Hey, so, long time no talk, eh? It's been a slow summer. I don't really have anything new to say--I was just tired of seeing old shit on my page. How are you all? Seriously, I mean it. Tell me how you are.

You know, I bet that if any of you drew me fanart, I'd feature you in my journal. That is probably, most likely, definitely something I would do. I feel like my style is becoming routine, and I want to see what my things become in other people's hands. I very rarely get fanart (not that I'm entitled to it or anything, but it'd be, you know, awesome).




Work TOU as of December 2010
I'm sorry to say that I am no longer allowing my work to be used by other artists for tubing, tags, etc. Yes, I did previously allow this given an earlier disclaimer, and therefore any artwork that has already been created is fair game, but I ask that from this point on anyone who wants to use my pieces in their own work, in ANY way, ask for my explicit permission, each time. All other permissions are null and void.

Hey all. A big welcome to all my new watchers! Thanks for the lovely support. I have some thank yous to give out today, and then a piece of exciting news!




First of all, the fabulous *NineInjections did an AMAZING picture of my favourite momma's boy OC, Isisio. It's so perfect! She's a really great artist so you should go check her out if you don't know her already, definitely one of my faves, and you can see the picture itself here: [link] I only hope my part of the trade can measure up....



My second round of thank yous go to ~gremo and `Lilyas for selecting my work, [link], as a daily deviation. I can't express how honored I am to be featured! However, I'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate that while the illustration is mine, all the designs from the Anomie series were a collaboration between myself and three other members of my class. The credit goes to all of us.



And, finally, I have an announcement. I took a screenprinting course this past semester, and the result is I have a huge stack of handmade prints that I am going to be selling here! They're 11x14, 3-5 color prints on bristol, and I'll probably sell them for about 10-15 bucks each. Maybe less, because it was my first time screenprinting and the quality isn't the best haha. I'll make a journal or something about it they're ready to go, so stay tuned.










Work TOU as of December 2010
I'm sorry to say that I am no longer allowing my work to be used by other artists for tubing, tags, etc. Yes, I did previously allow this given an earlier disclaimer, and therefore any artwork that has already been created is fair game, but I ask that from this point on anyone who wants to use my pieces in their own work, in ANY way, ask for my explicit permission, each time. All other permissions are null and void.

In an effort to combat severe artist's block, I've been mining the recesses of my inspiration files. I keep an extensive archive of artist's websites and books because looking at really great art always makes me want to draw...and I'm always on the lookout for new people to obsess over...so with that in mind, I'm gonna share some of my favourite artists with you guys.

(for simplicity's sake, i'm restricting this to non-deviantart members)



Egon Schiele
By far my favourite artist, ever. Schiele was a figure/landscape artist who was part of the Austrian Secessionist movement. The moment I saw his work, five years ago?, it was like...I don't even know. It was like someone grabbed a hold of my ribs and never let go. His work continues to amaze and engage me after all this time. His use of line is astounding, totally brave and intuitive...and his interaction with the page, his use of color blocking....I could go on and on. He's also never afraid to be ugly, which is something I know I struggle with.
[link]


Gustav Klimt
I'm sure you've all seen his famous painting, the Kiss, in every college dorm room. I was never really more than a passing fan of his work until I saw some of it in person. It has a real presence. The beauty and ornament in his paintings can be distracting, but there's something real to it, too, which once you discover, really makes the art something special.
[link]


Kent Williams  [link]
He's most well known for his work on The Fountain, which I've never read. He's an incredibly talented figure drawer and painter, which is why I like him. He also uses really interesting and modern subjects, which is nice to see.


Jinyoung Shin [link]
Jinyoung Shin used to be on DA, but left some time ago. Her work is like...schiele meets anime meets fashion illustration. Beautiful. Her website is still under construction, but in the meantime she has a regularly updated image blog.


Yoshitaka Amano  
You all probably know Amano already. He's famous mostly for designing characters for the Final Fantasy series, and also he did a volume of Sandman..but I mostly experience him through his illustrations for the Vampire Hunter D novels. Beautiful brushy quality to his work, gorgeous color and use of pattern...elegant, I think, would be the word. I like that he's not afraid to make things that are purely beautiful.
[link]


Joan Miró
A surrealist painter and sculptor from Spain. I don't usually like abstract or surrealist art, but there's something about his work that touches me. He was the first artist I ever got into...when I was about five years old. I kid you not. I wasn't so into it for a while, but recently I've been digging up my old books again. These digital images don't really so the work justice--much of it is really, really huge, i believe.
[link]



Kate Sylvester  [link]
My favourite fashion designer. She works in New Zealand, unfortunately. I love the modern/urban coolness that clashes with the elegant simplicity in her clothes. Take a look at her line from a few years ago, Art Groupie.


