Magic Hour

There's something beautiful in the swaying of the train cars.

The setting sun of the passing day 

a mere blur in the background that makes me stop for a moment and wonder.

how one day, 

one swaying moment,

can change your life in an instant. That the setting sun of tomorrow,

the sway of the cars that mean

so little,

and yet so much,

in hindsight of the bigger picture, 

that life is about living,

loving, 

forgiving,

and forgetting,

that with every pass between cars,

every set of the sun,

Our lives are defined.

TDKR and Film

  There is something truly remarkable about film, and the beauty it pocesses. I speak not of a general film title, but the good old fashion, celluloid film. As the industry is continuing to develop, the fight for film is becoming more and more crucial. Perhaps the most beautiful and resonating images seen in the theatre are that belonging to film, the Dark Knight Trilogy not only showcased that, but defined it, and none the less has given film a nod it deserves in such a trying time where people need to be reminded of where film began, and the reason to which it has remained to this day the best image possible on screen. 

  As a student of Cinematography and film, in an industry threatening to change from film, I am an advocate for film and will forever be until the day the digital world can truly capture the resolution and high quality images that is the film we know and love now. We go to the cinema for an experience, to be brought into a world and a story away from ours. IMAX or 70mm Film is the best the world has ever seen and just look at the difference it made in the beautiful shots of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, it takes a passionate and dedicated team to shoot in this format, for many reasons, but I cannot imagine a Dark Knight without those big, crystal clear beautiful images.

  The Dark Knight trilogy follows the story of the hero not that Gotham needs, but that it deserves. Perhaps a bigger picture in the completion of the trilogy is, The Dark Knight trilogy was not the specific film the world needed, but the one it deserved; the one that could help change the fate of the slowly dying world of film, to shed light again on the true beauty in what has begun to fade.

   Watching these films, is to sincerely view a slice of history, a treasure never forgotten, to look at as reminder of what film is, has, and will do for the future generations of filmmakers; The Dark Knight of time.

Artist Statement

Searching for the beauty in the ordinary is what I spend my life doing, for so many people fail to realize that sometimes the most beautiful things are indeed what most may deem ordinary. Life is about experiences, what we make of them and how we react to them. Every person, being, creature, on this planet goes through things and everyone and everything has their own story, all told from a very different and yet similar perspective. Having the ability to slip into the shoes of not only a character in the world around us but the shoes of the world in which we live is something I strive for.   

I never wanted to directly share my thoughts and emotions with people so I showed them visually. I think that is why humanity created film, art, music, and literature; to tell the stories nobody had the courage to tell themselves and that is what I love about filmmaking. Taking a story, a moment, a life and bringing it into reality; into the world of the audience in a way that is simply real. Raw emotion through visuals, submerging the viewers into someone else’s shoes, immersing them in a journey. 

Cinematography isn’t always about a beautiful vista but about the raw reality of the story being told and believe me, it’s not always pretty. The way I see it, I live life through the lens, watching for moments and what makes those moments resonate, for it’s not just a great plot that tells a story, but the visuals that bring that story to life. I am an observer, a participant in not only my own journey, but that of the world and those around me. I read in pictures, see in pictures, live in pictures I always have and always will; I think its not only important to be interested in films, but interested in life. In order to evoke an emotion to an audience in a realistic form, I believe you must experience it first hand. The pictures on screen have to be true to the narrative and the best way to accomplish that, is by simply living; becoming the observer, the viewer in the bigger picture in order to better understand the snapshots.

Inside and Out

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see my friend completely absorbed in his music. His fingers glided along the keyboard with a mind of their own. I couldn't believe how effortless the beauty of his music seemed but more importantly, the purity and depth of emotion that not only became his music but overtook him as he played. Beauty can be found at the most unexpected times and places, take in these moments. While often rare, the opportunity of seeing into a persons most genuine form can teach us the most. The problem however, is becoming close enough and caring enough to notice; truly knowing someone inside and out. So why are we so protective of something that is natural?

I know I’m not the only person to notice that no one ever follows that saying “just be yourself.” People are always putting on an act, hiding their true emotions, and just plain keeping to themselves, making it increasingly difficult to really get to know someone. Everyone has emotions and through them we should be able to connect and look to each other for hope and inspiration. What good does it do to keep everything bottled up inside? Emotions are something everyone has to handle and it is how people handle them that make the person they are. I think that in order to really understand a person and to be able to see life through their eyes, you have to be able to share your emotions with them and connect on a deeper level. Most people involved in the arts including myself, take a long time to open up in that way to someone. In many cases, we use another medium or form of art to help guide us, allowing us to indirectly open ourselves up to a broader audience. Why are people so comfortable exposing some of their deepest thoughts and emotions through art but not aloud?

