Fun with Words

Along with my Creative Natives project, I am also working on a Kids Portrait Portfolio, only it has a twist! My teacher gave us a list of words, very random words, and told us while we have complete creative control, we must somehow incorporate these words into the pictures. The list goes like this; box, ball, texture, flowers, metal, desk, rust, black and white, and silverware! So, I have decided to not only incorporate the word into the photo, but the handmade frame I will also be constructing! ie. for the word silverware, I plan on having a picture of a child fully enjoying a piece of cake (all over his/her face) and making the frame out of silverware! Heres what I have shot so far... I will let you decide which goes with which word for now until I make a final decision. I still have more photo shoots so this is very preliminary! Thoughts and suggestions are always welcome!

And because Emily is silly and LOVES the camera... I feel the need to include these.... :)

As you can see, this is SUCH a fun project and so far my models and families have really gotten into it! More to come soon!!!

.;*Creative Natives!*;. Elm City Handmade!

The Next artist  (or artistS) I am SO excited to spotlight are the Amazing and beautiful People at Elm City Handmade. Lisa Spetrini and Eric Iannucci have created a space for Anyone to come and create and use their imaginations! I feel as artists it is our job to guide Junior artists and let them know its ok to use your imagination and go crazy with your ideas, let them take control and run with them! That was exactly the feeling I got after spending an afternoon with them last saturday for their Dollwars! Where they invited anyone to come down and make a doll, and have it hung on the walls to be viewed in a gallery setting, which is Always an awesome feeling! With a little guidance from Eric and Lisa and a lot of imagination, these artists came up with some truly amazing dolls!

Lisa and Eric call on everyone, artist or not to come get involved locally, make something with your hands, and get to know your creative community! They are also keeping the arts alive with Project Storefront, which provides space to "creative entrepreneurs" to showcase artists in their store fronts. They are truly trying to unite the Creative people in New Haven, and I think any artist could have something to gain AND something to offer by stopping by 71 Orange Street and popping your head in to see what fun event is no doubt going on in the store. OR even for a unique shopping experience, consignment gifts and handmade crafts, jewelry and clothes are always fun to pick up!

Follow Elm City Handmade and find out about events! 

Lisa and Eric were so kind and welcoming and Im so excited to be a part of their community! 

Thanks guys! 

Without love, life is impossible

I'd like to dedicate my first blog to Robin Raiano and her 3 year old son Logan Solomon. I was witness to an amazing event held at Wicked Wolf in New Haven this past Saturday. St.Baldricks is an organization that raises money for research and cures for childhood cancer. Logan was born with Down Syndrome, and just after his 3rd Birthday was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Being the amazing, dedicated mother she is, Robin has quit her job in order to take amazing care of her son. This weekends event proves that she is not alone in her dedication. 81 men, women and children alike came to the event with money raised and to shave their heads! Team Logan raised $14586! The turnout for this was enough to bring a tear to your eye, and as loved ones and friends looked on many tears were shed.

                                                    Its tough to shave off all your hair!!!
There were tears of disbelief, and emotional tears of happiness. And you better believe when Robin got up to get her head shaved there were hundreds of cheers from loved ones standing behind her!

 

                
                                                  From her end tho... mostly disbelief! ......

              

                    Heres a few more amazing, kind Samaritans who did their part for the cause.

This event, and the people who cared enough to get involved and shave their head for this cause, and amazing child, truly capture the essence of the point I am trying to get across in this blog. All you need is love. Whether it be love for a person or a passion, it is really the point of our existence.

             Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that. ~Michael Leunig

For more info on Robin and Logan's experience Click here

For Other Updates on Logan click here and  any donations directly to Logan can go to "Angels over Logan Solomon" PO Box 185851 Hamden Ct 06518.