it’s time

Well, I’ve taken a longer “sabbatical” than I anticipated since I’ve moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I struggled with a simple formula: time + no obligation = ???? 

When you are given freedom to do whatever it is you like with no boundaries (financial or time constraints) what is it that you would do with yourself? I discovered it is a true test of of your innate desires. 

Here’s what I’ve done in the past year:

Moved cross country from Florida to Oregon.

Started woodworking and built a few pieces of furniture. 

Started playing hockey.

Carved down a mountain many times.

Honed in on my culinary skills.

Hosted over 25 guests over the course of 5 months. 

So what does this all have to do with my research? Well, my research has been rooted in my fascination with humans and the way we live and interact with each other and our environments.  This past year has been refreshing because of two reasons. 1. I was able to step away from the computer. 2. It allowed me to build relationships without the pre-context of using that relationship as part of an art project. I was able to create genuine connections and truly enjoy life, my environment and my friendships. I was able to devote more of my time, energy, and emotions on others unconditionally and experience the rewards. 

The last decade of my life has been spent creating things for others and their ideas. You could argue that in grad school I created things for myself, but in reality, much of it was forced. However, these experiences were well worth it because the result was my thesis and a newfound direction in my research. I feel as though I paid my dues and now I’ve set myself up in a position to really take off now. I have a strong understanding of the human mind and our emotions. I understand how our environment affects us. I understand that the more you give the more you receive. 

I feel refreshed and ready to pick up where I left off exactly one year ago. That means this lifelong student and educator is ready to absorb more knowledge. Never thought I’d say this but back to school?!

you make what??

I have a problem. I’m not quite sure how to approach people to see if they would be interested in being the subject of one of my portraits. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few really nice people in my new city (Portland, Oregon) and I would love to create a portrait of each one of them but I feel that it would have to be their decision to participate. The process can become quite personal.

So I’ve decided to come up with a pitch line. I need to combine both an explanation and invitation for my video series all in 30 seconds or less. 

Here’s what I’m thinking: 

NewFriend: “What do you make/do/create?”

Me: I create Moving Portraits of people I meet in my lifetime. 

NewFriend: “What’s that???”

Me: “Well, imagine the 30 seconds before and after your photo is taken for a portrait. A moving portrait would capture all 60 seconds of you on video. So rather than preparing for one shot, we would work together to figure out a short scene to depict how you would want to be portrayed. Usually it is based on a past or current event that might have changed your life. My goal is to create a new and genuine way of documenting humanity through the people I meet everyday and their life stories.”

NewFriend: “ahhh, I see!”

Me: “Hooray!”

That’s the best I have for the moment. We’ll see if it works!

Off to meet new people!

yes, you.

Hello! This is my first blog! Okay, not really. I’ve created and deleted about 10 different blogs in my lifetime. All of them probably have never had more than 15 posts until I totally lost interest. So why is this blog going to be different? And why should it even matter? It’s a simple answer. I know what I want to say. 

“It’s not me, it’s you.” You could also insert the word “about” before the words “me” and “you”. That would probably be more accurate but I just like the way the first version rolls off the tongue. 

To sum this all up, I’ve found something I am truly passionate about. I am on a mission to create hundreds (thousands if I’m lucky) of videos I call, “Moving Portraits,” of people I cross paths with in my lifetime. If you need more info than that, then just e-mail me.

This blog aims to capture the entire crazy experience of meeting and getting to know all of you. Yes, you.