In my experience, laying the framework for a true sense of trust and friendship with someone can take a long time in itself and it is during this process, that the relationship can become subject to failure. Everything worth while in life takes time; a true bond with someone is one of those things. True friendships must stand the test of time if they are truly going to work out. People are always coming in and out of our lives, but not all are here to stay. I think the reason so few people actually see the genuine form of a friend is simply because it is human nature to question the motives of other people. We as humanity, over think, reviewing different situations over and over in our heads so much so we create a growing sense of paranoia within us. What are they going to think of me? I will sound dumb if I say that. Look at the glance she just gave me; she doesn’t like me and so on. At the same time, we want to be aware of what we are telling people and what is better to be left unsaid. I think it varies from person to person in regards to the logistics, but I know for me, I only have one true best friend that I know will always be behind me one hundred percent. This bond, while it may have developed faster than I could have ever imagined, it is one that I believe will last forever. It is here that art opens the doors to human connection for it was through music that my best friend and I grew closer. Having the piano as a buffer, it allowed him to open up, turning pure emotion of all kinds into something beautiful, something anyone can connect to. Watching his fingers glide across the keys he looked to me and said, “it’s what I was born to do” and it was in that moment, I knew that was his true self speaking to me. Music acted as a stepping stone to the growth of our friendship, allowing us to use art as an expression of emotion but also to become comfortable with each other in all aspects.  

I am not a person who generally opens up to anyone, even my family. The idea of having a best friend is something I never really considered, because I had never allowed myself to become close to anyone. I am someone who tends to keep people at a distance, and have always been very particular in choosing who I allow myself to befriend. However they all have one specific trait, everyone whom I have allowed myself to become closer to, inspire me in some form or another. Being a very closed person, I always expressed my emotions through my art and writing. There are so many ways to express emotions through those mediums that it in a sense became my life. I never wanted to directly share my thoughts and emotions with people so I showed them visually. I think that is why humanity created art, music, and literature; to tell the stories nobody had the courage to tell themselves. I believe that it is through these mediums that we are able to learn not only more about the artist, but about humanity and the reasons behind our actions. The media and arts are one of the few things that no matter what, are always guaranteed to bring people together in some form. After all, it is something that brought me closer to my best friend.

Art is simply emotion in another language, left to be only truly understood by the native creating speaker, but to be interpreted by thousands. Art is the worlds universal emotion, language, and time. It allows us to see the world in a new light and through a new persons perspective. It is the catalyst of creation and inspiration. Allowing us in many cases to avoid what humans fear most, direct criticism. We are comfortable with the idea of someone critiquing our work, but not straight to our face through spoken word. A work of any art form takes time. Friendships and relationships take time. They are so similar and yet we are still so much more cowardly and afraid of direct interaction. I think the problem arises in the fact that a work of art can’t just look at you and say you’re stupid, it doesn’t have the ability to come back and hurt you later on the way an individual person might. I think that the strongest and most genuine bonds are the ones formed through equal contribution of both mediums. 

The best friendships are built upon a strong trust and a trust in each others opinions. In building this kind of trust, expressing yourself whether it be through music, art, or literature it is a crucial step and is something that I think most people overlook when getting to know someone. The easiest example is music, think of how much you can learn about a person just by simply looking through their playlist. Now, you can get a general sense of the individuals personality; However, it is when you actually discuss and argue about individual songs, that you are able to get a sense of the personal attachment between the individual and the music. Whether it be similar or different, you are learning things about each other when you explore interests, it allows the beginnings of the foundation of friendship to be laid. I think by starting off with that, people will have an easier time getting to know someone and allowing themselves to open up and become closer to someone. 

You can learn a lot from one individual if you care enough to take the time you spend together, and embrace the simple moments of life. It is all about learning to become not only comfortable with yourself and your own beliefs and emotions, but about learning to accept another for everything that they are and can become. You never know just what one person can make you realize, teach you, and inspire you to become unless you are willing to take the jump with them. A person is more than just what they appear to be, too many people forget that. Inspiration can come at the most unexpected times and places but will merely pass by those not looking out for it. Just as Barbra Streisand said, “A human being is only interesting if he’s in contact with himself. I learned you have to trust yourself, be what you are, and do what you ought to do the way you should do it. You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.” Be who you are inside and out and people will accept you for that and you never know just who you might inspire. After all, where would we be without true inspiration inside and out.

