Week 13: Dissecting a Vintage Hairdryer

I found this wonderful little vintage hairdryer at a thrift store and thought it would be perfect for disassembling.

Disassembling some of the parts was quite simple, but for others I wasn't sure it could be done without breaking something. Once I had them all separated, I polished up the pieces and spent about an hour assembling the them. Here is the result:

Now, I wanted to put my own spin on this project and it happened so beautifully as I was in the midst of arranging my pieces. So then I just ran with it.

What I enjoyed the most: Once I got going with creating faces with the pieces, I could have gone for hours. Taking random objects and transforming them into something unique is a great exercise in creativity.

Next time I would... Work inside. It was a nice day and I decided to work on this from the backyard. But then I had to deal with the wind moving my objects around, the harsh light of the sun, and even a few pesky magpies.

Week 13: Disassemble Something Old

Ideas & Inspirations: About a year ago I stumbled upon a photograph by Canadian photographer Todd McLellan and it has stuck with me ever since. In his Disassembly Series, he takes everyday objects, like this typewriter, and meticulously arranges its components in a striking way. Then in contrast, he creates an image by manipulating the individual parts to appear as though the object is exploding. McLellan just released his book, Things Come Apart, showcasing 50 iconic objects, which is available through Thames & Hudson or Amazon. I thought it would be neat to attempt to dissasemble an object of my own and see what happens!

What I intend to do with said project: I'll have a cool photograph, so perhaps I will frame it and display it if it turns out nicely. I'm also hoping to somehow put my own spin on this concept. We'll see how it turns out.

New York Trip Highlights

Finally getting around to posting about my trip to New York City, 2 months later. Where to start? I could tell you about the awesome hotel we stayed at, or the coffee shop nearby that we visited everyday (sometimes twice a day!). Or I could bore you with details of the usual tourist traps: Staten Island, Top of the Rock, Broadway, Yankees Stadium, etc. Instead, I'll just inspire you with a few highlights.

Brooklyn Art Library

When looking up things online to see in New York City, I learned that I needed to visit the Brooklyn Art Library and that I would love it, but I didn't quite yet understand why. The Brooklyn Art Library houses the Sketchbook Project, which is a collection of sketchbooks from all over the world. You may 'sign out' sketchbooks to view while visiting the library, but they also take smaller collections on tours around the US and sometimes even Canada. The Sketchbook Project should come to Edmonton, AB!!! ;)

After looking through a couple of sketchbooks, I was feeling inspired and decided to join the project by purchasing my own sketchbook to fill. This will be a huge creative challenge for me as painting/drawing is not my strong suit. Once my book is complete, I need to mail it back before the January 2014 deadline for it to be added to the collection. I'll let you know when it is complete because I'm sure you'll be dying to go visit it in Brooklyn, right? OR... My book will be digitized and available for viewing online early in 2014. I'll keep you posted!

Chelsea Market

It wasn't on our to-do list, but after TWO native New Yorkers recommended it, we took at trip to the Chelsea Market. This place is full of unique restaurants and shops, but lucky for me, it also hosted the I Artist & Fleas Pop-Up Shop that week. The room was packed with NYC/BK artists and designers and I easily could have spent my full travel budget in there. Highlights for me were:

• Brooklyn Charms -They had a variety of charms, chains and other treasures to create your own custom jewelry on the spot.
• Shara Porter Designs -Little wallets and bags with adorable designs screened on them.
• Black Lamb -Where silkscreening and embroidery collide!

Fabric Shopping

This occupied much of my time and deserves it's own post. Check back tomorrow to see my sweet fabric finds!

Week 8: Back Alley Photography

This week was a quick photo project and I'm quite excited to share a piece of my neighbourhood in such a weird and wonderful way.

On a sunny, chilly, wintery Sunday afternoon, I took a walk around my neighbourhood. You must know, this was not an easy decision. My neighbourhood, or more affectionately my "hood," is the type of place where it may not be the best idea to strut around with a big fancy camera around your neck. Not even in broad daylight. After several failed attempts of trying to get someone to join me, I set out in order to catch the last bit of daylight.

I began at the park at the end of my street, but then wandered a block or two further to a mini-industrial area. I was met by large, boxy old buildings, hilarious signs and unique pieces of machinery. Although it was a Sunday afternoon, I navigated carefully. I didn't think it was a good day to get busted for trespassing!

On my way back home, I wandered through the back alleys. Since arriving in Edmonton, AB nearly 5 years ago, I've always been fascinated by back alleys. Colourful lopsided sheds, rotting roofs, abandoned old cars, discarded furniture and remnants of failed carpentry projects. As you'll see, I was not to be disappointed.

Now I save the best for last. I was completely and wonderfully shocked when I stumbled upon this sight. I couldn't have even dreamed up a shot like this. So completely and utterly random. I was speechless. I love my city and my hood for creating alley wonders like this.

Week 8: Go Take Some Pictures!

Playing catch-up as my project from last week took a little longer than anticipated. Luckily my project this week is not nearly as intense.

Why I want to make this: There was a time in my life where I was very much into the idea of photography. I even took a class or two - but please lower your expectations because it's been a while. I got an entry-level digital SLR as a birthday/graduation present almost 5 years ago. Overtime I found myself lugging the thing around and rarely taking pictures, so eventually I just left it at home. It's been great having it to take pictures for the blog, but I feel that my Nikon has so much more potential!

Ideas & Inspirations: I plan to take a walk around the neighbourhood. I'm tired of taking pictures inside. I like back alleys. They are very visually interesting. Or just plain interesting.

What I intend to do with said project: That is a great question. With the popularity of digital photography, pictures get shared through various forms of social media, but not displayed as often as some should. I think I'll go old-school and get one photo printed, framed and on display.