Art Inspiration: Reverse Graffiti

INCIDENT:
Over the past year or so, reverse graffiti has been getting a lot of attention among artists and for good reason. The creativity and beauty in these often elaborate pieces call us to question societal perceptions about traditional graffiti. And while reverse graffiti simply involves cleaning dirt or debris to create an image instead of the use of paint or markers, somehow it is still subject to the same perception of recklessness and lawlessness as traditional graffiti.

Alexandre Orion working on his piece "Ossario: Art Less Pollution" via Ossario

The blog, Environmental Graffiti, which writes about cool and quirky environmental news, did a good overview of works of reverse graffiti. The ad hoc scribbles on dirty cars that we have all done at some point in our lives are put to shame by these works. Be on the look at for this style of graffiti to flourish in the future.

One of my favorites are Brazil's Alexandre Orion work "Ossario: Art Less Pollution," where he cleaned skulls into the wall of a transportation tunnel to highlight the negative effect of car emissions.

The originator of reverse graffiti is arguably Paul "Moose" Curtis. His Reverse Graffiti Project has done several large scale works in San Francisco.

Reverse Graffiti Project by Moose Curtis via PicoCool

MORAL:
This is a great example of the rethinking of materials. Both the production and execution of these pieces are noteworthy. The pieces themselves are awe inspiring and the process is equally intriguing.

Art Inspiration: Part 1

INCIDENT:
Last year I wrote about the artist Phil Hansen in a post called "Inspiration." Hansen mostly does portraits that have a single or multiple stencil look although most do not actually utilize stencils. The latest piece that is featured on Hansen's website is a huge portrait (15.5 ft x 11.5 ft) of Lance Armstrong. Hansen made the painting by dripping paint onto the wheels of a classic red Radio Flyer tricycle that he rode over the canvas. This piece does utilize clear plastic stencils to get a clean look but the marks have a lot of depth and character because of the way they marks were applied.

Here is a video of the making of this piece: "Lance"

MORAL:
Phil Hansen's creative methods and materials are always inspiring for me. Throw in his consistent output of work and I'm sold. He has discipline and talent... both of which I could use a little more of right now.

I haven't produced new work for a long while and the last time that I did was for a class that I took last year on block and lino printmaking. So if it were not for the class motivating me to pursue my art, I would still be without new work. I simply have not had the motivation or discipline to follow through even though I have been constantly developing new ideas. I am not sure what is holding me back... fear perhaps? Lack of time? Lack of talent? All of the above? Whatever the reason or excuse, it is clear that I can no longer hide behind it.

An artist friend of mine recommended that I read the book "Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland. I just started reading it and already it is giving me necessary perspective.

So my next several posts will focus on artists that inspire me, like Phil Hansen, for whatever reason -- their conviction, their artwork, their methodology, the subject of their art, etc. I hope that by surrounding myself with their work something good will rub off on me.

Pil-Ams Represent!

INCIDENT:
I need to take moment to bring attention to all of the Pilipino-Americans who have been representing hard on American dance shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, America's Best Dance Crew, and Dancing with the Stars.

America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) is probably the best example. Of the ten crews that started on ABDC this season (season 2), eight crews have at least one Pil-Am. SoReal Cru and Super Cr3w are two of the three remaining crews still in the competition. 6 of the 7 members of the SoReal Cru and 3 of the 6 of Super Cr3w are Pil-Am. Way to represent!



This has super special importance considering that the Philippine All Stars just won 2008 World Hip Hop Championships on August 3rd in Las Vegas! What! What!

MORAL:
I am a very proud Pilipina-American. It is important to have Pilipinos serving as positive role models in the U.S. and in the motherland so that young Pilipinos can know that hard work can provide great opportunities. The efforts of these Pilipino role models are something that I think should be recognized more. It is not easy to be a good role model but consistently these groups promote positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, mutual respect, and gratitude -- all attributes that we could all use in our daily lives.

This I Believed

INCIDENT:
My friend just started a new blog with a great theme -- This I Believed. Many of you are probably familiar with the international essay project called This I Believe, which is often featured on public radio. This I Believe is intended for people to share the beliefs that guide their daily lives. This I Believed however is intended to reflect our changes in belief through the years.

