One day I was curious as to what kind of entertainment I could find from somewhere besides the normal modes of media we are all spoon fed each day here in America. So I decided to pick my friend from Russia’s brain for some good old fashioned soviet entertainment. What he showed me was amazing. I was introduced to the quintessential Monty Python of Russia. There is a set of movies done by Director Leonid Gaidai in Russia that all involve similar characters and actors in slap-stick comedies. The most famous of his movies was “Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future” which was filmed back in 1973. Its about a scientist who created a time machine that takes him back to the reign of Ivan the Terrible, a Russian czar from the 1500′s. The funniest part of the movie to me is in the first 5 seconds of the film. See for yourself:
Author Archives: courtney
60s Pop Doo-Wop Girl Groups, by Courtney
Are you tired of listening to the same old tunes? Well you are in luck because I am serving up a dose of tasty musical goodness. Whether you’re happy, sad, mad, cleaning your house or just driving around town at 2:00 AM , 60s doo-wop music can either fill the void in your life or accompany your overzealous joyful self. Its got soul.
Not only is the music good, but they have awesome 60s/mod/gogo/rock&roll style…
A song to prove your love or beg for some lovin’:
When you’re waiting for a very important piece of mail:
Mr. Sandman will make your dreams come true…
And last but not least just a fun song to rock out to:
Native American Road Side Art by Courtney
Sometimes when I am walking through the forest I imagine that I am in a place that looks like America before all of the settlers, cities, cars, and modernization came to this country. I love Native American culture and sometimes I wish I could just go back in time and live in a tipi in the forest and be one with nature.
When I went on vacation last week to Arizona I got to see the remnants of Native American culture left behind on the side of the road, and sold in many gift shops. Although its a far cry from the true culture of the past, what is there is still valuable and even more so in some instances.
Campy cartoons of Native American icons were hand painted on the side of many a truck stop advertising all kinds of souvenirs for sale, along with fossils, rocks and other useless treasures. These hand made paintings and signs inspired me the most. They are outside baking in the sun all day, forgotten by many, and overlooked by most. But they still held some kind of powerful message, even though I am not sure what each of their stories were. Each character was so unique and colorful in spite of it all.
So, if you’re ever trekking through the south-west, don’t forget to stop and appreciate the unique remnants of this Native American land….
Waco Art Scene by Courtney
Attention Bohemians! This weekend, the Art Forum of Waco is having an opening. The show is call Prism. The General Public Opening is from 7pm- 10pm this Saturday, September 8th.
From the show’s brochure:
“Prism is a multicultural exhibition of varied talents in central Texas. The exhibition is specifically generated to ensure the many diverse cultures and talents of the Central Texas area. The techniques and styles as well as genre are varied as are the artists who have come to show their amazing and unique art. Over 300 individual pieces are on display in a showing that is one of a kind in Waco, with over 20 artists who represent the uniqueness of our vibrant and mulch-cultured talent of our city.”
The show will be open all month long if you miss the opening. The Art forum is open from 9-6 Monday Through Saturday.
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Never Ending Summer by Courtney
Summer is almost over. It feels weird if you aren’t one of the fortunate people who are returning back to school or college. I see back to school stuff everywhere, and I’m not included in the fun. There are a lot of people who just have to ignore all the back to school advertising, merchandise, and t.v. commercials and go on with their lives. No, I can’t buy a new school wardrobe or backpack or shoes or any of those fun things. My life and schedule will continue to be the same as it was for the past few months, or actually – years. Working 8-5. After the smouldering hot summer, school almost seems as comforting as a wavy building way off in the distance when you are stranded in the desert. Once you get back there, life returns to normal. Your heat exhaustion is over. But for some of us, there is no returning back to normal. There’s just returning back to nothing. There’s just keep going and doing what you are doing. Move along, there’s nothing to see here.
However, while not shopping for school supplies, I found some great art online that inspires me and gives me the feeling of an endless summer. Jesse Treece’s art reminds me of a place where summer never ends. Where it never gets dark and the red sun is always shining. Although he is from Seattle, which is know for its never ending rain, his art is the epitome of what it feels like to be constantly over-exposed to UV rays! I really enjoy it. His collages are created by manipulating vintage images into surreal scenes of weird beauty. Here is some of his work to accompany your end of summer blues. And if you would like to see more, you can do so here:
www.collageartbyjesse.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/collageartbyjesse
Enjoy!
“Is This The Place That They Call Paradise?”
“Heart is Home”
“Mega”
“3AM of the Soul #11″
Pin-up Photography Alive and Well in Central Texas by Courtney
For a long time now I have admired pin-up photography for its blatant glorification and yet classy portrayal of female sexuality. I have spent many hours browsing through vintage magazines and photos online of lovely ladies, for fashion inspiration and for photo references to use in my artwork. I am happy to know that pin up photography is alive and well here in Central Texas. I recently attended a photo-shoot put on by the Central Texas Photographers and Models Co-op. The theme was “sexy kitchen.” All the models and photographers were so nice and really created a fun and creative atmosphere.
Behind the scenes:
Films from the Land of Bohemia by Courtney
We all know that Bohemia is a real place in the Czech Republic. One of my photography teachers from MCC was from the Czech Republic. She introduced me to an amazing foreign film from her country called Krysař, directed by Jiří Barta. It is based on the story of the Pied Piper. Basically it is about a town corrupted by greed and filth, which is then taken over by rats. This movie enhanced my fascination with rats and what they symbolize. The movie is animated with actual mice and rats, but don’t let that scare you away from its beauty.
Here is a short clip:
