Holbrook Arizona – A Place to Rest and Eat on Route 66

We arrived in Holbrook, Arizona to find our hotel, a survivor of Route 66′s cglory days. The hospitality of America’s Best Value Inn was friendly and prompt, and provides a complimentary breakfast. We proceeded to find our rooms, all on the only upper floor, each with a door which opens to the outside walkway and balcony. This hotel or as many we’re called motor inns or motels, instantly took me back to days when I was younger. When I was in growing up, my family would often stay in roadside motels like this on our vacations and road trips. These days my family most often stays in hotels with many floors, interior only access to the rooms with big swimming pools and business centers. Our rooms were quaint and clean and I enjoyed a much needed hot shower after a day of playing in the sun and on the hot mesas.

We had dinner at Tom and Suzie’s Diner, attached to the motel, which with a group of more than 20 took a bit, but they were able to serve us all and it was definitely worth the wait. I ordered the spicy Mongolian BBQ over rice with a glass of lemon water. The diner has a large selection as others ordered steaks, shrimp, burgers, ice cream and tall shakes. Probably one of the best things the diner offered is their free access to their high speed Internet. This mad our university group extremely happy as we all could finally post work and communicate with loved ones after a day in the hot sun on Route 66.
Also, if you have a chance to have breakfast at Tom and Suzie’s, it was fast and delicious.
~Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha trip 2013

Relocating Artifacts

As we have learned, artifacts have narrative with a place or person associated with them. If an object is removed from one place to another, its meaning can change. Our group came upon a shoe field or “garden,” an abundance of shoes and various random articles, abandoned in the desert. Each one of our group located artifacts, examined its present location, considered why it was possibly placed there, and then moved the artifact to a new location.

The artifact I discovered and relocated was a car tire, spray painted teal blue on one side. Other than finding it in the trash pile and additional blue paint, I could find no flaws with the tire. The tread looked even, had not been worn down and looked new. I decided to relocate the tire closer to the Route 66, on top of a pole covered with shoes. With the tire in close proximity to the road, travelers who notice it and later may need a spare could return and retrieve the tire for use on their own vehicle.

I find it interesting that this location of micro-artifacts and many smaller objects like shoes, combined with tires, a bathtub and other random discarded articles; has grown in size to a large macro area of waste, now a tourism landmark.

Coordinates for this location:
Latitude: 34.083413
Longitude:-114.847925
Post by Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma's Road to Ruscha trip 2013

Locating Artifacts on the Road to Ruscha

Artifacts have narrative with a place or person associated with them. Removing objects from one place to another can change the meaning of the artifact. Students from our group were encouraged to think about how the meaning changes when we changed its location.

We encountered two places, abundantly full of artifacts, along our route. The first was a roadside area littered with garbage, which looked to an outsider to be some type of abandoned waste management area. However upon further investigation, some believed to be a site of a multiple tractor trailer accident, although we are still unsure. Each one of our group located artifacts as we examined the morphology and changes from the vacant frontage past to the present waste site.

Coordinates for this location:
Latitude: 34.791180 Longitude: -115.146633

~ Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha trip 2013

Tornado Hits Home

Tornado Hits Home and I’m in LA !!!

Every one in our group chose their activities for the day; many of us ran around town, went to the beach, some met up with family or friends from the area and my group went to Universal Studios. We went on the backlot studio tour and then rode several of the rides. While we were on the tour I started getting text messages about a tornado sitting less than a mile from my house. I am 1500 miles away from my kids and there was nothing I could do to help protect them or keep them safe from the impending danger which was about to envelope my city.

My family prepared to take cover as the tornado approached. My oldest daughter who is almost 21 was at our house with her little Maltese and my husband picked up my youngest 9 year old from the elementary school. My mother was also at our house, along with husband and our zoo of animals. However my 13 year old was at school taking shelter; had texted my oldest daughter that the power was out at the school and she was scared. Soon after, the phones also lost connections. What seemed like an eternity until I finally received a call from home that my family and animals were okay. The junior high decided it was now safe to release the kids from class and my husband and oldest daughter picked up my 13 year old. Finally everyone (except me) were reunited and home after the tornado.

There are a few moments in my life I’ve realized just how much I love my family, especially my children and couldn’t imagine life without them. Exploring Route 66 over the past ten days has made me think about slowing down and cherishing the everyday life and world around us we often take for granted. It seems many families are busy with work, school functions and sports practices and need a little time to reconnect. It’s been a great experience meeting others along our route, spending time with new found friends and making connections through a shared community on the road.
~ Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha Trip 2013

Canadians Traveling Route 66

On our stopover in Holbrook Arizona’s Tom and Suzie’s Diner, I had the opportunity to meet an interesting retired couple from Toronto, Canada. Doug and Peggy Purdy are traveling with their terrier, Chloe on Route 66. The couple had recently visited Oklahoma’s stretch of the route and in addition to meeting our group from the University of Oklahoma, they also met a group from Oklahoma State.

