how i got my stutter
Originally uploaded by madelaine.etsy.com

sdfsaf

She's young and she probably kicks your @$$ at compositing... so check her out.

Spring's photographic inspiration

2008-03-24T20:40:00.000-04:00

Just a listing of what caught my eye lately. Happy Spring to everyone and belated Easter to those who celebrate it :)

Please check these artists out as their photostreams are filled with talented works of art.

-LP

Jason Lee photographs one of his daughters for the coming of winter. Inspirational just as we're saying goodbye to the season

Lindsey is inspired by Minus The Bear's "Pachuca Sunrise"

Amber's son digs into his Easter basket

Vanessa Ho gives a captures the light and female form at just the right angle

Sabina was inspired to take this photograph when her husband brought home these delicious apples

Keico's colors are vibrant and her angle is always delicate. Happy Spring again!

James Sagi Kirshenfeld might be young, but his photographs rarely hint it

New Song to Choreograph and Photo Shoot Updates

2008-03-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

Becca Fishow models for the Danceworks microsite constructed by Lindsay Pasarin, Julie Murinka and Lindsay Berard

Driving home from Target on East Genesse I took a left onto the Nottingham High School road. "Aint No Sunshine" by Bill Withers was playing on the radio and it hit me then. I'm going to choreograph to this song.

It's only a little over two minutes long so a section of it will be good for the modern dance workshop I'm teaching April 26 (4-5:30). However I'm going to start teaching a modern dance class on Fridays from 6-7:30 (when I had "Breathe Me" practice the last two semesters) so maybe we can get through this in the next two months and perform it. Next weekend when I get back from San Fran I'll put together some posters for the class and hang them up on campus. Viral advertising works better though... as do Facebook invites.

If this were to be performed on stage I've already got the lighting figured out. Ha. My brain is always thinking of new projects to do. Speaking of which, I'm still trying to hear back from Scott about whether I can borrow those old Danceworks costumes for a photoshoot. I found these gorgeous white ballet dresses I want to a few models to wear and one see through dress (that must have been worn with a slip, but I'm thinking of shooting a nude) that I want to use when the weather gets a little clearer come early April. I'm thinking of taking a drive out to the wineries again to do another shoot, but we'll see.

The weekend after we get back (March 22-23) I want to do the shoot I've been talking about with the lace 1950s pill box hats. I want to shoot some in the studio: close ups on the fabric and the model's eyes, but I want to do a full out 1920's fashion shoot on location.

I'll keep you all posted,

-LP

Flickr Inspiration: Peperclipp (Mirjan)

2008-03-07T01:55:00.001-05:00

Mirjan's "Face" is an example of the artist's delicate photographic style.

Mirjan, a 20-year-old photographer from the Netherlands is well known on Flickr for her whimsical self-portraiture. Using the screen name "Peperclipp," Mirjan’s work is frequently displayed and admired on Explore. Though she insists she is not interested in studying photography at a university, her observations of fellow artists on Flickr, Devianart and beyond have certainly aided her photographic research. A trip through her photostream demonstrates her progress and consistent photographic style.

Mirjan’s photographs are a cross between a Sophia Copola film and Tim Walker’s photography. They show remnants of soft glows, blue tones and sun flare seen in “The Virgin Suicides” while mimicking the playfulness Walker conveys in his Kate Spade advertisements. Using herself as the primary model Mirjan invites viewers into a fantasy world of white lace, ornamental birds, fiery sunrises, and the rolling hills of Scandinavia. Her use of tonality, color, cropping and angles keep users’ eyes lingering. Mirjan is known for pairing macro or nature shots with cropped images of her eyes, or 180-degree rotations of her torso. These diptyches add more to Mirjan’s photographic world and help tell stories that keep fans coming back to her photostream regularly.

Mirjan recently held her first exhibition February 15 in Groningen at De Jongens Ronner. She described it as “amazing” in one of her Flickr posts. The result has come as little surprise to her fans.

In response Drvmmmer, a Flickr user, wrote, “Now you’re a superstar…strange.”

Mirjan has continued to post and create photographs, not letting the excitement of her exhibition get in the way. This focused, young photographer will surely be invited to present more of her work in the near future. Keep an eye on her progress by checking out her Flickr photostream and Devianart page

Electricity

2007-11-02T22:06:00.000-04:00

Originally uploaded by candeola

This picture on Flickr really reminds me of the anime series "Lain". It only had 12 episodes that gradually told a story about the blurred lines of the real world and the Wired, the obsession of the Wired and within the geekiness of the Internet... finding out who God really is... really bizarre and thought provoking. One day I'll burn copies from my brother (who owns the series... which is how I first heard about it).