The Gift of Giving

It's that time of year where people around the world become one in sharing the joy of giving. It doesn't matter what holiday you celebrate or if you celebrate none at all, everyone can give. When most people think of the holidays they think of material things, yet so many overlook the most important gifts that can be given. Thought, Ingenuity, Inspiration, gifts can come from a deeper place, its taking the gift of a memory and making it a gift of reality reborn in a lasting form. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that represent something bigger, something that means more than you can even imagine between two people. The best part of giving something in which has no price tag, is the genuine emotion and thought that comes along with it. You never truly know a persons situation and you never know how much one thoughtful gift can brighten a day, a week, a lifetime. Time is a fragile thing, so this season give the gifts that will last a lifetime for they are indeed the best and most special kind.

Why Wait

 Death. It's something that comes for us all at some point, its a fact of life that no matter how hard we may try to push it away, it will always be there. waiting. waiting. Waiting is what bothers me most, not waiting or thinking about death, because that's something I personally don't really think about. The waiting that really bothers me is the waiting to tell someone, anyone, you're true thoughts and opinions until they're gone. Facebook is probably the biggest culprit of allowing this to happen, for when someone dies you know it the instant it overtakes your newsfeed with people clambering to get their last words in and that is what bothers me. Why do people have to wait and post their memories and words to the deceased through Facebook. Sure, most people will argue, it's the thought that counts but the fact of the matter is, posting something on Facebook is not a thought, it's an afterthought. If the person really meant something to you at any point throughout their existence then you should have acknowledged it while they were living. If it wasn't worth saying to them personally, and when you were thinking it, then its not worth saying to them period. Time is not a guarantee, we never know how long we will be here for so why do we hold back saying what's on our minds? For a long time, I will admit that I didn't always tell people how I felt but, I realized that we're living and what good is living if you never speak what's on your mind. That's why I called my best friend on thanksgiving, it sounds corny but you know what, it really is important to let those you care about know it because the clock just keeps ticking. So, my question to you is, Why wait?

Coming Home

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." -Anonymous 

Coming home I've done a lot of thinking. Sure, being home has been relaxing and enjoyable but I've come to realize something. What good is a place without the people who mean the most to you? Having met one of the most amazing people in college and spending lots of time together, being away from that sense of freedom, comfort, trust, and tranquility even for merely a week has been eye opening. Like so many people always say, you never know how good something is until its gone; well, they're right. It feels as though being with family just isn't always enough. Now don't get me wrong, I love my family but sometimes you need an escape, something fresh yet familiar, someone you know you can always go to no matter what. 


"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born," -Anias Nin

Throughout my life I have always been hesitant to use the term best friend, until now. While coming home I have been reunited with one, I've been separated from another. My other half, my true best friend. I didn't fully realize I had a true best friend until this week. Being away from the one person I can always talk to no matter what is difficult. However, it's the realization of what I have shared about life and myself with this person that allowed me to realize that they really are my best friend. So, I guess this is my tribute to you, my best friend. I still remember the day I met you and forever will. I look at you and I think: I will never open up to anyone like I opened up for you. I will never let anyone in like this. You're my favorite, my best friend, my other half. Never ever leave me. After all, I don't know what I would do or where I would be without you.

"Never shall I forget the time I spent with you. Please continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." -Ludwig Van Beethoven

Looking for Light

Life is a milky way. Alone, we are merely stars amongst the darkness, burning brighter every day until one day, we burn out. A star grows and grows moving through dark matter over the course of its life. Stars, much like everything else, have no guaranteed span of time, for some may start fall into the darkness earlier or later than others. In my life, I like many others, have faced many challenges each making me stronger and smarter. Life is about taking challenges and overcoming them, challenging them and making the best of them. The photograph titled “Evidence No. 2” by Angela Strassheim represents both sides of life, embracing it’s beauty and hardships.

        While the topic of the photo itself envelops one of the largest mishaps and hardships in life there’s more to it than what meets the eye. At first glance you see the scene of a crime. The crumpled sheets strewn about the bed lying under a cover of darkness amongst the faint markings of blood upon the walls. Wondering what happened here it allows your imagination to travel into the darkest crevices of the mind. Death. Slaughter. Hurt. We can only wonder what caused this pain to ensue, what factors built the darkness that was too hard to escape. The dark color of the blanket tells the story on its own, the blanket is in a sense the darkness that engulfed this persons world. Science is here too, a reagent that reveals light traces of DNA, lighting the tones of blood spatter on the wall and giving a sense of escape, that in spite of the darkness it ended in light.