MORAL:
I was asked to contribute to this new blog... and I how could I refuse? There are so many beliefs that I have had throughout my short life and the fact that they change and morph is incredibly reassuring. While it can be inspiring to see people hold true to certain core beliefs despite any opposition they may face because of those beliefs (read: voter rights, civil rights, etc.), the reality is that more of our beliefs have changed... or at least I hope they have changed.

I spent many nights debating my beliefs with friends in high school (we were a cool crowd). And it was early on in high school that I realized that I don't have to believe what my parents believe or what my teachers believe or what my religion dictates. I could and should question everything. How appropriate that I have ended up pursuing science...

Brooke Hogan = Idiot

INCIDENT:
First off, there is something wrong in the world when every single past and present TV star has a reality TV show (Christopher Knight -- My Fair Brady, Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant, Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, and it goes on and on). Anyhow, Hulk Hogan had a show last season about his family called "Hogan Knows Best." And now this season his daughter has a spin off reality show called "Brooke Knows Best." As far as I can tell the show has everything any successful reality show in America should have... a star that is an absolute train wreck and people who will wait at her beck-and-call. Please take this as the only evidence that you need or would ever want... in a recent episode she was asked who she was going to vote for, please enjoy her horrendous response:

MORAL:
All I can say is God help us.

In Memoriam: Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch giving a speech at the 2008 Commencement exercises at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh PA.

INCIDENT:
Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Randy Pausch died today of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was only 47 years old and is survived by his wife, Jai and their three children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe. Pausch gained national and international fame recently for his "last lecture" delivered at Carnegie Mellon in September of 2007. The video of the lecture made its rounds on YouTube and resulted in a book that further expounded on the themes of the original lecture -- live out your childhood dreams. I wrote about his lecture in a post called "I want to be a Tigger!" back in October and since then I have been searching for more of his great wisdom on life. Luckily, Pausch had many great friends and had touched the lives of a countless number of students. His legacy will live on in each and every person that encountered him in person and through the blessing of technology. One of Pausch's friends and colleagues at University of Virginia, Dr. Gabriel Robins, has a great website with videos, PowerPoint slides, and PDFs of Pausch's recent and not-to-recent lectures for the public to enjoy. If you haven't yet, take a moment and be moved by the strength and courage of this man. Afterwards, I am certain you will be believe that you can move mountains... and you will want to.

MORAL:
My deepest sympathies to Randy Pausch's family and to all those who were close to him. I hope and pray that his children will know what an amazing man their father was and how his life inspired millions. As a wonderful professor at UVA and CMU, he encouraged his students to push the limits of creativity and technology. Those of us that did not get the chance to take Dr. Pausch's Building Virtual Worlds class (there was always a very long wait list!) were still moved by his presence on campus. You can not say that about many professors outside of your own discipline. His "last lecture" and his time management lecture gave him the chance to inspire the world.

For sharing his message and his struggle, I will always be grateful.

337 Project

INCIDENT:
Buildings are knocked down to make way for new developments everyday (check out Implosion World to get your fill of building and structure implosions). Although there is a high frequency of building tear downs, most don't make the news unless it is a prominent or famous building or structure like Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh or the Great Buddhas of Bamiyan. So one would not expect that the destruction of a small office building in Salt Lake City (of all places) to turn any heads... except this one did.

The 337 Project was an art collaborative experiment. The owners of the building at 337 South 400 East turned the demolition of the office building and turned it into a great opportunity. They invited 94 artists to cover the building and its 42 rooms with art including installations, graffiti art, sculptures, and paintings. The building was on display for two weekends and then it was demolished as planned.

Images from the project can be seen here. The project was also documented in a film by the Dada Factory, titled The 337 Project Documentary, which is now being screened in Salt Lake City all summer for free at the Salt Lake Art Center. Here is the trailer for the film:

An exhibit is also currently on display at the Salt Lake Art Center called Present Tense: A Post 337 Project. It is an exhibition by some of the artists who participated in the original 337 Project. Aside from the documentary and the exhibition, the 337 Project also gave birth to two good resources on art in Salt Lake City.

