Art Conspiracy 4 - Oh What a Night!!!

I have been groggy the last couple of days trying to decide what to say about Art Con 4 and then it donned on me. The show of kindness and generosity has rendered me completely speechless. I feel honored to be the Art Coordinator of such an inspiring adventure.  The amount of people that came together to pull this one off was beautiful to see. I personally could never thank everyone enough for being so awesome. Regardless of what anyone ever says about Dallas, you will never convince this gal that it is anything but magical and amazing!  I would like to give an extra shout out to: Cari Weinberg, Andrea Roberts, Ange Fitzgerald, Courtney Miles, The Art Con Board(Sarah Jane Semrad, Bill Holston, Jeff Allsup, Serena Wills, Mike Arreaga, Jason Roberts) Stephen Hartzler, Erik and Aaron Glissman, Edward Ruiz + Robert the  16mm kid, Jill Broussard + Fred Holston, the amazing bullhorn barkers (Rob, Rob, Mike, Suzanne, Paul and Jason), Karla Garcia and all the art handlers, Angela Faz, Robbie Michael, Paul Slavens, The Chameleon Chamber Group, Aton, Mount Righteous, every volunteer and so many more.... I can not begin to acknowledge my gratitude to each and every one of you!

Here is a link to a short video put together from one of our amazing volunteers the outstanding Cindy Chaffin!

Bring on the Artists! Art Conspiracy 4 is Ready

Well after months and months of meetings we arrived at "Hell Week" last Saturday. The only thing is there has been nothing hellish about it. I truly love watching a great community rise to the occasion. This week has been tiring, cold and constant but wonderful. We started with a warehouse that was dark and dusty. After loads of lumber, screws, brooms, electrical work and dust pans there is this space that is ready to have art created in it. Starting in about 8 hours the first shift of artists will carry in there supplies. In about 48 hours it will all be over. I hope that everyone is ready to Deconstruct and take a journey for a great cause! I know that I am. I truly love my city and all that we are capable of!

The Art Con Volunteer Corp!

The art con volunteer corp has spent two nights in the venue and things are starting to come together. This weekend is going to be a blast, I am always overwhelmed by the community connectivity and generousity of the volunteers. Come on down this Saturday and join in on the Conspiracy!

The Ship of Deconstruction has left the Dock - The Beginning of Art Con 4 "Deconstructed"

The ball was pushed and began to roll officially today. Art Con 4 is underway. We have taken it upon ourselves to tackle a monster for the sake of giving back this year. Our venue is beautiful and raw but she needs many repairs and construction prior to the grand event Saturday December 6th. We will be burning the midnight oil all week to get it done. I hope that we blow the lid on the jar of possibilities right off. I already have a large group of people to thank for their kindness and generosity and we just began. Bring on the Art Con Army we are ready to fulfill your aesthetic stockings!

Mike Arreaga on the Table Saw prepares the art boards.


A group of Art Con folks gathered to paint and prepare.

Art Con 4 is starting it's engine!!!

We are 7 days away from Art Con 4 "Deconstructed". All of the game pieces are on the board and we start moving them around this weekend. We are in for a fun filled week of construction, art making and beautiful community connectivity! After all of the meetings and discussions it comes down to one week. Please come out and see what we created to raise funding for this years beneficiary Preservation Link on Saturday December 6th, 6:30 - 11:00pm.

Getting HATCHed at La Reunion's gallery tonight.

I will be manning a booth of my images this evening for the pop-up retail experience known as HATCH. $15 admission.

About HATCH:
A collision of Fashion and Visual Art. This event is a collaboration between La Reunion and Texas' Next Top Designer. There will lots of visuals and goodies for you to purchase.

Come on out and get Hatched tonight!

7pm - 10pm
2129 Farrington St., Dallas Texas 75207

Art Chicas 2008

I spent the day teaching a group of 10 amazing young women. Please go here to see the end results and snaps I took of each of them.
The assignment was:
To shoot with DSLR cameras in fully manual modes, abstract or indirect portraits of a stranger. (The girls were paired with another girl in the class. It had to be someone they did not know.) Then they had to reflect and write about the image they chose. At the end of the day was a reception with there work and stories were on the wall. I was very proud of the gals for taking the assignment seriously and diving right in.

This was part of Art Chicas with La Reunion. There were 4 artists involved and forty young women this year. What a wonderful day.

