Proverbs 13:3.

In my arts & crafts I've noticed a theme of redemption. I like using found materials that would either be thrown away or used for evil or unused or common and turning them into something beautiful; valuable; meaningful. This (above) is torn from an ad on the back cover of a fashion magazine that a friend gave me. The brown paper is from a paper grocery bag, the typewriter is from my mother & father-in-law's basement, and the staples are simply staples. No new materials were used for its creation. I saw the birdcage veil over the model's face, over her mouth, and it reminded me of the idea of guarding my mouth, as the proverb talks about. The veil is like the guard: whatever passes through it must be closely watched. The mouth isn't hidden, or sealed shut; it is also not opened wide. It is delicately & gracefully guarded. With this our life is preserved, the proverb says.

My favorite event of the year.

Cornerstone Festival, here we come.

The theatrical trailer!

Ok, the second scene in this trailer is just a flash of "Jerry" (Shia) on the El--he is sketching my picture in that shot. He's standing, looking down at something he's doing (below the frame) and smiling a little. I got to know my scene very well over the two days I shot it, and I know for certain that this is it.

This doesn't guarantee anything about whether my scene will make it into the final cut of the movie, but how exciting to see a second of it in this trailer!

Finally, the teaser trailer!

The first shots of Shia on the El were filmed directly after my scene with him on the El. I was still there, hanging out with the crew & watching the filming.

Nashvisual art.

Yesterday Keith & I got to explore the local art scene a little. I've been using the local paper (the actual paper kind!) to guide all of my local explorations. At the Estel Gallery downtown we saw an amazing exhibit by Pamela Sukhum. What caught my attention in the paper was "The Beautiful Project" involving art by refugee children in Chad. I wasn't even expecting to see her own incredible oil/acrylic paintings. Both her work & the children's work were equally moving & inspiring.

After stopping in for a treat at a wonderful little European-style patisserie we went to The Arts Company and enjoyed a number of exhibits, my favorite of which involved Polaroid photos that had been distorted during the developing process.

More in Music City.

Last night at the legendary Exit/In we saw Merced and Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys. Sadly, we narrowly missed Deas Vail due to dinner with the 'rents & Kevin downtown at Big River Grille & Brewing Works.

Deas Vail and Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys will both be at Cornerstone!

I really enjoyed Homer. Beautiful, passionate art.

In Nashville again.

Tonight we went to the Grand Ole Opry. My favorite was Cherryholmes. I'm realizing how much I like bluegrass, and I'm fascinated with bands that are families.

Polaroid instant camera status: Secured.

Thanks, Camera Land (our local camera shop on the Square), for having one used Polaroid camera in stock, waiting to be taken home by me. Now I just have to buy film (Camera Land did not carry any instant film). And as far as the rumors go about Poloaroid soon ending production of their instant film, it appears to be true. However, as the man at Camera Land told me, and as I have verified, Fujifilm continues to produce it. ::relief::

I want to use Polaroid photos in my arts & crafts; we will wait to see the fruition of that.

Along the same lines, to my great joy, Countywide Office Supply (where I purchased my label maker) had my typewriter ribbons in stock. I was definitely expecting to need to order it. Local businesses are magical places.

Since procuring the typewriter in January (from my mother & father-in-law's basement) it has opened a new door in my creative expression. There is something about writing in physical reality on paper, at the speed of typing, and with the clarity and uniformity of typed text. The look of typewriter text is classic and evocative and tangible. I have been taking pages of beautiful catalogs or drawings and typing scripture or poems or other text on them (example to the right). I've written cards & letters with it, and I find the typewriter the easiest way to do creative writing or to journal. I love it.

Speaking of arts & crafts, I'm going to take another art class at Western this fall. I'm definitely ready to return to that.


Update:
Film secured. Walgreen's is still carrying the Polaroid instant film; who knows for how long? Hopefully when it's no longer produced they (or someone) will carry the Fujifilm instant film. And wow: expensive. Each picture is to be used wisely.

I carefully chose my first shot: the view out our front door. Isn't it beautiful? I can't believe the beauty of nature we get to live in here in humble university housing. Our outside surroundings definitely make up for the couple of flaws inside the apartment.

Eagle Eye.

Still trying to convince myself that I really had a speaking role in a scene of this movie.

Learning about words.

When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Prv. 10:19; 11:12-13; Jas. 1:19