If you've seen the series it reminds me of the opening of each episode where you see the bright city lights and the wires with voices traveling along the wires (telephone, Wired...?). It also reminds me (and this was my first thought) of every time they show Lain walking on her way to school. They show her shadow and the shadows of al the wires above her buzzing... buzzing so loudly she actually screams "shut up" half way through one of her train rides.

Lain aside. I think it's a pretty sweet photo as it notes all the wires we depend on on a daily basis. The color is fantastic. Check out the photographer's other work as well. You'll find she's got a strong photostream.

Photo Fixation: "Toy" Cameras

2007-10-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

I am the proud Ebay buyer [soon-to-be-owner] of a Smena 8m. (Pictured above).

I've been looking for one for the past few weeks seeing as I've been inspired to use one for the past few months. It uses 35mm film. The deal is that they haven't been made since the 1980s and there's a couple hundred left to buy in the world. They're shipped from Russian companies or you can buy one from Lomography Society (the linked Website) for $100-$150, but of course they jack up the proce b/c of their brand name and reliability. I found one on Ebay for 22 bucks (that was my winning bid). I'll have to wait two weeks till it ships from Ukraine, but I'm super excited to get started.

This week I've been shooting rolls of 120 with my Holga. The film would turn out better if only the mini lab processor in the Newhouse photo lab didn't keep eating my film. Erp. I always have issues with my 120 film, but since I'm not shooting for assignment and I'm just experimenting I don't feel like sending it out to a lab for $5 or more. It's bad enough each roll of film (12 shots) cost nearly $5!!

I'll be uploading the pictures that survived on Flickr tomorrow.

I've been in quite the film mode lately and I know in the next year or so I'm going to look into finding one of these:

It's a Seagull TRL. The TRL stands for Twin-Lens Reflex.

This PARTICULAR Seagull is not the top of the line... but it's nearly there (and it's got Chinese decoration to boot). I doubt I'll find one of these without buying it straight from Lomography (if they're being honest... there's only 25 available), but whatever Seagull I invest in should have a four-element lens.

Toy cameras are like coffee table books for me. I have an instant attraction to them, they're fun to have around to learn from and gain inspiration from, and I like to collect them and leave them on display when I'm not using them.

Buuuttt.... only one camera a year so it seems... I've got a camera obsession, but I need to start selling my Nikon D70s so I can upgrade this coming summer. I've also got "serious" equipment that I'm trying to invest in so I'm not dependant on Newhouse (as I won't have that available to me after June). If anyone wants to buy it or knows someone interested in a strong digital SLR let me know :) I'm selling the body, but I might throw in a lens.

Design Inspiration

2007-10-27T22:44:00.000-04:00

The girls and boys over at Partners in Design have been cooking up some good discussions and designs lately. I grew up with some of the founders, went to school with others and met some of the contributors at parties. They're all in the graphic design world working, but when they've got free time they post up on this design blog. Check it out. It's usually updated daily (that is with maybe 4 or 5 dif. posts on a good day).

Polaroid anecdotes

2007-10-14T23:13:00.000-04:00

Need
Originally uploaded by rockmenow48

Let Go
Originally uploaded by rockmenow48

I favorited both of these shots by rockmenow48 on Flickr. She works a great deal with polaroids, which I find inspirational. Many of her pieces are those that you'd flip through when you get your prints back and say "eh... throw that in the box," but together they all work really well as a set. Personally I love most of her work. Check her out.

These two pictures are my favorites. I like "Let Go" because of the way the two photos work together, the bright colored balloons and the near absence of color in the rest of the work. "Need" is titled appropriately and calls my empathy and own associations. It's well captured and framed.

New Jersians and their malls...

2007-10-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

I live in a part of New Jersey where if you travel 10/15 minutes in one direction you can get all the shopping you'd ever want done in NYC. But if taking a $2 bus ride (or if you're insane you can drive there and pay... what... $9 to get through the Lincoln Tunnel...) isn't your style you can always drive 15 minutes up Route 17. You'll come across strip malls, outlets, stand-alone stores and oh... three or four actual malls in a 20 minute radius. It's a bit... sick... actually.