Laying on the ground looking up into the night sky, you see darkness but within that darkness is perhaps the most beautiful light the universe has to offer. It brings not only hope for the days to come but allows peace and tranquility to overtake the mind at least for a brief period. It’s human nature to let things get to us but sometimes it becomes to much to handle even for the strongest of people. The most important visual aspect of this piece is not only the high contrast but also the pairs represented throughout the photo. As with most challenges life throws at us, in times of need we look to someone else for guidance and inspiration. Perhaps the strongest pairing in the photo is located just above center where two balls hang at the end of the fan or lights string, representing the idea of finding strength in another. One which has a very light tone while the other very dark, symbolizes the relationship between the people and the challenge that one faces. Another significant pairing is the pillows, one propped up the other laying perfectly flat. The pillows act as a visual representation of the passing of time, as we read from left to right that is how the photo is read. The pillow still propped up, represents the struggle to stay afloat and the weight of the problems weighing them down. The pillow on the right, representing the outcome and the idea that even though it is not a desired outcome, there is peace in the end.

 

          This piece uses simplistic design elements such as tone, color, contrast, and hard lines to help convey it’s message. The balance of topics the piece covers is what makes this piece so successful. In conveying its idea and while providing a clear meaning, it still manages to make other points and keep the viewers contemplating the piece as a whole. The photo is quite literally a light that shows us into the darkness that is a crime unseen.

       

         While some things may seem horrible and in many cases they are horrible, there can be a good found within them. There was a crime committed here but that is not the point. A successful piece of art is one that can stand alone, make an impression, and make you think.  Just as one star can create a lasting picture in the sky, one person can create a lasting picture in the world. Life, as unknown as the darkness that consumes the world in which we live, one must find their way through the times of trouble and difficulty in order to be rewarded with happiness. It’s not always as easy as it seems, it can rip you apart and tear you down but there is always a way out for those willing to look for it. Embracing the beauty and hardships of life can change the course of not only one persons life but even the lives of millions. Some six thousand stars are visible to the naked eye, but there are actually more than a hundred billion in our own Galaxy, while billions of other galaxies are known. We are never alone, even in the darkest of times we are surrounded by light.

Photo: "Evidence No.2" Angela Strassheim

One Step towards Inspiration

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

        He went to his piano and just sat and played whatever came to his mind while I wrote. He showed me a song that he made, and he rarely shows or plays for people especially if they ask. He says, “it’s not genuine, you just get a fake response from it.” I was so surprised he played it that after I heard it, all I could say was "wow, that was amazing! How long did it take you?" he replied “about an hour” and I couldn’t believe it, “are you kidding me thats insane! I was said, “I wish I could do stuff like that.”

At this point, I had set my journal down beside me so my full attention was on him. After I said that, there was another pause,

he looked me in the eyes and said,

"it's what I was born to do"

and in that moment, I realized, that was the true David talking to me. I could tell that he was so pure and genuine about what he was saying and that, that real David, hasn’t been out in a long time. One step forward. After a pause, he went back to playing his piano. So I grabbed my journal and wrote everything down.

Now its on our quote wall. And yesterday was the first time he saw it.

He said he didn’t know why it was up there and I simply said “its special, theres a reason its there.” When we walked out of my room, I told him exactly what I just told to you. He looked me in the eyes, smiled, and said in the most genuine tone i’ve heard since that night “thanks.” One step forward. I have never seen him like that any other time or with anyone else.

       Everyone needs inspiration. Sometimes the greatest inspiration comes when we least expect it. You never know when it may come or in what form but welcome it. After all, where would we be without inspiration.

One Drop

   Walking down the streets of Chicago in the rain is truly like none other. Having the opportunity to ponder your thoughts while the rain falls softly onto your coat, can be the most peaceful and thought provoking thing. 
   Life hands us our fair amount of opportunities to cry but rarely do people take advantage of them. One tear, looked upon as weakness in the eyes of the human. So many people see the rain as they see crying, sorrowful, irritating, constantly waiting for it to stop. When in reality, one drop, one tear, represents so much more than that.
   Seeing the world in it's simplest form when the streets are less crowded,  and the hum of traffic is diluted by the wholesome calm of the rain is beautiful. Little drops gliding down the leaves, dripping off buildings, the ripple in the puddles as a new drop becomes one with the others, and the faint bass of the thunder rolling through the sky; The rain is the worlds symphony. The rain calms the constant hustle of everyday life, allowing us to stop, take a breath, and let our thoughts become us. No matter where you are in the world, it's hard to look out the window at the rain and not feel any sort of calm engulf your emotions. The rain, while so beautiful and calming, still has its times where it makes us sad, depressed, and tired but thats normal. The world is crying. Crying for the number of lives lost a day, the wars being fought, families broken apart, economic downturns, environment issues, whatever it may be, The world cries for all of us. At the same time, the rain replenishes the dryness left after days of warmth, nourishing plants, allowing the seeds of the Earth to grow. The rain is the world's universal emotion.
The world cries, so why shouldn't we?