Kansai Yamamoto
A Japanese knitwear designer who unfortunately no longer designs clothes I believe. He's become kind of a powerhouse label. He designed the clothes for David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust tour. I once paid 160 dollars for one of his sweaters: it's way oversized, black and white, with a beaded motorcycle on the back.
[link]


The Brothers Quay
I've talked a little about these guys before; they're two slightly creepy looking twins who make (mostly) creepy puppet animation movies. Their movie Street of Crocodiles was the direct inspiration behind my Recycle Project painting, Crocodiles: [link] I don't really know what to say except, they're awesome. They're also from around my hometown, which makes me like them even more.
[link]<-- the Youtube link for Street of Crocodiles. I'd also recommend their short film, the Cabinet of Jan Svankmeyer. I've heard that Institut Benjamina is also good, though I've never seen it.  Amazing soundtracks, too.


Amy Hempel
My favourite author. The master of flash fiction. Beautiful, beautiful sentences. I read a story by her every night before I go to sleep.
[link]<--the link to the Google Books excepts from her anthology, Reasons to Live. Of the stories you can read in here, I recommend "Breathing Jesus". Her stories are usually no more than a few pages long, so they don't take long to read.





Alright guys, it's your turn. Who inspires you?




---------------------------


Work TOU as of December 2010
I'm sorry to say that I am no longer allowing my work to be used by other artists for tubing, tags, etc. Yes, I did previously allow this given an earlier disclaimer, and therefore any artwork that has already been created is fair game, but I ask that from this point on anyone who wants to use my pieces in their own work, in ANY way, ask for my explicit permission, each time. All other permissions are null and void.

Hey everyone, I'm sorry to say that I am no longer allowing my work to be used by other artists for tubing, tags, etc. Yes, I did previously allow this given an earlier disclaimer, and therefore any artwork that has already been created is fair game, but I ask that from this point on anyone who wants to use my pieces in their own work, in ANY way, ask for my explicit permission, each time. All other permissions are null and void.

If you belong to these tubing, tagging, whatever communities, could you please tell your organizers to update their info? If you see my work being used, can you please let that artist know that it's no longer available for use? I am having extreme difficulty in removing myself from these permissions lists. Frankly I'm appalled at this--it's very underhanded. Either these sites are forums that require you to join, or there's no contact e-mail posted...it's awful. Now that I'm starting to do professional work, I can no longer allow my art to be used indiscriminately by the public.

Thanks, and sorry.

This is a rant. About fashion. I don't rant often, but I feel very strongly about this topic. Feel free to ignore, respond, argue...you probably won't agree (I sense that this will be an unpopular opinion) but that's good too. You probably won't even be reading this warning, because who the fuck reads journals anyways?

So I was watching the news today, national not local, and I saw a discussion between a female journalist and two guest correspondents. I'm not sure what their credentials were, but they were also female. The title of this segment was "Scary Skinny", and it was about the 'dangerous' tendency for the fashion industry to a. use anorexic looking models in fashion shows, and b. to design with thin clients in mind. The women made the claim that in doing so, designers perpetuate harmful and outrageous ideals for girls and ignore a huge percent of the population. I think they quoted something like 62% of US women being above a size 12.

Now, I have a lot of new watchers, so let me give you some background on me. I am 4'11''. I have a very curvy body and I do not have a small waist. I am not astoundingly attractive. I am perhaps the opposite of the tall skinny beautiful model that these women are railing against.

I am also a fashion design student, and I plan to pursue that career when I graduate.

And, as you can see from my galley, my aesthetic leans towards that anorexic, outrageously tall and beautiful figure. I have drawn like this since I was two. This is not something I learned from celebrities, barbie, or fashion. It is me. Despite this, I use models with 'real' bodies. If I had to guess, I'd say none of my models have been below a size 4...but that's really a guess. I don't ask their sizes, obviously.






You may have guessed from my abrupt tone that I completely disagree with this 'anti-skinny' attitude. "Why's that?!" you ask. I should be totally for it, considering my unusual body type, right? Wrong! Before I am anything, I am an artist and designer, which means I understand the concept of art, I understand the concept of the aesthetic, and I understand the concept of passion.