While visiting Red Rock Canyon in Hinton Oklahoma, Doug was injured on a hike which required medical attention. He hit his head on a tree and the wound was deep enough to require stitches at an Oklahoma hospital. Canadians receive socialized healthcare coverage for all citizens and they were unsure how it would work since they were in a different country when he sustained his injury. The couple said it took longer to complete the paperwork and the calls from the hospital to Canada, than the actual time spent with the doctor in the emergency room; however they left Oklahoma without a medical bill and were pleased. Since the couple is touring the United States and spending quite some time here, he needed to have his stitches removed while still away from Canada. Mr. Purdy visited the hospital while in Sante Fe, New Mexico and left WITHOUT stitches but WITH a $500 hospital bill. We spent much of our conversation discussing U.S. vs Canadian healthcare, which I found quite interesting and I enjoyed my time with the Purdy’s.

Post by Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha trip 2013

The “Standard” American Dream

Visiting Ruscha’s Standard Gas Station in Amarillo

Our group has had the opportunity to meet such a variety of characters on our Road to Ruscha, however I think the person I’ve enjoyed the best so far is Mr Khang An Nguyen. Originally from Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen is the owner of the K&T Automotive and Transmission. He’s owned the business for only about seven months, after working for another automotive shop; since he first arrived in the US in 2006.

Mr Nguyen represents the “American Dream.” According to the New York Times, the phrase was first coined by writer James Truslow Adams in the early 1930s. He wrote regardless of social class or circumstances of birth “life should be richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Mr Nguyen moved to America, worked hard, saved his money and purchased the station at 4001 E. Amarillo Blvd in Amarillo, which was Ruscha’s original “Standard” station on Route 66.

Post by Shelly Perkins on University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha 2013

Cowboys at the U-Drop Inn

While visiting the U-Drop Inn located in Shamrock Texas, I had the opportunity to meet two extremely nice gentlemen. These Texas cowboys are also insurance adjusters who set up an office in the U-Drop Inn, which is also known as the Tower Station or Tower Café of Wheeler County Texas. Most may remember the architecture of the U-Drop Inn as it was featured in the 2006 animated film Cars as the inspiration for the fictional Ramone’s Body Shop. Currently the building acts as the Shamrock City Chamber of Commerce, visitor’s center and office space. The diner area has been restored to its original condition, although a full time diner is not currently in operation.

These cowboys were working as insurance adjusters, as recently a storm had traveled through the area and affected quite a few residents. One of the cowboys I spoke with was Gary Brewer who is also the Mayor of Wellington, Texas, which has a population of 2,200 people. The other gentleman, Dennis Wilson, raises Palomino horses. Wilson belongs to the Palomino Horse Club and travels to Pasadena, California with his horses to the Rose Bowl Parade. I teased Mr. Wilson that he should be the sheriff because he was so tall and in my mind is the epitome of a big Texan sheriff. I enjoyed meeting these two gentlemen and wish I had more time to get to know them. This area of Texas and the town of Shamrock seems like a very lovely place to visit and I know will be back with my kids. This was the first day of our journey on the Road to Ruscha.

Shelly Perkins ~ University of Oklahoma Road to Ruscha 2013
www.shellyperkins.com

Jessica's Sneak Peak

I had a great time meeting Jessica and her adorable family. Jessica helped me with an OU project that I'm working on over the next few months for my Women and Gender Studies minor. Here are a few images from our shoot.

www.shellyperkins.com

"Road to Ruscha" Part One 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."

Click on the link below to read Road to Ruscha Part One
~Posted by Jessica Farling, Curator of Academic Programs at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma

http://fjjmablog.org/2013/05/14/road-to-ruscha-part-one/

The Lion Sleeps Tonight ~ Happy Hippo & Stan

I wanted to share this link to this cute video that my youngest daughter discovered. This little song and cartoon characters remind me not to be so serious with life and in my art. I hope you enjoy this much as we did. ~ Shelly


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RxTM36VKUY

University of Oklahoma's School of Art and Art History Online Gallery

My Photography on OU's School of Art and Art History Online Gallery

I was excited to learn that my work was chosen to be displayed as a part of the the University of Oklahoma's School of Art & Art History online gallery. Here's my image that was chosen. You may also go visit all of the great work by the other artist's currently at OU. Visit: http://www.ou.edu/content/finearts/art_arthistory/galleries/student_gallery.html





Tags: Shelly Perkins Photography; www.shellyperkins.com; OU; University of Oklahoma; School of Art and Art History; art; art gallery;

The Creative Brain ~ How Insight Works

The advancement of humanity has been based on the creativeness of others. By understanding creativity humans can begin to understand the brain more. Creativity is found everything, not just artists. People should learn about their world and surround themselves with what they love and through creativity, humanity will improve. Go Create!!

