Graffiti: Works of art, or Illegal tagging?

Personally I live in a smaller city where there isn't a whole lot of gang related news. At least not that I hear of. So most of the graffiti that I see is on a train that goes who knows were. And lately I haven't even been seeing that. There are those street tags where there's a small time teenage gang trying to "own this street" and such, but it's mostly back ally things that no one really sees or cares about. Basically I don't have a graffiti ridden city, which is good, and bad. I keep talking about the type of graffiti that we all think of; tags, gang related lettering, The kind of graffiti that makes you think of all those movies with the youth gangs that go around killing students who try to excel and get out of the gang life. There are other types of graffiti though. There are beautiful pieces of art that aren't considered art because they have the graffiti feel, or are on a wall in a subway tunnel. Pieces like these:

 

These are just some of the millions of amazing graffiti that I found. There is no doubt that Graffiti is illegal because it's on public property and these artist's are defacing that property, but think about how these artists do this without letting the world know who they are. They don't do it for fame, or money, they do it for the love of art. And I think that is an honorable reason to do this. Maybe the city can create a designated area for graffiti artists to do their work, but that's but that's not how it works. These artists do it for a reason, the placement of these pieces of art are specific and meaningful. Each piece has its own story, and if there is a designated area for these specific works of art, what makes them so shocking and moving? Part of the graffiti scene is that there is the shock at seeing something on what used to be a blank wall.

 

That's the beauty of this art form, the shocking part makes the painting stick in your head, plus the sheer beauty of the style. I don't know anyone who can make the graffiti lettering because it's not just a easy thing that BOOM you know, some are lucky where its easy for them, but like most artist, that's the case. Creation is what comes naturally to them. Graffiti is a hot topic lately, but the thing is, everyone has their own view on what is art or not, and this is mine. And I look forward to hearing your view.

 

Until I write again

Au revoir,

~Rayne

Abstract: Beauty or Excuse for Art?

Abstract Art is what I blogged about last time, but I blogged about the bad side of this type of art. To be honest, when I first became obsessed with art I found abstract art stupid, and boring. I didn't get most of it. Sometimes I'm still confused by it. But there was this time that I was doing research for a class and I found some abstract art that I found more beautiful than photography (which is my favorite art form besides music.) Here are some examples:


 



So what do these paintings make you think of? Each of these bring me the feeling of great happiness, and a little sadness. I feel as though I am not seeing the world as the artist does. The artists make the work so much more lively and beautiful than it is in the real world, this is some art that moves me in a positive way. How about saddening abstract art?

Do you see that the matches represent the life cycle of a person? We start unable to stand or move on our own, then slowly we make it to the stage in our life where we are completely independent. Soon after we start to deteriorate and then die. Sad if you understand it. Lets try one more.

 

This one is of a girl submerged in water in someplace I'd assume to be her home. Like she's swimming to survive her drowning circumstances. If she gave up in anyway then she would surely drown. It represents the strength and will to survive when you are feeling so hopeless you could die.

 

Please leave comments and let me know what you think of these pictures.

 

Until I write again

Au revoir,

~Rayne

Is The Bar For Real Art Being Lowered?

If anyone is immersed in the art world, then you've probably seen the painting that went for $43.8 million. Here's a link to show you what I'm talking about. Barnett Newman Painting. This and five other paintings very similar have shocked the world with how expensive they are. If anything, they're worth more on Ifunny than anything else. I've seen hundreds of comments on pictures of lined paper with two sections of blue and one straight white line in the center, and most of these comments are jokes like "Oh, how this artist captured such sudden sadness in such a subtle way!" or "Only $43.8 million?! What an outrage, this man deserves at least $50 million." I personally find more art in the comments than the actual painting.

One of my other blogs will be about the debate on whether or not abstract art should be considered art. I think it should be, but this man claims this IS abstract, and if this is than what isn't? Can a picture like this be considered abstract?

Or what about this?

There isn't a doubt that it's cute, but it's a child's work, it deserves to be appreciated, a grown man doing pretty much the same thing, but with MUCH less creativity, does not. I my whole point is that it's hard enough trying to get people to be accepting about abstract art, but when people go around making things like this mans painting, it just sets the non-artistic view into people's minds allowing them to shun all abstract art.

Please comment and respond anyway you see fit.

until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

The Movie Industry

I realize that I haven't written anything about movies that are common in today's world. So I wanted to take this blog and try to evoke some emotion and comment about my topic, Disney Princesses.