Because fashion is something that we can wear, I think a lot of people forget that it is actually, first and foremost, art! Fashion designers, the type who put on runways shows and concoct those crazy exiting garments, are actually artists too! Just like you, fellow deviants! They may not practice on a canvas or in a museum (well, sometimes), but what they do is still art. A designer sat down with his sketchpad, collected his inspirations and aesthetics about him, and worked hard to create that garment you are wearing. Do you know how much thought goes into those couture looks? How much work? How much dedication? I have been working on my current collection since this past summer, and all I have to show for it are five completed looks on paper and one dress which I haven't even made yet (here's hoping it'll be finished next week, since finals are rapidly approaching!). I have whole sketchbooks dedicated to this concept, and entire stacks of paper full of clothing ideas and sketches.


My point is, no one questions the painter or photographer or sculptor when he chooses the beautiful woman as his subject--so why do we criticize the fashion designer? Fact is, the model is just his canvas...and, I'm sorry to say this, but it needs to be said, and we all need to come to terms with it, including me...clothes just look better on skinnier people. Don't throw things at me! It's true! I can't tell you why. I know several people will disagree with this statement, and I myself like a little flesh on the bones of whoever I'm looking at naked, when it comes to clothes--just the pure artistic value of clothes--they usually read better on someone who is skinny.



(The best way I can describe it is, you wouldn't normally paint on a wobbly bobby canvas right? I mean maybe, if that agreed with your concept, but usually you're looking at the canvas as a totally blank starting point. The model is supposed to be like that. A flat, blank canvas. It's really the only explanation I can find...although often I bypass this concept entirely. I'll say this again: I use real girls as models. Did I ask you not to throw things at me? Please don't throw things at me...)



As an artist, the designer is only interested in acting out his or her concept and ideas, which brings me to my next point--who are you to judge, Mrs. National News Anchor Journalist Girl? What does it matter to you if a designer uses skinny girls or fat girls or drag queens or elephants or hippos or planets or street lamps or anti-matter as his models? Does your opinion matter? No! Because this is a work of art, and he is under absolutely no obligation to fix your self-esteem issues. Yes! That's right! I as a designer am not responsible for making you feel better about yourself!

I mean, I'm sorry if girls have poor body images (I know I certainly do, if that flattering description above didn't tip you off), and I'd certainly love to help them overcome their problems, and I really really hope that my clothes make them feel beautiful, but it's not my fault, at all, if they don't. We, fashion designers, did not raise you. We did not tell you to look like the models we like to use. We are not responsible for your self-esteem. We are only trying to show the world what we think is beautiful. We are only trying to express our aesthetics and passion, our calling as artists. Why you playa hatin'?


Let me end this fairly long rant by saying this: I will always continue to draw skinny, tall people. It's just my thing--always has been and probably always will be. I will never compromise my artistic ideals because of outside pressure. I don't know what my taste in models will be in the future, as I pick my models based on an instinctual drive that says "Yes! This one! Stalk this girl or boy until you find their name, and then sneak up on them and ask really quickly so they're so stunned they can't say no!!" (true stories) (I suck at asking for models) (usually I just use my friends because I'm too much of a pussy to ask total strangers). All I know is, I will never pick a model or design a piece of clothing because the news media or any other sort of social commentator is yelling at me about what I should and shouldn't be doing with my time and money. And why is that? Because I'm an artist, and I stand by what I do.




Thanks, if you read all that. I'd love to hear what y'all think about this, apparently, rather controversial topic. Like I said, I'm sure I have a lot of dissenters. All I ask is that if you do want to discuss this, we do it calmly, responsibly, and with a smile. Yay.

you knew this was coming
so, school's started again which means you can expect updates to be even more scarce than they've been this past summer (aka, pretty much nonexistent).


in the mean time
i've started to keep a sketch blog on tumblr that i'm hoping will be updated every day (or two, or three, but you know, somewhat regularly). [link]


and if you want to see something amazing
i highly recommend that you all take a look at the design competition elle magazine held in conjunction with my school, the Rhode Island School of Design. the magazine, with maybelline and kate spade, picked what they considered to be the best student work among apparel, textiles, and jewelery majors.

the chosen artists had a fashion show during new york fashion week, had their work featured in elle's 25th anniversary october issue, and three students were awarded prizes.

so please check it out here: [link], the work is amazing.

i of course didn't have any work in the show, but if you watch the first video ("behind the seams"), there's a few seconds of my hands drawing some crappy picture on like, the back of a paper plate or something.

