Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday, June 27, 2014

The OU in Arezzo Crew Arrives in Italy



Today I begin my journey and the first official day of my Study Abroad program with OU, The University of Oklahoma's Signature Study Abroad Program ~ OU in Arezzo


© Shelly Perkins ~ image made with iPhone

Dinner with our OU in Arezzo crew at the Ristorante La Vittoria near the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

"At OU's Italian Center students with no to early intermediate knowledge of Italian are provided with an introductory experience of Italian language and culture while taking a variety of OU coursework. At the cradle of western civilization, students can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere and study an abundance of ancient art objects close by, while spending a good time with fellow Sooners in a small, quiet, and secure town, untouched by mass tourism."

"OUA's student center is located on the central Corso Italia in a renovated medieval Palazzo. There Sooners can relax in the student lounge, prepare and enjoy meals in the kitchen, work and communicate in a cutting edge PC/Mac lab, and attend classes in beautiful classrooms equipped with modern technology for effective and versatile instruction. This building also houses the administrative offices and the apartment of our Faculty in Residence - allowing for close interaction with and easy access to the OU professor who accompanies the students throughout the academic year." OU Study Abroad

For more information about the program go to https://oklahoma.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10127


Ristorante La Vittoria in Roma ~ Foursquare photos & info
https://foursquare.com/v/la-vittoria-ristorante-pizzeria/4dbafdba0437955ec00b6630

Monday, May 26, 2014

Turn Down for What



I must admit that I have a weakness for the song "Turn Down for What" by DJ Snake and Lil Jon. I even have an affection for the off the wall video ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMUDVMiITOU

In my love for the song, I have noticed the song is everywhere I go, whether it's constantly played on the radio, played during every break at the football games I attend or on numerous just released movies. In my admiration of the song, I know that soon I will have a deep dislike of it because of over-saturation in pop culture. It's unfortunate.... but I know it's coming.



public domain internet image

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Obsessed with Light


I've decided that I'm obsessed with light, which may explain why much of my art involves light. I love light. I love natural, beautiful warm sunshine and knowing how to make it work for a photograph. I love artificial light and appreciate the skills that I've learned over the years to manipulate light either to make a portrait look a particular way or to manipulate the light to set a mood for an artwork that I'm creating.

While shopping for LED lights for a project, I found the Light Energy Studios website which sells various commercial lighting rigs. I wanted to save their information and share their fun site in case someone's in need of a little break.

http://lightenergystudio.com/flash/modular_wall_units/LED_panels.html




Information from the Light Energy Studio website lists "Light Energy Studio has almost any resolution of the LED Video Displays available. Video panels are made for inside use and outdoors, for rental and permanent installation. These are some of the factors when deciding what type of display will work best for your needs."

"Some uses for the video screens: Playback video of the bride and grooms montage / reflection video. A video montage adds a special touch to a rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception Show off your company logo or any company video presentation at corporate events Playback on the LED screen, in real time, video of guest during an event - very popular when we do LED Dance Floor rentals Playback of stimulating digital effects at parties, nightclubs, raves, concerts and for film and video productions Playback, in real time, video of entertainers, such as dancers, performers, and speakers, at events on a large video screen"

Monday, January 20, 2014

Mommy-To- Be in 6º Oklahoma Weather


I wanted to share a few images I was privileged to make of this beautiful mommy-to-be from Edmond, Oklahoma. I met up with Dallas for a few pregnancy photos about two weeks before her sweet little baby boy's arrival, on what just happened to be one of the coldest days of the year here in Oklahoma. We made a few images inside to capture her precious growing belly and show her beautiful glowing smile. We also wanted to capture a full length shot to show off her baby belly while still being able to sport her stylish boots. When looking at the image, viewers can't tell it was a piercing cold 6º. Yes! SIX DEGREES! Oklahoma has the most unpredictable weather ever which can change in a matter of hours. This day the wind chill was negative but we really wanted to get the shot with the light snow from the evening before glistening off the water. We drove over to our location, I left Mommy-To-Be in the car with the heater running full blast, got out into the cold, scouted the exact place I wanted to make the shot, metered the light and knew exactly what I wanted the final image to look like before we put Dallas in place. We took our shots in about 30 seconds and were pleased with the results. I'm looking for our next planned photo shoot to introduce everyone to Baby Sawyer.









