Search
While searching online for my topic, I really thought about stuff that I love to do. I thought about Improv, and trying to make that into my project, but honestly it was just confusing, and seemed like it would take away all of the fun of Improv. Besides, you can't really teach improv, you need to do it.
So when I thought about the next best thing, I thought about my love for crafts. I spend a lot of my time looking online for cool things to create and call my own. I got the idea of my angle from the fact that I'm going to college next year. I want my angle to be things that you can find in a home, or for myself, a dorm. I want to make the place I live a crafty and comfortable place.
Evaluate
While searching for cool things to make, I've found many awesome things. Things that can be made cheaply, and efficiently. One thing that I really am interested in making is this:
http://pinterest.com/pin/168392473537417788/
It's a lamp that is made out of a strainer. I think that it is super original, and it really would be impressive. I don't know how to do wiring and electrical things, but I'm willing to learn to make that work.
Organize
I am a fairly organized person, but these craft projects help me become less rigid with my life. When I'm making a craft, I'm able to just be me and throw whatever I want where ever I want. When I do crafts, I like to make a ton of them, not just one. I'm almost a binge crafter. It actually gets a little insane. But when it comes down to it, I am organized with what I'm doing. I actually have a running Google Doc of things that I want to do. And honestly, I never follow instructions. I know that might end up badly sometimes, but I hate instructions. I just do what I think is right so it is truly mine.
Design
This week has provided me with a lot of information of what I actually want to do. I want to design fun things for your living space. I want my home and your home to feel like home. I want it to feel like yours. My website is not going to have places for you to buy what I have created... You have to do it yourself. I'm going to give descriptions of what steps to take, but in all honesty, you're going to be the one creating what you want to create.
I don't want this to be a textbook of creativity. I don't even think that exists.
Narrate
My next 3 steps that I have to take include:
1. Finding more interesting things to create - I really need to keep looking on websites such as Pinterest, Etsy, Wanelo & Tumblr. I think that those websites give great insight into things that I'm interested in.
2. Buy my materials - I'm really interested in keeping all of this extremely cost effective. You want your home to be crafty, not the Taj Mahal, and since I'm not made of money, I'm going to try and keep this as cheap as possible. I know I'm a cheapskate, but at least I can admit it, right?
3. Start crafting & documenting - In all honesty with this one I just need to pop in a Stand Up Comedy Marathon, and just work until my fingers fall off. Once I'm started, you can't stop me.
I think that one thing that could make this work more smoothly is getting all of the materials. I also need just some time. But that's not too hard. I'm a person that almost always needs to be doing something, so this shouldn't be a problem. Overall, I'm in love with this project so far.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Captured Thought: The Opposite Effect
These past few weeks while we were watching Exit Through the Gift Shop I was completely fascinated by this whole idea of "street art". These pieces were so cool that I found myself being able to push past the ridiculous names and actually listen to them. I felt like my actual brain was free and I was watching something original and culture-changing. I felt like it was something important.
Obviously, I'm all one for self-expression. I'm in theater, but on top of that i express myself in the way I dress, the way I speak, the way I interact... But watching Thierry "express" himself made me down right angry.
Street art was supposed to be this really cool, calm and collected thing. You were supposed to almost stand back, and just let people enjoy your work. Thierry threw himself in there, and completely became a huge tool in my opinion. His pieces were cool, but not original. He wasn't a full diva, but he certainly was not a nice guy. And on top of that, he almost completely abandoned his family. At the end of the film it stated that "Deborah was still raising their children." SHE was.
For the lack of a better word, Thierry lacked class. I don't mean 'pinky out' or 'no elbows on the table'. I mean, he didn't sit back. Instead, he added a stupid pair of sunglasses to his facade, and made his side burns bigger.
I feel embarrassed for the other street artists. These people have put so much effort, love and passion into their pieces of art. They went through the Raamen Noodle every night ordeal. But Thierry, he shoved himself in, in an almost rude manor, and completely tore what they knew and loved apart.