WHAT THE FUCK SHERLOCK?!?!?


WHAT. THE. FUCK.

So, hey. long time no see.

My question is, if I started a prints account, how many of you would actually buy something? I don't need a promise, just a general idea, a yes no or maybe, so i can decide whether to bother.


Please, I really would appreciate feedback on this.


p.s., any particular pieces you'd like?

my last journal entry was in september. guess i just don't have that much to say. since then i've finished my first semester, had a birthday, and rearranged the furniture in my living room.

one thing i can say: i've seen a surge in popularity recently on this site, and i just want to say thank you to everyone who's been supporting me. the beginning of this year has rocked the foundations of my artistic confidence, and it's amazing to come back here and see all the love. i usually try and personally thank every watcher, but i know i missed some of you recently so i'm taking the time to do it now: thank you.

i've been having an art challenged wintersession, but this is my last week. then i have a week long break. i'll try and churn out some artwork in-between having a social life and playing sim city 2000. which is, as everyone knows, the best game ever created.


love,
klindy.




sorry also, forgot to mention, ~LennyLemonade made me a kickass fanart of one of my oldest comic characters elyjah: [link] go check it out!

that's the way it works, i guess. if you do any fanart for me you'll get featured here.

so i have something to say to you all, and it's thank you. lately...well, really, this whole summer, i have been getting the most lovely comments from everyone, and i mean that not only in terms of sentiment and intent, but also in complexity and helpfulness and sheer...awesomeness.  

i know i hardly ever express gratitude explicitly, so i want to take the time here to say, i read and cherish everything that you all say to me. i still continue to individually thank my watchers, but i appreciate every +favourite and comment to even though i no longer personally thank people for them most of the time. really, i do.



so, yeah, thanks.

now lets pretend this never happened.

being home is nice. i'm off sick today from work.




how's everyone doing? you doing well? any exciting news?

i want to hear from all those people i haven't talked to in ages. or, you guys who've never talked to me, ever. i want to hear from everyone.

yes folks, it's once again time for me to apologize profusely for my lack of activity. i'm not really sure how this is possible, but this semester is even harder than the last...wait, i totally know that's possible. i hardly tried last semester.

and this semester, everyone in my class is amazing. i get owned in crits...so i'm going to be working a lot harder to bring myself up.

i got a camera? i might try to take pictures of some of my classwork and put it up.

anyways...sorry, sorry. i don't comment or fave and i don't respond to comments or faves. i'm a terrible person, i know, i know.

just realize that i love you all, and i love all your work. thanks.

it's been my dream for a number of years to be a fashion designer. i can't say why i like it so much...it's not like im a particularly fashionable person (especially since i started art school--it's just not worth getting up an extra 15 minutes early), nor am i any good at sewing or pattern drafting or anything 3D oriented. but when i flip through a really good fashion magazine or look at runway pictures from my favourite designers or walk in the designer sections of department stores or vintage shops...i just get lost. hours can go by and i wont notice. it's like meditation. i start looking and thinking about clothes, and i forget about anything else.

but feasibly, it's one of those childhood things like wishing to be a fireman or an astronaut: something that never actually happens.

and while it's still my dream, i'm not gonna lie and say i haven't been having doubts since i got to school. am i good enough? can i actually make it in that industry? will i enjoy it? should i go into illustration instead?

most of my insecurities come from other people. that is, other people telling me that they think it's not the right path for me, that i'm good at it or just better at other things, cautioning me on the impenetrability of the industry...and it gets me scared, and nervous. sometimes it seems like this is all i can think about.

at those times, i go shopping. i start looking and thinking about clothes, and i forget about anything else.

and then come things like this, which just remind me that i'm right, i'm okay, this is what i want to do...


i love you all. i can't even express how happy i am right now. thank you, thank you.


and special thanks to *anotherphilip and `NunoDias.




sometimes you need a little reminder that, really, you know what you're doing...

and, truly, you're doing fine.





and, yeah, it was my birthday two days ago. couldn't ask for a better present, haha.

hey guys. you may have noticed that lately, i've been kind of dead. and by kind of dead, i mean, actually and completely dead.


it's to going to change--not for a while.




risd's kicking my ass and i cant find the time to deal with deviantart. i mean, i was so bad about doing it before, when i wasnt even doing anything. now its just dic. if it makes you feel any better, i also cant find time to watch any of my usual tv shows, check my music and movie blogs, and even fucking wash my hair. yes. that's right. i cant find time to wash my hair.