Shelly Perkins Photography & Art www.shellyperkins.com

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Parenting as a Non-Traditional College Student



Non-traditional college students (meaning those who aren't attending straight out of high school, may be a little older, or who have families) face an additional set of struggles during their years spent in the world of academia. While juggling classes, tests and projects, non-traditional college students, especially those who are parents, must also juggle family responsibilities. This can be a challenge because it's not just making sure your children are fed and have clean clothes to wear to school before you commute to your own school, but also spending quality time with your kids.

Spending time, reading, dancing or just listening to how their day was while truly listening can be hard at times. I have found I must make myself slow down so I can accomplish all of this. In the mornings once I'm out the door and headed to school, I must put my head in a whole different place and compartmentalize everything. When I'm home with the kids, I try to only focus on them so I can be a good mom. I know their time spent as kids is such a short time space and these moments in life won't last forever. I don't want to loose track of the important reasons I went back to college in the first place, which was to set a good example for my daughters, to become an educated critical thinker as well as be able to provide a better life for my family. I'm so excited to be near the finish line and have enjoyed my experiences and time at the university.

If you're a parent, mother or father, whether you're in your early 20's or 40's and want to go back to school, don't let your children be your excuse for not returning. You don't have to attend traditional classes in the university setting, which is what I do and is probably the most challenging. You can attend class one night a week, now you can attend class in your PJ's online from your home, you can enroll in a vocational training course which will allow you to train sooner and get into a new career field quicker than attending a four-year university. Take the time to explore the many options that are now available to adults and don't be afraid to try something new. In the beginning, starting something is always the hardest part. Once you get going, you'll have a new routine, and everything will fall into place. Don't let anything stand in your way. Don't forget to spend quality time with your kids, be super organized and manage your time well (which is the hardest part of all) and most of all, don't forget to take care of yourself. It's easy to become so busy your forget to take care of yourself by eating right, getting daily exercise and getting enough rest each day (I'm guilty of these things). Also, taking time to mediate or pray and connect to your spiritual side is important too. Be the best parent and college student you can be.

GO FOR IT!! ~ Shelly

If you're inspired by my words, please drop me a note because I would also like to hear your story. Comment below, message me through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShellyPerkinsPhotography or email me at perkphotography (at) aol.com.

Shelly Perkins Photography & Art www.shellyperkins.com

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Surveyance ~ An Exploration through Convergent Media


SURVEYANCE ~ An Exploration of Surveillance Cameras through Convergent Media

SURVEYANCE from Shelly Perkins on Vimeo.



While working on my University of Oklahoma Convergent Media project, Surveyance, I worked through a process of performing surveillance, conducted short interviews from others while they were under surveillance, and also was under surveillance myself. Working through these three processes, I found a little eeriness in the thought of being watched. However, I also found a comfort in believing if my safety was jeopardized, the law enforcement or agency monitoring the cameras would send help.

There is a live camera feed on an open, unsecured camera mounted on the top of the University of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Parking Garage facing to the southwest, which constantly films Gaylord Hall. Many people do not even notice the camera mounted at the top of the building, above the stairwell. However, I’m sure those being interviewed now will notice it each time they pass by that particular location. This unsecured feed is available at Opentopia (dot) com. Others may also exist, however this is the live feed I used during the interview portion of my project.

The University of Oklahoma campus employs surveillance cameras in various public locations viewable to those who pass by with at least one located on top of the stadium. However, the campus also uses surveillance cameras in less visible areas like at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, which houses works from artists like Pablo Picasso and Monet.