Click on the link below to BBC's Documentary Horizon ~ The Creative Brain: How Insight Works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2L0t-EN2Yo





Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com
Tags: Oklahoma, Photographer, Artist, Brain, Gamma, Waves, Works,
Creative, Creativity, Insight, Documentary

HE IS RISEN

HE IS RISEN



King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6

Enjoy your Palm Sunday with those you love remembering the Reason for the Season. Happy Easter ~ SP

Sneak Peek of my Parent College Students OU Project

Sneak Peek of my Parent College Students project that I'm doing for OU ~ Shelly


University of Oklahoma Student Alia with her daughter


link to Shelly's Facebook page and sneak peek ~
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151498516494679&set=a.10150275454584679.348229.362716799678&type=1&theater

College Student Parents Keep Working

Stock image from Sociology in Focus


Currently I am working on my final project for my Women and Gender Studies minor at the University of Oklahoma. I am making photographs and writing biographies about mothers who are currently college students. Both jobs are equally hard but combining them makes it quite a challenge. I know from being both that there are times when it just doesn't seem like I have enough time to complete everything in the day. I found this article and wanted to share it with others.

"First-generation college students (i.e. students whose parents did not graduate from college) are at higher risk of not completing college compared to students who have parents who completed college. Consider these statistics reported in USA Today: Nationally, 89% of low-income first-gen[eration college students] leave college within six years without a degree. More than a quarter leave after their first year — four times the dropout rate of higher-income second-generation students."

"I think my perspective on the importance of parental socialization regarding college crystallized as a graduate student. I did become a second-generation graduate student and first-generation doctorate student. But it was my grandma who had the Master’s degree, not my parents. In other words, graduate school was a world that my parents did not know. And after completing a graduate degree, I know exactly how to advise my own daughter on navigating graduate school. There are a number of things I understand about graduate school now that I am on the other side of it that I wish I had known and understood before I started graduate school. If you have teachers who are willing to share their graduate school experience, listen to them and ask them lots of questions."

"Having college-educated parents, does not just mean a likely higher household income growing up, but also helps socialize children into future roles as college students themselves (thanks, mom and dad!)." So remember when you're working so hard being a mother and you're a college student staying up all night, remember you're not only working to better yourself, but future generations. You're also working hard to improve the life of your children and their children. Keep working. Keep your head up. Study hard. Keep being a good parent. Don't forget in your day when you're spending so many hours reading, writing, and studying, don't forget why you're doing this. You're doing this for yourself, your kids and your family. Spend some time with them too. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on an activity with them, just take for a walk in your neighborhood (without constantly looking at your mobile device). Take your kiddos to the park, they're everywhere and they're free. Go to the library, not to check out books for your class or next research paper, but instead pick out books and sit in the corner and read to your kids. Don't forget in all the craziness of your college and parent life that you need to spend time with your kids and take some time out for yourself. Now, go get your degree.


http://www.sociologyinfocus.com/2012/10/22/socialization-the-advantage-of-being-a-2nd-generation-student/

Apple's 1984 Mac Ad and "Big Brother"

Apple's "Supper" Bowl Ad in 1984 using the book "1984"
Hmmmmm, Big Brother is here, a few year's later than George Orwell predicted in his novel 1984, but definitely here.


Click below to see the YouTube video of Mac's commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pEmR_Va0ynk




This blog post was created while Ms Perkins was a student at the University of Oklahoma and any information or use of images, phrases, are used solely for educational purposes and not for resale.

Life is a Merry Go Round

Image from: http://www.roughstock.com/ copyright 2008 by Cheri Media Group




I love the song Merry Go Round sang by Kacey Musgraves. I really love the images in the video too as it takes me back to watching the old home movies that my father took when I was a kid. I luckily have inherited his movie projector and these images and working to archive these for future generations of my family. I lost my Dad a year ago and it still makes me so sad, as there is a piece of my heart missing. I believe he was a Christian and is in now in Heaven, but I am still miss him terribly.

This song makes me think about quickly life goes by. Life is so short and then the next generation comes along to live their life. I feel like I am the storykeeper of our family. I want to archive the images and moments of my family, to pass down our stories and the stories of those who came before.

