September

The project has been going great so far! Each day I strike up conversation with someone different about art and then ask him or her what they feel the purpose of art is. I have gotten some very different yet interesting answers but in each case it gets the person thinking and usually their answer changes somewhat after the conversation evolves. I am getting a lot out of the project myself. I've noticed a slight change in my definition. Here are excerpts from the conversations I have had each day...


9/1 - Art is great for decoration, it brings all the colors together in my house... -Ike

9/2 - I really don't know, I guess to express yourself? -Janet

9/3 - ...its got to have something to do with money. -Philip

9/4 - I like to color! -Chase (4 years old)

9/5 - Really good question, I think its purpose is to make those happy who enjoy doing things like that, you know? -Nathanael

9/6 - I don't know! I'm at work. -Corey

9/7 - Its about creating objective reality, even if one does not exist. Because that's what people want to believe in: objectivity. -Chris

9/8 - To communicate an expression in means other than written text or spoken tongue. -Dan

9/9 - Does it have to have a purpose? Why are you asking me about this?... -Betty

9/10 - Communication and storytelling I suppose. -Blaire

9/11 - You know that is a great question. To me, it is an escape from reality for people. Its like something that can put you in your own world and not have any distractions. -Brooke

9/12 - ...to tell people what you believe is important, man. -Ives

9/13 - Enjoyment. -Frankie

9/14 - There isn't a purpose. I'm not an artist but when I feel like creating something its a spontaneous thing, it just happens. Much like the cave man wall drawings from prehistoric days. -Jeff

9/15 - ...I'm not sure. I need time to even begin to understand it. -Jennifer

9/16 - ...to document a moment in time. It can be real or make believe but it serves as a standpoint for a person in one given time. -Steven

9/17 - Not really sure but I know you can't really make money for it anymore. -(didn't get his name)

9/18 - Its to make pretty things and beautiful things for everyone. -Jamey Lynn

9/19 - (OK... I took a day off of asking someone, but that's because I was worn out)

9/20 - There's a reason its around and I studied it in that art history class we took together freshman year but I don't remember off the top of my head. -Brittany

9/21 - (Completely forgot to bring the question up in conversation)

9/22 - Well, there has always been people doing art. It has too many roles for me to count but I would say the purpose of art is to shed light on something that a viewer might not ever see. -Jeff

9/23 - I didn't know you were in the art program. (he changed subject) -Kenny

9/24 - ...there isn't one purpose and it is different for everyone. -James

9/25 - Its how some people can make a living. Mostly whacked out older people. There are some crazies out there! -Kenny (finally answered my question on another day of conversation)

9/26 - I enjoy photography and most people use it to show a moment in time... -Brittany

9/27 - ...its more than just the physical outcome though, it has to say something too inside the viewer. -Brittany (conversation carried on from day before)

9/28 - I'm really sure its purpose is to make people happy in some sort of way. -Kenny

9/29 - ...get to make cool things that really say something. -James

9/30 - In some respects its about history and the telling of time but in others its about catching a glimpse of someone's soul and who the creator is. -Taylor

100ish Day Project

Here we go.


I am on a search for what makes me tick... Here I am, about to graduate from Belmont University with a BFA and I am still trying to figure out who I am and what I am doing in this crazy world. I really only know one thing for certain and that is that I have a strong passion for creating and making things with my hands that others find interesting and beautiful in a unique way.

But why do I feel the need to follow this passion? What is the purpose of art?

I will be embarking on a journey the next 90 or so days to tackle that question. I have quite a bit of growing to do in a short amount of time. Before I know it, I will be walking across a stage and grasping a pricey piece of paper. I wouldn't trade ANYTHING in the world for what I have experienced and learned from Belmont University. I am a very blessed individual and thank my Lord and Savior often for what I have been given. But regardless of how I pray, I am still questioning why I do what I do.

So, here I go... I am going to question my peers and people I come in contact with about the importance of art with a simple question, "What is the purpose of art?". I have a vague definition I have formed but I am hoping to see how other people and conversations sway my beliefs about art and why I am doing what I do. Each week I will post seven different people's answer to the question. By the end of this journey I will post my answer to what art means to me and its purpose in my life. It will be a fun journey and I am excited to begin!

Life is good. I don't think I could ever do what I do without the support of my family and friends. In the next year my life will change drastically and I am excited to see where I end up. I put it all in God's hands and will continue to live life to the fullest.

