Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, was absolutely breathtaking. On of my favorite pictures I took from there, is the bottom one (4th one) because it completely sums up the whole aura you feel as you walk around the ruins, and imagine what it was once like. 

Istanbul, Turkey

For me, I had a rather religious experience in Istanbul. Before arriving there I had taken a class the previous semester at the University of Texas called Architecture and Society. In this class we had explored two structures in Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. I remember seeing the slides in class of these two building's and thinking wow, how did they build something that incredible and intricate so long ago. I was left in utter amazement after visiting each of these structures with their incredibly intricate and vast interiors, paying such close attention to detail, as I walked away from each one speechless. 

Mykonos, Greece

Truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and in such a different way. I love the crisp white of all the building structures contrasting with the colors of the hillside and the crystal blue of the surrounding sea. 

Athens, Greece

For as long as I can remember I have longed to go to Athens, Greece. I had built it up in my mind over the years with all these incredible pieces of history it possesses only to be let down a little. There is no doubt that what is their is magnificent, but I always thought it would be so much more. The fact that they were working on it at the time I was there did not help much either. I guess from the constant tourists and people messing with the fragile pieces of history it kind of took away from my whole experience. 

Naples, Italy

It was interesting being in Naples at Pompeii because when I was a Freshman in high school I took Latin for a year and we learned all about Pompeii and the volcanic Mount Vesuvius, and it exploding covering Pompeii in ashes, only to be uncovered now. Along with the baths and triclinium's, and everything else I can't recall at the moment. Walking through a city that was once thriving hundreds of years ago and seeing how our society has evolved is rather amazing. Having an idea of how they lived and went about their daily life compared to ours today is unusual to think about because you can't really say for sure.  

Venice, Italy

On this trip to Europe one of the first photographs I took after getting to Europe was the last one of the three (the train). To me this photograph sort of says it all, spray painted on the train car 'cruel' and 'AIDS.' It shows how the world is and is going if people enough people don't act on the many problems that our world faces today, one of which AIDS. After taking this picture it sort of got me thinking the rest of my trip in Europe about how someone can help to change that. After this particular trip to Europe where I visited 5 countries, the day after I returned to the US, I turned right back around and went to China, which would only further enhance my views and experience with the suffering that millions, or even billions of people face today. 

Experience the World

In my life, I have been fortunate enough to go on some absolutely fantastic trips around the world. What I have gained from all my travels has shaped me into the person that I am today, and opened my eyes to a world I never would have known without these experiences. As an avid photographer, I have documented all my travels through imagery. Over my next several posts I would like to share with you, some of the moments I have captured through my photography and the experiences I have had in each place, which have been etched in my mind, and never to be forgotten. 

Do something your not used to

This also piqued my interest, as it was one of my first experiences in using Adobe Illustrator. This particular piece that I did really caught my eye, mainly due to it's simplicity and the fact that it is relatively different compared to most the pieces I was working on at that time in my life.  (Look at two previous posts- all were created around the same time) I like this idea though, this piece is a breath of fresh air from my darker pieces during that time, while it also helps show my diversity as an artist. 

Photoshop Evolution

Also from my Digital Foundations class, this was another project my professor had us do. We chose a picture that we took, found, etc, and over 3-5 different canvases morphed it into something else, making it take on an entirely new meaning from its original. I took the photograph that I used for this project while I was In Kenya in 2001. 

My 1st Animation

I was looking through some of my old stuff from the when I was in my Digital Foundations class at the University of Texas in Austin (I transferred to SMU in FALL 2008 after being at UT for two years) and I cam across one of the first animations I ever made, and wanted to share it with everyone. It's interesting to watch it now almost 2 years later and remember what was going on in my mind at that point. 

 

Swim with the Sharks

When I was In Hawaii last summer, we had the great opportunity to swim with the sharks (ha, well we were swimming in a barred metal cage with the sharks swimming around us). Needless to say, what I learned from this exhilarating experience was incredible. At first I was a little scared, but happily volunteered to be the first to get into the cage, following me was one of my brother's and best friend. Once we had floated out a ways from the boat what I observed underwater was amazing. The deep blue of the water in the ocean was unlike any color I've ever seen so vivid and rich. There must have been at least 15-30 sharks in our vicinity (that we could see) at any given time. The urge to reach through the bars and touch one of the sharks as they swam by was so strong, yet my common sense reasoned with me as sharks are so fast I probably would lose my arm within seconds. The ocean so vast and the grey color of the sharks contrasting with the vivid blue of the deep ocean was one of the most gorgeous experiences I have ever seen. I couldn't help but just float there in complete awe and utter amazement. 