One thing I found curious when I myself under surveillance, I found it a little strange. I stood in the spot with the open live feed atop of the OU stadium parking lot, while watching myself on my iPad. I walked around in several spots in front of the camera while watching myself on the open feed. At one point a bicyclist was riding up behind me. The only reason I knew this was from the images from the live feed. I could not see him coming up behind me and I could not hear him. It was as if those watching me knew something was going to happen to me before I did. This leads to these questions, Could someone actually stop a crime from being occurred if he or she saw it was about to happen? Would someone actually stop the crime?

There are various pros and cons to surveillance cameras mounted in public spaces. The main benefit to the surveillance camera is the security it can offer in these spaces just as to privately owned stores, banks or homes. The security agencies that monitor these cameras are able to view various locations and activities from one control room, managing a much larger area than without the devices. Law enforcement often uses the video images recorded from these devices to later solve crimes, while their presence may also help prevent criminals from initially committing the crimes.

The cons to living with surveillance cameras are the freedoms they take away. With millions of cameras in existence, both surveillance and camera phones, no one is immune to their use. Some critics point out instead of spending money on funding more surveillance cameras; money should be spent on hiring more law enforcement officers or spent on social programs, which may deter crimes being committed.

Interestingly, while conducting interviews, most were surprised when I pointed out the location of the surveillance camera. Some were interested in the website with the open live feed. The debate will continue as those who advocate the use of surveillance cameras argue the advantages to their uses against those who believe the government is becoming “big brother” and overstepping boundaries.

-Shelly Perkins University of Oklahoma Convergent Media





Monday, September 16, 2013

Watching Crows

Today in my convergent media class at the University of Oklahoma our professor had classmates trade iPads which we recorded images, audio and video on each other's devices.  From these three mediums we were to choose one as a launching point to produce another form of media.

I actually was very apprehensive about trading iPads. It's not that I didn't trust my classmate to take care of my device, it's just something I don't do-touch other people's technology. It's like touching someone else's car, You Just Don't Do It!!

After I got over my anxiety with touching other people's "stuff," I recorded various images on my classmate's iPad. I recorded audio clips of the traffic passing the North Oval on campus at OU and the sounds as pedestrians wait at the crossing light. I took a few pictures of a locked door with a keypad, the wooden floor of the art school with a bright light shining into the image and a multi-colored paper mobile which was hanging in the window. I also recorded video of the university's new 3-D printer as it was making some type of head or bust. These are sounds and images which my classmate will use to create his convergent media piece.

Currently I am working with a reoccurring theme of surveillance and the act of watching or being watched.  The images in the video slideshow I have produced were re-appropriated from the Internet and set to an ambient sound captured by fellow media student, Tanner Trammell.  Below is my 33 second piece entitled Watching Crows.


Click on link below or go to: http://vimeo.com/74680716

Watching Crows from Shelly Perkins on Vimeo.


For more information about Shelly's work go to:
www.shellyperkins.com


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Surveillance Camera Footage of Oklahoma Tornadoes

As I work on my latest convergent media project, I continue to focus on surveillance, the act of recording or being recording. My hometown of Moore, Oklahoma was recently affected by multiple EF-5 Tornadoes (which is the most extreme and damaging tornado on the planet). I've found several sites which show footage caught by surveillance cameras as the tornado of May 20, 2013 ripped through Moore and other towns throughout Oklahoma.


Surveillance camera footage taken with a Moore, Oklahoma home security system in May, 2013.
Click on this link or video below.

http://youtu.be/FH19qlpvsh0






Surveillance camera footage taken at a Moore, Oklahoma gas station in May, 2013.
Click on this link or video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hcsQMJWfAc

http://youtu.be/FH19qlpvsh0






I'm not sure of this school's location but I wanted to share this dramatic tornado footage from the school's surveillance cameras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJPGuMfnty4



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Watching


The following video is from a student convergent media project with my studies at The University of Oklahoma. (Video for inclusion in my process blog ~ OU Instructor Todd Stewart.)

Watching represents my interpretation of the increased government surveillance atmosphere of current times. Over the past sixty to seventy years, technology has greatly improved and become a tool for the U.S. Government and other governments of advanced nations for monitoring its citizens. Learning from the past, disagreements or rebellion with his or her government has penalties and consequences. Big Brother is always watching.