Click on link below to view the video of Merry Go Round.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjeWDvh6J0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjeWDvh6J0

Finding Inspiration in Eugenio Recuenco

I'm back at the University of Oklahoma this semester studying Fine Art. In a search for inspirational photographers, I have found a photographer and a style which I am completely and totally in awe ~ from Madrid, Spain, Eugenio Recuenco.

Already in love with Spain, he gives me more reason to love it. I've had the chance to visit Espana with my husband a few years ago and I completely fell in love with the country. It reminded me a lot of Oklahoma with it's grassy fields and gorgeous horses in the Andalusian region near Cádiz and Rota. Enough on Spain, check out one of their amazing photographers....

Here's a link to his online portfolio for some eye candy. http://www.eugeniorecuenco.com/ As I experiment with my own work, I feel drawn to this photographer's vision. The images have a cinematography feel with fantasy blurring the lines between imagined and real life.

Here's a link to an informational blog containing works by Eugenio Recuenco ~ http://www.wicked-halo.com/tag/eugenio-recuenco

Above are a few of the images I found to be sooo inspiring. Remember ~ nothing is original. So with that, I will make my own work using Recuenco as inspiration for my fantasy photographic project at OU.



The images contained within this blog may be under a copyright law. I am not selling these images but merely using them for my own personal inspiration to make photographic works at the university. ~ SP

Jerusalem in 60 Seconds

As Easter time approaches, I wanted to share this link to a very short video about the diversity of religions found in the city of Jerusalem. Maybe it will inspire you to learn more about this Holiest of Holy of cities. ~ SP


Jerusalem in 60 Seconds ~

"This is a glimpse of one of the holiest of cities on Earth, with thousands of years of world-shaping history un-boringly condensed into just 60 seconds. Welcome to Jerusalem. Try not to blink."

click on this link below
http://vimeo.com/61324683

College Student Mothers of Oklahoma Needed for OU Photo Project

************************************************************* WANTED !!! Calling MOTHERS who are also COLLEGE STUDENTS in the State of OKLAHOMA. If you are a mother and a current college student (full or part time) and are interested in participating in a Photography Project for The University of Oklahoma, please let me know. Also, if you know someone who is college student mother, please pass along this information. *************************************************************
please message me through Facebook at Shelly Perkins Photography ~ SP

https://www.facebook.com/ShellyPerkinsPhotography

Jewelry Photography & Retouching Commercial Images

Jewelry Photography & Retouching





"In today’s highly retouched advertising world, people assume everything can be solved with a quick airbrushing in Photoshop." I found a great blog about lighting products for commercial advertising photography that can help other photography students. Stylists set up displays while photographers work hard to show off the best qualities of a product for their commercial employers. This blog shows how one company in Canada is making images look great.

click link below to read Epic Mind Blog
http://www.epicmind.com/blog/tag/photography-lighting/

Art to Life

Art to Life

Art to Life is short blog post showing examples of current modern photographic work using classical paintings and images made throughout the ages as inspiration. The author of this blog has put together a great collection of images to show the past inspirational piece and the more current photographic images.

It just goes to show you, NOTHING IS ORIGINAL.

Click on link to view ~
http://www.wicked-halo.com/2011/04/art-to-life-the-random-edition.html

Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Marithe + François Girbaud ad campaign

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

I saw you standing in the middle of the thunder and lightning I know you're feeling like you just can't win, but you're trying It's hard to keep on keepin' on, when you're being pushed around Don't even know which way is up, you just keep spinning down, 'round, down…

Every storm runs, runs out of rain Just like every dark night turns into day Every heartache will fade away Just like every storm runs, runs out of rain

So hold your head up and tell yourself that there's something more And walk out that door, Go find a new rose, don't be afraid of the thorns 'Cause we all have thorns Just put your feet up to the edge, put your face in the wind And when you fall back down, keep on rememberin'

Every storm runs, runs out of rain Just like every dark night turns into day Every heartache will fade away Just like every storm runs, runs out of rain

It's gonna run out of pain It's gonna run out of sting It's gonna leave you alone It's gonna set you free Set you free

Every storm runs, runs out of rain Just like every dark night turns into day Every heartache will fade away Just like every storm runs, runs out of rain

It's gonna set you free, It's gonna run out of pain, It's gonna set you free

~~~ I LOVE these lyrics. I haven't always been a big country fan but I'm fast becoming one. I love the stories the artists are singing about and that makes so many people able to relate to the words. Like the words above Every Storm Runs Out of Rain ~ As in life, just give it a little time and the hard time you're experiencing will past and the good times will come along. I believe if you trust in God and understand that the storm won't last, Christ is walking with you and will get you through. ~~~ Everyone enjoy your day. God Bless.

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS OF SHELLY PERKINS