Into the Wild and Art Conspiracy

I have been sitting in my office since early last night working on the finger puppet series for "Into the Wild" that opens this Saturday at Kettle Art. I can not wait to see what George Fowler and Tori Webb Pendegrass drop off at the gallery this evening. The show is bound to be a blast!

Also this morning I hit send to Art Conspiracy's 4th call for artists. In less than one hour we already had 1/3 of the slots filled. The event grows every year. I can not wait to see how this one plays out.

Art Conspiracy Celebrates its 4th Year by Getting Deconstructed

Art Conspiracy Celebrates its 4th Year by Getting Deconstructed
40,000 Square Foot Warehouse will host One-of-a-Kind Live Art Auction, Concert on
December 6th

October 8, 2008 - DALLAS, TX – Art Conspiracy is known for pulling together all types of artists and musicians for unique fundraisers in storied Dallas locations. This year, instead of setting up shop in a historical venue, Art Conspiracy is looking to put one on the map. Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, Art Conspiracy will host its annual fundraiser in a 40,000 square foot warehouse at 3011 Gulden in West Dallas. This year, Art Conspiracy’s theme is “Deconstructed.”

The event will feature music from Mount Righteous, Chameleon Chamber, Aton and sets from DJ Sober and DJ Select as well as video installations from Edward Ruiz and works from 150 Dallas area artists.

“We’ve never had this kind of a blank slate to work with,” says Andrea Roberts, Site
Coordinator, Art Conspiracy. “There many creative people involved with Art Conspiracy and there’s so much space to work with, the possibilities are endless.”

Art Conspiracy differs from other arts fundraisers because the artists do their work
on-site the day before the event. The artists work in shifts to fill in as many wooden
canvases as possible in a 24-hour period. Starting bids for all pieces is $20 and Art
Conspiracy’s entertaining, rapid-fire live auctions have become an attraction in their own right.

“Art Conspiracy will turn the warehouse into a gigantic studio,” says Erica Felicella, Art Coordinator, Art Conspiracy. “This event is not only about making art and raising money for charity, but also about bringing creative people in North Texas closer together. Having all of these artists in one place at the same time, working for a good cause helps achieve a sense of community.”

This year’s Art Conspiracy event will benefit Preservation LINK, Inc., a nonprofit group
That teaches students in South Dallas and Fair Park media literacy and self-esteem
through photography and videography programs. The programs aim to encourage
exploration and empower students while they document their community.

'For Preservation LINK, Inc. to be recognized and supported by a group of local artists is a huge honor,” said Dave Herman, Jr., President and CEO, Preservation Link. “We have been diligent in creating avenues for South Dallas youth to explore themselves and the issues that concern them and their communities. The support that Art Conspiracy is providing will assist us in cultivating our 'family' of youth media programs that serve South Dallas students during school and after school.”

Since 2005, Art Conspiracy has raised $35,000 through grassroots, guerilla-style
fundraisers to reinvest in the local arts economy. In May of 2008, Art Conspiracy
received its official 501c3 status from the IRS. Past beneficiaries have included La
Reunion, an artist’s residency in Oak Cliff, and St. Anthony Community Center, a center that emphasizes art, music and dance in the programs they provide for 800+ children in South Dallas. More information is available at the Art Conspiracy web site.

If you want more info, contact cari@artconspiracy.org

Artists who are interested in taking part in Art Conspiracy should contact
erica@artconspiracy.org,

Art Conspiracy Details:
Date: 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 6
Location: 3011 Gulden Lane, Dallas, TX 75212
Participants: 150 Dallas Artists, 3 Bands, 2 DJs and VJs
Admission: $10
Benefiting: Preservation LINK, Inc.
# # #

Art Conspiracy 4 - Getting Deconstructed!

That time of year has arrived! The Art Con Gang is gearing up for it's fourth year. We are going all out this year and having a blast.
The press release went out today and the website is ready for you viewing so check it out. Art Conspiracy

"Into the Wild" and Escalator Maintenance Society

Into the Wild is right around the corner. Escalator Maintenance Society will be playing at the opening! If you have not heard of them you should, bound to bring a smile. Here is a short bio from Jason Roberts of EMS

"The music of the Escalator Maintenance Society will remind you of digging around the dusty attic of an old great carnival worker. Playing mostly in minor keys, with shades of vaudevillian moments comprised of musical saws, toy pianos, typewriters, cello, and accordion, EMS' music is the sonic equivalent of an old Fellini film."

