Rusty Graffiti...

"Rusty Graffiti" (c) 2012

This image was snapped along the sidewalk that curves around Chicago's Shedd Aquarium along Lake Michigan.  It was taken at the same time as the piece from my previous post, "No Diving."  This lovely piece of metal was subjected to the usual urban treatment of graffiti, instantly creating a piece of art work.  In a nutshell, I enhanced the image by saturating the color to give it an extra rusty feel, the I traced some of the words using clogged nozzle brush, along with extracting color.  The point of this piece is to show that there is beauty in all art forms, graffiti is often considered gang related, an urban phenomenon and example of an uncivilized and uncultured community.  I heavily disagree, although there are those who mark walls and territories based on gang affiliations, tagging areas so that the area is marked and you know whose area this belongs to; there is such beauty to many examples of graffiti, those used to create murals in the neighborhood to add color and flair, it gives you a sense of community, a sense of togetherness.  Those who dabble in this art form, are truly gifted artists and each work is unique and beautiful.  My goal is to get my audience to appreciate and accept all types of art work, since my own art form does not conform to traditional photography.

No Diving...

"No Diving" (c) 2013, Simone Hester

This piece is title "No Diving" because of the obvious no swimming sign that is slowly eroding away from the shoreline.  It was captured along the curved walkway besides the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  What drew me to capture the original image was the erosion that has been taking place, from the water and the elements.  I thought the contrast of the crumbling cement next to the beauty of the waters of Lake Michigan was a unique pairing.  To further enhance the artistic quality of the image, I manipulated the body of water by creating waves that have an unnatural look to them against the cement.  Thought it was pretty cool and I hope that to the viewer it presents a variety of messages and interpretations as to what this could mean to someone at that moment.  It could represent a situation in some one's life or a metaphor for anything you can think of.  I'd like to think that it represents life, sure the waters can be a little rough out there, you might want to obey the rules and not jump in, but hey, sometimes rules are meant to be broken, right?

Ouch...

"Ouch" (c) 2012 Simone Hester

Switching up the format just a little.  In my previous blog, I had mentioned getting back to my focus and doing what is most important to me.  My love for my art and my photography is that thing.  So very important.  So each time I blog, I will discuss a piece that I have created.  Yes you have seen my work on my blog before, but I discussed a lot of the process showing before and after photos.  What I want to convey now, is how I feel.  I want to discuss the mood behind the image that you see and what made me decide to create what I create.  So yes, you will see a little of the old, but hopefully you'll see something new too.

With "Ouch," I was drawn to a section of cacti in a garden store (I was there taking numerous photographs for potential work for some of my watercolor projects), there I captured a few snapshots of the spiky grouping.  I loved this shot because you are looking down inside the center of a particular plant.  When I edited the image, I really wanted the needles to have some emphasis, so that it was something that you'd noticed immediately.  Looking at this image, you know if you touch it the next thing you'd say is "Ouch." I want you to really feel how unpleasant it would be if you came across this cactus in a garden.  I want the image to give you a scratchy, itchy feeling.  I think it came across pretty good, what do you think?

Back To Business...

So, it has been a few months since my last post (around five) and I can only say that I my initial passion for what I do had taken a hit, a major blow or whatever way I can describe what happened... happened.  I suffered a personal setback last year and it troubled me deep to my soul and created what I like to refer to as my "artistic funk." It has took long enough to root and bloom out, but the promise that I made to myself at the close of 2012, was that I had to regain my focus and continue to do what I love.  Simply, because I love it.  I have held a passion for art since I was a little girl and because of that I can not let bad things change my direction, I may have been sidetracked temporarily but I am definitely back on my path. It is simply my destiny.

On New Years Day, I wrote my self a note...

"Dear Simone,

You are FEARLESS... you create your own DESTINY... You CONTROL the outcome of your life and dreams, the outcome does not control you! If you do not have or feel the support of others, you have to use your STRENGTH and always SUPPORT YOURSELF... Remember to BELIEVE in yourself... Remember to stay FOCUSED, stay STRONG and everything that your work for will unfold itself to you! You are COURAGEOUS, PATIENT, FOCUSED, DEDICATED, CONFIDENT and DETERMINED."

A few days later, I received an email inviting me to an event/party open to all creatives (Yippee!).  It was the first of its kind and (hopefully it will continue and build up) I was appreciative of the thought to include me.  While I was there, I met a gentleman who I hesitantly gave my business card to (but did so under the suggestion of a friend), it wasn't that I did not want to share my card, it is that I suffer from my own version of "stage fright." I am horrible at networking, I stink at it.  I have never been the aggressive type and always hid behind my shy personality when it comes to meeting new people.  I even told the gentleman this fact.  He smiled and politely told me that I would have to get over that and learn how to put my card in someones hand and introduce myself. The worst thing anyone could say is "no." I had to agree because he was right, of course, but what really struck me was that he said that he was this way at one point himself.  I found hard to believe because I watched as he worked the crowd that was in attendance and he had no difficulty interacting with people, so I would have never guessed.  Nothing that he said was overtly profound but it had enough of an impact that I have been brewing it over in my head for the past few days.  I have got to get myself out there and basically "get over it." So my sincerest thanks goes out to him, the light clicked on for me.

Remembering the note that I wrote to myself, I rededicating myself to my work, including my blog and getting back out to take more pictures and create new pieces.  So in keeping with the fresh start and the beginning of a new year, below is my new profile picture that you'll find on my Facebook, Twitter and Website. I like it, I look happy, with a renewed focus and a little sparkle in my eyes. Ready, set, go.