Sidebar of Cuteness!!!

This is my nephew, Liam.

He's A-mazing.

My sister has just appointed me Godmother of this child. I get to corrupt him as I see fit.

So I bought him this little bear hat today at my friend's art show.

It was made by a local artist and 5$ of it went to the humane society.

And then I had a mini photo shoot.

For a very mini tuque.

She said it was for a 3-9 month old, but that she could make me a bigger size if I needed it.

Well, he's going to need it soon. He's a big baby. 4 months and he's upwards of 17lbs.

Perhaps she can knit him one every time he grows out of another.

That way he can have the cutest bear hat in the world for all of eternity.   : )

Or maybe she can knit me one. We'll see.

That is all.

More artwork to come to a future near you...!

More school work returned

      Today has been an odd day. In fact, the whole week has been good and then bad. I have had some fabulous times with friends and family, I am speaking particularly of an amazing concert with my cousin Riley (last night we saw Frightened Rabbits, an indie-rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, at the Majic Stick in Detroit). And then I have had some major dissapointments, as my birthday week always goes. This juxtaposition is often my own fault, as I don't like to tell people that it's my birthday when they forget and make other plans, the rest is due to the weather changes and midterms and all that jazz.

      I have to admit that I am a little bummed out today because I handed in a project that I am nowhere near satisfied with. Again, my own fault for procrastinating, but I was so sure that this one was going to work out, on time, and that it would be good. Instead, the collage I was working on decided to self-destruct in the last 15 minutes before the deadline, and so did I. I was cleaning it up and adding some small lines for finishing touches and all my glue came apart, my tech pens failed, and my other markers bled. On top of that, I couldn't get the title of the Newsletter to adhere to the coloured background because of the semi glossy paper from the printers at school. At that point I had attempted to simply reprint the headline, background and font together, but the school's Mac computers did not support the font that I had used at home, the font that I was counting on, so I had to do it by hand.

      All in all, I am deeply dissapointed with my work today and in the past few weeks. Part of this phenomenon is in direct correlation to the fact that I am slowly progressing and am now expecting better quality work. I am becoming even more nitpicky. The other piece to this puzzle is, of course, my continuing procrastination. I have found some success in diminishing this, but old habits die hard.

      And so, with that, I present several projects, recently returned to me, along with some (hopefully short) explanations.



Nine

       This was the very first project that we had to hand in for my Design and Layout class. The only guidelines were to use the black and grey markers, and to draw something about the number 9 that was meaninful to us. As I am slightly OCD and enjoy even numbers more than odd, and my favourites tend toward 0, I was at a loss. I finally came up with some rediculous ideas, including having an animated number 7 chewing on a number 9, and then this one. It represents the beginning of the era in which I discovered I could be creative. I met K8 in Grade 9 of high school, and though we didn't become friends until later on, she has continued to be an inspiration. In fact, she's the reason I dropped all pretences and dyed my hair pink. One day, she wrote her name for a friend of ours and, as she always signs K8 is gR8, he interpreted it as above and it stuck. It became a joke between us for some time, and now resurfaced as the only decent design I could think of for this project. 

Korean Script

First things first: The image to the left was a project for my Typography class in which we had to translate an english phrase into Korean Script. Technically, each english sound or syllable was translated using the Korean phonetic symbols. I realize that this does not fully translate to Korean writing or language, nor does it give me the ability to speak it fluently.

Now, the business: This is meant to translate into one of the greatest sentences to come out of my previous roomie's lips. She once said, in all seriousness, "I'm just one kung-fu movie away from being a professional."

My professor's critique: Strong, bold lettering. Should emphasize spaces between words and sentences.

Borders

This project was a lot of fun. It was the first project in which we studied the steady flow of calligraphy and had to reproduce 3 of the 6 borders provided, and add a final border of original content. I added Birthday Candles in the last 2 rows.  : )

 

With this, the Korean script above, and several other projects, I have found that I really enjoy calligraphy and font work of all kinds, as well as the use of ink and brush. Its exciting and soothing all at once, if that can be said of such a repetitive task. The font work has since become the part of any project that I actually look forward to, especially if I can work with these tools. I just have to be careful that I don't walk around with ink marks all over my face.



Robot 1
Design provided by prof

This robot project was also fun, though slightly daunting. It was given to us through coordinates in our Prepress class and so it reminded me of my early Auto CAD classes with its polarized coordinated, as well as my grade 9 design classes in which we did everything by hand. My design prof in school has somehow been chanelled into this professor, though, and I find that, though we joke, he is somehow more nitpicky than I am. M. Mallet would be proud. I did well on this project, though it took me much longer than expected as I am extremely careful and precise with my lines. My only regret, other than wishing that I would have started it sooner, is that I had forgotten my compass, and so the circles are slightly wonky.