i might submit a picture or two, because sometimes i take pictures of my work to send to my family, but for the most part it will be radio silence. i'll be back in winter break, and wintersession, too, i'm sure i'll have time. so that's like, you know, december-january like. and then, who knows what the next semester will be like.


so, this is goodbye, officially, but just for now.

i love you all. sorry.

i seriously have to go eat some cookies, and then get to bed.



later.

hey guys.



so, i finally went through all my messages! i still have to check all the deviations but they wont load right now so that will have to wait.

just wanted to check in with you guys. what's up? how's it going?

the first of my friends has left for college today. i still have another three weeks but i know they're going to fly by. i'm really nervous for school. i mean, i was there last summer..but it still feels really new.

my number one worry is making friends. my number two worry is missing all the fall tv shows.

i never thought that i would miss high school, but there it is. i mean, i hated high school...i don't miss the work, certainly, but i miss the familiarity. i went to the same school, basically, for 14 years. a lifer. i miss going in knowing what was going to happen each day, what and where to eat, which teachers to avoid, where to go...it's scary for me to be going some place (almost) completely new.

i'm also worried about how amazing the kids there will be. my roommate's a kickass photographer, and i just cant even imagine how talented the other students will be. i'm going to be left in the dust haha...oh..dear...

phoo. insecurities.

but it's cool. i'm cool. i'm all good. i'm also really excited about going. it'll be good to just immerse myself in art for a while.

three weeks left, and i have so much to do. i hope i'll still be able to submit art while i'm in school, even if its just pics of my assignments, but i probably wont be able to keep up this pace. ive spent all summer chilling, so i've been drawing near constantly.

i dont think anyone will have read all this. that's okay though. i love you guys. keep being awesome.


song for the day: marquee moon by television [link] kind of long, but very very good. i've been on a classics binge lately. television. velvet underground. t. rex. sex pistols. etc. enjoy.

i bet you all say, if she had time to write journals and draw all these new terrible pictures that we dont even know what theyre of and all of this stuff, then she ought to be commenting on our pictures and our journals and responding to us and thanking us.

haha.


and by this, what i mean is, sorry i suck so much at this stuff.



i am doing nothing of much notice.

agh you guys. i got rejected from brown.



this sucks.


i really wanted to do that joint program. this has been the worst spring break like...ever.




oh well. that's life i guess. i can still go to risd, which is very awesome.




[link]"untitled 1 (vaka)" by sigur ros. you have to wait about 15 seconds for the actual song to start, but once it does...you'll understand that this is totally worth it. it's also a live version, but it's strangely ten thousand times better than the studio recording. this song is also the only thing that can make me feel better right now. it's amazing. listen to it.

UPDATE: so, turns out only one girl from my school got into brown. this means even the brilliant kids got rejected. i don't feel so bad now.

so, guys, i got into my top choice college. RISD. Rhode Island School of Design. yeh.




life, right now, is pretty kickass.




that's all i had to say, really. later kids.






your song today: [link] - "when you find out" by the nerves.  a classic-sounding punk/60's type song. you decide which.

i am just too tired.






your stuff. i will get around to your stuff.






my stuff. i will get around to that too.










your song for inspiration today:
sage francis - gunz yo. [link]


(i got a water gun, i keep it in my mouth. it keeps me safe from the things i like to speak about)


no matter what you say, that is a good song.

i went to (broken social scene presents) kevin drew's concert last night.

i had a shitty week. yesterday was especially bad. once they played their first song, i forgot everything.

i was in the front. right between kevin drew and brendan canning.

brendan came up, played guitar right in front of us.

drew looked right at me.

almost got to touch him, not quite. both of them were like, two feet away.

one of the best experiences of my life.

i'm a hopeless fan girl sometimes, no need to point it out. god, i love that band.


because sharing is caring:

my favourite song - i'm still your fag (bss) [link]

looks just like the sun (bss) - [link]

anthems for a 17 yr old girl (bss) - [link]

k.c. accidental (bss) - [link]

stars and sons (bss) - [link]

our faces split the coast in half (bss)- [link]

hotel (bss) - [link]

almost crimes (radio kills remix) (bss) -
[link]

7/4 shoreline (bss) - [link]

bandwitch (bss) - [link]

tbtf (kevin drew) - [link]

safety bricks (kevin drew) - [link]

fucked up kid (kevin drew) - [link]

broke me up (kevin drew) - [link]





a small sampling. can't find anymore drew stuff. sorry.