Cologne (Köln) Germany - 2018.

October 03, 2018

May I be a douche and quote myself?

“There are already so many photos of pretty things. So sometimes I like to take photos of ugly things.”

— Griffin, Blake (UNEXPhotography). 27 Sep 2018, 17:12 UTC. Tweet

I even did a (mostly) accurate MLA formatting quote job for you there. But in all seriousness, I found myself in Germany for Photokina this year following my trend of documenting European graffiti and street art.

I really only had one day to walk around, so the majority of these were from a single session, however I do feel like I got a couple of winners. I’ll be running some prints of these for myself soon because the web just do not do them justice at all. There are so many great textures that just are missed when not looking at everything full sized.

I hope you enjoy taking a look at these as much as I enjoyed taking them. Until next time Köln, Danke!

The Artist's Way - Week 3

October 01, 2018

Day 14:

In a few hours I get on a plane to fly to Germany for a week. I guess that gives me at least 8-18 hours over the next 7 days to work distraction free on the plane. I’ve already printed off the worksheets for this week and will attempt to freehand them into my notebook (and then re-type them here).

Week 3 Goals:

Morning Pages x7
Artist Date x1
Detective Work Exercise
Complete as many additional Exercises as possible.

Day 15:

My German adventure in a nutshell so far: “Just hopped a train in the wrong direction. Maybe I should have learned some German before trying this.”

Also my knowledge of German culture summed up right here: “KMFDM comes on shuffle…RIGHT ON! Rammstein comes on shuffle…Skip immediately.”

Today is pretty much my only day to be a dirty rotten tourist. I got in after being awake for 20 hours, an 8 hour plane ride, an hour on a train, and a taxi that ate up half of my walking money and really just wanted to sleep. My one hour nap turned into a three hour nap, and after waking up I really didn’t want to do anything at all. But I forced myself out of the hotel and walked around Cologne all evening.

I’m so happy that I did because I added a few new images to my Patent Pending Self-Guided European Graffiti Walking Tour Image Set. Even though it started off literally heading in the wrong direction.

I’ll get an official blog post up once I return, but for now I’ll share this one:

I was drawn to that “That Guy” sticker, so much so I walked back across the street to grab it.

Day 16:

“Many blocked people are actually very powerful and creative personalities who have been made to feel guilty about their own strengths and gifts. Without being acknowledged, they are often used as batteries by their friends and family who feel free to both use their creative energies and disparage them.

When these blocked artists strive to break free of their dysfunctional systems, they are often urged to be sensible when such advice is not appropriate for them. Made to feel guilty for their talents, they often hide their own light under a bushel for fear of hurting others. Instead, they hurt themselves [...]

When you complete the following phrases, you may feel strong emotion as you retrieve memories and misplaced fragments of yourself. Allow yourself to free-associate for a sentence or so with each phrase.”

— Julia Cameron - The Artist's Way

Detective Work:

My favorite childhood toy was Starscream probably, the transformer. Or maybe Tank Megatron. But if I’m being honest with myself it probably was the stuffed Shamu.
The best movie I saw as a child was Jurassic Park. Full Stop. Dinosaurs Rule.
If it weren’t too late I probably would have partied more in college.
The amount of money I spend on treating myself to entertainment each month is not near as much as I’d like to be spending.
If I weren’t so stingy with my artist I would buy him so many things. Lights, lenses, probably something medium format.
Taking time out for myself is complicated. I put too many people first before me.
I am afraid that if I start dreaming that I will eventually have to wake up.
My parents think artists are a waste of time.
Learning to trust myself is probably easier than I’m making it out to be.
My favorite way to dress is in a nice expensive suit or a nice shirt, but also with a utilikilt somehow.

This was the stuffed Shamu, with her baby. This damn thing didn’t leave my side until I was almost a teenager.

Day 18:
Is there an opposite to jet lag? Jet-future maybe? For whatever reason by body decided to wake up at 5am. But it lead to the following thoughts:

I’m not sure how The Dutch do it. They seem to run on a steady stream of coffee that turns into beer. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Also I have to state for the record that its kinda a sucky truth that I feel like I have to beg my friends to shoot with me (and at least even in some minor way compensate me for my talents).

Screen Shot 2018-09-27 at 7.15.47 AM.png

I mean like, I’m in a decent place in my life and don’t need any extra funds, but it still feels good when someone doesn’t just take advantage and actively wants to pay you for a service you are providing.