"Into the Wild" 10.18.08 - 11.01.08 @ Kettle Art

I have been feverishly working away in my studio to get ready for an upcoming show at Kettle Art. While on my adventures this past summer I came across a bunch of finger puppets that I had to have. My only regret is that I did not buy more of these little gems. I have been photographing the puppet show to bring to everyone else. "Into the Wild" opens Saturday, October 18th at Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum. I will be hanging on the walls with the wonderful Tori Webb Pendergrass and George Fowler. To make the evening even more fun I will be celebrating my birthday that evening as well. Come one come all "Into the Wild"

Diving With Sharks in Las Vegas

I woke up this morning extra early and took a nice calm shower before breakfast. By 9am we were heading to the tank that I was going to be submerging myself in. I met up with my dive buddy Jack and we had a quick dive orientation. Then for the first time ever I put on a chain mail suit that up until this point I had only seen on television. After all of the summers of watching "Shark Week", I was the one going under to face these beautiful creatures! We started out by swimming over to the top of the ship wreck after entry. Then one lap around the tank to get the sharks used to our presence and check buoyancy. Once acclimated and calm the camera was handed to me and off I went. All in all, a great experience that I will never forget. Plus it is getting this diver back in the water, I have missed it.

Getting Ready to take the plunge!

We arrived in Las Vegas this morning for a week long journey of surreal adventures. After dropping luggage off in the rooms we took a tour of the locations. Tomorrow morning I shall be donning scuba gear, a Mark III and jumping into a shark tank. After the seeing the beautiful creatures today I am ready to take the plunge. I will have the pleasure of making the acquaintance of tiger sharks, black tip reef sharks, barracuda and more. We shall see if this rusty diver still has what it takes.

Dallas.... Let's Get Arting!!

My favorite time has arrived, well almost, happens a bit later in Texas. I love the onset of fall it breathes new life into everything I do and see. It also marks the beginning of a new great season of Fine-Art. There is so much to see this weekend that I am going to have to pack a cooler just so I don't slow down. Yeah! Me and my work are not participating in the fall walks this year as I am still producing new bodies of work. This means I get to simply go out and see all of the work created by a gang of Artists from all around. Both the DADA and DEEP artwalks are on saturday, click the links for more information. I helped install the "Cartoon Apocalypse" at Kettle Art and it looks fantastic. You will find several of your favorite characters and maybe discover some new ones. Also, I can not wait to see "Hall Pass" by Allison V. Smith at Barry Whistler. The amazing talented Guy Reynolds was there snapping away at the installation. So folks if you are in the Dallas area this Saturday get to Arting! You will not regret it.

Some of my latest work in print - Heather Knox's Album

I have watched my pal Heather work her rear off on her latest album. I am so excited to see it in print! I shot the image of her on the back cover one chilly day in Oak Cliff. Check her out at www.heatherknox.com

A night of smiles and Lovie

Dallas continues to shine in my eyes. I had a hard time adjusting to the big D when I first arrived but once the dust settled it has been nothing but smiles ever since. Last night is no exception. I enjoyed dinner with great company at the new and wonderful Bolsa in Oak Cliff then on to Double Wide to hear the amazing ladies of Lovie.

The only hard part to the evening is that I have a twisted ankle and I really wanted to boogie down.

The Return from Concan - Labor Day 2008

I embarked on another Texas journey unsure of where we were headed other than a cabin in Concan. What a Labor day weekend. So much so it has taken me a week to write about it. I had the pleasure of being included a outdoor adventure with a group of thirty that have been camping together for about thirty years. Our destination was the fine cabins of the BENT River Retreat on the Frio river.

This group does a weekend up right, they have the gear for endless hours of river floating, quite the savy for a early evening game of volleyball, quick wits for the card table (which I willing gave my money away in) and a well oiled system for the dinner of thirty.


I can thank everyone on the trip enough for such a great adventure in such amazing country. If you have not been out to this part of Texas before then hop in your cars. I have now spent two weekends out there, one on the Nueces River and one on the Frio. They are thirty minutes away from eachother and offer completely different scenery. Also while you are there check out the Bats, Hill Country Adventures has quite the cave of bats they say it is the second largest colony of bats around. It was stunning.

