March 2013

I Won’t Shut Up

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NeverGiveUp
This was read in Relief Society (the women’s group) yesterday at Church.  It struck me, and reminds me of Brene Brown’s TED talk. Brene talks about being authentic and real, knowing that perfection is not a prerequisite for love and happiness.  We should not fear others, not worry about popularity.  Our job is to search for truth and lean on that and not be pushed off course.
This poem (and the lesson that was shared with it) also speaks of commitment. Commitment to a cause, to family, to others, to self, to life. Commitment is what moves us forward, helps us (and those we associate with) learn and grow. I need more commitment, more drive, more immersion in life. Immersion can be frightening.  It’s nicer to escape.  I lack commitment but it’s in me. It just needs to be awoken. Simply having a place to write my thoughts, as they come to me, will help me learn and grow. No, not on this blog… on paper.  I love paper and pen.  Such old tools.

Truth.

On the Couch

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I think this might become an ongoing theme. “On the Couch”. Between Ezra being sick most days to everyone loving video games and tv, this is a theme in our home I can explore throughout the year. Hopefully they won’t all be “sick” images. The way it’s looking these days, many will be. My poor, sick boy.

I’ll start this theme off with some fun ones… not sick at all:
OnCouch

FlyingOnCouch

Project: Photograph an Apple

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Did I tell you all that I have been taking an online workshop since the middle of Feb? Probably not. Well, I have. The talented Deb Rouse Schwedhelm, whom I became acquainted with through her images on the Azuka album contest site about 6 years ago, is the teacher. Her eldest daughter has a Cochlear Implant, so we have a few things in common… Zach is a research scientist for Cochlear Americas, just in case you didn’t know. Anyway, I thought now might be a good time to think more about my work. This workshop had helped me to really focus on what I would like to do once my littlest is in school full time. It’s been such a great few weeks and I hope to continue to concentrate on myself and my creativity.
We had an assignment to photograph an apple. Below is my take on the assignment. Does this image speak to you? If so, what does it say?

StacieAnnSmithGirlwApple

TornJeansApple

I have lots more to share from the last few weeks. We’ll see how much I actually get on here. Hopefully everything!

Self Portrait

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It’s been awhile since I have photographed myself using something other than my phone. My phone is quite easy to use for a self portrait. I took a few while in Amsterdam (I may post photos from that trip here… I’m so behind, that was Sept! Don’t hold your breath).
Anyway, today was the day for a self portrait. Get in front of the camera. I was trying to be my own perfect model. I think I did pretty well, but there is more to explore with this type of work. Self portrait means a lot of trial and error. It’s hard not being able to see and take the shot. My Nikon has this interval timer thing, which makes it much easier. It can even focus between shots, which can be quite annoying.
Through this little project, I kept thinking of Francesca Woodman (just watched her documentary on Netflix The Woodmans). Very inspiring work and tragic story. Lots of nudes, so maybe not check her out while your kid is on your lap. But whatever, up to you and your tolerance for “nude as art”.
I’d like to show more… something (probably not more skin). Anyway, these are close. I’ll get back to you on what that something is. Maybe it’s a secrete or maybe I just haven’t figured that out yet. I’ll never tell.
StacieSelfPortrait1

Mustache Monday

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This guy has all sorts of ideas. He had his wardrobe set… mostly black. He loves any sort of kid tattoo… mustache included. He wanted the really long one today. These are designed for fingers, but fit nicely on his little face and complilment his natural little fu manchu.
MusMonday