Good Morning Andrew
Conceptually Oriented, Practically Confused
Matt and Haley
There are preciously few people that I actually enjoy being around. My friends Haley and Matt just happen to be two of them. As you know, I normally hesitate when taking photographs of others of my species, however, shooting these two was rather enjoyable! They’re starting up a new food/restaurant/dining blog… details to follow soon!
Politics of a Curated Life
Over the last couple of months, I’ve become fascinated with the processes involved with living a minimalist lifestyle. Aside from simply having less stuff to worry about, the big advantage that has drawn me to minimalist living is the idea of a “curated” life. I’m not certain if this is in opposition to or in perfect line with our current society’s predilection toward materialist values. In essence, humans could be considered a reflection of the things they purchase, consume, and display. When one focusses on consumption, then we are a representation of an entire universe of consumable objects that disappear from our lives after use. Additionally, we also seem to hunt endlessly for certain objects to display within our daily lives. I’m deeply interested in that schism and, consequently, what makes certain objects so easily parted with.
Vietnam Plan #01
I’m planning on traveling to Vietnam (and possibly Cambodia) November 10 – 28th. Although I’ve always been fascinated by Southeast Asia (particularly the former French colony of Indochina), I’ve never had the guts to actually pony up and buy the ticket until now.
So, with my bags already packed several months in advance, I’m ready to take off on another (much needed) break from the daily grind to focus on art and research.
I’m devoting my time on this trip to photographing the use and reuse of former French colonial architecture. In particular, I’m very interested to see how the buildings are being assimilated into the new, globalized architectural forms of late capitalism. I find it both ironic and fascinating that the colonial structures, which symbolized the the first developments of global economic culture are now disappearing.
07-28-2010
Reclaiming space: I have to hand it to the city of Minneapolis. Every so often, a new feature of the urban landscape appears like an apparition. Most recently, rental bike stations have been colonizing (in a positive way) the unused scraps of public space throughout the city. Kudos Minneapolis.
07-15-2010
While riding on the bus this morning, it struck me as rather horrifying that I had no idea what today’s date is. After a desperate search for my phone (dead battery-no luck), I realized I’ve become so absorbed in my “auto-pilot” routine, that I have lost my ability to pay attention. With that revelation in mind, I’m vowing to break out of my shell and out of my coma by getting back to my priorities. First, and most importantly: less stuff and more experiences. The first part of my vow, selling off most of my possessions on Craig’s List, has been an incredibly liberating experience. Imagine, if you will, the feeling of curating your life – for the first time in 28 years. The second chunk is proving to be a bit more difficult to initiate. However, I’m doing my best by preparing myself for a 16 day solo trip to Vietnam and Cambodia this November.
Back to traveling.
Back to photography.
Back to experiencing in the first person.
1001 rules for my unborn son
“…the Less You Say” by Frank Chimero