Blog #1

In perusing through the Rollins College Lens-Based Media Forum website, I came across a few photographs that I particularly liked by Amy Elkins,

I particularly like this one by Amy because at first glance it just seems like an ordinary letter, but upon closer inspection the word "deceased" is nonchalantly written in the middle of the envelope, giving the previously cheery photograph an unexpectedly ominous feel.  

Again, by Amy, this family portrait is very tense despite the subject matter of a mother with her two daughters.  The cool colors used and the less-than-impressed expressions on each of their faces gives this piece an off-putting feeling that makes the viewer (well me at least) uncomfortable.  

Ok, this is the last thing by Amy Elkins, but I couldn't resist.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyzkzDjbOIY&feature=player_embedded&noredirect=1 

This URL is a youtube video of her montage of sky videos which she has taken from multiple, stationary positions and then sped up time so that the view gets to see the vast changes in light that take place throughout the day.  I find her work here fascinating. I already have an inclination to be drawn to nature and I really appreciate the different colors she was able to obtain from just filming the sky.  However, I personally would have chosen less disruptive music to go along with that piece.  

Ok this one by Melanie Flood I had to include just because it looks like a 1970s cocaine party gone wrong.  Clearly a sculpture of sorts with probably photo manipulation, Melanie has done an excellent job of making this otherwise cheery scene with bright colors and confetti, seem like a disturbed plane wreck...quite literally.  Although it is my least favorite part of the pice due to its lack of texture, I am interested to know how she included the rainbow into her final work of art.  

Last one for today, this photograph is also by Melanie Flood.  According to an interview with her by Blake Andrews, it is a self portrait of her behind a metallic screen.  This is quite possibly my favorite image discussed so far.  Even after she tells us what this is a picture of, it remains completely abstract.  I love the compilation of colors created by the metallic screen as well.  It gives off an essence of nature with its floral colors despite the fact that it is made completely from non-natural material.