WATCHING from Shelly Perkins on Vimeo.


Click on video above or link below to view Watching.
(approximately 3 minute clip)

https://vimeo.com/74345592


Shelly Perkins, artist
www.shellyperkins.com

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

APPS for iPad Convergent Media

~ This list is still evolving ~
APPS for iPad Convergent Media


This list is a compilation of applications currently available for iPad usage. I've included the cost of the app and the direct link to learn more information about it. These apps are a few of the many tools I will be using this fall as I create work from various types of media, converging with other mediums.




iStopMotion ~ $9.99
http://boinx.com/istopmotion/ipad/
iStop Motion for the iPad is a stop motion animation movie app which uses a sequence of photos shown at a very high speed (approximately 25 frames per second) to create videos. The app is often used in classrooms.

FiLMiC Pro ~ $4.99
http://filmicpro.com/
FiLMiC Pro turns mobile device into an HD video camera using real time, 4 zoom with full control over focus and exposure, white balance and frame rates.

iMovie ~$4.99
http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/
Make HD movies with iMovie app by adding videos, photos, music and sound effects, drag and trim capabilities, pinch to zoom timeline, freeze-frame and more.

Layers for iPad ~ $5.99
http://layersforipad.com/
Add up to five layers to your drawings in a creative space, including photos.

Paper 53 ~ free
www.fiftythree.com/paper
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paper-by-fiftythree/id506003812?mt=8 53 gives creative tools for drawing, sketching, outlining or writing. Sketch books shown with several examples of work and possibility. Free app with minimal tools can be upgraded for variety.

Flickr ~ free
http://www.flickr.com/
Online photo hosting management and sharing app is free. One terabyte of space is available at sign up. Great for uploading photos, giving you link to place in blog or other online spaces.

Coordinates ~ free
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coordinates-calculate-convert/id494286614?mt=8
Find your GPS coordinates instantly with this app. Great for use on geocaching or geographical projects for phone or iPad.

YouTube ~ free
http://www.youtube.com/
You Tube is free video hosting and sharing program. Upload, view and share videos here.

Vimeo ~ free
https://vimeo.com/
Vimeo is free hosting and video sharing program, currently with less users than YouTube. This program appeals to artists and professionals in comparison to YouTube.

Vine ~ free
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vine/id592447445?mt=8
Video sharing social media site similar to instagram but with videos.

Instagram ~ free
http://instagram.com/
Social media website displaying images (and now videos) to other uses which can be set for public viewing or private. Filters are available for use but may also be ignored for “actual” capture details.

Snapchat ~ free
http://www.snapchat.com/
Snap chat is a “real time” picture chatting app in which images are sent to another specific user for viewing. The image has a time limit (as set by the sender) to how long the image can be viewed.

Facebook ~ free
https://www.facebook.com/
Social media website to share posts, images and videos with public or private access.

Camera Access ~ free
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cameraaccess/id584747852?mt=8
Camera Access allows operators to use camcorders with their iPhones and iPads via Wi-Fi, recording and zooming from a distance. App is useful for monitoring pets, people or recording yourself.

Google Earth ~ free
http://www.google.com/earth/index.html
See virtual images of anywhere on earth to see cities, buildings, terrain and imagery.


Free Blogging Sites ~
http://wordpress.com/
http://www.weebly.com/
http://www.blogger.com/


Shelly Perkins
Convergent Media Artist

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Convergent Media at the University of Oklahoma


This process blog details the steps I take to create art for my Convergent Media student projects. Combining multiple media devices, techniques and tools is required for Convergent Media at the University of Oklahoma School of Art, Technology and Culture.

Convergent Media is the process of combining various types of technology into a single media. The combination of television, Internet, radio and newspaper into a single project using various apps and tools like the computer, iPhone, camera, and iPad to complete a project.