~~~~ ~~ THE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS OF SHELLY PERKINS ~~
Repost~December 12, 2012
In a quest to finalize my project for this semester at the University of Oklahoma, I’ve found that I’m wanting more. I don’t want my project to be over and plan to make additional images for my Wonderland interpretation. I loved getting to know how I work and how I go through the process of making my artwork, from the initial concept and idea down to the final image and large inkjet print. There are a few images that my project will never be complete without, one of which is the White Rabbit. How can Alice go to Wonderland without chasing after the White Rabbit who is always late? (I’m currently on a mission to find a white rabbit that my little Alice could cuddle in a portrait.) Another image I plan to make includes the caterpillar, possibly with a smoking hookah, and finally the Mad Hatter and well, you’ll just have to wait and see about him. The Mad Hatter images I made looked a little too creepy for my final presentation. I wanted to stay away from the creepiness (which is the path I took for my last large project but instead wanted this final class project to have a light-hearted feel to it and to bring back memories of what others may have remembered about “their” Alice for their own childhood. Here is a collage of the final images from my project (albeit finished for the class, but not quite finished for my own personal project). This will be my final posting on my student blog for this Digital Photography at the University of Oklahoma. I’ve had a great time…now Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Have a Blessed New Year!!! ( FOR MORE INFO ON MY ONGOING WORK — CHECK OUT WWW.SHELLYPERKINS.COM )

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Shelly Perkins Family Photography Presents....

This is a short clip of some of Shelly Perkins' family and children photography.

Shelly Perkins Family Photography Presents.....


www.shellyperkins.com

Who Is Shelly Perkins Photography ?

Shelly Perkins Photography is an on location Boutique Photography Experience. Our family owned photography business travels throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and even New York photographing your events.

Shelly Perkins Photography specializes in Children's photography and also photographs family portraiture, babies, high school seniors and college co-eds. Whether you want to create your portrait at Lake Hefner or Bricktown in Oklahoma City or as far away as Spain, we have passports and will travel with you. We want to photograph your newborn baby through childhood and into adulthood.

Time goes by fast and these images are the ones you will cherish forever. We are your Forever Photographers.

Contact us at perkphotography (at) aol (dot) (com)
www.shellyperkins.com

Shelly Perkins Photography on Facebook

You can find Shelly Perkins Photography on Facebook ~ LIKE this PAGE on FACEBOOK to get exclusive updates and events ONLY OFFERED TO FACEBOOK FANS!!
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Do You Love PINTERST As Much As I Do??

Do you LOVE PINTEREST as much as I do ??

YOU'RE INVITED to FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST !

I have quite a few Pinterest Albums from personal craft ideas to tips to make better photographs of your kiddos.





Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Happy New Year to All ~

Happy New Year's to you All ~
Here's a little peak from one of my photo shoots ~

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

What's a Christmas without the Nutcracker ?