Garden State Plaza can be found on this car ride and resembles very little of what I remember as a little girl. My dad used to work at the jewelry counter at Macy's and my mom worked (and still works) as a bookkeeper at Park Ave BMW/Acura (and all the other cars they sell there), which can be found around the corner... the mall is massive and I'm sure mall management is trying to keep up their name as one of the largest on the east coast... They recently added a gigantic AMC and a Cheesecake Factory Delux to the the mall which has opened a whole "new section" (wasn't there a "new" section only three years ago??).

I've been in need of new bras, but shopping in Syracuse gets me with sales tax (none on clothes in NJ) and a limited selection. I'm convinced Victoria's Secret is trying to compete with Fredricks of Hollywood seeing as everything they've got lately is slutty as hell and something about slutty bras day in and day out when I'm only planning on kicking around in a tee and jeans is strange. On top of this-- they're expensive and I'd rather spend money on... well.. paying my rent... and photo equipment.

That said, I stalked in and out of stores looking for an hour. There's certain things that are frustrating to shop for: bras, swim suits and jeans... but I've already written an opinion column article about that. If they don't fit right you're not comfortable. Hence why some of my favorite jeans have holes all over the place- not b/c I spent money for the "damaged look", but b/c I wore them out of existance...

I'd just about given up... either they didn't fit right or the price tag wasn't worth it for some underwire, cotton and shape-padding. I had coupons for free undies at the new Aerie store... and after the "Menu" snippet I wrote in TCHJ's "Taboo" issue about VS giving away free undies... we all know I'll take advantage of it. So I scouted out the new section of the mall.

The company did a great job of interior and graphic design when it came to the store. I know however that the marketing for "Aerie" has taken a few years. Maybe two or three years ago American Eagle decided to start selling bras. They'd always sold underwear for men and women, but they tried really working on a playfully preppy line for young women. It got good reviews and they came to call it Aerie. I think it's clever. AE has an eagle logo and they play off a smaller bird logo, They keep the letters AE in the name and they pick a word that sounds like "airy" as in the whimsical line of undergarments they came up with and "aerie" that references nesting.

They did long commericials after Girlmore Girls and Veronica Mars last year: girls at slumber parties sitting in underwear and henlies talking about what Rory and Lorelai did on this week's episode.

And now they've come out with their own stores. Smart idea. Clever branding. Everything from the graphic design, fashion design (and textiles) and interior design really keeps the branding going.

Interior design: the place feels like a suburban girl's bedroom. The dressing rooms have sunlight bulbs installed so it feels like there's a window open with sunlight pouring in. The walls are white-washed wooden panels, there's little memo and bulletin boards with postcards hanging and the entire store has ribbons, lace and other whimsical textiles hanging. Mini overhead lamps with paisley and polka dots add to the design.

Graphic design: The vectors of the birds are-- well-- overdone by many companies, but it works here. Everything is really simplistic. There's color, but everything's a little washed out or the opacity has been taken down. Think blues, baby pink, eggplant purple, lots of yellow. The pictures are clean and fun (and thus sexy in that innocent, girl-next-door type of way) and the color wash on the photos lends to the suburban sun-lit room.

Textiles: little birds, owls, ribbons, polka dots, little bits of lace, buttons, embroidery here and there... the clothes are dainty, innocent, sexy and ridiculously comfortable to boot. Oh yea... and my wallet was happy with the price tags.

I walked out of the store about 1/2 hour later. It was hands down the easiest trip to a store to buy undergarments... ever. My only complaint is that if you're not a 34/36 B then you're a little out of luck going to the store. They have other sizes, but they really stocked up on these. I was happy considering my frustration with all the 32/34 Cs at VS (who the hell is a 32/34 C? That's like Barbie and about 1 percent of the universe).

Anyway- they get an A- in my book.

Photo Inspiration

2007-09-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

So I noted in one of my recent posts that I've been really inspired by the photography found in the Anthropologie catalogues.

I think there's two sides to my design/photography inspiration (and thus what I turn out). There's a bit of an outlandishness that I like. Punk rock posters and most of of the photography in Zink magazine run on that spectrum.

Then there's whimsical nature that I really like in desing, illustrations and photography. This is where Anthropologie and Kurt Halsey paintings find their spot.

Right now my inspiration wall is getting filled with photos and designs that call this type of mood. My flickr favorites are also doing the same.

Oh yea... and I love the coat...

Leona Naess lyrical day....

