Sunday, June 1, 2014

Boat Life

Singapore can be hot, unwalkable and predictable, but it's also an island with all the wonderful things that come with that.  After brunch today, we went to Mana Mana beach club for some beers and sailing.  I've been promising our friend, Tom, that I'd take photos of his boat for awhile, and I finally made true on my promise.  

Check out some photos this afternoon -- both of scene and the boys sailing.














Monday, March 31, 2014

Sharing your Work

"Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon
I'm a relatively new photographer with aspirations of one day becoming a good one.  This pursuit has led me to read and watch lots and lots of creative folks talk about creativity.  Let's be honest -- it's easier to just listen to someone talk about their experiences than have to go out and make those experiences on your own.

The one thing I keep hearing over and over again is "show your work."  Everyone has an online sharing routine -- both with their professional work and personal projects

As Austin Kleon, author of Show Your Work, puts it:
"Almost all of the people I look up to and try to steal from today, regardless of their profession, have built sharing into their routine. These people aren’t schmoozing at cocktail parties; they’re too busy for that. They’re cranking away in their studios, their laboratories, or their cubicles, but instead of maintaining absolute secrecy and hoarding their work, they’re open about what they’re working on, and they’re consistently posting bits and pieces of their work, their ideas, and what they’re learning online. Instead of wasting their time “networking,” they’re taking advantage of the network. By generously sharing their ideas and their knowledge, they often gain an audience that they can then leverage when they need it — for fellowship, feedback, or patronage."
Likewise, Chase Jarvis, photographer and entrepreneur, put it more simply in his creative mornings talk:
"The best way of doing it, is showing it."
So, on that note, here's some photos I took tonight at Marina Bay in Singapore.  It's my first real attempt at night photography & using the new VSCO Film post-processing software I bought.

Enjoy.







Sunday, February 16, 2014

Art History & Dinner in Singapore




























I often wish I could give my younger self "tips"...

Pay more attention in Spanish class.  Yes, one day you'll actual travel (and live) outside the US.
Spend less time analyzing your non-existant dating life.  One day you'll find someone without trying (wah?!)
Don't spend all your free time on basketball.  You're not headed to the WNBA (nor would you want to be).
Stop wearing those super-short skirts.  It's embarrassing.  I'm already judging you.

The list could go on and on....

Well, like many other things, I wish I had taken more classes on Art History.  As an adult, I love going to museums, but I don't have the context to really understand the paintings.

Last week, I went to a new series "Picture This" by Artwise, led by Claire Kwiatkowski, who has a MA in Art History and previously worked at the British Museum.  She's also a dazzling storyteller.

We learned about Titian and his painting, Bacchus and Ariadne, which is way more interesting (and a bit scandalous) in context.



This year, Claire is giving a series of 12 talks over dinner for $30 each in Singapore. I highly recommend going -- you can check out the calendar here and read the description below.
"PICTURE THIS is a series of twelve talks on iconic paintings and sculptures from western art history. Chronological in approach, the talks can be enjoyed individually or taken as a whole to provide an understanding and appreciation of the development of art in the west. Starting with the perfection of the Italian Renaissance, you will journey through the spell-binding world of the Venetian High Renaissance, the dramatic works of the Baroque, the luminous world of Dutch Golden Age painting, the titillating pictures of the Rococo, the highly controlled and political work of Neo-Classicism to the emotive paintings of Romanticism. From there, the birth of Modern art is ushered in through the rebellious works of the Realists, the revolutionary approach of the Impressionists and the groundbreaking paintings of the Post-Impressionists. 
The artists to be explored are Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Fragonard, David, Goya, Courbet, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh" 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Beauty and the Beasts


























On Saturday, I went to Bistecca -- a European steakhouse in Singapore.

The food was incredible.  

Based on their media page, I think a lot of others agree.  It might just be my favorite restaurant in Singapore (yes, I went that far).