There is Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Ariel, Belle, and many more. But the names that Are shown above are the ones I want to focus on. All of these princesses are said to be the most beautiful girl in all the land, invoking jealousy as well as lust form other characters. The fact that these are shows and movies that young children watch, gives the children a sense of who they're supposed to be. Beautiful/handsome, generous, caring, and equal. These are great qualities, none the less there are some pretty hefty downfalls to the movies.

Cinderella; Disobeys her parents and sneaks out to meet go some place she was forbidden to go. And for this she was rewarded with the Prince's hand in marriage and a happily ever after.
Sleeping Beauty (Aurora); Sneaking around with a man when she is betrothed to another, the man wakes her and just so happens to be the prince she is betrothed to, and they get married and live happily ever after.
Snow White; After being almost killed, she runs away and breaks in to a home, those that live there are kind and allow her to stay if she cleans. The queen poisons her and a man comes a long and kisses her, she marries the prince and they live happily ever after.
Ariel; She wasn't happy with who she was, disobeyed her father and went above water, saved the prince and changes herself for him and they marry and live happily ever after.
Belle; Disobeyed her father and becomes captive by a beast, conforms to live with him, he turned into a prince and they live happily ever after.

The point is that there are unachievable expectations set in place form these movies for girls. If they can just be beautiful and kind, they will live happily ever after with their prince charming. But that's not how the world works. There isn't such a thing as happily ever after, just real life. There are hardships and heartbreaks. First loves probably won't stay together, and there is going to be times where life seems too much. It's not as easy as a flick of a wand to get everything one dreams of. It takes hard work and perseverance.

Disney Princesses have amazing morals, but unrealistic story lines. Princesses like Merida, Tiana, Mulan, and Pocahontas tend to have a much stronger pull for some because they are just normal girls that want to change things, and they fight for it. They have a more realistic story, that makes it easier to aspire to be like them.

I look forward to hearing your comments and feelings towards the Disney Princesses.

Until I write again
Au Revoir,
~Rayne

Books, Life Changing or Not?

I was once again on the art debate website and found yet another debate that was all one sided. This one was titled "Can books change your life?" Everyone said yes, but I have to admit that a few of the responses bothered me. There were some who said that the Hunger Games changed their lives because it got them into running and climbing, yada yada yada. I don't think that those were the kinds of changes that the asker was looking for. I think they were looking more for inspiration to do something great, for example after reading this book called "A story of a girl" I began thinking about the number of people that were bullied and hurting because of lies and harsh things that others have done to them. I think that books do change people in the way that a good song can change you. It could make you re-evaluate your life's decisions and really think about your choices.

Please comment any good books that have changed your life, or anything that has given you inspiration.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

The Importance of Writing

Once again I was on the debate site for some topics I found interesting to talk about, and I found a debate that was all one sided. "Are instant communication platforms overshadowing the art of writing letters?" Every single person said yes! I mean I agree but if so many think this, why hasn't there been a change? Personally I write letters all the time. I don't really like the whole social media thing, (although I have to admit, I'm beginning to enjoy blogging.)
I feel that if so many people think that writing letters is a dying art, then why don't people make an effort to change it? I would, and if anyone is interested in joining me that would be awesome! I don't want hand written messages to be lost, they stay around longer than a phone call or text will. And it's already bad enough most don't know how to write in cursive.  It's shameful really, it's one of the first things we learn in school and pretty much the first thing people forget. But anyway, I hope all of you will keep writing letters and make sure you never lose the intimate connection that letters to one another bring to people. Comment back if you have your own opinions or comments.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

Art of the heArt

Today I witnessed someone creating some real heart... Actually I saw my mother make a homeless man's day. I'll explain:

We were on our way to the store, and we always stop at this specific curb to give some money to the pan handlers on the corner, and today this man was so exuberant about the change we were able to give him that my mother gave him the soda we had just bought. He started to cry and opened it right up. We continued on our way to the store and my mother couldn't get the look of the man's happiness out of her head, so we went on a food shopping spree for him. We bought him some cans of ravioli, sandwich meat, and a loaf of bread. I could feel my mother smiling all the way back over to where the gentleman was still sitting. As we pulled up next to him he waved really big and we waved him over. We handed him the food and he got tears in his eyes. He said "If there's anything I can ever do to repay you.." and my mother cut him off saying "Happy Halloween" with the brightest smile I've ever seen on her face. The man said he could go back to where he slept now, he had enough food, so he didn't have to be in the cold anymore. There was some faith in humanity restored right then. 

I realize that this may not seem like art to some, but to me it was the best kind of art out there. The type of art that really touches your heart and that you'll remember for the rest of your life. 