Day 20:
Today was the first day I had to skip morning pages. I forgot that it was Saturday and didn’t set an alarm. Thankfully my body woke me up in time. There was a protest in the city today, and it messed up the trains.

I’m back at the hotel now packing and I hope that I can get everything down small enough to make it back home since I had to bring back some extra equipment. As long as the trains are back to normal tomorrow morning all should be well.

Day 21:

Flight back home is delayed about 2 hours. Now would be a great time to work on some exercises. I’m a little doped up on anti-nausea medicine, but I may end up doing some. I’ll probably integrate those into the week 3 blog if that’s the case. Unless the plane has a power outlet.

After the fact note: The flight ended up being delayed a total of 6 hours, and I ended up being awake for 24 straight hours before getting home. This really put a damper on my mood and my pre-work for week 4.

Check In:

How many days did you do your morning pages? If you skipped a day, why did you skip it? 6. One day I woke up extremely late and couldn’t fit it into my schedule.
Did you do your artist date this week? What did you do? How did it feel? Yes. I took a walk through a strange city with my camera and did some shooting of street art, and the remnants of it. I loved it, I always like it when I can walk around and document a new place by myself.
Did you experience any synchronicity this week? What was it? I did actually, but it wasn’t exactly positive. I was so worried about missing my flight back to Atlanta, and it seemed like I was just on the track to do so. But then the flight was massively delayed.
Were there any other issues this week that you consider significant to your recovery? Describe them. I felt that the detective work exercise gave me some insight into my fears as an artist. When I had time to focus on them, it provided some clarity into what may be holding me back.

I wish I had made more time for some of the other exercises this week. I think there were a few that could have been equally unblocking as the detective work. I did take some time for myself to walk around the photo show. Got to play with some new toys in person that I may end up working into my arsenal.

It was nice being across from the “Professional’s Stage” at the show, I found myself listening to and watching some interesting talks that could potentially help me grow my skills…even if many of them were in a language that I couldn’t understand.

The Artist's Way - Week 2

September 23, 2018

Week one seemed to go easier than I expected it to, and I really hope that the next weeks get a little harder to complete. Having heard of some experiences from other people working the program I know that it will become tougher. A week from today (when this post will actually go live) I will be on my way to Germany for work. I’m very curious to see how much I can get accomplished while being in a new place and while being focused on working.

Week 2 Goals:

1) Morning Pages x7
2) Artist’s Date x1
3) Complete as many of the additional exercises as possible.

Day 7:
Met with Nikki for our first check in. I think we are both on the right track for making things happen. I got a chance to prep my notebook for the week to come, and it certainly feels like this week has a lot more exercises than last week did. So many so that I didn’t want to freehand out all the pages so I can have more room for Morning Pages. Next time I go through this I really will be printing out the PDF pages I think.

I noticed that last week I actually have written more than I have in a good while. Including the two blog posts that came out. Hopefully I can keep that trend going as I have been stuck on a couple of long form posts recently.

Exercise - Life Pie:

“Draw a circle. Divide it into six pieces of pie. Label one piece Spirituality, another Excercise, another Play and so on with Work, Friends, and Romance/Adventure. Place a dot in each slice at the degree to which you are fulfilled in that area. (outer rim indicates great; inner circle, not so great). Connect the dots. This will show were you are lopsided.”

— Julia Cameron "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity"

My life pie. High in friendship, medium in work and play, but pretty low in everything else (Spirituality, Exercise, and almost 0 Romance/Adventure.

Day 9:

Ten Small Changes:

“List ten changes you’d like to make for yourself […] Do it this way:
I would like to ____________
I would like to ____________
As the morning pages nudge us increasingly into the present, where we pay attention to our current lives, a small shift […] can yield a luxuriously large sense of self care”

— Julia Cameron - "The Artist's Way"

I would like to Lose 20 lbs
I would like to Quit smoking for good.
I would like to Clean and Re-arrange my bedroom.
I would like to Deep clean my living areas.
I would like to Get rid of excess junk
I would like to Live a more minimalist life
I would like to get a new set of bed linens
I would like to Shoot with new people
I would like to Travel more
I would like to Spend more time with my friends.

“Select one small item and make it a goal for this week. Now do that item”

— Julia Cameron - "The Artist's Way"

I’m traveling all next week, and have a weekly meeting with a friend to go over our progress. Can that count?