2007-09-22T17:37:00.000-04:00

I was doing a photoshoot run-through in the Newhouse photo studio and "New York Baby" came up on my ipod that I had hooked to the sound system. From there on the day has become a Leona Naess day. Her lyrics are poetic and her music is even better. There's a bit of a whimsical feeling you get from listening (although some of it's a bit angry sounding that still comes through). Here are some of my favorites.

He Is Gone
"Throw me down
Pull me back
Crash into me and then break apart
Pull me up
Just pull me up close to your heart
Throw me down
Pull me up
Crash into me and then fall apart
Pull me up
Just pull me up close to your heart"

New York Baby
"You know what they say...
New York, baby is no place to be
When you're standing alone.
I'm no one's baby, no one's girl,
Come home, baby come home..."

Ballerina
"I'll never feel the weight of your hands
Side mine like diamonds
Lay so far ballerina
Cupcake and my earthquake
Wakes me from my sleep bed
Never comes hardly breathing
Waiting for me
I didn't really want you
But I want you now
Was so foolish of me
To you feel you tumbling down
Into that empty room
The lights went out
Want to rescue want to scream out loud
I didn't think I needed you
But I need you now
Was so empty in me
Feel you crashing down
Into the empty world
The music stops
Want to rescue want to scream out loud"

Mexico
"My friends think that we're all wrong
Another muse for another tragic song
But whoever wrote a plan
Was a fool when it comes to a woman and a man"

Design Inspiration--posters/clothes

2007-09-21T11:48:00.000-04:00

After my online shopping (see previous blog entry) I decided I should redesign (for kicks) the Urban Outfitters website. They had a much better site up until recently (a month?). I don't know what made them go with this. It might have something to do with the partnership they've got with Nylon Magazine. READ: really bad site, but that's because it's color overload-- however it's mostly because their magazine is designed in this nature--which leads to-- is it bad design on their mag's part as a whole or does it work for the audience they're trying to get?

Anyway- I was inspired at first to use their photos and create some sort of poster-- then I realized I could do that with my own photography since i've modeled much of my work around the Urban Outfitters/Antrhopologie/Free People "look". (see below websites).

Anthropologie (site is OK...)

Free People (don't like the site, but like the clothes)

Anyway- then I realized that while I could do the poster-- maybe I should find time to look into just redesigning the site as a whole for kicks.

Of course I've got Danceworks to work on and photoshoots to do, but personal work is always a good thing.

So the inspiration is on.. hopefully I'll knock out AT LEAST the poster in the near future.

-LP

Today's source of inspiration

2007-09-04T19:54:00.000-04:00

I've gotten away from my original idea for this blog it seems.. well--I've gotten away from bluntly stating "this inspired me," but clearly any of the stories here were inspirational enough to make me write about them.

Today's source of inspiration came from Greg's lecture about graphic design.

I was inspired by his enthusiasm of teaching as well as the content he was covering. Even though I knew the Gestalt Principles he lectured, I was able to bring new meaning to my own work. I sat in class sketching through most of it (exactly WHAT are TAs supposed to do in class....?) and scribbled down notes here and there.

I hope I can one day have the ability and knowledge to stand in front of a classroom (lecture hall) of that size and teach with confidence and humor the way he did.

Bravo.

Tim Walker

2007-07-30T02:47:00.000-04:00

Tim Walker's photography always calls to me. To sum it up: it's often whimsical.

His fairytail photos are my source of inspiration for strong photoshop skills, an imagination that's wide open and the avoidance of shooting fashion photography in the studio.

Here are some of the photos I enjoy (taken straight from his Website):

This picture has been in my mind since I saw it in Vogue (?) after Allegra showed me. We both fell in love with his work. She has pictures that really resemble this from her final projects in Doc's fashion photography class last semester.

This is the photo for the cover of Photografie: Tim Walker. Allegra had this in London and I've been searching the Internet for a copy for myself. Such a great collection of his work.

This is pure imagination. I love it! I forgot what the model's name is, but I know her mostly from the Hermes ads. She's pretty/ugly as the French say "jolie laide". I'm all for semi pretty, but awkward looking models. They bring more to your photography. It's been hard to find that look in Syracuse though.

Ah the Kate Spade ads. I really like how they almost look lite with a backlight behind the photograph. That brightness always draws me to the ads Walker created for them. Such good work: simple, bold and still enough imagination to make you think before you flip the page.

This group of photos turned out great. Again with the imagination!

If you're interested in Walker's work just check out his site and keep a lookout for his byline.