337 Project Blog - tracks everything related to the 337 Project including another 337 type project in the works

Dada Robotnik - "Robotnik is a place for crazy art and ideas"

MORAL:
It is so great to see imaginative thinking about the demolition of a building. Often the destruction of a building only results in lots of landfill, instead this project inspired the creativity of countless of artists and observers.

It also addresses the fragile nature of life. Although you know that at some point your life will end, it is not usually on the forefront of your mind. 337 Project starts with that premise. To create art with the knowledge that it will change and in fact be destroyed is profound. We often hold close things in this world with the hope that it will never leave our lives. If we take for one second the mindset that things are transient... that life is transient... would we live different lives?

Green Porno

INCIDENT:
Growing up we have all been exposed to many educational films in school and on television... think health class/sex education. There were usually full of cliches ("Stay in school!" or "Save it for marriage!"), were poorly acted, and low low budget. But that also made them pretty memorable... well the message itself was not so memorable but you get the picture.

Well, we finally have some worthwhile educational films about how insects reproduce care of the amazing Isabella Rossellini... Yes, Isabella Rossellini. These short films called Green Porno are fantastic and make science sexy. If you don't think that is possible you just need to watch a couple of these shorts. It is not really dirty, but Rossellini's Italian accent makes anything awesome.

Green Porno

MORAL:
Don't you wish that more educational films were made by the likes of Isabella Rossellini? The straightforward and matter-of-fact manner in which Rossellini presents reproduction in arthropods is refreshing... though admittedly disturbing. But perhaps it is only disturbing because of the societal climate that we are accustomed to in the United States. If we grew up on the truth and on nature being the true reality instead of the sugar-coated half-truth that is often presented as "science," perhaps the atmosphere in America for science would be different. We can only dream...

Postcards from Yo Momma

INCIDENT:
In honor of mother's day, I thought I would do a little tribute to moms. And when I came across this great website where people post hilarious emails from their moms, I thought it was pretty entertaining. It is also reassuring that we all have really awesome moms. And really awesome moms combined with all the high jinks related to learning how to use the internet machine equals a good time.

Postcards from Yo Momma

One of my favorite posts is this one:

April 30, 2008
the fun never ends

Just wanted to say hi. I know you’re probably busy getting caught up at work after last week. I hope you enjoyed the plays. Did you get the movie I sent you? Today is our 31st anniversary. We are eating leftovers for dinner, and I was bit by a dog this morning. I’m not foaming at the mouth, so far. The fun never ends. Love, Mom

MORAL:
Do you ever think that only you have crazy interactions with your mom? Well apparently you are not alone. I have to admit that while it is sometimes frustrating, it is also incredibly endearing. The little quirks about our relationships with our moms are what also make that relationship very special.

So on mother's day, I would like to thank my mom for everything she has given to my life. Despite some tense moments lately, you have filled my life with joy.

Mad Magazine

INCIDENT:
Growing up did you ever read Mad Magazine? You know with Alfred E. Neumann ("Me worry?")... and Spy vs. Spy... and of course the fold-in on the back cover! That was usually the first thing that I did when I read Mad. Maybe because it was interactive... who knows. So how exciting is it that the New York Times online has made fold-ins from the 1960s to present available electronically?!


MORAL:
Seeing the fold-ins from the 1960s, I am realizing how the content of the fold-ins were really political and how that probably went over my head when I was reading it in junior high. So it is interesting to revisit the fold-ins through time to see how the political climate has also changed.

Enjoy the magic of electronic Mad Magazine and the embedded message that gives it a whole new level of meaning.

Stuff White People Like

INCIDENT:
Sometimes stereotypes can be funny when framed in a certain context. I have been really enjoying this blog called Stuff White People Like. And I have found that there are other blogs that have copied a similar framework like Stuff Asian People Like.

Now I can identify with the stereotypes of two races/ethnic groups. Awesome.

MORAL:
We have to laugh at ourselves once in awhile if we are going to make it through this life. I don't think that these blogs are mean spirited but rather take ownership of the little quirks that help define who we are... As I mentioned above, even though I am not white I identify with many of the things on the list. What does this mean? Who knows. I don't really read too much into that other than I have been blessed with many different types of friends who have influenced my life. But it also goes to show you that so many things transcend race or ethnicity. And if we see past it all, we really are very similar.