He had no respect or gratitude towards the ones who had helped him get to where he was.
So my 'now I get it!' moment isn't really about getting 'it'. It's about realizing what fame can actually do to someone. In some ways, Thierry thinks that he is an inspiration, and he's completely original, and that he can change the world with his art.
I'm calling bull.
Obviously, I'm all one for self-expression. I'm in theater, but on top of that i express myself in the way I dress, the way I speak, the way I interact... But watching Thierry "express" himself made me down right angry.
Street art was supposed to be this really cool, calm and collected thing. You were supposed to almost stand back, and just let people enjoy your work. Thierry threw himself in there, and completely became a huge tool in my opinion. His pieces were cool, but not original. He wasn't a full diva, but he certainly was not a nice guy. And on top of that, he almost completely abandoned his family. At the end of the film it stated that "Deborah was still raising their children." SHE was.
For the lack of a better word, Thierry lacked class. I don't mean 'pinky out' or 'no elbows on the table'. I mean, he didn't sit back. Instead, he added a stupid pair of sunglasses to his facade, and made his side burns bigger.
I feel embarrassed for the other street artists. These people have put so much effort, love and passion into their pieces of art. They went through the Raamen Noodle every night ordeal. But Thierry, he shoved himself in, in an almost rude manor, and completely tore what they knew and loved apart.
He had no respect or gratitude towards the ones who had helped him get to where he was.
So my 'now I get it!' moment isn't really about getting 'it'. It's about realizing what fame can actually do to someone. In some ways, Thierry thinks that he is an inspiration, and he's completely original, and that he can change the world with his art.
I'm calling bull.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Blogging Around: Connections in Confusion
My first comment was on Sophia Almeroth's blog. I really thought that she had some great, thought provoking questions within her post. I really liked how it made me think about postmodernism. I love The Devil Wears Prada, but now I look at it in a different light.
Sophia, I completely agree. The fact that the scene was taken out of the context of the movie made it a lot more powerful and impressive. I think it's amazing how everything is sort of interconnected, and really isn't our decision. Many people think that they have free will, but what this scene is saying is that we don't really get to choose. We don't have free will. We are influenced about everything. Your last question really intrigues me too: Who/What influences us the most?
The next commented I posted was on Nigel Howard's blog. He did a connection post on Tenacity and College. When I first started to read it, I was confused at the connection, and if there really was one. But as I kept going, he writes of finding his own strength through the battle towards victory. I found myself thinking about my college application experience, and how our's were very similar.
Nigel, first of all, you have a way with words that makes me want to keep reading. You write almost melodically, and I really love that, but that's beside the point. This post has a very crazy and deep connection to myself. I myself am not the smartest girl out there. I mess up all the time, and let's be real, my attention span varies on the day. But, my mother has trained me to be better than what I do normally. College is such a beautiful freedom, it's a learning period and it can really change where you want to go in life. Thinking back to when I was a kid, I really thought that it would never come, but it has and it still seems as dream-like as it was when I was younger. It's crazy to think that we, next year, will be off and on our own. I've learned to push myself more than I already do, and how to put it forth to something that I love to do. I'm going to college to study comedy... For me, that is a dream come true. Tenacity and grit is something that I've learned, and thankfully, really hard to unlearn.
Sophia, I completely agree. The fact that the scene was taken out of the context of the movie made it a lot more powerful and impressive. I think it's amazing how everything is sort of interconnected, and really isn't our decision. Many people think that they have free will, but what this scene is saying is that we don't really get to choose. We don't have free will. We are influenced about everything. Your last question really intrigues me too: Who/What influences us the most?
The next commented I posted was on Nigel Howard's blog. He did a connection post on Tenacity and College. When I first started to read it, I was confused at the connection, and if there really was one. But as I kept going, he writes of finding his own strength through the battle towards victory. I found myself thinking about my college application experience, and how our's were very similar.