If you want to see more images from this trip please feel free to check out my flickr, I am working on adding images daily.

Packing up to hit the road one more time for Labor Day Weekend

I am grabbing my cameras, and maybe even some lighting for this trip. I am heading south again, this time to the Frio River in Concan, Texas. I would tell you where that is but I do not even really know myself. I hope for a great photo hunt adventure. Meanwhile, back in the big "D" I have been working away. Trying to keep up with myself. Haha, if it was not attached I just my loose it somedays. Amen for key hooks. I am in the process of cataloging and preparing to produce a couple more bodies of work, self publish a couple more books, and more I am sure I am forgetting. Below is "The Happy Bullets" in print. Shot on location in 2008.

Texas Adventures!

I have been one busy gal the last couple of weekends. I have celebrated birthday with two of my best pals, sans the cake. It seems that the older we get the more daring the adventures are becoming. The weekend of August 16th, I headed out east to New York, Texas for Frankie's birthday. The adventure was ziplining and this is some serious fun! I am hoping to go back soon and shoot a proper story on the family that runs this place.

This last weekend I headed southwest to the outskirts of Uvalde, Texas. The destination was Chalk Bluff Park on the Nueces River. The drive was long but worth it. This time the adventure would be rain soaked camping and kayaking. The first day of kayaking we hit the river excited. The storm clouds were building around us but we did not scare easy. The flow rate of the river was at 30 this day so I coined the phrase Kaywalking for this trip.

Well over the next 15 hours or so about 10+ inches of rain fell and the mighty Nueces rose up the banks. All the campers on the trip woke up drenched except us, we had an amazing tent from REI. I felt lucky to still have some dry under garments. We had some breakfast and coffee huddled under shelter and watched the rain. The locals at the park told us we should wait out a storm cell heading toward us before leaving, boy am I glad we did. The wind picked up and the rain came fast, we all heading for our tents. While inside the trusty dome the rain came down in buckets and started to stream around us. We even had a stream running right under the tent. Crazy! After all of this craziness we headed for the river with our boats. The flow was 30 the day before and was now 160.

Let's just say day two had no walking needed, all paddle. Happy birthday to my good buddies!

A day in the Life of... Part 2

After writing the last post I got to thinking about all of the strange and interesting encounters I have had in photo world. So I decided I would start writing some tidbits about jobs past and current. The adventures from behind the lens. I guess we should start from the beginning. One of my first paying jobs ever, I was still a teenager and the job was headshots for a small company. I was really nervous but held my composure and set up my backdrop and lighting. Feeling a bit more confident I lifted the camera to start shooting and the back door to my trusty 35mm just fell off. My face flushed with red and I apologized and stated that I will have to return another day. I have since had many bad, good, great, amazing, embarassing, ripley's believe it or not like and down right sad days while on set either on my own jobs or while assisting another shooter.

Today my phone rang around 2:15pm and I answered. It was someone I have worked with on and off for years. He has been known to be a practical jokester so I did not believe the conversation right away. Here is how it went approx.
"Hey Erica, are you still a certified diver?"
"I am, I believe but I have not dove in years, what's up?"
"Would you get in a shark tank?" (at this point I know this must be a joke.)
"As long as I have a good chainmail suit, I don't see why not."
"Oh ofcourse it will be very safe." (This is when I realize it is real and I become a bit stunned.)
"I will check on my certification and get right back to you."

So I may be in for the adventure of the year. We shall wait and see. Like I said I never know where a day may take me. Stay tuned to see if I make it throught this one!

A day in the life of...

My life has always been full of going different places and seeing different things. I feel very lucky to be a photographer. In the last couple of weeks I have stood on the side of a mountain, drove a smart car and just this morning stood in Texas Stadium with no one around. I have never been a football fan but, standing in a building that is normally filled with the roar of fans when it is silent has always moved me. I took in the environment while snapping a few shots here and there on film. All in all whether a fan or not what a way to spend a morning!

To My Mom on Her Birthday

I am one lucky gal, with one awesome Mom! Happy Birthday to one of the grooviest people I have ever known!