1st Test Shoot-Photographer: Jamie Luca

Photographs by Jamie Luca

Recently I got a modeling contract with Page Parkes Management and these are some of the pictures from my 1st test shoot. The perception people have on models is rather farfetched (in most cases) so I wanted to express  my views and experiences with it. Modeling is not just about 'sitting there and looking pretty.' Although that is what it looks like and ultimately ends up being, there is far more that goes into than meets the eye, that people often forget to realize. Modeling, like acting is about being yourself and reacting to certain situations and environments utilizing them them to your benefit. You have to be able to express all kinds of emotions, translating them into each photograph, while also being aware of all your body parts and angles, and knowing which of those makes you look best translated through the lens. If something feels awkward it most likely looks good on the camera, you have to be light with your hands and fingers have to be in soft positions, because the placement of every body part matters in capturing an image. In addition to all this, models are often shooting spring/summer wear in the winter and winter wear in the summer to get ready for the upcoming season, so they are often coping with extreme weather conditions in consideration with what they might be wearing. Among all of this, your running around changing in and out of clothes, driving to different locations, changing make-up, etc. and if you don't do a good job you can get replaced in a second.  There is far more to it then meets the eye. 

Intertextuality with Pepsi

This Pepsi Ad from the 2009 Superbowl is overflowing with intertextuality, so much so it is even making connections within the ad.

Vertical:

Within the video there is vertical intertextuality where we connect across multiple genres to create meaning. The commercial takes you on a journey across different cultural texts from musicians, to movies, to technology, to sports (surfing, skateboarding) making a connection across all them as it shows how they have all improved together overtime with each new up and coming generation "Refreshing Everything"

Horizontal:

Within the video horizontal intertextuality occurs as they have several different texts connecting with in a single genre. For Instance it goes from Bob Dylan to Will-i-am in the music industry, from candles lighting up a dark space to cell phones lighting it up, from old cars to newer, old cafe's to more modern cafe's. The commercial shows horizontal intertextuality as it takes new technologies or more current people equating them with the older ones of time causing you to connect between old generations and new as each one,  "refreshes everything".

Tertiary:

Personal or public commentary on cultural text that influence our understanding of those texts. The way Pepsi perceives all the different things going together through one song "Forever Young" emphasizing that how each thing connects and everything advance while some things grow old other thing are also growing new. 

LeBron James

I think this is an interesting take for an NBA commercial. I thinks it's original I enjoy the dichotomy of the "warrior" listening to Time after Time as his pump up song for the big game. Expect the Unexpected very fitting for the NBA and also LeBron James as his athleticism ceases to amaze me. Overall, I think the ad works well and have taken quite a liking to it. 

Look at your old Work

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Copyright

I was looking through my old photographs from my high school photography class when this caught my eye as I remembered it as being one of my favorites as well as my photography teacher being quite fond of it. I took if of myself for a project of self-portraits. It's odd how our art work whether intentionally or unintentionally reflects how we might feel, what's on our mind, or what we want to bring notice to or emphasize. I remember when I took this photograph it was at a rough time in my life when a lot was going on. I wanted it to look scary and have an ominous kind of beauty. Today, my artwork still revolves around finding beauty in the unlikely and often at times becomes fantasy-like. (I will share more later)

Take a fencing Lesson

Looking for an excuse to get some anger out, test your reflexes, your intuition, and of course  ability to trick people. Try fencing, it's quite a good exercise and allows you to release any pent up energy in an unusual kind of way. I am taking it for a class and finding it quite fun, and at times amusing due to the funny nature of the fencing stance. So try it out, release you inhibitions, yes it is a little awkward at times, but so what. 

Ask an opinion

I asked my 16 year old brother what he thought a funny ad was and this is what he showed me- Messin with Sasquatch. My brother only thought this ad was funny, but didn't really care about or take notice of the product being advertised. This fact ultimately means the ad was ineffective for guys like him (and a little older), other than the "teenage boy" humor which is what he mainly took notice of. From my perspective I have to say the whole caveman/neanderthal/Sasquach thing is old news. For me it died before the first Gieco cavemen commercial even came out. Those ads have always irritated me as does this one. Yes maybe it's a little funny, but overall I don't think it does the most effective advertisement for the product its trying to sell. It definitely doesn't make me want to go out and but Jack Link's Beef Jerky, and I generally like beef jerky.  

Jump Rope

I seem to be on the whole health kick thing right now, which I could probably continue blogging about for ages, but I will spare you for a while after this little tidbit. My new favorite form of exercise after running is JumpRope. It's fun, can be enjoyed with other people, and best of all there are a ton of different ways you can do it. Oh and I can't forget to let you know about all its benefits: Easy to use, You can take it with you anywhere, One of most efficient forms of exercise you can do, works all muscle groups, can improve timing and coordination, Plus it is great for cross training. I sound a bit like a wacko right now but whatever. Even if you only have 10 min Jump Rope! I guarantee you will break a sweat (if you do it continuously). I'm only telling you this because I didn't really ever think about it before I started jump roping a lot, and now I swear by it. So go get a jump rope, or just use a rope, whatever and get to work. It will pay off. 