Friday, September 6, 2013

Oklahoma Road Crews Remove Bridge as OU Sooners Game Ends




The Oklahoman is reporting I-235 will close Saturday night (September 6) at 9:00 pm to Monday morning at 5:00 am. Those traveling through the state may want to change their course after leaving Saturday night's football game when the Sooners take on West Virginia.

It's interesting that this bridge has already been closed for the last few months, yet some of the busiest traffic in the state occurs during the same hours as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be detouring traffic elsewhere. Fans driving back to Edmond or other locations north of Norman who normally take I-235 after home games, may want to plan an alternate route to avoid the detours and huge lines of traffic.

BOOMER.

For more info from the Oklahoman click on link below:
http://newsok.com/interstate-235-to-close-as-crews-remove-bridge/article/3879678

Monday, September 2, 2013

Dust in the Wind


I not only love Sarah Brightman's version of this song Dust in the Wind, but I really enjoy watching this video. YouTube shows this as the official video however the film quality doesn't seem to show the best resolution. Despite the quality of the video, the photography is breathtaking and inspirational. I especially love the interaction between the female and the horse. I also really enjoy the final scene when the girl jumps into the water. The set location showing rock formations in underwater caverns is breath taking. I would love to do location work for film and music videos. Half the fun of making images is scouting out the locations and coming up with the ideas. I'm sharing this with my process blog because it brings me inspiration.

Click on the link below to watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgUN8MmPN7Q



Sunday, September 1, 2013

WICKED Musical Comes to OKC



I'm looking forward to the arrival of the Broadway Musical Wicked to Oklahoma City's Civic Center. Wicked, based on Winnie Holzman's book with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, books sold-out shows. The touring production begins the story long before Dorothy lands in Oz, of two unlikely friends, Glinda the Good Witch of the North and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.

The production is scheduled to be at the Oklahoma City Civic Center, September 4-22, 2013.
Click on the link below for ticket information.
http://www.okcciviccenter.com/

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Meeting Artist Ed Ruscha, The “Father of Google Maps”




Artists Ed Ruscha and Shelly Perkins

Photo Courtesy of Jefferson Chang


Our journey on the “Road to Ruscha” began with an idea and a collaboration of students from various college majors and studies, combined into one group to learn from the past and how it influences the future. Artist Edward Ruscha, who grew up in Oklahoma, was one of the first artists to document the familiar and present it in an art form unlike any others before him. Over fifty years ago in 1962, Ruscha self-published Twentysix Gasoline Stations, a first of a series of photobooks the artist made in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

The highlight to our trip was meeting Ed Ruscha and crew at his Los Angeles suburb studio. His staff was friendly, his friends and family were inviting and his dog was loving. They graciously invited us in and Ruscha took a break from his busy schedule to talk to us and show our group around his studio grounds. So many of the preparations and so much of our trip revolved around this well-known artist who in our minds was almost a fictional character. As we visited people and places on his often traveled route, a few of us joked along the way, W.W.E.D. (What Would Ed Do?)

As the interstate highway system did not yet exist, Ruscha recorded gas stations between Oklahoma City and Los Angeles on his often-traveled Route 66, which at the time was “the” highway road to travel. The last stretch of interstate wasn’t opened until 1984 through Arizona and since then much of the original Route 66 has fallen to disrepair and yet so much is still worth exploring. Much of the road through America’s countryside and urban areas that display signage and images, between visible homes, businesses and roadside eateries, is still there. When the same image or place is viewed often in one’s lifetime, these sites may seem mundane and familiar. However, as time goes on and as these landscapes change, one may recall the buildings and activities that were once there. Later found photographs, maps or paintings of these forgotten once-familiar places, bring on memories of good and bad events one has experienced in the past. Ruscha understood the changes taken place right in front of him and others.

I’ve learned through my experiences, travel informs one’s understanding of space, land, and place in the world. I am a little older than most of the other university students on this trip which allows me a little more insight. I understand we are only on this earth for such a short time. I am intrigued with the American road and landscape, and the history each space contains. As people come and go, the earth and place remain. Although the topography may change, the soil may erode or man-made structures may come and go, the space remains. Within the space lies a history of those who have traveled before and those who will travel after. I believe Ruscha understood this before many others or at least any artists who chose to document the changes. Art critics and writers have even called him the “Father of Google Maps.” Although it is a relatively new technology and a tool many use today, Google Maps is often taken for granted, as images of cities and maps appear at the push of a button.