Return to the Big "D"

Well after a intense 14 hours drive with minimal stopping, we are home. It was great to see the wagging tails of two joyful goldens upon arrival. The trip overall was amazing. The beauty of the land around us never ceases to amaze me. I have been working on journaling about the trip. There were so many characters from a little stuffed sheep named "Sheepy" we picked up in Chimayo as our mascot to the straight out of Saturday Night Live shooting glass wearing Park Ranger. It is always wonderful to be home and sad to leave.

Hello from the Road

I have been away from the Big "D" since the evening of July 31st. My journies have taken me through a round about tour of New Mexico and we have been staying in Hermosa right outside of Durango, Colorado. There have been many adventures and many characters met on this trip. There will be an in depth recap upon my return. But below is a picture from one of the Jeep Trails outside of Silverton, Colorado. What a beautiful piece of country, and yes that is snow in the picture left over from an avalanche last winter.

Well I have been bitten by the Blurb bug.

I have wanted to start making self published books for a while now, but the same problems always occurs. There are simply not enough hours in the day. I am working on taking sleep out of my schedule, haha, always fails. Anywho I have started working on finishing a project I started 3 years ago. I have entered a short photo essay on JPG and now a short book on blurb. Have a look.

The "Shots" Pr...

A study of human e...

By Photography by Eri...

Book Preview

There are so many amazing resources out there for us lack of sleep junkies. If you have not checked out blurb please do. It is incredibly user friendly. Which is good for people like me who never read directions. Stay tuned for more books.

Upstate New York Recap. Cooler weather and Family galore!

I woke at 5:15am which was really 4:15am for me. I grabbed my camera and walked out to the deck at my Aunt's house. The fog was slowly sifting across the water and the air was still and damp. All was still sleeping except for a few early risers. My aunt and soon-to-be uncle are early risers. Sitting on the front porch sipping on coffee and enjoying some conversation. It was a wonderful way to start the day. Sitting on the edge of water has always centered me, which is funny because I choose to live in the completely land locked city of Dallas. Well what can I say I love it.

I spent the day helping with a few final wedding day details then headed to have lunch with my parents. I loved being able to hang out with them while out of town.

The wedding and reception was fantastic. It was so great to see my Aunt's eyes well up with tears and see a big 'ol smile across her face. The last time I was surrounded by that many family members was six years ago. It was truly wonderful to see everyone. I can not wait to go back.

I guess that once a yankee always a yankee.

Journey to New England Day One

I have escaped the heat of a Texas july for a couple of days by traveling to upstate New York in honor of my aunt's wedding.  Some things I love about New England. Almost every town has an ice cream parlor, Dunkin Donuts is readily available and there are trees and water everywhere. It was so chilly last night that I could no longer feel my toes. The quote of the day was said in reference to a model plane "That engine is bigger than a snow blower!" To a yankee that comment may sound normal but to a transplant like me who has not seen snow in ages, I found myself in a good chuckle.  I love it!!! This part of the country is near and dear to my heart, such beauty everywhere. Let's not forget about the history either. Last night there was a gathering of family at the groom's parents. The house was originally built in 1761. Amazing. Family dynamics are something I am fascinated with and this weekend will be full.  The picture below is two sets of sisters from my side of the family. The foreground is my mother and her Sister Colleen and in the background is Colleen daughters Liz and Ally. 

Photo Essay on JPGMAG's Website

I have been a busy snappy snapper. I am currently working on my first of a series of self published books also I entered a Photo Essay for review and voting on JPG Magazine's website. If you have a moment swing on by and tell me what you think.

Live is a Wonderful Concoction!

I was sitting here if front of my computer staring at the white text box of my blog. What to write, what to write? I thought to myself, I could write about Art Conspiracy, The need for another Shutterbabes Outing, Happenings at Kettle Art, My latest published work, New photographic interests, recent encounters or just link everything and let you all take a look.

All in all life is a beautiful mixture and my community never ceases to amaze me. I can not thank the Artists, musicians, volunteers, Art Con Gang and everyone in attendance for coming out last Saturday. SEED was a wonderful success and a rockin' good time. We have raised a nice chunk of change to move toward Art Con IV. Let's shake things up shall we! Check out the video by the Amazing Cindy of Fine Line Live!



On the photography front, things have been busy and I am getting to work on many interesting projects. I have yet to have the same day twice. I can not imagine ever growing bored with the medium. I still learn more almost everyday and still get giddy like school child when a camera is in my hands! I have been working toward a bunch of new goals for '08 and some are getting close to completion. I can not wait! Exciting times!