Day 10:
I bought tickets to a super fancy museum exhibit for a (now) sold out show. The tickets aren’t good until February which will be well past this 12 week project. But I’m going to go anyway and try to enjoy it.

Day 12:
I’m not feeling very optimistic over the last few days. Still cranking through with the exercises. I forgot to read my basic principals today. Not sure how badly that “hurt” me this week.

I’ve got the creative urge to shoot something, and I have a bad case of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome - or the feeling that buying X piece of equipment is what will take me to the next level).

“List 20 things you enjoy doing [...]. When was the last time you let yourself do these things? Next to each entry place a date. Don’t be surprised if it’s been years for some of your favorites.”

— Julia Cameron - "The Artist's Way"

I’m not going to share my entire list of 20, but I’ll share a few.

Visit and enjoy a Natural Hot Spring - 2010
Go Camping - 2006 (?)
Play Laser Tag - 2017
Plan and Execute a photo shoot - August
Cook for Friends - 2014
Visit a Cat Cafe - 2017
Go on a Romantic Date - 2013 (?)

“[...] From the list above write down two favorite things that you’ve avoided that could be this week’s goals. [...] Remember we are trying to win you some autonomy with your time. Look for windows of time just for you, and use them in small creative acts.”

— Julia Cameron - "The Artist's Way"

Touché Julia…touché.

Day 13:
I. Paid. To. Pet. Cats. :3

This cat’s name was Einstein and he was so fluffy and soft.

Week 2 Check In:

How many days this week did you do your Morning Pages? How was the experience for you? Did they work for you? Describe them […] Remember if you are writing the morning pages they are working for you.
7. I completed all 7 days. I’m not sure if I’m doing things the correct way, and I’m not sure they are helping all that much. But I’m still going to keep going and see what I can learn about myself.
Did you do your Artist Date this week? What did you do? How did it feel?
Yes - I decided to take myself to the cat cafe. I met a fluffy and soft little dude and spent the better part of an hour bothering him. I miss cats, I miss having one around to play with and spend time with. But due to my current living situation it’s not exactly possible. One day soon I hope to be in a position where I can have another furry friend to hang out with, but until then I have to just cat vicariously through friends.
Were there any other issues this week that you consider significant for your recovery? Describe them.
I think getting over (at least temporarily) GAS and not spending any money on new equipment I really don’t need was a significant victory. Not sure for how long it will be, because I really want some new lighting equipment. Only time will tell.

Jessica and Thomas - 2018

September 19, 2018

You may remember last year when I shot some very interesting engagement photos for a very special couple.

I met Jessica and Thomas back in 2015 at DragonCon when they came and spent some time in the room I was sharing with a few other people. Little did I know that they would come to me many years later and ask for me to not only shoot their very unique and special Mortal Kombat themed engagement photos, but also their wedding as well.

At the time of our meeting they had been together for 8 years (if my math is correct) and at the time of their wedding that was bumped to an unusually high 11 years! If anything their finally tying the knot was a long time coming and a lot of work in the making.

These photos are a few weeks late as they were married the weekend before DragonCon this year. I gave them the proofs while we shared a room a few weeks ago, but then with Con and all of my recent Artist’s Way work I’ve been a little late sharing them with all of you.

Below are a few of my favorites from spending their very special day with them:

Jessica and Thomas, I wish you the best and many more happy years together. Thank you for letting me be a huge part of your wedding day. I hope these photos last you both a lifetime and more.

The Artist's Way - Introduction and Week 1 Update

September 16, 2018

This is going to be a long one with a lot of text and no new content from me. I’ll get back to getting some pretty pictures up and running soon. Just bear with me for a little bit since this takes some time to set up.

Introduction:

So here we are. I never thought for a minute I’d be in any position to be talking about self-help anything. Much less buckling down and following any sort of program or path. After hearing it come up on several Podcasts I listen to regularly (Shout out to Kyle from This is Rad and Anna from 12 Questions)

http://www.thisisradpodcast.com/uncategorized/self-help/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/12-questions/id1050716646?mt=2

I decided to finally break down and give it a shot.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a self help book (in case that wasn’t 100% obvious) which can best be easily described by the below Wikipedia entry:

“The book was written to help people with artistic creative recovery, which teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills. Correlation and emphasis is used by the author to show a connection between artistic creativity and a spiritual connection with God.