There is actually some videos on YouTube that have been going around where people are doing about the same thing. Making The Homeless Smile I keep saying how art is about heART, and that art makes the world beautiful, well these acts of kindness are making the world beautiful. It doesn't take much, just a little contribution to the community and you could make someone's life better. Because you gave them hope, and that's a lot for someone who doesn't have anything. 

If you would like to comment a story of an act of kindness that you've seen, please do. I'd love to hear about the wonderful things people are doing around the world.

Until I write again

Au revoir,

~Rayne

Is Photography a Real Art?

So today I was looking at art topics and I found a site that had all sorts of debates on all different kinds of art. The first topic that caught my eye was the question of if photography was a real art. I was surprised to see that it was even a debate. I understand that it doesn't take much to take a picture, but that doesn't mean that all photography is, is just snapping a shutter. I have personally taken photography classes and there is actually a lot to learn. Plus there is all the different types of photography. There is black and white, film, digital, landscape, profile, portrait, and so much more. Obviously it takes some kind of talent to be able to get paid to take peoples wedding pictures or school pictures.

There are a lot of misconceptions that photography is only beautiful when it is edited, so basically the computer does all the work. Yeah there are those people who just edit and take pictures for fun, but those who do it for their lively hood, those people do way more than just hit a few buttons to make a computer fix the picture. The fact that they have to know what every single filter and effect will do to the picture means that they have to think about what they're doing, and not just guess and check. There's a science to it. You have to be totally committed to do that day in and day out. How do you think that businesses get their logos and such? Computer graphic designers. What about those Home and Garden's magazines? They get all their pictures and layouts from people who have an eye for art, photographers.

There are some instances where photo's are not arty. That is when a someone takes a blurry picture in a bathroom with their tongue sticking out with a filter over it. I say photo- not photography- because there IS a difference. Photography comes with decisions and a meaning, so it takes heart and time. Photos don't take time at all and all you really have to do is press a button. Those kinds of pictures are the reason that people don't believe that photography should be considered a fine art. But what people don't think about is "what about those people who actually take time and put effort into their pictures?" Those are the people who deserve credit for their talent and love for showing the world in ways none of us have even thought of.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-photography-fine-art

photo

photography

News in the heART world

So there has been a lot of controversy over Miley Cyrus lately. Some are saying they like her new music and act because it is real and her. But others say that she's a "whore" and fake. Honestly, I have mixed emotions on her whole change. In ways I don't believe that her change is really all that big of a deal, besides the fact that she's an ex Disney star is what makes the whole change so much more dramatic than any other celebrities act. The change really has nothing to do with her music though, besides the fact that her music seems so much more personal and real. In comparison her old songs from her Disney Channel days were cooperate and really didn't stick as well as her new hits such as "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball". Of course that is all matter of opinion. But I don't think that the presentation of a celebrity should condemn them to get awful reviews. The songs are real and actually mean something to people, obviously they do or people wouldn't listen to them. It's no different than Nikki Minaj or Lady Gaga. Their public appearances aren't appropriate either, but we still praise them. So basically what I am saying is that the music should be what matters, not the videos that go along with them. Everyone invasions the actions to the words differently anyway.

 

A few posts ago I mentioned a song that I am ABSOLUTLY in love with right now. Beautiful- POD. I know a lot of people have been asking who are they? Where did they come from? Why haven't I heard them before? So I decided to do some research and this is what I found out. They are a band out of San Diego, CA, and their full name is Payable On Death. (odd name for a band that's moved so many with such a beautiful song.) The members are Sonny Sandoval, Noah Bernardo, Traa Daniels, Marcos Curiel, Jason Truby, and Gabe Porillo. They've been a nu metal band since 1992. The song Beautiful comes from their album Murdered Love. If you want to find more information on the bands songs I'll set up a link to find their music find POD music, also I will post a link(in the Related Links column of my blog home) to their official website. And before you close the page thinking it's not loading, you have to scroll to get to the informational part. There you will be able to follow any of the members on twitter and find out tour dates and much much more! Enjoy!

 

Until I write again

Au revoir,

~Rayne

What Speaks to you?