Eat Healthy

So now that I'm on the Pepsi kick, I have something else to try. I haven't always had the best food habits, but the past few year or so I have been trying harder to fix that. (Not saying that I had horrible habits before, just a bit of a sweet tooth that needed to be put under control). So I started talking to my trainer a lot about it and have talked to a nutritionist a few times. Recently, I have been on quite a health kick (except for my Birthday tomorrow...I will excuse myself). Anyhow I have been focusing on eating natural foods such as fruits and vegetables and have been eating a lot of fish, eggs, and chicken for my proteins. I eat minimal bread and carbs, every few days maybe some oatmeal, but mainly I get my carbs through the fruits and vegetables- Love yams! Instead of eating three meal throughout the day I eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day to help build my metabolism and keep me energized throughout the day. 

The Result: I feel better, I am happier. I want to workout, which I love doing anyway though. Best of all I feel like my whole aura is better, I am more personable, alert, and healthier, as I have avoided getting sick in several cases that I could've due to my improved lifestyle habits. 

Refresh Everything

Ok Pepsi, Refresh Everything? I get where your going with it, and yes you do have some cool new ads. But, just one thing bothers me- Pepsi is a soft drink. How can you refresh everything with a soft drink. A soft drink is packed with sugar and unnatural chemicals your body does not like. How exactly is that refreshing? Yes you are right it's not. I don't mean to pick, but truthfully it's the same with any other soft drink also, you just happen to be my unlucky target right now. Soft drinks are in no way good for you, and are in fact detrimental to an individuals health. So try Refreshing Everything with water, something you actually need. 

Take a Walk

If you're stressed out or need to relax and have time to yourself, take a walk. Go to a park, or just take a walk up the street, around the block or whatever. I go on walks or to the park several times a week with my puppy. A walk is peaceful and gives you time to think and reflect. When I get back home I always feel refreshed, re-energized and often inspired by nature's beauty. I feel empowered and ready to take on anything. So go on a walk and think of it as a mini getaway, because it is if you let your imagination take you there. The pictures are my favorite places to go walking...my puppy included.

Find an Ad you Like

This commercial absolutely fascinates me, despite it being a bit too long. The way in which it was put together is remarkable. I can't imagine the patience and time it took to create it. It took 606 attempts to get it right, but obviously it payed off because it finally worked and the outcome is incredible. I know it's somewhat old, but GO Wieden + Kennedy (London)! For this innovative way to sell a car by using its parts instead of the typical driving through a  mountain pass. Mind you, this is real and no computer graphics were used. Oh also it is the world costliest commercial at about $6.2 million. AMAZING!

Experiment

Ha so I'm doing a little experiment because I have a very hard time paying attention and engaging as I'll often have a conversation with someone and not be able to recall much of it, if any at all. It's peculiar because when it is happening I'm conscious that I'm doing it...I am there but I am not present. So during one of my night classes the other night, I observed why I was doing this while I was sitting in class and this is what I came up with:

Why am I not paying attention?

Because I'm thinking, to pay attention I have to watch, but often I get uninterested after only moments. 

My eyes are tired, but I don' feel tired- maybe its the environment- the lighting kind of sucks in here, actually it is quite terrible and hurts my eyes. So I would rather look down at my paper because it is pretty and a crisp white compared to this cruddy lighting surrounding me. My paper is begging to be written on, drawn on- although watching my Professor is rather amusing because he paces back and forth as if in deep thought yet all the while is lecturing. In addition to pacing he makes funny facial expressions that make me laugh and when he smiles you can tell he's happy. He loves to move his hands around while he talks, he almost can't talk without doing something with them.

Welcome to the mind of someone who is ADD. Yes, crazy right? That was honestly my thought process for about 3 minutes out of my 2 hour and 50 minute class. Needless to say I'm working on it and observing when and why I pay attention so I can figure out how to engage and be more conscious of my actions. (The experiment is still in play, will update when more information has been gathered and observed)

Listen

Apparently the sound doesn't work so great on this but for my computer it's fine so I wrote out the lines for you just in case. This is a clip from the movie The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

 Soc: You will never be better, same way you will never be less than anybody else. Habit is the problem all you need to do is be conscious about your choices and responsible for your actions. 

Dan: Is that why out of all the people you could've taught you chose me.

Soc: You chose me

Dan: Why should I believe you, you taught me yourself to listen to my own intuition 

Soc: How do you know that I'm not your own intuition speaking to you right now?

Dan: You mean maybe I made you up? Don't mess with me like that.

This movie is based of the book The Way of the Peaceful Warrior which I read several years ago, and is one of my Top 10 favorite books. I chose to share this passage mainly because of the first line said by Soc " You will never be better, same way you will never be less than anybody else..."

This statement piqued my interest and stuck with me after watching the movie. I still continue to think about it because it is so true, yet no one seems to realize it. Often people will treat others as nothing to them. Continuously demeaning those that are seemingly less important than themselves (as they see it). But it is ironic because although every individual possesses their own strengths and weaknesses some people feel that they are more entitled or better than others because they perhaps have a "better" job, are book smart, have more money, own a nice car, have a beautiful garden, are a talented musician, an excellent athlete, the list goes on and on. We get so wrapped up in everything else and build up this huge image in our mind that we forget we were all created equally and for our own purpose. What's most important is that we do what we love because we enjoy it and can wake up everyday and be happy to do what we do. It's just what we do with the time we have that make us different, but by no means better than another human.