The ideas in creative personal development outlined in the book, which were felt to be new at the time of the publication, are said to have become a phenomenon and spawned into many meet-ups and support groups throughout the world. The group meetings are based on a 12-week creativity course designed for people to work through and gain artistic inspiration, as outlined in the book. The program is focused on supporting relationships in removing artistic blocks and fostering confidence ”

— Wikipedia

The book provides a list of 10 Principals, 12 weeks of exercises, and on top of all two main excercises:

First, Write three freeform-longhand pages first thing upon waking up. This is used as a form of meditation and is meant to help get the creative gears turning by getting out ideas that are stuck inside. These Morning Pages are not to be shared with anyone but the person creating them during the course of the 12 weeks.

Second, Take yourself on one “artist date” per week to help “put gas in the tank”.

So if you know me at all you will likely have noticed a few glaring issues that need to be adjusted. I am in no way, shape, or form a “Godly” man, and really have no intentions to be. This direct verbiage and reference to God was something that really held me back from going through and working the steps presented.

After some googling I found a blogger named Tae Phoenix who some years ago broke down and re-wrote the 10 Principals to better focus inward instead of on the God aspect. That blog post can be found here:

https://taephoenix.com/2012/12/27/a-skeptics-guide-to-the-artists-way-core-principles/

If you are looking to try this for yourself along with me I probably also would recommend a free PDF that was created by Lianne Williams

https://liannewilliams.com/blog/my-free-the-artists-way-worksheets

I wish I had found these before spending a few hours longhand transferring Week 1’s Activities into my notebook. And who knows, I may end up printing off a copy anyway and using it anyway.

So with my notebook, and text in hand there was only one other thing that I needed. A partner.

Back when I first started talking about taking on this project, I brought it up to blog favorite Nikki Nuke’m at her Husband’s birthday party earlier this year.

Side note, aren’t they both just adorable

Being an artist (and going through some things) herself, I felt she would be a great “Battle Buddy” for me. We both decided to start the journey as soon as DragonCon was over. Which leads us pretty much up to the present. Nikki and I will be meeting together each Sunday for a check in, and in-between my plan is to share my thoughts in a roughly coherent fashion here as they come through.

I don’t plan to play-by-play each and every thought I have during this process, but hope to hit some highlights that maybe will help work through some insights on your end. It should become pretty clear as things go along. So without further ado:

Week 1 Tasks:

Complete Morning Pages (x7)
Complete Artist’s Date (x1)
Affirmations and Blurts Worksheet (read the book)
Complete at least 1 other exercise from week 1 readings

Day 0:

I spent the better part of an hour free-handing the updated Principals and Week 1’s Homework into my notebook. I already wish I had bought a bigger notebook. I have a feeling if I tried to complete every assignment that I’ll quickly run out of pages. I got a good start through on a couple of extra exercises. Looks like I’ll be completing at least 2 this week. In the future I probably shoot for 100% completion, but of course…notebook.

I took myself on my first “Artist Date”. As suggested I went over to the dollar store. Spent a few bucks on stickers, thank you cards, and a bath bomb. YOLO?

Day 1:

(I started tweeting my thoughts before I decided to actually make this a running blog post)

*“I can already tell that waking up early is going to be an issue. I was 12 minutes late getting out of the house today. In Atlanta traffic those 12 minutes put me almost 30 minutes late to work.”*

“Of course, I find a crazy-cool PDF of TAW assignments after I spend yesterday free-handing a bunch of stuff. Since I've already been spoiled that the entire process is to keep working the steps...maybe I'll use it for next time.”

I wonder how Nikki is doing. I sure hope these next 12 weeks aren’t a waste of time for either of us.

Day 2:

Man…the last few minutes of today are dragging along. OH! I have some exercises I can knock out.

Day 3:

Just found myself thinking on the drive home from work:

I’m a little ashamed that “I’ll go to the museum” came before “I’ll go to the Cat Cafe” as an artist date idea.

Day 6:

I went on a bonus artist date today, mostly because with business travel next week I don’t know how much time I’m going to have. But in doing so I found both a small art gallery just a few miles from my house AND came across the most on brand art exhibit I think I have ever been to

Ended up going to see the new Predator movie with a friend. And it likely may just be a placebo effect, but I really liked it. Unlike most movies that I go to where I pick them apart super harshly, this one actually made me laugh and I walked away feeling good about it.