Nigel, first of all, you have a way with words that makes me want to keep reading. You write almost melodically, and I really love that, but that's beside the point. This post has a very crazy and deep connection to myself. I myself am not the smartest girl out there. I mess up all the time, and let's be real, my attention span varies on the day. But, my mother has trained me to be better than what I do normally. College is such a beautiful freedom, it's a learning period and it can really change where you want to go in life. Thinking back to when I was a kid, I really thought that it would never come, but it has and it still seems as dream-like as it was when I was younger. It's crazy to think that we, next year, will be off and on our own. I've learned to push myself more than I already do, and how to put it forth to something that I love to do. I'm going to college to study comedy... For me, that is a dream come true. Tenacity and grit is something that I've learned, and thankfully, really hard to unlearn.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Change of Mind: Postmodernism
In the beginning of this unit, I could really only understand one thing: Postmodernism.
But using the term 'understand' is giving myself a ton of leeway. Postmodernists in my mind seemed like they were just a bunch of paranoid assholes who had nothing better to do but bring the Modernists down. It felt as if there were to be argument, their only defense would be The System.
I just didn't like the fact that they were the opposite of the Modernists, and that they had radically different ideas, but as we watched examples of what they actually meant, I think I have found a completely different view.
In the film Syriana, Tim Blake Nelson is confronted about corruption in the oil company. He then goes on to explain that corruption is everywhere and everything. The reason that we have rules against corruption is so we can actually BE CORRUPT.
We change things and bend them and makes things so we can break them. We are influenced by everything, and we can't escape it, and that's exactly what Postmodernists are saying! They just want others to accept it.
Even though I feel as if they can come of apathetic, or kind of 'all knowing', I still really like what they have to say about certain topics. I think that they really have great points.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Connections: Martin Luther King Jr. and Portlandia
Before this lesson all I really knew about 'breaking the status quo' was wrapped up into a song from High School Musical. It seemed as if it was all about being yourself and shining through the stereotypes.
But as we've discussed the topics futher in this class, I've realized that it's not just about being yourself; it's about breaking the "norm" for a better, more effective out come that in the end makes people feel more empowered and generally more happy.
As we all know, MLK was the atomic bomb of breaking down the walls of the status quo. He pushed things to the limit and then some. He IS the most important person in the war against segregation and has impacted the lives of every single person on this earth.
But as we continued to talk, I realized that breaking the status quo didn't have to be something as monumental as equal rights; it just has to be different.
That's why I think that the show Portlandia is a perfect example of this. Portlandia, which was created by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein is changing the way people view sketch comedy.
When you hear the term 'sketch comedy' your mind immediately wanders to the Dick Van Dyke show or SNL, but Portlandia has taken everything that those shows have, and twists it into a weird, interesting, unique new outcome. This show has little quirks that make it what it is. They take current things, and completely distort and change it into something that is bizzare and hilarious in a way that you never thought existed.
When I think something is funny on television, I usually enternalize it. But when I'm watching Portlandia, there is always a guaranteed burst of laughter from me. I LOVE this show. It has shown me a new side to creativity, but also a new side to breaking the status quo.
Seasons 1 & 2 are on Netflix. Watch them.
But as we've discussed the topics futher in this class, I've realized that it's not just about being yourself; it's about breaking the "norm" for a better, more effective out come that in the end makes people feel more empowered and generally more happy.
As we all know, MLK was the atomic bomb of breaking down the walls of the status quo. He pushed things to the limit and then some. He IS the most important person in the war against segregation and has impacted the lives of every single person on this earth.
But as we continued to talk, I realized that breaking the status quo didn't have to be something as monumental as equal rights; it just has to be different.
That's why I think that the show Portlandia is a perfect example of this. Portlandia, which was created by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein is changing the way people view sketch comedy.