 

      This is all that I have time to post this evening. I have several other projects from my illustration class that I would like to add, but they will have to wait until another day. Those projects have turned me upside down, as I did better on the projects I liked less, and worse on the projects I felt better about. And so I will make extra time to record them and their comments later on.

 

      If, indeed, there is anyone reading this blog, I thank you for your interest and your patience. Your feedback is always welcome, though you may have more to say as my photos and artwork progress.



Birthday Fun

I have just turned another day and another year older. 26. In these years I have learned to appreciate any goodness on my birthday, as it comes and goes, and I have had many bad birthdays. Today was a good day, with the exception of a dispute chez mon amie, but that's her story to tell, not mine. Mine, today, consisted of school work and getting off early, hanging out with my sister and nephew, dinner with my parents, and a silly movie with some good ol friends. All in all, I'd say we all came out on top.

But that's not the end of it. There will be more celebration tomorrow in Detroit at a Frightened Rabbits concert with my cousin, and some festivities on the weekend. This, coupled with the holiday season and change into fall, allows me to prolong some of the goodness of my birthday, which makes it easier to roll with the punches when things aren't so smooth. It's generally a good time, and a good system so far.

All of this to say that I have been super busy with Halloween hullabaloo, as well as school and all kinds of other things. Life is getting on track again and I like the direction I'm heading in, especially as I tighten up on school projects and the like. So this is me, at 26, beginning to understand who I am and what I want, and it feels good to stand tall in my own shoes. They finally feel like they're mine.

A little late, I know, but it seems I am ready act for myself in my adulthood, prepared to interact with the world as such. It's funny that I never noticed how little I actually interacted with the world and society. Sure, I went through the motions, but never really had any intention to leave my own mark. Come to think of it, I've never really known what mark to make. Today, equipped with various sharpies, ink and brushes, and other tools, I know I will make whatever mark I choose, and that's enough. That's fabulous, actually. Any mark that helps me grow, speak up, speak out, and be me in whatever strange way I choose is another piece of myself intermingling in the universe. I like it.

My mom said something yesterday that I think to be lovely and very true.
She said, Maura, "you're just making up life over there."
That I am, Maman, and I am having a blast with it these days!

Light and Love to all my friends and family;
Thank you for the Birthday Wishes,
Maura

Waterfront Women

Finally! Some Artwork!



1st Project in Prepress Production I
-The Dung Beetle-



Yes, finally, without further delay, some artwork that I had submitted for homework at the College.

Now, I have to say that I am very dissapointed in myself not only for taking so long to post these photos, but in the final versions of the work submitted. I am always finding something else to tweak, to fill in, to straighten.



2nd Project for Prepress I

A Reproduction of a Design given to us by our prof

(my first 10/10 by the way!)



I have been complaining that I haven't had time to post because of these projects, and it's true, but it is certainly because I am not being as efficient as I would like to be from day to day. This means that I have to manage my time differently. Change my routine. 

               This begs the question:
   Can you teach an old dog new tricks? 

Illustration I
Shoe

Don't get me wrong, I am posting these pictures because I am proud of my work, no matter how small. But in each case I would have liked more time for some final adjustments. In fact, I would have liked an extra 3 hours with most of them, particularly my latest Prepress projects. I am afraid to see the grades of the most recent hand ins, especially since I was cringing while handing them over.


Design and Layout I
Tattoo Project A

   And of course I care about the grades, but not as much as the work itself. So I will accept the grades I deserve and learn the lesson. Work on a better schedule. Time management is essential, especially if I want a good night's sleep. And hopefully soon I can do as the tattoo says: Bloom... bigger and brighter than before.

Design and Layout I
Tattoo Project B

One final word on the Tattoos above, which I am both happy and anxious about. I had really enjoyed this project, but the limitations were slightly difficult for me. The parameters of the project were to design a tattoo 12-16 square inches that I would personally get inked, and to show the same elements in symmetrical and asymmetrical layouts. First of all, as many of you know, I would prefer something larger, but the project also demanded that the tattoo incorporate script of some sort, which I had never thought I wanted.

I sought some advice from my cousin who reminded me that the best tattoos, those that stand the test of time, are often very simple. After much debating and more than 20 thumbnails of different ideas, I decided on something simple yet significant for this period in my life...

I have recently just moved back to the rose city; I enjoy the simplistic nature of old school roses like this; and I am at a new point of growth in my life where I can only hope to Blossom in all kinds of ways. Many other elements of this design speak to me right now, and, despite my previous reservations, this is a tattoo that I would actually get (that's right Rob Brown, mark me down for an afternoon appointment).

Since having this returned to me, I have thought hard about the script, and have decided that any lettering would have to be French, in honour of my heritage and to serve as a reminder that I love this language, and that I need to practice it as often as I can.

