Process of Creation

Mentorship is something I don’t think most of us really think about.  We all want to be a good role model, and make good impressions, but being a mentor is so much more than that.  I believe a mentor is someone who makes an impact in someone’s life that lasts.  A mentor helps create dreams and aspirations, while also becoming a beacon of reality.  A mentor is a lot of things.

This is my mentor, Janice Arnold of http://jafelt.com

She showed me possibilities of presenting a medium that I would never think of.  I was always supported in my creative ideas and in my wishes to help.  Janice has a similar work ethic and style as me, so it was a great affirmation to see that someone so busy could accomplish such amazing works of art.

Katie and I met with Savannah and Sarah week 1.  Their personalities are just about polar opposites, but they share the same strength of passion and interest in creating something meaningful and strong.

After flipping through a few inspirational pictures and sites, we settled on a theme that actually resinated with a word Conrad had used at the beginning of class:  Introspection.  I believe it takes great strength to be able to really look inside yourself, and that’s exactly what we want to promote to everyone who would like to take part in our project.

WEEK 3: Scout out an appropriate blank backdrop and take pictures of the participants (whoever would like to take part, the more the better!!).  Then document what shadow each person would like. (document signatures as well??)

-In between classes, Katie and I will print out all pictures on large white card stock, 5.5x8.5.

WEEK 4: Pictures being printed, the group will then draw the individuals shadows on each corresponding photo, using water color pencils and paintbrushes.

-In between classes, Katie and I will copy & print all pictures with shadows on large white card stock, 5.5x8.5 (and may print them into zine format as well…)

WEEK 5: Photo (& zine?) assembly

WEEK 6: PRESENT!!

It’s a coffee shop, a gallery and a bakery.  It’s in a new, trendy looking building, with a loft above it, and windows over the whole north and east sides of the structure.  The warmth and glass are the only things separating the visitor from the outer element.  Although It has extremely high ceilings and large garage doors, it’s a surprisingly intimate and comfortable space from the moment you walk in.  The walls are stark white to better showcase the local art pieces displayed at any given time and the tables and benches are a natural pine, with chocolate colored velvet pillows to sit on.  

There are people working, typing, chatting, munching and sipping.  It’s a bustling place, without being hectic and uncomfortable.  There is soft music coming over the speakers: Sigur Ros, Bon Ivar, etc.  It smells faintly of espresso, but more of pastry. The counter where you pay is slightly sticky (too many coffee spills).

It appears hippster-esque, but is incredibly welcoming (staff and atmosphere). I wanted to stay longer, write this entire piece to give everyone the full description that the space deserves, but I did leave before. My most memorable moment of my visit was actually the eye contact the barista gave me when bringing my cup to my table “here you go!” (queue genuine smile).