Garfield minus Garfield

INCIDENT:
Growing up I use to read the comics every Sunday at the kitchen table. I usually started out with Peanuts (my favorite!), then Calvin and Hobbes, a quick glance at Family Circus, and then of course finishing with Garfield. But who knew that Garfield (the comic) without Garfield (the character) holds an even more interesting commentary about modern life and mental illness.

MORAL:
I guess comics were meant to be funny and not somewhat tragic observations about life... well at least not the comics in the Sunday newspaper. It is really interesting to see how the exclusion of one element can completely change how we perceive a situation. By removing Garfield we go from an amusing comment on relationships to a sad portrayal of life for a lonely person. This one change... isn't this the real difference in our everyday situations? The difference between happiness and sadness is our perception of the situation. And this perception is based on how the situation is viewed... what elements we include and exclude in our evaluation... perhaps it could make all the difference. Have you wondered... What are we not seeing?

Time Stops at Grand Central Station

INCIDENT:
Improv Everywhere is a group of "undercover agents" that cause pretty amusing public scenes without trying to anger any of the public who witness their "missions." Their work is intended to be funny and bring joy to those who are lucky enough to witness it first hand. One of my favorites from this group is when they frozen time in Grand Central station. It is one of those moments that you wish you were there in person.



MORAL:
I really love when art can infiltrate the daily lives of people and affect their day in a positive way. For me, art only needs to effect your thinking... whether it is something simple as a change in your current state of mind or in your mood, or when you encounter a great work of art it can change your beliefs or your view of the world. That is profound. I hope everyone can find that kind of art in their daily lives.

For People Who Need Gratuitous Amounts of Energy!!

INCIDENT:
I haven't posted in awhile cause I have been enjoying the company of a couple of visitors over the past few weeks. Plus I always feel like I am behind in my work so I have been working whenever I have a free moment. It is a vicious cycle. Lately to get me through the long hours of work, I have been indulging in some YouTube videos (and of course some online Scrabble... you can't go without Scrabble!). These Power Thirst commercials are my current favorites. They crack me up. Enjoy!





MORAL:
Is there a moral other than that this is super funny? Who couldn't use a drink that makes you uncomfortably energetic?! I'm sold.

Who is telling the truth?

INCIDENT:
In today's very partisan political climate it is incredibly hard to find any truth from under all of that spin. This is part of the reason why I usually get my news from NPR or from international news outlets (somehow I think it is less skewed). So you can imagine how excited I was to read about a nonpartisan, nonprofit website that tries "to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics."

So a little background... for Christmas my good friends gave me a subscription to an excellent magazine called GOOD. You should all really check it out. 100% of your subscription goes to a GOOD nonprofit partner of your choice. How cool is that?! But I digress... So in the March/April 2008 issue of GOOD they talk about truth in politics and feature the website FactCheck.org. There is no advertising on the site. They are not backed by any political party. It is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, which does not accept funding from "business corporations, labor unions, political parties, lobbying organizations or individuals."

MORAL:
The internet is great, isn't it? We can question the credibility of our politicians without doing any of the tedious legwork. Plus with more websites and organizations like FactCheck.org, politicians need to be careful with what they put out in the world. Big brother is watching. Ha! But does this mean that politicians will all of a sudden be straight with us? Probably not completely. I mean I can't imagine that happening considering the complexity of the issues and the fact that everyone wants to portray themselves as good. But hopefully some of the blatant lies will be uncovered. And we won't have to be subjected to 4-8 years of the same.

Liability and Responsibility

Ray and Maria Stata Center, MIT, Cambridge MA (Photo Credit: Philip Greenspun)

INCIDENT:
MIT is suing architect Frank Gehry for major design flaws in Ray and Maria Stata Center in Cambridge. The Stata Center is an academic building that houses computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. It opened in 2004 to great praise for its innovation, daring, and creativity. With a $300 million price tag, there is an expectation that the design details would be resolved to a high degree. Instead there are leaks, cracked masonry, growing mold, and drainage back ups.