-JOEL

Sorry For Being Distant

Hello, hello all

I know it has been a long time since I regularly updated this blog of mine. The road grew long for a while there and I distanced myself from posting what was going on, but I can assure you that it has been a great ride and I am blessed. The last few semesters at school have been very taxing on me - I have been pushed in creativity further than I ever thought possible. Though it has been a real eye-opener, I have learned so much from my professors, peers, and myself and it has all gone towards solidifying the reason I became an artist in the first place and my passion for creating what I love.

So, from here on out, this blog will do some transforming. Yes, I am going to use this thing (again) to show what's happening in my life. But, my intentions have changed. From time to time I might post about a neat-o trip I have been on or a cool event that's going on, but this blog will be more so used for showing what I'm working on these days. Posted will be images from time to time of drawings or paintings I'm working on. And if I am feeling fancy I might show some sculptural work. Who knows what will be on this in the future, the only thing I know is that I need to stop hiding behind my work and get it out there!

From day one, I realized the reason I love art wasn't because of the finished product - I love art because of the process behind it. All the work and thought that goes in to making something is what I love the most. It's what keeps my mind racing at night. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. This is what I love doing. This is who I am.


Good is the life we live

Update: Living Life!

Life is great these days!
I am on an adventure and I don't see it slowing down any time soon!
God Bless

Photography Workshop

I've been attending a photography workshop this week that is being put on by a past professor of mine. Kris Lattimore helped to carve my passion for photography into a realistic endeavor. He is a great photographer and his personality really sets his work apart. Tomorrow is my last day and I might post up a few photographs from it but I'm not going to promise.

Best wishes!
-Joel

Traveling Again

I'm hitting the road for the 4th of July holiday. It's gearing up to be a fun trip! The only thing left to do is top off the gas tank, roll down the windows and turn up the music! Be safe on the roads out there and don't forget the reason for this holiday.

God Bless America


-JtC

Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King

I still haven't received my Special Edition album in the mail yet, with full artwork and bonus tracks, but I have gotten my hands on the thirteen songs on the album. I cannot stop listening to it. Produced by Rob Cavallo, the Dave Matthews Band has put together a solid album that has something for pretty much every listener. From grooving dance beats to jazzy bass lines and ringing, saucy horns, the culmination of over a years worth of writing has really paid off. There are a few songs that were not released on this album, but I am sure they are to be released in the near future, if not laid among the stunning live performance recordings.

This isn't the playful ballads we received on earlier works from the band like albums Under The Table And Dreaming and Before These Crowded Streets. The band dug deep to the roots of why they make music in the first place, while also reflecting on the life of the late and great LeRoi Moore. Pulling together created this funky, yet jam-esque stack of tracks that (I believe) is their strongest album to date. This was a very big step up from the politically motivated Stand Up album in 2005. It isn't known if the band will pull together for another studio album in the future, but it does appear that the band has been given a new, refreshed outlook on the road ahead that will shape the music that has still yet to be written. I will never get tired of waiting in heavy anticipation for a Dave Matthews Band album. Great work.

Oh, and also.. Dave Matthews decided to take the art direction for the album in to his own hands. He illustrated each song and the cover in a very interesting way. I appreciated this aspect and thought I would share that with you! So go out and buy the album people!

May Moves Fast

These days I don't really have much to say. I find myself sitting back and observing more often than moving. The days have been flying by faster than I can ever recall. Not even T.V. satisfies my appetite anymore. Sitting around the apartment was fun for a few seconds. It's weird living in a city where during the school year you can always find something fun to do, but come summer time the phone calls turn more often to voicemails.

I'm trying something new, something to occupy my time and make me feel better. It's time for me to start working out again. I believe if I live healthier now, down the road life will be easier. Also, to stimulate my mind, I'm going to try to read one book a week. This is a pretty lofty goal, even for me. My attention span is about that of an elephant with a peanut in front of it's trunk. But I would like all the suggestions for books that I can get. I enjoy thrilling novels that are about triumph over obstacles and keep you questioning what makes you who you are. So, feel free to throw suggestions at me. (heck, I will even take a free book if there is one to spare)

Life around Nashville is pretty quiet. The last two weeks I was in Birmingham at my parents home. I got a lot accomplished. I had my car looked at and fixed. I even redid a bathroom in my parents home. I stripped the wallpaper and painted the room. It turned out to be a bigger job than I had thought but I wasn't about to leave the job unfinished. It's so great to set a goal and meet it. And I was proud of my handy work. I was able to visit my brother at his new home in Spanish Fort, AL. It was so wonderful to spend time with him and help him out with a few chores around his home. I feel like a work-for-hire traveling helping hand for my family. But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I would be nothing without my family and I am thankful for them each day that I wake up.

