by Psyche on Friday 3 July, 2009
When I was a little girl, whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I told them that I wanted to make a difference. I also wanted to be a National Geographic photojournalist.
At almost 40, I am still obsessed with National Geographic photos, but not so much the naked pictures anymore. And I still want to make a difference.
For a lot of reasons, I gave up on my dreams. I did what others expected of me because I wanted them to love me and when I became disabled, I was so angry about what I could no longer do, that I was blind to the things that I could do.
I finally had my epiphany. And now I am getting off my “terrified to fail again” arse and doing something about it.
The plan is to get my AA in Commercial Photography from Gwinnett Technical College and then transferring to the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, Athens and completing at least my Masters of Fine Arts in Photography, if not my Doctorate in Philosophy in Art
I am also contemplating the merits of becoming a certified Art Therapist.
I had a dream that I was teaching art and photography to abused children and women and disabled veterans, giving them outlets to express what they may not have the words for but desperately need to get out.
by Psyche on Friday 26 June, 2009
Things are going to slowing down here for a while. I am going to have major surgery within the next few weeks, so I am tying up loose ends and wrapping things up so I can follow the doctor’s orders and rest. He does not want me to work for 6-8 weeks, and the rule is no lifting anything over 8 pounds for 8 weeks, and he is the boss! On a good note, I will have plenty of time to study the shelves full of photography and art books and magazines that I have have only been able to skim!
by Psyche on Wednesday 24 June, 2009
Pardon the dust. [coughs]
With all the changes going on, I decided that this site will be for my more personal journeys, random ramblings and various artistic endeavors.
My professional site will be MarliesAnastasia.com.
by Psyche on Sunday 21 June, 2009
Exciting things are in the works. After a lot of thinking, I decided to go back to school to eventually earn my Master of Fine Arts in Photography. I have not been in college in 15 years so I am nervous about that.
I have to admit that I am really excited about being able to play around in a darkroom, something I have not been able to do in 15 years. While digital is fantastic, there is just something special about film. I cannot explain it. I can smell the chemicals already.
Someone asked my why I was going to get the degree. Other than to improve my skills (because everyone can improve in one way or another), I would love to be able to teach. And honestly, that piece of paper hanging on the wall would mean a lot to me, and my children. How can I make them understand how important a college education is if I never finished my degree?
It does not hurt that I have a goodly amount of GI Bill available to me and that I will qualify for the Georgia Hope Grant.
by Psyche on Wednesday 9 July, 2008
Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.
Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be.
- James Allen
by Psyche on Sunday 29 June, 2008
I need more sleep.
I know, older picture. I needed some filler.
by Psyche on Tuesday 22 January, 2008
I miss my old Nikon F3. It was given to me in the 80s when I first started taking serious photography classes. When I lived in Hawaii in 1986, I had an awesome opportunity to apprentice with some professional photographers and get paid for shooting some of my own stuff. I really loved working in a darkroom. It was therapeutic. I miss it.
This is going to sound snobby and it is not meant to… but photography back then was so much different thank it is today. There were not a million and one pros popping up everywhere. The photos seen were based on the talent of the photographer, not Photoshop skills. Film was far more expensive than discs/cards are now, so you had to focus on getting the “shot” in as few takes as possible, not spam photography like so many people do with digital cameras.
My ex was not fond of my “little hobby” and so I stopped taking commissions. He did not understand more artistic pursuits. When our home was vandalized and my equipment destroyed, I was told we had more important things to replace and was unable to replace my equipment, even though the insurance company more than compensated us for their loss.
Some days I am still bitter.
After I left him and was finally in a place where I could start again, I discovered much of what I knew was obsolete. Just like with computers – if you do not keep up, you are left in the dust. My lack of self esteem was immense and my bravery lacking.
With the brain damage I do have plus my disabilities, I feel like I am starting out brand new.
I definitely think that winning the Canon S3 was a sign. I have borrowed cameras from friends who are pros and my interest is sparked. My confidence is a bit more than it was. I have a husband who supports my creativity.
I can learn again.