I have since sketched another rose, where the script runs across the rose like a signature, but also blends into its petals, like it is all combined in a circle that never ends. I hope to find some time to work on this between projects and to post it soon. Rob, I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime:

Fleurit.

Morganna and Christian's Wedding

My old Roomie, Morganna, and her husband Christian tied the knot the following weekend, Thanxgiving Sunday. I was very honoured to be part of this day too, and have to say that their Retro Prom Theme was so much fun to dress to, to which everyone played their part, and the guests were so much fun, that this may very well have been the event of the century. The dresses were hand made, so were the decorations, and the bouttoniers, and the vows, all mixed together with twinkle lights, smiling guests and an amazing live band. There was also so much love that went into that wedding, in the planning and decorations and even the simplest little details, and so much expressed by each person attending, I really can't think of a better event in my lifetime. I would also like to point out that I have never been to an event with so many polka dots, it just made me dizzy with delight. Thank you, everyone, for letting me be part of it all, and for your open bars :)  And, if I may venture a step further, to thank the LeBlanc boys for bartending at their own event. I hope you had a good time putting up with us all.

Morganna and Christian Ingelevics

The beginning... and always

Extra Polka Dots!

Priceless

Candy AND Polka Dots!

Homemade Decorations

Doing Prom Proud

Christian's Parents

Papa LeBlanc

"Hey guys, this band rocks!"
Thanks Dav

It was great to see good friends growing well

What a great party. Speaking of which, and for those who care,
I would like to look something like this when I'm buried. Sure, I may be older, but i still hope to have
coloured hair, a noise maker in my mouth, and to be dressed in my big, puffy pink prom dress.
Together, we can make it happen.

Milestones

Some of my best friends got married recently. In fact, the weddings were in the first 2 consecutive weekends in October. Eryl and Jamie's wedding was first, and I was very honoured to be part of their day and had a fabulous time. It was great to see Eryl and Jamie so happy together, and to see their families and friends join together in such celebration. Here are but a few choice moments...

Eryl and Jamieson

The perfect accessory

Sweet, Sexy Ladies

I am surprised Eryl allowed this photo to be taken. It should be noted that Eryl did not seem to be any sort of Bridezilla, this is just for kicks  :)

Beautiful in her gorgeous mermaid dress

Nicole was down from Calgary, and so, of course, I spent as much time with her as possible  :)
 I even squeezed in at her table, working my way closer to being her date

Eryl's sister Claire and I

The Blushing Bride and her efforts to save the planet.
I am sure your centerpieces will be loved and will thrive with your guests for years to come.

Catching up on old times

More and more apologies for the tardy posts. School has been overwhelming in many ways, mostly good ways, and, well, with a number of other significant events, I have slacked on my postings. I finally fixed my camera, and have been taking pictures, but simply have not taken the time to upload them.

I have prioritized school work as the most important thing in my life these days, and I nearly forgot to take time to enjoy myself as well. Sure, there's always a bit of fun thrown in between, but I've learned that if I don't take time to relax and do something small for myself, take some time off, then I become less efficient anyway. And worse, I had become a little unhealthy, especially in regards to my sleeping patterns. I am making an effort to schedule my time better, but also to include healthy meals and playing my guitar. It's tough, and I'm busy, but I think I can get the hang of his busy life.

Throughout all this, I had devised many plans and many excuses, telling myself that I would post this picture tomorrow, or that picture the next day, in an effort to make up for lost days/postings. That was so long ago, so many projects ago, that I have forgotten half of the ideas, and have forgotten why the other half are significant. I have decided, instead, to post several significant photos from the past 2 weeks, and hope that any viewers can forgive my faults. Please understand that these represent only a portion of the things that have progressed in my life in the last 2 weeks, and it seems that there is plenty more to come.

Without further delay...

                                   ... More pictures from Ottawa

I Heart Gatineau

 

The Chateau Laurier

Oh No!

Strange on a Saturday

I feel like I should have a cape or throw stars.

I am obsessed with taking pictures of my feet. Everyone's feet, really. I think it has to do with the idea that they keep us grounded.

They show us where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. 

Well, you can tell where I was headed this day.

Final Friday in Ottawa

It was lovely to be in Ottawa again. The sun was shining almost all weekend,

and so I got to wander around and see my favourite sights...

(Strathcona Park)

... and some of my favourite people.

Gotta love the bikers, sharing the Ottawa roads and walkways.

This trip to Ottawa was actually relaxing, for a change. Certainly, I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to see, but I got some important things done, including getting good news from a doctor and moving the rest of my belongings from storage. The rest was pure enjoyment.

Thanx to all who made it such a wonderful weekend. I will never forget that it is you who make me miss my former home, and that you continue to warrant many more visits. Despite this, I am happy to have cut ties and to have said goodbye in such a good way that, alas, I won't be returning to Ottawa for some time.

Outward and onward, I say, and I am really looking forward to it.