In addition to the delicious things that went into my belly, I loved the artwork inside the restaurant.  Check out the photos below by photographer, Scott Woodward, along with a few quotes from him on the project (it was a tough, but rewarding one!)
"As a broad concept, Megan wanted me to integrate wild European animals and beautiful, fashionable women into each of five photographs to be used as advertisements to promote Bistecca and as art to hang on the walls of her restaurant"
"Of course, once we determined and agreed on our concepts, the next puzzle that needed to be solved was how we would bring these animals -- some giant, others ferocious -- to life inside Bistecca.  It was crucial to me that every wild animal look completely lifelike.  I therefore quickly determined that compositing existing stock photographs of these animals into the scenes would not yield the faithful outcome I was seeking.  Additionally, bringing the animals to Bistecca and shooting giant Tuscan bulls or a raging wild boar inside the restaurant was clearly going to be impossible. "
 "It took more than six long weeks of illustration and digital post-production, but this past Monday we finally completed the job.  It was the most challenging creative assignment I have ever undertaken; hundreds of hours of blood, sweat and (quite literally) tears were shed by the illustrator, digital imaging team and my entire production staff -- a true labour of love, resulting in finished artwork of which we are all very proud."




























Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Child's Play

Photopin


























Over the weekend, Alan & I reverted back in time.  We went to a water park (Wild Wild Wet, to be exact) as two, fully functioning adults.  

No kids.  Just us and our bathing suits.  It was a lot of fun.

We went on this ride 2x:
 - Time #1: All color left my face
 - Time #2: I screamed a lot of profanities for a kids theme park.

Conclusion: It was time well spent.  We laughed really hard and were in a great mood for the rest of the day.  Even decided to follow-up the experience with some good, old root beer.

Note: We left after ~1.5 hours of fun.  There's only so much Miley Cyrus & swimming in kids' pee that we can take.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Online Shopping in Singapore?
























I'm lazy.  Exceptionally lazy.  When living in San Francisco, I even bought my toothpaste on Amazon (you'd understand if you ever visited a Walgreens in the Haight or Tenderloin).

Then, I moved to Singapore -- the land of malls.  People here love to shop.  It's the national pastime.  Therefore, e-commerce is nonexistent despite having the world's highest smartphone penetration (130%).

I've been forced against my will to buy toothpaste in an actual store.... wah wah.  

But, today, I stumbled across http://www.zalora.sg/.  Free shipping after $30 and free returns.

Move over Alan... this might just be might knight in shining armor.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Here is something false: You only live once
































































































































































































































































































































(Source: SMBC)

I LOVE the message in this comic.  It just resurfaced on my twitter feed.

The person you were at age 18 does not need to be the same person you are at 25.  You can continue to reinvent yourself -- to find new interests -- to change your mind.

This year, I've been really kicking my butt to try to find a creative outlet, learn new things & see what makes me happy.  I'm on the verge of turning 30, and I am not: A) convinced I've found "it" yet (i.e., a passion, a calling, a career, whatever it is I'm searching for), B) ready to settle for something I'm just "okay at" or "not totally bored by."

Therefore, I've been trying a lot of things.  

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Experimental Filmmaking: Very Nice, Very Nice


(Source: Very Nice, Very Nice by Arthur Lipsett)

I've just started an Experimental Filmmaking class at Objectifs, which is perfectly timed with my new role on YouTube.  We spent a good portion of last night's class watching experimental films, starting chronologically from the 1920s in France (not a bad way to spend a Wednesday night).


One of the films, Very Nice, Very Nice, by Arthur Lipsett started out as a hobby.  In 1961, he pieced together various sound clips and then friends encouraged him to overlay images.

It's a thought-provoking 7 minute piece -- but, I was most surprised by how similar the issues & concerns from the 1960s mirror today.  

People are still afraid of change... of technology... of the future...of the government.
People are still nostalgic of the past with a belief that it was "better then"
People are becoming more isolated and materialistic  

It'd be interesting to take the same audio and overlay photos from 2013 (maybe a new side project for me).

Monday, August 5, 2013

Travel Recommendation: Koh Jum, Thailand

























"It is not necessarily at home that we best encounter our true selves.  The furniture insists that we cannot change because it does not; the domestic setting keeps us tethered to the person we are in ordinary life, who may not be who we essentially are." - Alain de Botton

I'm spoiled.  I live in Singapore where it's unbelievably easy to travel from.  