Hello Blog, its me Erica......

Well I have missed you terribly. It has been well over a month since I posted an entry. I had to dust off the page just to view it. All I can say is that life has been very busy and full these days. I have seen several great friends get married, ran off to an all gals getaway in the west texas desert, got pulled over in boston with someone else driving my rental car, created the belt buckle cam for a party, witnessed many good friends birthdays and even managed to take a few pictures along the way. I will be recapping some of these events and more in the next couple of days. But for now please check my flickr for a visual reference.

With all of that aside, do you have plans for this weekend? Ofcourse you do, come on down to Art Conspiracy's SEED at Sons of Hermann Hall from 8pm - 12am. Check out Art Conspiracy who is now an official 501 c3!!!!

Selected Works @ The Quinn April-May 2008

I have hung some work on my side of the river. Stop by the Local Oak Cliff watering hole for a cold beverage and an art reception. Wednesday April 9th, 2008 7pm.



On another note entirely.... Nancy, George and Bess was last weekend. What a blast!! I truely love working with Artists and sticking art in unexpected spaces. Thank you to all who came out and thank you SJ for taking me along for the crazy journey.

Nancy, George and Bess 4.3.08 - 4.6.08

Well my good gal pal Sarah Jane asked me about a month ago if I would like to co-curate an art show with her, I accepted. We were given a dusty, dirty and vacant old bar in Deep Ellum as a venue. The moment I saw the space I got excited. I have no idea why but, I love transforming a space for the sake of Art. There is nothing quite like it or quite as exhausting. At the end of all the cleaning is the reward! One heck of a Show. Here it it...


Nancy, George and Bess -
A Tough Girl's Art Show in Deep Ellum

Nancy, George and Bess is an exhibit that features local women artists working in all media and in all stages of their career. Named after the three lead female figures in Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew series, Nancy, George and Bess encapsulates Dallas' own female talent in a cool Deep Ellum property, located at 2824 Main in Deep Ellum as a part of the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. From artists to have never had a show to artists who are collected widely, Nancy, George and Bess allows all stages and ages to emerge and share the same gallery space. Confirmed artists: Zanne Hochberg, Angela Faz, Erica Felicella, Andrea Roberts, Jayme Nourallah, Ryann Rathbone, Kate Nelson, Kim Cadmus Owens, Alison Welsh and Cathey Miller.

Nancy, George and Bess is curated and produced by Sarah Jane Semrad and Erica Felicella. The event is presented by Deep Ellum Foundation and Deep Ellum Association. A free artists reception will be held on Thursday, April 3 from 7PM-9PM and will feature the sounds of Orbital Beebop. The exhibit will also be open during Deep Ellum Arts Festival hours which are Friday, April 4 from 5PM-10PM; Saturday, April 5 from 11AM-10PM; and Sunday, April 6 from 11AM - 5PM. A special BYOB party will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 10PM-1:30AM and feature all girl band Lovie and local girl rocker Heather Knox. Cover for the party is $5.

Back in the Big D

I have been back in Dallas for a little over 24hrs and I am glad to be home. All journeys are full of adventures and mystery but there is nothing like your own bed at the finish line. Ahhhh. I awoke bright and early this fine Easter Morning. I enjoyed coffee with my dogs and the brisk breeze. Then off to Lee Park to witness my first ever Easter in the Park. Why have I not attended this event in the past? Well I will never miss it again if I am in town. What a blast, I am a sucker for dogs and there were a ton. The Pooch Parade is a seriously good time! Happy Easter to all!

Last Day in Washington

We are heading home this evening. Yesterday we started our morning at the Holocaust Museum. I slowly walked through the museum, I still can not comprehend how people could do such horrendous acts. I do not believe I said anything the whole time I was there and tears rolled out of my eyes and down my cheeks. I am glad that we made it to this exhibit. From there I took in the Hirshhorn Museum, I am such a sucker for art!! They had an amazing exhibit called dreams. All video installation and all in the dark. You wandered through the exhibit most times not knowing where the walls were. Fantastic!!! We sauntered through the Sculpture gardens while my mother and sister gave me there interpretations of the work. I really liked my mom's take on Henry Moore, made me giggle. We headed to the National Gallery of Art, and all I have to say about that collection is wow! I walked through the rooms of Rodin, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne and a large collection of Rauschenberg. A simply divine way to wind down a week long trip . We all have tired feet and my cheeks are a little flushed from the constant wind that has been blowing since we got here. I am hoping that we will catch a few more things this morning then back to Texas. If you have never been to DC I highly recommend it. Pierre L'Enfant designed an amazing city and it is full of wonderment and history. I posted more pictures on my flickr from this week.

