Woven patterns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jack Johnson

Sweet Whiskey and Cake

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

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

"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

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

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

America Ferrera in Black Book's August issue

Heart Shaped Sunglasses: Lolita's back in style

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

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

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

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

I want. I want.

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Mission: Kelburn Castle

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

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

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

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)

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