Barbara Kruger

I'm writing an 11 page research paper on Barbara Kruger. She is internationally renowned for her signature black, white and red poster-style works of art that convey in-your-face messages on women's rights and issues of power. You've probably seen her work before, just thought I'd share it with all of you. http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/feminist/Barbara-Kruger.html

EARTH (to all people that hog sidewalks) DAY.

In honor of Earth Day I decided to leave my SUV at home today and ride my bike to do some errands. The total trip ended up being about 10 miles (class was canceled so I had some time to spare). It felt great to get a workout in while getting stuff done all while treating the earth a little better. Although, I do have to point out what a shame it is that biking around this town/city is not all pleasant.

Now, I'm not one of those hardcore bikers that go with the flow of traffic. That scares the crap out of me.
I bike on the sidewalk...and I was very mistaken when I thought the hardest part of my trip would be the physical aspect. Even though I'm very outta shape that was a piece of cake compared to the idiots I had to maneuver around. I'm not kidding. Three or four times I'd be riding toward two people walking side by side and neither of the moved out of the way. They clearly saw me...I was headed right for them. Then there were the people that found it necessary to walk right in the middle of the sidewalk, as if they owned it and no one else would be traveling by foot or bike on "their" sidewalk. I'd even let out an "Ahem! Excuse Me" and they wouldn't budge. So I'd hop off my bike and go around them. And last but not lease there were the drivers. Drivers HATE bikers. Drivers also forgot what those white lines sprayed on the road before a traffic light are for. Just in case one of you are one of those drivers that forgot, they are for pedestrians to walk or ride on. It's our only way of crossing the street safely.

So while my intention started out as a way to do my part to treat the earth better today, I learned a lot and nothing has to do with the earth. I'm definately going to make a better effort to consider the people around me, especially while I'm on the road driving my car.

Don't worry. I have not become discouraged from riding my bike around Atlanta, next time I'm riding and two people are walking toward me on the side walk, I'm not stopping. Ha ha, maybe then they'll learn their lesson.

cmd

p.s. Yes mom, I did wear my helmet. ;)

Savasana....

Saturday mornings I've been attending a yoga class at Piedmont Park. It's so much fun. It's a great workout and relaxing at the same time. In this picture we had just finished the workout and were in Savasana...This pose is about letting go completely. Proper relaxation is essential for the health of our mind and body and for clarity of thought for making good choice. You can actually see me! I'm in the front row, all the way to the right, wearing a maroon long sleeve shirt. Next time I go, I'm going to ride my bike to the park (it's about two miles away from my apartment).

This yoga class was such a nice break from a very busy week. SCAD is amazing and intense. I am swarmed with homework every night but I'm not complaining at all. I love it. So, I'm doing well and I really enjoy my classes. It's so nice to be learning and sharing in a creative environment. I'm so impressed by the work the SCAD students produce. It's a real honor to be a part of such a talented group of people.

cmd.

Loving Atlanta!

Well I've been here in Atlanta for a little over a week and I've already done so much. It's even more amazing than I thought it would be. I'm not having any problems adjusting to the 70 degree weather, walks in piedmont park, bike rides exploring midtown, cocktails on the patio and so many other things.

The people here are very friendly. Rex and I got invited to a "Yappy Hour" at the park near by on Fridays. I've been taking him running with me and it turns out he is even more out of shape than I am. I might do a 10K in July...I'll keep you posted on that.

My apartment is great and is in the perfect location so I'll be walking or riding my bike to class. I have everything set up and organized so it feels like home. Elyse (Audra's sister) moved in today. It's nice to have a familiar face around.

Here are some pics to better sum up the past week...

Living Room

Kitchen

Deck

St. Patties Day with Mark & Rob

Georgia Aquarium

About to eat raw oysters...

Eating raw oysters...

Never again.

1hour to go...

Rain is welcoming me to GA., but that's ok...I'm feeling optimistic so I'll consider it a sign of luck. I've been packing all week (with lots of help from mom) loaded the truck this morning, and left Ohio around 5pm. Audra and I have been driving for 10 hours straight and we have discovered that rex has a bladder the size of lake Erie because he has yet to pee. He has been such a good boy though. The ipod hook-up i had installed before I left has been a life saver for the trip (again...thanks mom) no static and good tunes make for a great road trip. The reality that I'll actually be living here still has not set in but something tells me that next Friday after Audra leaves and as I'm getting my bookbag packed and ready for school, it will hit me.

Miss you all already!
-cmd

An indescribable feeling...

My decision to further my education at SCAD was sparked by the feeling I get when I collaborate with other creative minds. After working as a graphic designer for the past 8 years in the real world, I realized I wanted to feel that feeling all the time.

I'm obsessed with the design process. This process is intense and very important. All the ideas (good, bad, and even stupid) are addressed during this process. We take a look at what has been done before, why it worked, why it didn't work. We put ourselves in the shoes of our audience and take our likes and opinions out of the equation. We brainstorm and push a great idea even further until finally a solid concept is born. I believe this is my strength.

Yesterday, I received an email from an online classmate Susan Cole. She is in my Graphic Design Studio II class. I had critiqued the brochure she was creating for the final class project. She personally wrote me to thank me for my feedback. It really helped her. I can not explain how happy I am to know that. For me, it surpasses any joy I have felt after completing a project, no matter how good it was. The email read:

Christina,
I just wanted to make sure that I let you know how much I appreciate
your efforts for my booklet project and that I value your comments.
I really like your work, and I think you will "tear it up" on campus.
I hope they are ready for you!
Best,
Susan

I love to explore ideas. I love pushing creativity and refining every last detail. And I love it most when it helps someone else, when someone else can step away from their project when it is done and be proud of it.

-cmd

17

17 is a significant number to me. My softball number was 17 and it was also my favorite age. Anytime I see that number, whether it is the time (5:17) or the amount I own for dinner ($12.17) or even a route number (rt 17), I can't help but smile and drift back for a moment.

Today as I was frantically going through my "to do" list completely overwhelmed by how little was check off the list I decided to make a plan of action from today till the day that I move, which just so happens to be 17 days from today.

:)