This is quite an obvious topic isn't it? You'd think so but that's not the case. What speaks to me is completely different from what speaks to you. In your case, maybe a painter who can capture such sadness in a picture that no photographer could moves you. Or maybe one of the "greats" (i.e. Pablo Picasso The Dream- Picasso, Salvador Dali Dali, or M.C. Escher M.C. Escher) is your hero. Their artwork inspires you to "go on" or "follow your own path." Or maybe there's an artist/genre that speaks to you. Its the only thing you listen to on a bad day, or your motivation for that extra mile for track.
My point is, in life there isn't just one answer to this question, there are millions. There's answers you won't agree with, or some that you may not particularly looooove, but you understand how others do. But either way there isn't any reason to just stick with that one thing that you've found that raises your spirits and delights your mind. You should always be looking for more heART and creativity in everyday that goes by. It helps make the day go faster and life seem brighter.                              
I'm not preaching to anyone telling them how to live their lives but I am making a suggestion to everyone to open up their eyes and smile about what they see. I will add a few more links to other pieces of art I have seen and that I know others enjoy quite a bit.

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

Music Vs Noise

A lot of people have the debate over what is music and what is just over played noise. Normally its between parents and children or between friends. I've been having this debate with my family and friends and I've come to the basic conclusion that everyone is wrong. I feel that old music is fantastic in comparison to a lot of the newer pop-crap. If you are into that type of music, that's your opinion, but when you listen to it what do you think about? When I listen to it all I think of is how difficult it is to find a real meaning in a lot of the music. I have to admit there ARE a few new songs out that I am defiantly crazy about.For example the song Beautiful by P.O.D. I'll set up a link so you can enjoy the amazing sound of real lyrics. Link to Beautiful

This is considered real lyrics to me because they mean something more than just a nice beat or background noise. Being a writer myself makes it irritating to listen to a lot of "music" that is all kinds of fraudulence. I want to hear music that has soul and love in it. Not the corporate stuff that's been coming out a lot lately. But that's just my opinion, what's yours?

Until I write again
Au revoir,
~Rayne

What Is heArt?

The Webster's dictionary defines Art as something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. A good definition, I mean it IS in a dictionary so that has to be what it means right? (Well maybe... they did put "swag" in the dictionary so sometimes the dictionary isn't always right.) I'm kidding (in sorts). See, to me art is anything that conveys to you a strong emotion. It could really be anything. Think of a song that really speaks to you, where the words describe your life so perfectly its scary. (If you don't like music references, my blog is definitely not for you. Music and poetry are things that I will be talking about a lot.) That song you thought of is heArt. It's not the same as art. Art encompasses everything. HeArt is when you feel the meaning in your heart and soul. Maybe you don't understand the feeling but you still feel it, that doesn't matter. Its still heArt, here's an example that I personally love.

There are so many things I wish I could say

But finding the words takes courage

Because I have none, my feelings are useless

Some think that words have no real meaning

But if they hurt, you'll be left bleeding

There are just too many things I've left unsaid

So maybe one day I'll find the strength

To face the truth of my thoughts...

But that day just isn't today

 

~Lakota Tarbox

 

The truth is sometimes hard to say or write, so music and drawing/painting or any other art form is one of the easiest ways to realize what you want to say, and how to say it. (without really "saying" it)

Anyway, that's just why I love heArt, what about you?

 

Until I write again,

Au revoir

~Rayne

Lost Relatives?

             Just last week I got back in touch with my baby cousin. If any of you follow my Google account you already know this, but here's the thing. I haven't seen her or talked to her in over five years. She is my father's sister's daughter. When we were kids we were best friends. She is now doing great. She's happy and well. That's all I could hope for.
             Now you might be asking yourself what that has to do with my blog at all (besides the family aspect), and the answer to that is also a question. How many of you have lost touch with a relative that you were once very close to? It could be a parent, sibling, cousin, aunt or uncle, anyone. I bet many of you have, I know that I've lost touch with my whole family on my father's side. And even on my mother's side I've lost contact with quite a few family members. Once again, this seems like nonsense and rambling, but I promise it's not. If you give me a chance I'd love to explain why I'm saying all of this.
            Before you realized that you lost contact with these important people did you notice? Did you think about them or notice their absence? After you realized the lost contact do you feel empty? Do you feel like a bad person? Or maybe even neglectful? The people who I've asked have all told me that they have felt all these things. Maybe it the idea that we've forgotten those who should matter most that makes us feel these things, or maybe we have missed these people all along but forgotten why we felt so hollow? I'm not sure, but I'm defiantly happy to have my cousin back in my life.

Thanks for reading

Until Next Time

~Laterayne

The Three Phases

              This past week I've been doing quite a bit of research on this topic, and I realized the best information I had was all around me my entire life. I'm about to explain sibling relationships in three very simple phases that anyone with siblings has gone through. (This is all from my personal experience as a babysitter, middle child, and from watching my friends interact with their siblings. This is not scientifically proven.)

