Back Behind The Lens

(Taken through my sunroof while driving)

A few weeks ago, my mom had a roll of film (yes, good ol' fashion 35mm) to finish on her Canon Rebel and gave it to me to do the task. This camera and I have had some good times and taken great photos, from back in high school when I took every photo class I could then did an "independent study" and just continued using the darkroom, to my class in college with one of my best friends, Cassie. It had been a while since I used any camera other than the one on my iPhone, let alone one that takes film. After getting over the initial awkwardness, I was back behind the lens capturing beautiful things. I had to take the film to get developed and while I miss the darkroom, there was an exciting anticipation as I awaited to see the mystery of how it all turned out. Perhaps because it wasn't instant, the gratification was all the more significant. I'm going to keep it up-- I already loaded another roll and am nearly finished.

So this is the new year...

As it is now a few days into 2011, I have reflected on the past year and all its ups and downs. So much has happened in a year: from getting my AAS degree, moving from NYC to Miami (with my mom following and leaving our Pennsylvania home behind), having my first apartment to myself, visiting South America for the first time, Christmas on the beach for the first time in years, first time both my parents are living in the same city in 12 years, turning 21, putting my dog down, my grandma's memorial service and family reunion....

For 2011, there is much to look forward to and I've made some resolutions like to spend more time on my creative side (photography, writing, etc), continue practicing vegetarianism (cook more from the new recipe book I bought!), put myself first more than I do others, volunteer with animals, and keep in touch with long-distance friends more, and to back-up my computer so I don't loose all of my music from 2010 (yes, that just happened).

So here's to a fresh, new start and all the promise it holds! Good luck to you!

'Tis the season...

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and remembering what is truly important this time of year- as it often gets lost in the materialization and commercialization of the holidays.

Take a look around,

spread some cheer,
and express your love
to those who are dear.

Artsy Fartsy

Art Basel 2010 was a huge success. I got to enjoy (some) art, (many) parties, and even had to work in between it all. It took a good week to recover from the madness and cram for final exams, but it was worth every minute- I had a blast. Besides brunching with Russell Simmons, Serena Williams, and Kelly Rowland, walking in the biggest bash of the weekend for a YSL show by Vogue (with the aforementioned seated front row along with Gerard Butler, Emilio Estefan, Christian Louboutin, Daisy Fuentes...), I was enjoying musical performances by Metric, Mark Ronson, N.E.R.D., Twin Shadow, Rye Rye, A-Trak & Dave 1. Below are some photos from the week's events and some bizarre art I saw during Scope Art Show. My personal favorite was a pop-up Sanrio shop celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gift shop, art gallery, and tattoo parlor with free tattoos from an LA artist-- took me back to Japan and all the cuteness.

These huge pink snails were all over Miami Beach- for sale as art.

YSL & Vogue Fashion Show (photo courtesy of StyleNik)

Poolside runway (me in front)

Harajuku girls from LA

Free Sanrio tattoos!


I need to get back to Japan.

Wynwood

Pile of neon matchboxes- art?

Can't Concentrate

The semester is nearing its end and I'm finishing up class presentations, papers, and studying for final exams while things in Miami are just heating up. I've been so easily distracted lately and just in a "do nothing" mode that makes it so hard to get work done. Tomorrow marks the start of Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 and I can't wait to actually attend and enjoy the galleries/events/concerts! Pictures to follow. But for now, just some things that have been keeping me distracted...

Art Walking

Ximena and I at OHWOW Gallery
Photo by Justin Namon

November's Art Walk this past Saturday was the first I was able to actually enjoy walking around at since July. While I love my job at Fabrika, and have had fun spinning tunes at the past few Second Saturdays, this was a refreshing change of pace. I loved wandering in and out of the galleries with one of my best friends, Ximena, as we hopped around Wynwood. Below are some pieces I found particularly interesting, my favorites of the night.

Miguel Paredes

At Dina Mitrani Gallery

October: Music Month

Here's a look through my iPhone camera at some of the shows I was lucky enough to attend during October- Miami's busiest and best music month yet.

La Roux

Phoenix

MGMT

Beach House opening for Vampire Weekend

LCD Soundsystem

Mayer Hawthorne