Ttv: Through The Viewfinder Photography

So I made a recent purchase. An Argus 75. One of those cameras back in the late 40's that many people used to capture life. Now days many hold them as collectables and are found in antique shops,yardsales,estate sales and a grand array of them on Ebay! The reason for my purchase was to try a new photographic technique I came across, called Ttv; through the viewfinder photography . It's apparently been around for quite awhile. If you like the rustic, dirty, nostalgic look of phototgraphy ,this may wet your whistle. Im at both specturms of phototgraphy. Love to get up close and see the sharp detail in a photograph , yet drawn toward the gritty look of an old photograph. You need to make a "contraption" ,as they call it, as to block out light when you fit your Digital SLR camera to take a picture of the glass view finder atop of the old box camera.


Here are a few of my FIRST photos:





Im excited to add this technique to my body of work!

Bread and Butter Art Show

This past year has been full of treatments, scans,colonoscopies,suregery and more scans to come. When you have cancer it seems like you life is put on hold.All the little "extra things" can wait. You just want to get better and get throught it! Many peoples' journeys take years and some just live life with cancer and go on with life. Well it took getting cancer for me to realize the importance of the little things in life, friends and family and how will I use my talents. No time to hold back now, my art has been on the backburner too long. Now is the time, time for me and my talent.
I recently submitted my photography to the Art's Council of the Blue Ridge and their annual "Bread and Butter Show/Sale" for emerging artist. I was accepted. So as soon as I found out I was acepted, I scrambled to order supplies,frames, print my photos and get it all done with in a week's time.YIKES! I did procrastinate a bit,one of my downfalls. Here are some pictures of me and the some of the"bread eaters"! Didn't have much time to take many pictures cause I was mingling with people. I had a fun time, got inspired, and learned from the experience.

SELF PORTRAIT

I this picture can speak for itself. You can feel a lot from self portraits. Mine is from a recent journey through colorectal cancer. The bands on my arms represent my journey. They are my hospital bands, my blood bands and surgery bands. I have my elbows resting on my knees,with my hands folded in a praying position. I spent many, many days in this position.

Since I've had time off...

Well, most of you know that I've take quite a bit of time off work,umm like a year while going through treatment for colon cancer. I've learned a lot about life, importance of friends and family and to live in the moment. Well I feel like I never persued an artistic career. I feel like there is no time like NOW. I just overcame cancer! Can I do this ? Sure, It's time for ME to BELIEVE in ME again and feel that happiness again when I do my art, whatever medium it is. So Im slowly going for it! one step at a time and a giant leap of faith! I was quite inspired by a jewelry artist during Thanksgiving break downtown. She had such a unique of creating the pieces, which has lead me to a new found art. I've always wanted to learn how to do this and is quite easy. She offered me an oppertunity to help he with making her jewelry...but truely it would not sette right with me knowing I could create similar piece of my own and use my creative abilities . Still thinking about it though.
Just a few of my biginning pieces.

Inspire Me Thursday: "Medical Art"

This week’s creative prompt is Medical, inspired by Elayna who is in our artist spotlight this week. I think it is inspiring how her x-rays became a source of inspiration for her. Perhaps you could draw inspiration from your personal experience with a disability or ailment, from an anatomical illustration in a text book, from the vast array of treatments and cures the medical community have discovered or are striving for, or however you choose to interpret this theme.
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Get creative by interpreting this topic through art, words, photography, however you feel moved to express yourself...

As a colon cancer survivor(and still surviving), I've been through a lot! Many scans, radiation,chemo, major surgery to remove part of my cancerous colon and not to mention the emotional journey. God has blessed me with powerful strength I never knew I had. My "medical art" represents steps in the process of my journey with cancer.

Studio Friday: The Heart of Your Studio

"Where or what is the heart of your studio/creative space? Is it your desk or maybe a special piece of furniture, a window, a piece of art on the wall, your idea board, or one of your tools, a jar with ribbons on the shelf...? "

Well, this is my tiny space stuffed in the alcove of a dormer window upstairs. I may feel a bit crowded but it's MY space! I have a great view of things from up here. I watch the cars drive by, the clouds move by and many birds fly by. My printer in off to right of the picture and my monitor is flat so it didn't make it into the picture. My trusty little book of ideas and dreams right at my hands reach when I get an idea or get inspired. My point and shoot camera for when Im on the go and fits right in my purse. Mp3 player loaded with christian songs filled with truth and hope. I sit here mostly when Im blogging, searching the web, reading my devotion and sometimes just sitting here looking out the window and praying. I actually cleaned up this space for you.It's cluttered most of the time with pictures, mail,books, pens, and as you can see a few leggos made it up here! Hmmm. So this is my cozy creative corner where I perch.

Studio Friday: Legacy.

"What work(s)/successes/accomplishments would you love to leave behind for the world? What legacy would you like to or are already about to create?"

Isn't this ironic?! I'm 32 years old, fighting for my life for the past 2 months with colorectal cancer. Believe it or not I have had this thought go through my mind. Yeah, I want my legacy to be my art/photography,like any artist would. I believe, as a Christian you're given talents to use to reach others. I want my legacy to be my pieces of artwork, whether it be my photography,a drawing or even the pottery placed throughout my house but to have a message that goes along with it. With every piece of artwork there is a challenge: How close do I need to get for a great shot, or when the clay is on wheel, what do I in vision in this clay-how far am I going to stretch it ? But for the people who do know me, I want them to know I was creative, fun-loving, loved to swim, ski, loved my family near and far, appreciated her husband and loved her children, played with her boys,and realized there is more to life than "things". Be thankful for your blessings.Using this challenging life experience to share with others that going through something like cancer that you cant do it alone or or even with human help, but ONLY God can truly comfort you, hold you, and even carry you.