Washington Update

Well I tried to write an entry everyday but I could hardly stand upright last night and went to bed instead. So here is a two day recap. Yesterday was one for the record books in my life. It started well before the sun came up. We hoped on a bus and headed out to Mount Vernon to see the home of our nation's first president, George Washington. Very impressive. The home had examples of the some of the oldest faux finishes I have ever seen. After that we were stuck on bus for a while because it would not start. No problem bus driver Willy to the rescue! Then we drove through Alexandria and took in the sights. My favorite was an old row home from the 1800's called the Spite House. It is still lived in today and is a total 150 Sq Ft of two story living space. From there back to DC. We milled around Union station a bit tried to get in the national archives but gave up due to rain.

I went out alone and armed with cameras later to catch some demonstrations. They were happening all day all through out the city due to the 5 year anniversary of the war in Iraq. I caught the end of one in Mcpherson Square and ran to catch the Metro to get to the Captiol Building. I just made it. People were gathered and ready to march up the hill. It was a silent procession, people were wearing black and had the names of soldiers hanging around there necks. They marched up the hill and stopped in the middle of an intersection. I believe 52 people were arrested yesterday during the demonstrations.

Today we started bright and early again. We waited in line at the National Archives to be one of the first ones inside. I stood in front of our founding documents this morning. Very surreal and amazing. From there took in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden and got to get close to another Oldenburg! Then we headed to the Capitol Club. Little did I know that it was the National Republican Club. (A little side note here. I have been traveling with my mother and my sister whom are both republicans. I am of the other persuasion.) They thought it was hilarious that I needed to go inside the club. We sat in the entry to the private club and waited for Henry Bonilla. He personally took us on a private tour of the capitol building. I could go on and on about this but instead will give the short short version. The buildings interior is unlike anything I have ever seen in this country. I stood on both the House and Senate floor. Sat at Mrs. Clinton's desk in the chamber and saw the remaining bullet hole from the shooting in the 50's. I have a better understanding of our law making process. I think I will remain an artist. Haha...

Washington Day Three

Well we hit the ground walking this morning. There were many amazing things seen. I finally sat on a couple set of steps I have always wondered about. As I sat on the steps to the Lincoln Memorial I looked out to the Washington Monument. I have seen this same view in still pictures and on the big screen a ton of times. The scale of the grounds could never have been understood until I sat on the steps myself. Then there was the Vietnam Memorial designed by Maya Lin when she was still a student at Yale. Watching people take rubbings off the wall of there love ones names. Absolutely speechless. We went out to Arlington National Cementery today as well. I never knew that before the land was a cementery it was a plantation that was once home to Robert E. Lee, once he left to join the south in the Civil War he never came back again. Crazy. I saw the seas of headstones, and the resting places for President JFK and Jackie, President Taft, Thurgood Marshall and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All in all the history keeps flowing into my head and we have been going to bed early with tired feet and minds. Tomorrow we are off to the home of George Washington. I am also going to try and capture some of the protests that are going on in Washington right now. To anyone who has not made the journey out to DC, I highly recommend it. It has made me geared up to be democratic!

Another day in Washington

We had another busy day in DC. The architecture here is beautiful. I stood in front of the Capitol Building and just kept saying wow! I wish we had more buildings of that caliber in this country. I also saw the Wright Bros. plane and many other wonders of air and space. My brain is full, my legs sore and my lips chapped from the breeze. Also I ended the day with coffee and cheesecake. Could I ever ask for more? I think not. I look forward to a day full of art later this week.

Department of Justice

On the Road Again......

I remember wishing I would travel more. Haha be careful what you wish for, I have been running all over the place lately and loving it. I am currently in Washington DC. It is an all Felicella woman trip. Just my mother, sister and myself. I loved walking the green lawn of the Mall. I could not help but to think of all the amazing things that have happened on that same grass I was standing on. We are literally surrounded by our nations history. While gazing at the White House today my sister found a button. We had to push it. It made us both giggle. We waited but no one came to let us in. Must have been there day off. Goodtimes..