What's a Christmas without the Nutcracker? I hope you enjoy the Nutcracker ballet as much as our family does. There are so many companies that produce this throughout the world and can never pick a favorite. Enjoy this small clip from the Nutcracker and watch it through the eyes of a child. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Finalizing my Project

~~~~ ~~ THE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS OF SHELLY PERKINS ~~
~December 12, 2012
In a quest to finalize my project for this semester at the University of Oklahoma, I’ve found that I’m wanting more. I don’t want my project to be over and plan to make additional images for my Wonderland interpretation. I loved getting to know how I work and how I go through the process of making my artwork, from the initial concept and idea down to the final image and large inkjet print. There are a few images that my project will never be complete without, one of which is the White Rabbit. How can Alice go to Wonderland without chasing after the White Rabbit who is always late? (I’m currently on a mission to find a white rabbit that my little Alice could cuddle in a portrait.) Another image I plan to make includes the caterpillar, possibly with a smoking hookah, and finally the Mad Hatter and well, you’ll just have to wait and see about him. The Mad Hatter images I made looked a little too creepy for my final presentation. I wanted to stay away from the creepiness (which is the path I took for my last large project but instead wanted this final class project to have a light-hearted feel to it and to bring back memories of what others may have remembered about “their” Alice for their own childhood. Here is a collage of the final images from my project (albeit finished for the class, but not quite finished for my own personal project). This will be my final posting on my student blog for this Digital Photography at the University of Oklahoma. I’ve had a great time…now Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Have a Blessed New Year!!! ( FOR MORE INFO ON MY ONGOING WORK — CHECK OUT WWW.SHELLYPERKINS.COM )

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Ben Heine's Mad Hatter

December 11, 2012
I wanted to share some other work I found that I’ve really enjoyed. Ben Heine’s work ~ WOW ~ Lovin' this artist.

Alice in Wonderland

Did Lewis Carroll have a Mental Illness ?

~~ ~December 10, 2012

Did Lewis Carroll have a mental illness ??
I had not addressed this in the blog before but some historians have wondered if Lewis Carroll, the author of the original Alice story, had a form of mental illness and even worse. Whether he did or not, I do not know, however the author did record in his journal his bouts of illness with terrible migraines. I too have migraines and know how debilitating they can get at times. Here’s a short article written by news publication Varsity in the U.K. about Lewis Carroll.
http://www.varsity.co.uk/culture/4085

Twisted or Just Child Play ?

~~December 9, 2012
Was Lewis Carroll twisted or did he just enjoy the innocence of child-play?
I want to think in my mind, that Lewis Carroll who was a professor, simply enjoyed spending time, teaching and entertaining young children. He did not have any children of his own and by terms of his employment he was not allowed to marry and therefore did not. He spent much time with the school’s Dean and his family (the “the real Alice” was the Dean and Lewis Carroll’s employer). Without confirmation otherwise, I believe Charles Dodgson, a.k.a. Lewis Carroll, was an educator who loved his job of teaching children and delighted in seeing the eyes of the innocent sparkle when he told his tales. If you can step back in time and remember when everything was new and an adventure. Why shouldn’t we all carry that feeling around with us and go out into the world and see everything through the eyes of a child?
Smithsonian link on Lewis Carroll’s Shifting Reputation http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Lewis-Carrolls-Shifting-Reputation.html?c=y&page=3#
~~

Interpretations of Alice in Wonderland

~~ ~December 8, 2012

A few more clips of other Alice and Wonderland interpretations. I can’t get enough of Wonderland now. I’m so in love with the whole little story. I’ve been researching the back story about the original author and the surroundings of the original writings, which are somewhat strange but all in all, it’s a great story to make-believe.
Here’s a little clip from the original Disney 1951 animated film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgbntWU7pG8

Here’s a fun short video with various Cheshire Cat clips. I LOVE the Cheshire Cat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cl5Bd_-FzA

Here’s another little Youtube link from another Wonderland film. It has somewhat of a Little House on the Prairie feel to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=ZhHun-Jq7s8

Here’s a link to the entire film of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a 1972 British musical film based on the Lewis Carroll novel of the same name. It had an all star cast, and John Barry composed the score. In 1973, the film won the BAFTA Film Award at the BAFTA Awards Ceremony for Best Cinematography, won by Geoffrey Unsworth, and Best Costume Design, won by Anthony Mendleson. Cast: Fiona Fullerton – Alice Michael Crawford – White Rabbit Peter Sellers – The March Hare Dudley Moore’s name was in the credits too… still have yet to find him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgWshJ9yN7c

Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland filmed in 1972
And Lastly…. Here’s the U.K. trailer to the latest Disney Alice in Wonderland film produced by Tim Burton. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9POCgSRVvf0

My Art Process ~ Alice in Wonderland

~~December 5, 2012
I wanted to include a little behind the scenes look at the process I go through to make an image. I usually have an idea in my mind and will often sketch out a scene. The final image may not look exactly like the sketch but it’s more of a beginning point. Much of my work is about the process not just the outcome and I wanted to offer a glimpse of the steps that I take to get to the destination.

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Inspiration for my Chesire Cat

~~ ~November 20, 2012 ~
Here’s a little video clip from the original animated version of Alice. This video and seeing it through the eyes of a child was inspiration for my Cat ~ Animated Alice in Wonderland’s Chesire Cat CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS CHESHIRE CAT VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUnqbBgYZmI

Continuing my Quest for Alice ~ Avril Lavigne's Alice Video

~~ ~November 17, 2012 ~ 3:45 pm CONTINUING MY QUEST FOR ALICE ~
Avril Lavigne's "Alice" from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland Soundtrack I've loved this song and the creepiness look of the video since it came out. I don't know why I didn't share it earlier.

Click here for Avril Lavigne's VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZb8CnUzUOc

Lyrics to "Alice"

[Verse 1:] Trippin' out Spinnin' around I'm underground I fell down Yeah, I fell down
I'm freakin' out Where am I now? Upside down And I can't stop it now It can't stop me now ooooooh
[Chorus:] I... I'll get by I... I'll Survive When the world's crashin' down When I Fall and hit the ground I will turn myself around Don't you try to stop me I... I won't cry
[Verse 2:] I'll play the game But I can't stay I've got my head on straight And I'm not gonna change I'm not gonna change
I'll win the race Keep up with the pace Today's the day That I start to pray You can't get in my way Nooooooooo
[Chorus]
[Bridge:] I found myself (myself) In Wonderland Get back on (back on) My feet again Is this real? (this real) Is this pretend? I'll Take a stand (a stand) Until the end
[Chorus 2x]

The Jabberwocky ~ Alice in Wonderland

~~ ~November 16, 2012 @ 4:00 am
The Jabberwocky

" “Jabberwocky” is a poem of nonsense verse written by Lewis Carroll, and found as a part of his novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871). It is generally considered to be one of the greatest nonsense poems written in the English language. This poem is used in many schools to teach students about the use of portmanteaux."


by http://www.conradaskland.com/blog/2007/05/jabberwocky-by-lewis-carroll/
Link to The Jabberwocky, a poem by Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland Poets.Org, collections of poetry

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15597


Jabberwocky
by Lewis Carroll
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time the manxome foe he sought— So rested he by the Tumtum tree, And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood, The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame, Came whiffling through the tulgey wood, And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back.
"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!" He chortled in his joy.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.

~~

Annie Leibovitz does Alice in Wonderland for Vogue

~~ ~November 13, 2012 @ 06:00 am Annie Leibovitz does Alice in Wonderland
While researching Alice I found a piece from one of my all time favorite portrait photographers to the stars and designer of our day. I always love her work and was very excited to find this fashion editorial shot by Annie Leibovitz. http://trendland.com/alice-in-wonderland-by-annie-leibovitz/#

The image of giant Alice inside the doll house is my favorite image!!! I love it.


These photos are images made by Annie Lebowitz and printed for Vogue, both are copyrights of these individuals and their companies. These images have been only been used for educational purposes while as a student on the University of Oklahoma. No copyright laws have been broken. Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

My Inner Trip to Wonderland

~~ November 12, 2012 @ 3:50 am My inner trip to Wonderland
I am continuing my journey to my own "Wonderland" and have found many roads I could choose to travel. As I work through my idea and storyline, I relax and let my mind take me on a journey to a make-believe space and to a time which is always speeding along, too quickly and yet it almost stands still. I find inspiration all around in small objects that are often missed or ignored and I feel compelled to photograph these small details, up-close in a minimalist way, keeping the images simple to show the importance of each object. I have photographed Alice's legs and feet. This is a tool which are going to take us to our adventure through Wonderland and Alice's dreams. We notice the key and wonder what kind of door it might open. We see a stack of disheveled cards with the Queen of Hearts on the top to show the domination the queen possesses. A purple, fat, whimsical cat looks the viewer in the eye while other images of clocks and time pieces have importance to the story. Each small part helps to represent the larger part of depth of the story of Alice's journey.

My Quest for Alice

Some inspiration for my University of Oklahoma photography project has been found in the writings and illustrations of the original Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll. The story is really deep if you truly study it and the characters and even the behind the scene process and journey which Lewis Carroll and the family of the real Alice take during this time.

Lenny's Alice in Wonderland website has posted a lot of great information and also has a webshop selling Alice merchandise. Inspirational Website: http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/pictures/alice-pictures.html
Alice in Wonderland related merchandise http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/shop/
Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Finding Other Interpretations of Alice in Wonderland

~~ ~November 10, 2012 @ 11:00 pm
Finding other interpretations of Alice in Wonderland



I found this amazing artist, Romain Berthou, who is working with a company in Paris using his illustrations in digital media and television for companies like Disney. I LOVE, LOVE Berthou's take on Alice in Wonderland. I wanted to share these two images he included on his flickr account from his recently published pop-up book. I love the play of cards, popping up only to knock Alice down to the ground. (You'll have to look closely to find her amongst the cards. Also Berthou's White Rabbit is amazing. He looks so sweet and cuddly but so demented with those red eyes. Maybe he's like most people who are most often civil and nice to people but there's always a little bit of evilness or uncertainty which one must constantly battle to contain.

Romain Berthou's Flickr Site ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/57121663@N03/ Click on link below to see Berthou's representation of an illustrated Alice along with a few other classics in his recent book. http://vimeo.com/14769206

Photographs, Images, Ideas and Representations used for educational purposes as a student of the University of Oklahoma in Media, Fine Art Photography.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Christmas and Holiday Photos by Shelly Perkins Photography