Finding myself traveling in new unfamiliar places, I search out the land and experience the unknown. Each place I experience brings a new understanding to the past and a new connection. I am intrigued with the new and continually grow from each experience as a little part of it remains with me. As I traveled with our university group, I experienced Ruscha’s America, revisiting his steps to deepen an understanding of the land, places and space he and others have experienced before me. Ruscha’s work emphasizes that people are only on this earth but a moment in time and although the land changes, it remains for the next generation to experience. I feel privileged to have been reminded of our short time on this ever-changing planet and to have met Ed Ruscha in his studio with his friends and family.

- Shelly Perkins

Monday, July 1, 2013

Ed Ruscha's TwentySix Gasoline Stations currently at The J. Paul Getty Museum


During my visit to Los Angeles, I was blessed to not only meet the amazing artist, Ed Ruscha, at his studio but also view his current exhibition being held at The J. Paul Getty Museum. The Father of Google Maps as some art historians and critics call Ed Ruscha, has multiple books and images at the Getty. If you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit to the esteemed Getty to visit "IN FOCUS: Ed Ruscha." The exhibition is open until September 29, 2013.


Standard, Amarillo, Texas, 1962, Ed Ruscha, gelatin silver print. The J. Paul Getty Museum, 2011.54.9. © Ed Ruscha.



"Rejecting the tradition of the limited-edition, handcrafted artist's book, Ed Ruscha produced sixteen photo books between 1963 and 1978 in large editions on high-speed professional presses. Most feature snapshot-like photographs that he made with his 2 1/4-inch-format Yashica camera and sequenced in straightforward layouts."
"For Twentysix Gasoline Stations (1963), the first of these photo books, Ruscha photographed gas stations along Route 66 during road trips between Los Angeles and his hometown of Oklahoma City. Several of the photographs became source material for works of art that he would realize in other media either at the same time or several years, even decades, later. Most notable is Ruscha's sustained interest in the photograph of Standard Station, Amarillo, Texas that he took in 1962. Over the next four decades, he would create several works on canvas or paper that abstracted the original silhouette of the gas station, including the 1963 oil painting, Standard Station, Amarillo Texas now in the collection of the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College." ~
- © The J. Paul Getty Museum

http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=335478
http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/focus_ruscha/
http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/focus_ruscha/

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

"Road to Ruscha" Part Two Post by FJJMA

"Have you ever wondered about what happens behind the scenes of a major art museum? Welcome to Off the Wall – a glimpse of life behind the walls of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma. Join us as we examine the roles of museum staff members, works inside the museum vaults, upcoming news and exhibitions, and much more."

~Post by Jessica Farling, Curator of Academic Programs at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma
Click link below to view Road to Ruscha Part Two Post by FJJMA
http://fjjmablog.org/2013/06/11/road-to-ruscha-part-two/


Monday, June 3, 2013

My OU Trip to California on the Road to Ruscha


I just returned from a road trip to California with a group of photographers, art-historians, scientists, artists and geographers from The University of Oklahoma. Several students and faculty traveled along Route 66 half-way across the country retracing artist Ed Ruscha's trip from Oklahoma to Los Angeles, which inspired his book TwentySix Gasoline Stations. When we reached California we met Ed Ruscha, originally from Oklahoma, at his studio where he graciously showed us around his studio and then on to the Getty Museum where we viewed Ruscha's current exhibition, including TwentySix Gasoline Stations. If you're interested in checking out my blog posts from my OU trip you can currently view them online along with the other group participants.

To check out my blog posts click here or paste the URL into your browser: http://roadtoruscha.com/2013/?author=22 http://roadtoruscha.com/2013/?author=22



#RoadToRuscha
#EdRushca
#OU
#UniversityofOklahoma
#GettyMusuem