Other than that things have been busy busy as usual. The Shutterbabes had there first outing. What a blast!! There shall be more updates soon. I am such a bad blogger.

Unexpected Moments

We plan, we schedule, we make to-do lists, and we try to stay on task. Life always seems to have another plan, schedule, etc... I absolutely love the unexpected nature of living. I enjoy being caught off guard because it means I am alive!!! I went out shooting again today and enjoyed the Dallas Farmer's Market. It made me very hungry. Below was a shot from last weekend. I enjoyed playing with the pigeons of Jefferson Ave.

Analog Soul

I have been missing something when I go out and shoot these days. So I decided to pick up some film and a camera that holds it. I went shooting this last weekend in Oak Cliff. I can not remember the last time I had that much fun. Slowly walking and observing, using a light meter, not seeing my instant results, and being more selective. I have no idea what the images will look like and I love it!!! I picked up a new scanner today for all of this film. Haha I know I am such a hipocryte but how else can I load them on flickr. Maybe I am just a half analog soul. Anyway I started to look through my older film binders and scanned one for a test. I am really looking forward to Spring and new possibilities!!!
The first Scan in a long while.

Bored Puppy

Tipper is a little over one week post-op. She is healing well and starting to get cabin fever. We got her a play pen to hangout in but it is not the same. I could not imagine wearing an e-collar all the time. Frankly I would be cranky for sure. At least she has a window to watch the squirrels.

New Projects ......... Old Projects

I am constantly between an old project and a new one. I guess it is much better than a rock and a hard place. Haha. Anyway I am winding down and hoping to finish the "Shot Project" by this spring of "08. I can not believe I started this project in 2005. There will be one more shooting session and a ton of post work. I can not wait to see it when it is finished. I have photographed over 50 people at this point.

Next I have been wanting to bring good ol' film back into my life. I have missed her. I am beginning a series that will be shot at night all on 120 roll film. I can not wait to stand on the street corners with a tripod , light meter, and a stopwatch.

Another new project is the "Shutterbabes". This has been a lot of talk for me and now it is time for action. I am trying to gather as many female shutterbugs as I can and I hope we start hitting the streets in March.

The Weekend of 2.01.08 - 2.03.08

What a weekend! For all of you in the Dallas area that grew up Roller Skating, get over to White Rock Skate Center. It is the real deal all the way down to the paint scheme and hokie pokie. A bunch of us went rolling on friday for Andrea's birthday. Although I was terrified to have wheels on the feet at first, I slowly transitioned back to the 80's thanks to leah and her scruncie. All I can say is those Robert's can roll!!


Saturday the weather was amazing and Alison and I grabbed my camera equipment and went out to the La Reunion land. It was the first annual tree carving. Artists were on site with chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, and much more. People were taking guided walks through the woods with guides from the discovery gardens. All in all a beautiful way to spend a day! Click here for more information on La Reunion.

Photo Outing in the cold 1.31.08

I have begun to take weekly excursions with my camera around town. Yesterday was the first one. I had no idea what was brewing outside while I spent the morning working away in my office. I threw on a few layers and headed to pick up Andrea. My car was being pushed by the wind as I drove along. I started to think, I may not have enough layers on to stand in this cold. Haha like anyone who knows me thought that could be possible. Anyway we drove along from location to location working quickly so our fingers did not freeze. I have always wanted to photograph the cows in the park between the levees so we went. Keep in mind that the space between the levees acts like a wind tunnel. All I can say is brrrrrr... It was a ridiculous idea but we shivered and giggled the whole way as our eyes teared from the brisk gusts. We were about to head back to the car and I handed Andrea my camera and asked her to take a picture of me and the cow. She snapped it and we got out of there. Finally to reward ourselves with hot coffee. What Fun!!

What a feeling!!! Art Con Donates 1.30.08

A group of the art con gang went to St. Anthony's Community Center yesterday afternoon. We brought the gift of a check! They were the beneficiary of Art Con 3 which took place in December 2007. The wonderful C.Weinberg handed over a check for over $14,000. All the work and lack of sleep put into art con by all is completely worth it. I can not express what it means to me to be apart of such philanthropic bunch. Not to mention the connecting of artist, musicians, and more. Art Con is near and dear to my heart. Please stay tuned for the next event which is SEED 2 coming this summer!