Monday, July 29, 2013

An Incredible Couple: Charles & Ray Eames



(Source: Eames Exhibit, Art & Science Museum)

"Take your pleasure seriously" - The Eames

The Art & Science Museum currently has an awesome exhibit, "Essential Eames," which I visited over the weekend (the previous exhibit was also pretty amazing, The Art of Brick).

Charles & Ray were two pieces of the same puzzle -- meant for each other.  

They loved each other.
They shared life together.
They created together.

I usually just associate chairs with Eames (we have several knock-offs around our apartment), but I learned this dynamic duo was so much more...

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Liking isn't helping

























Most ads go unnoticed.  Some annoy.  At best, they entertain.  On a rare occasion, they leave an impression.  

Last week, I saw this ad campaign for Crisis Relief Singapore.

"Real life photographs are interposed with “thumbs up” hands and the copy: “Like Isn’t Helping. Be a volunteer. Change a life.” It’s a call to move on from social networking to turning up to help."

Although it may feel good to "like" or "+1" the latest social cause on your newsfeed, it doesn't do much.  It's not a real action.  Non-profits need money and volunteers.

For more thoughts on giving, check out my post here.



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

If I ran a company...

























(Source: Heather & Ivan Morison)

I went to a Women's Media Network event yesterday entitled "If I had a daughter," which featured a speaking panel.  The line-up was impressive, sprinkled with VPs and Directors

I admired their accomplishments, grit and savviness.

But, I did find one things missing though...

Plate Culture: Airbnb for Dinner Parties



As I've mentioned before, I really like the concept of shared tables & chance encounters.

Well, last night, at a Women Media Networks event, I met a woman working on a start-up called Plate Culture -- homemade happiness :)


It's a bit like Airbnb for dinner parties and pop-up restaurants.  It's been such a success in Kuala Lumpur that they're looking to expand to Singapore next.

And, guess what...

Thursday, June 20, 2013

This week, I live in an ashtray









(Source: Edgar Su)

This week, I live in an ashtray.  I have colleagues visiting from China, and they even think it's bad.

Singapore's air pollution has jumped to PSI 371 (hazardous for grandmas and babies).  Luckily, I'm neither, but it's still gross.  You know it's bad when: A) you get *multiple* work emails saying to stay home, B) your company hands out face masks in the office lobby.

Final Photography Project: Islamic Practice in Singapore

















































I just finished up my Intermediate Photography class at Objectifs last night (and have already signed up for 2 more courses & 2 workshops).  I'm obsessed.

Above is my final selection of photos for our student show (I obviously still need to blow-up the photos & mount).

To see the nice, high res photos in non-GIF form & write-up, read more.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

The Servant Class of Singapore






























(Source: Tay Kay Chin)

Singapore is an adult Disneyland (with the death penalty).

It's a place where you can feel rich simply walking around the public spaces -- awe-inspiring buildings, beautifully-manicured parks, malls that look nothing like mallrats, etc

I've been wildly impressed, but it does all come at a cost.

Photo Shoot: Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore



As previously mentioned, I've been working on a photography project around religion.

Here's a few of my favorites on Hinduism from the Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Photo Shoot: Armenian Church, Singapore



























Singapore is a true melting pot.  Within 45 minutes, I can walk from Little India to Arab Street to Chinatown, with bits and pieces of other cultures along the way.

It also has a true mix of religion:
  • Buddhism: 33%
  • Christianity: 18%
  • Islam: 15%
  • Taoism: 11%
  • Hindu: 5%
  • Non-religious: 17%
  • Other: 1%
On the other hand, the US is more flat.
  • Christianity: 75%
  • Non-religious: 20%
  • Other: 5%

Out of curiosity, I decided to survey the religions in Singapore for my Objectifs Photography Project.  Check out some of my favorites from this beautiful church.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

You know you live in Asia....












... When you receive discounts for Hello Kitty Town in your gmail.

After watching this video, I'm sold.  Malaysia, here I come. (I kid, I kid)

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The men of Singapore

Today, I wanted to practice documentary-style photography on my way to the wet market.  This little excursion soon turned up into me drinking beers at a hawker with a bunch of 50+ year old Singaporean men.  An interesting afternoon to say the least.  Take a look.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...