No real news... I just wanted to give a small update. I am in the job market around Nashville and am keeping my fingers crossed. Mike is coming back from New York on Monday, so I have that to really look forwards to. Life is good and I'm thankful each day.

-Keep Looking Up!

Keeps Moving On

I sometimes find myself thinking about "could I have been..." and all the different directions my life could have gone. I am so fortunate for what I have and for who I am. I believe it is these moments of realization that enables us to grow and learn from life's funny situations.

I found myself thinking about something that meant a lot to me lately that I had to let go of, Layla. She was so loving and so gentle. I often wonder how she is doing...

Around the Corner

I'm getting pretty close to being able to say I am a college senior... They always said time would fly by, but I must admit that I never really gave it much thought.

Easter Weekend

This past weekend was a blast! Will came into town, it was Jackie's Birthday (his girlfriend that goes to school with me). We enjoyed ourselves and even spent a little bit of time shopping, which is rare for all of us boys. But, on a saturday afternoon we thought we might as well hit the mall like we did back in high school days.






Easter Sunday wasn't typical for me. You see, usually I am with my family but these days as the years press on it becomes harder to get everyone's schedule to cooperate. So, I spent my time here in Nashville. It made me thankful for having such a wonderful family because I realized just how much I miss them this time of the year. I decided to try The Village Chapel with some friends from school who weren't able to go back home for the holiday. It was a lovely service and I am excited to go back again this Sunday to see how a regular service is. And mom, I had Will take a picture of what I wore to church on Easter Sunday because I knew you would approve of me not wearing my necklace.



I wish everyone the best and hope the rest of the week treats you well!
-Joel

April Showers

It's true, everything you heard as a small child... but the good part is that the May flowers are still to come...

It's rainy April. I have grown accustom to my rain jacket as my shelter these days. But I don't mind, I am just hoping the cooler weather holds out for longer because in the South its not the heat of summer that gets you, it's the humidity that takes the cake.

Saturday my friend Austin Gros and I are shooting a wedding here in Nashville and we are very excited to see how it turns out. It is going to be a lovely quaint afternoon ceremony at a small church on the south end of town. Austin is a very fast evolving photographer friend and a graduate from Belmont University. Him and I go way back to my freshman year here at Belmont when we worked together in the climbing gym. Be on the lookout for him in future post along with links to his work.

I have been consumed once again by projects for my numerous art classes. I'm always anxious to see what I will produce near the end of semesters. My best works are done around this time, and knowing that excites me. But I do have quite a bit on my plate in the next few weeks. I'll post more in my blog soon with glimpses of new art I have produced.

Keep looking up!
-Joel

Not Really Much

Well,

I don't really have much to update about...

School is going very well, all my classes are wrapping up nicely!
I have been listening to a few different country albums lately, and the biggest one to mention would be Pat Green's latest album titled "What I'm For"... Each song is pretty much spot on to keeping the album consistent. Sometimes when I listen to a good album I find myself falling through a song or two, but each song on Green's latest disk is dead center to where he want's to be as an artist. He is very dedicated to country and has been around for the past ten years or so paying his dues, which is amazing to know because most would have thrown in the white towel by now. Keep him in mind when going to by your next country album!

Botta Getta BBQ Competition

New Album In Stores Now!

Eric Church's sophomore release "Carolina" is now in stores and on iTunes!

March 28th

St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's Been A While

Hey everyone!

It sure has been a long time since I have updated my blog. I had hopes of filling it with images and writings of Christmas times, travels, etc. but I have been in a whirlwind of commotion lately. I seem to be settling down pretty well, finally. I have a routine each week which helps me keep my head on straight. I have been doing a lot of photographing and working in the darkroom, furthering my passion to continue the rest of my life. This time of the year I always find myself meeting great people and feeling optimistic on the days ahead. My journal is quickly filling with polaroids and writings. The weather the past few days has been absolutely stunning! I enjoy life the most with my windows rolled down and Johnny Cash running through my speakers. Rain is soon to come though, but the sun will find it's way once again.