MIT sues Gehry, citing leaks in $300m complex

MORAL:
Litigation is inevitable in architecture. And when you are pushing the limits of creativity, you either have to push the limits within proven constraints or you have to throw all convention out of the window. Clearly, Gehry threw convention out the window and the result is an engaging and dynamic complex of buildings. Clients hire Gehry because he takes risks with form and function. And in his past commissions those risks have paid off ten-fold in the form of increased exposure, tourists, revenue, etc. The problem with Stata Center is that the building does not work structurally. There are awkward angles and corners, which means additional headaches in shedding water. This is a major problem. But anything beyond the norm will introduce a whole new set of problems in all parts of the design and construction process. While I believe Gehry should be held responsible for structural details that have lead to the current problems, I also respect aspects of Gehry's work. We should encourage people that push the boundaries, because without them then no innovations would be made. And we need innovation.

I want to be Michelle Pfeiffer to their dangerous minds

INCIDENT:
I just watched "Freedom Writers" and I cried like a baby. But anyone could probably tell you that I am a huge sucker for movies about idealistic teachers who inspire their students. How could I not adore films that encourage my aspirations for teaching? And not only that, this one is a true story of a teacher making a real difference in students' lives. How could you not be inspired?

Freedom Writers Foundation

MORAL:
So I am taking a teaching practicum course in school (which is an excellent idea by the way). And considering my previous teaching experience, I wish I took a class like this sooner... I would have probably learned some key lessons faster than I did trying to figure them out on my own.

Anyhow, sometimes we talk about our personal experiences teaching (and I have shared several horror stories and a couple of victories). But one point that has been made during these talks is that we shouldn't hold on to this idealistic view of teaching... Wow. That's a pretty depressing statement considering that is why I am so drawn to teaching. But I realize the practicality in this statement. If you go in expecting that everything will fall into place, that you will have this great rapport with the students, that they will be hungry to learn, and that you have some sort of magical gift to touch their minds and hearts, then you will probably fall short. Believe me... It has happened to me several times. But I don't think it means that you can't hold on to this ideal and believe that it could be better the next time. And perhaps you won't rally a whole class to stand on their desks for you but you could positively affect the academic life of one student. And that has to mean something. Right?

Unbelievable

INCIDENT:
Sunday was the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Marathon. And on race day there was the worst weather in its history - 88 degrees with severe humidity. Of the around 45,000 registered runners, 10,000 people decided not to participate because of the heat while another 10,000 or so did not even complete the race either because of the heat or because the race course was closed early. There was one reported death during the race (though it was later found during the autopsy that he had a heart problem). And to top it all off there were water shortages and a couple hundred people needing medical attention or hospitalization. It was an epic race.

So with any unbelievable circumstances, you would expect nothing less from those who somehow finished the race. You must check out both the men's and women's finishes as you ponder to yourself how on earth anyone could have anything left at the end of a 26.2 mile race given the weather. What you are watching has be something greater... and if you know how to summon it on will, please please let me know.

Men's Finish - 2007 Chicago Marathon

Women's Finish - 2007 Chicago Marathon

MORAL:
There are moments that you witness that you just know are really special. To be able to reach deep within to find the strength to hold on despite circumstances working against you... that is humanity. And if you are lucky enough to experience it firsthand, hold on to it no matter what. It is sometimes more elusive then we would like...

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. -- Author Unknown

All the Possibilities

INCIDENT:
I just got back from a trip out east to meet with our collaborators. There were so many interesting research questions posed that it is rather overwhelming but exciting.

MORAL:
Where to start? No, really... There seems to be so many unknowns. Where do we even begin to dissect the problem into manageable parts? It is such an enormous task to figure out how to study such complex phenomenon like object categorization or spatial updating or low vision perception. How do you know what are the right questions to ask? And even when you can get something down to its simplest parts, can it generalize to a broader population or system?

This is going to be an awesome journey... I can tell already.

Hope for the Masses

INCIDENT:

MORAL:
This video is so ridiculously adorable and at the same time restores some of my hope for the world. It is a simple gesture that embodies so many things... among them trust, peace and love.