When you hear the term 'sketch comedy' your mind immediately wanders to the Dick Van Dyke show or SNL, but Portlandia has taken everything that those shows have, and twists it into a weird, interesting, unique new outcome. This show has little quirks that make it what it is. They take current things, and completely distort and change it into something that is bizzare and hilarious in a way that you never thought existed.
When I think something is funny on television, I usually enternalize it. But when I'm watching Portlandia, there is always a guaranteed burst of laughter from me. I LOVE this show. It has shown me a new side to creativity, but also a new side to breaking the status quo.
Seasons 1 & 2 are on Netflix. Watch them.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Blogging Around
The first blog I commented on was Sophia's blog post about cleaning her closet. I really loved the way your and my brain really worked the same. I completely agree with you. When I feel like I have to do work, I hate it. But,
when I'm able to sit down and actually get it done, I feel so much better. I love to clean, but it takes time. That's what everything is like for me, and I think that it's really cool you and share that fact.
The second blog I read was Malcolm's iMedia where he talks about "Tell Him" by Lauryn Hill, covered by Esperanza Spalding. First of all, I think Esperanza Spalding, she's a genius, and she presents herself in such a beautiful way that makes me love her even more. Malcolm, I LOVE this song. I myself love covers of songs. I think that it takes one thing that was already creative and makes it even more creative. This cover is particularly amazing. She makes this song hers. I absolutely love how passionate you are. Everyone knows that you love music, but it your writing we really know just how much.
The second blog I read was Malcolm's iMedia where he talks about "Tell Him" by Lauryn Hill, covered by Esperanza Spalding. First of all, I think Esperanza Spalding, she's a genius, and she presents herself in such a beautiful way that makes me love her even more. Malcolm, I LOVE this song. I myself love covers of songs. I think that it takes one thing that was already creative and makes it even more creative. This cover is particularly amazing. She makes this song hers. I absolutely love how passionate you are. Everyone knows that you love music, but it your writing we really know just how much.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Get Organized: A Tribute to Aristotle
Fact: Raina Payne has OCD.*
*Meaning she likes to clean and organize
I chose to organize my backpack, because I feel as if even though I use it almost everyday, I overlook it when it comes to cleaning it.
I threw out all of the little papers and wrappers at the bottom. Then organized my side pockets so it only had my ID and my iPod in it. Then I placed my latest script and my keys in the top pocket, my health/beauty(or aesthetics if you so desire). I then placed everything else there was to have in the big pocket.
It was spotless, at least for the rest of the day.
When I get things organized, I feel like everything is organized.
Obviously not everything in my life is organized just because of this one thing; but for a second, I not only feel a sense of cleanliness, but of peace.
That's how my brain works. It's no secret that I'm a control freak; but it's for a different reason than just wanting power. I want for my brain to be at peace.
Everytime I clean or organize, I know how I can relieve stress, or how I can get my brain back to square one instead of freaking out and having it go off in 50 different directions.
I'm all about the organization.
*Meaning she likes to clean and organize
I chose to organize my backpack, because I feel as if even though I use it almost everyday, I overlook it when it comes to cleaning it.
I threw out all of the little papers and wrappers at the bottom. Then organized my side pockets so it only had my ID and my iPod in it. Then I placed my latest script and my keys in the top pocket, my health/beauty(or aesthetics if you so desire). I then placed everything else there was to have in the big pocket.
It was spotless, at least for the rest of the day.
When I get things organized, I feel like everything is organized.
Obviously not everything in my life is organized just because of this one thing; but for a second, I not only feel a sense of cleanliness, but of peace.
That's how my brain works. It's no secret that I'm a control freak; but it's for a different reason than just wanting power. I want for my brain to be at peace.
Everytime I clean or organize, I know how I can relieve stress, or how I can get my brain back to square one instead of freaking out and having it go off in 50 different directions.
I'm all about the organization.
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