I have been doing quite a bit of writing, more than usual for my usual work load. I've been studying the writing style of Virginia Woolf in a literature class. Though the book has its struggles, the writing is a style that I am growing to admire.
Here is a small part from an assignment I had to do with incorporating Woolf's style with my own memories. And of course I am writing about Orange Beach, a place that I am missing this time of the year in land-locked Tennessee..

"The beaches were intensified, after the months up North to go away to Orange Beach; to have our own house; our own sands; to have the Bay; the Gulf; the piers; Sunset Bay; Joe’s Joy; Joe’s Toy; Pirates Cove; the Wolf Bay Lodge; to hear the waves breaking the first night behind the crackle screen; to run in the sands; to sooth out on my father’s yacht; to wade through the blades of sea-oats; to duck behind the pole in nights shadow to watch the sea fish school; or cast line with hooks on point; to find crabs amongst the traps so deep; to pick off barnicals; to glance through the trees from the family room; to watch the lights dance across the bay; watching the moss of the water oaks almost touch the earth; to go to Sam's for that summertime ice cream; to prowl about Uncle Toms- Aunt Georgia wore the patriotic colors of summer most often; to recall all the foreign smells the ocean breeze blows at night; to hear that mile-out buoy wrestle with the Gulf’s waves; and the sound of grandmother’s broom swooshing under the raised oak deck; every morning to wake for grandfather’s hot-cakes with golden brown rims and spread butter glaze with log cabin syrup; and endless milk glass that accompanied bacon strips as crisp as the water oak bark… I could fill pages remembering one thing after another..."


I wish everyone the best and check back for upcoming post... and I promise it won't be another month and a half!

New York

It's About to Start

It is finally here... The end of the semester couldn't come soon enough!

I have my final exam in one of my Art History classes tomorrow. After I get done with it, I will be completely finished with the semester and getting ready for Spring 2009. I have been studying for this exam for a good while now, and I feel fairly confident about taking it! It has been my toughest class this semester and I am ready to move on from it.

After I get done with it, I am packing my things in my car and embarking on perhaps one of the best road trips of my life! Mike and I are heading to Birmingham for the night to stay with my parents. Willie P. will be staying with us because when we wake up Wednesday morning (5:00 am) we are loading up Mike's Pontiac and embarking on a road trip up to New York... Yes, +17 hours in a car with two of the best people I could ask to be around. I think it will actually go by quickly and when we arrive in Syracuse I know Mike's family will be waiting for us with open arms. This will be my first time to New York (minus layover from Ireland). We have quite a bit planned for us. We will be going to the mountains for the snow and to the city to see all the tourist spots. I feel like this trip is really going to be great. Mike and Will are my two best friends and getting to spend a trip like this with them will make memories that I will be telling my kids about one day. Don't worry, I am packing all of my camera gear so you can see! Will and I are flying back to Birmingham on the 23rd just in time to spend Christmas with our loving families. I can't wait to spend the holidays with my family. I miss them every day.

Some good news I received today!
The Dave Matthews Band will be playing at Vanderbilt's stadium on Saturday, April 25th. Tickets go on sale soon. If you know anything about me then you know I am a very big Dave Matthews fan and am very excited that he is going to be playing within a few blocks of my apartment!

I will make an update or two during my trip up north. I sure hope we don't get snowed in!!

-Joel

Rainy Day

Rainy days during exam week... Talk about being bored!



I took the time to make a pinhole camera out of one of my camera bodies. I still have some tweaking but basically you are looking at an image shot out of a camera with no lens. It only has a microscopic size hole. Yes, this is what I do when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Out My Window

December Is Going To Fly By

It is this time of the year that I am reminded of how strong my dislike for finals week actually is.
I have a great deal on my plate for the next two weeks. I am excited to get it finished.

I have a road trip to New York planned out with Mike and Will.
We are making the +17 hour drive sometime around the 16th then Will and I will be hopping on a flight back south in time for Christmas with our families.

Just a short and sweet update. I will have more meaningful posts when I have a second to relax!

Roadside

The past few days have been a giant blur. After spending many hours on the roads and in different towns, I am right back into the middle of wrapping up this semester of school. These past few days have gone to solidify just how truly blessed I am. I have an everlasting love for God, my family and for my friends. So with being short on words tonight, know that the smile on my face could go on forever. Each day is always an adventure to me.

Good Morning Sun

I wake up each morning before the sun does just to watch it's rays creep down my curtains. I have been living in this room for over a year and I still wake up thankful to see the sunrise each morning. Today, I noticed the birds were on the line to greet me as I looked out on the world.