• The first phase is the Adoration phase, there are many different pieces to this phase but it is also the shortest phase.

1. The Newborn- Right after the new child has arrived, all their cuteness is like a magnetic pull that is very hard to resist.
2. The Helper- This is when the older child/ren want to anything and everything they can to help with their new little family member.
3. The Protector- This is the stage where the child/ren are making sure nothing harms the little one. (more common in boys with baby sisters, at least that's what I have noticed)

              These pieces normally go all together and last up until the newborn is a toddler.

• The next phase is the Best and Worst of Friends phase, this one is pretty self explanatory.

1. After the child/ren grow up some more and are better with interacting with one another, there will be many (and I mean many) on and off days.
2. You'll notice that a lot of the time the shifts can last from a minute or so to a day or two. This is definitely normal, don't worry if the shifts change several times in a day.
3. Also when one of the kids is in trouble for something they did on their own (i.e.: getting into something they knew they shouldn't be in.) and the child is in trouble, the other sibling/s often want to make the child in trouble feel better. They'll talk them into behaving or just try to make them smile.

This is one of the most rewarding and annoying stages of childhood.

 

• This last phase is the one your children/siblings will be in the rest of your lives. It is the Friendly phase.

1. There is still going to be fights and stupidity, but it should be much more spaced out, and the kids will bond over their bad behavior and secrets.
2. This is the stage where you realize how much your family means to you even if you don't want to or they embarrass you.
3. Normally the kids stop treating each other like babies and more like equals which allows them to bond easier.

 

This is the most difficult stage, but also the easiest.

 

 

          Today I am still in the Best and Worst of Friends stage with my baby brother, but hopefully soon, as he starts to mature it will be the same stage as the rest of my brothers. (The Friendly Phase) I know way too much about my middle brother, and not enough about my older brothers. But I'm happy with my relationships with my family. I hope you are as well, and I hope that this can give you some type of understanding of sibling relationships.

 

Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time

~LateRayne



The Question Blog

              How about I start this blog with a simple question? How many of you REALLY know your family members? Now I'm not talking about aunts and uncles from Timbuktu. I'm asking about your immediate family, such as parents and siblings. Take a minute and go through this short list and see how many of these you know about each family member.

• Favorite color
• Favorite food
• Favorite pastime
• Plans for the future

              Four very simple things to know, but how many do you actually know right off the bat? As I get older I realize that knowing these things about my parents doesn't seem as important to me as it once was. I remember when I was about six or seven I always asked my parents all about themselves because is wanted to do things that interested them. Now as I watch my nine-year old brother do the same thing I did I notice how obnoxious it must have been. Today I still care about what my brothers' favorites and future plans, but mostly just so I can relate to them in some way.

             Being the only girl causes me to try extra hard to find anything and everything I cant to relate to my family. But that's just me. Many people either don't care about their family members' favorites, or know way too much about them. Personally I favor those who know too much, but that's a conversation for a later date.

 Thanks for reading!

Until Next Time

 ~LateRayne

About This Blog

This Blog

                         Alright, lets start with the basics. I will be writing about my family as well as others. There WILL be statistics, family stories, and random things I deem important and or relevant to my blog.

                        Now about me. My name is Lakota. No I am not Native American and yes I do know that there is a Lakota Indian tribe. I have five brothers. My oldest brother I don't know because he is 30 something and lives in Germany. He is my step-brother. Benjamin is my 26 year old step-brother as well. My 19 year old Brother Robert was named after my father, the 14 year old Tytan is my closest friend. My last brother is named Ian, he is 9 years old and also a step-brother. I do have a sister bus she passed away before I was born. She would be a year older than I am now. My father I no longer see, and my mother got remarried two years ago to my step-father D.

                       Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my family. We normally get along great. but I know that in every family there is always some type of conflict that arises sometime. Not everything is just peaches and cream. In my family we have lots of conflicts, and currently I am in the middle of a huge conflict with my D. The point of my whole blog is to let you in on some of the little things that make families go round, to share some stories that maybe someone can relate to, and to help not only you (the reader) but also myself realize why we as people do what we do in family situations. Okay so there is some Psychology involved but hey, that's what I want to write about.

                       I'm going to share with you the short story of how I decided to blog about my family. First of all I just recently got a much larger family, and second, there are soooooo many things that you can include in family discussions its not even funny. I'm pretty sure sometime I'm going to blog about the awful music my brothers prefer, or about by best friend Dakota who happens to practically be my sister. Plus family is something I'm pretty sure everyone has some form of feeling toward.

Anyway that's all for this blog.

Until Next Time

~LateRayne