I haven't been advertising for appointments while I've been attending the University of Oklahoma full-time this semester. However, over the Christmas holiday I will be taking a few photography sessions for children and families. Here's a little advertising promo that I put together showing some of my favorite images I've recently made.

Let me know if you're interested in making an appointment. Limited space is available during the kid's winter break. I can't wait to make some memories with your family. Best wishes ~

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Avril Lavinge Lyrics to Alice in Wonderland song

[Verse 1:] Trippin' out Spinnin' around I'm underground I fell down Yeah, I fell down I'm freakin' out Where am I now? Upside down And I can't stop it now It can't stop me now ooooooh [Chorus:] I... I'll get by I... I'll Survive When the world's crashin' down When I Fall and hit the ground I will turn myself around Don't you try to stop me I... I won't cry [Verse 2:] I'll play the game But I can't stay I've got my head on straight And I'm not gonna change I'm not gonna change I'll win the race Keep up with the pace Today's the day That I start to pray You can't get in my way Nooooooooo [Chorus] [Bridge:] I found myself (myself) In Wonderland Get back on (back on) My feet again Is this real? (this real) Is this pretend? I'll Take a stand (a stand) Until the end [Chorus 2x]

Disclaimer ~

Disclaimer~~~~ Shelly Perkins is a current student of the University of Oklahoma and a professional photographer. She uses this blog as a process blog to record thoughts and ideas for future projects, to show current commercial work and to post anything that she may find interesting and want to share. The original works of Shelly Perkins is copyright Shelly Perkins Photography and may not be reproduced for any reason without the permission in written form from Shelly Perkins. Any images used in this blog by other photographers or artists are given credit when available and Shelly Perkins, Shelly Perkins Photography does not accept credit or any type of royalties from any such work. If you're interested in sharing any ideas, photos or additional information about anything found within this blog, please contact Shelly Perkins through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShellyPerkinsPhotography

Space and Time found in Alice in Wonderland

~October 24, 2012
Space and Time
Alice in Wonderland

As I am beginning to explore different avenues of Space and Time I find myself continually drawn to a make-believe space that is of a timeless appeal. I love the story of Alice in Wonderland and how since its original writing in 1865 by English author Lewis Carroll, the story remains loveable. The adventure begins with Alice going into a rabbit hole and into a space where real life is turned upside down. She follows a rabbit that is continually worried about the time and being late. When she comes to a gathering at a tea party, she has found the time has stopped at 6 pm or tea-time and so the tea party never ends.
In researching and thinking about space and time one must wonder about the existence and acknowledgement of time. In modern day advanced civilization, time is recorded by the passing of minutes, hours and days on a calendar. Even the Mayans of long ago understood and accepted the passing of time and recorded it by the creation of a calendar. Prehistoric man may have thought about the passing of time as in the life cycle of animals or the growing seasons of vegetation. These long ago people didn’t record it the same way we do now but still understood that time does not stand still.
Time continues the same for all, however the way people observe it and how they record it through their point of reference is the only thing that’s different. Time is the same for all and exists within a space or a three dimensional location. Space and time exist together, while the differences are the ways people exist within in a particular space and record the time within that space. As for Alice and the time she spent in Wonderland, one must wonder if it was just a dream? Was the time she spent there actually sleep and if the space only existed in her imagination of a dream?

Alice in Wonderland, a fictional space in time, as it existed in the mind of the author, “Lewis Carroll” and his original manuscript.

Source of image: Manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground (f. 45v / p. 88) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alice%27s_Adventures_Under_Ground_-_Lewis_Carroll_-_British_Library_Add_MS_46700_f45v.jpg

Job Interviews and Social Anxiety

Job Interviews and Social Anxiety


Here are some tips for people with social anxiety for a job interview:

Treat Yourself Well
Avoid caffeine, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. By following these three simple rules, you will greatly reduce job interview anxiety.

Visualize Success
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, close your eyes and visualize yourself being successful in your interview. Visualizing success is more than just positive thinking; when done correctly, you are getting your brain ready to behave in the way that you desire. This technique is used by elite athletes before competitions to improve performance.

Reduce Stressors
Reduce stressors unrelated to the actual interview, such as uncomfortable clothing, getting lost, or showing up late. Well in advance, choose an outfit that is comfortable and that looks good on you. If you aren’t familiar with the location of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to find it or do a trial run a day or two before.

Do Your Research
Being well-prepared is a great antidote to anxiety. Research your potential employer. Prepare answers to common questions. Every bit of preparation that you can do will help to increase your comfort level and make you feel more confident and capable in the interview.

Don’t Succumb to Pressure
Once in a while, you may be interviewed by someone who grills you to see how you handle stress. Although as a person with SAD it can be tempting to start spiraling into negative automatic thinking, such as “He knows I can’t handle this job; I should never have applied” or “They don’t really like me; I’ll never get the job”, stop. If you find yourself in this situation, realize what the interviewer is trying to accomplish and don’t let him ruffle your feathers. Know that the other candidates have been treated the same way and that it is no reflection on you or your capabilities.

Interview the Interviewer
A great way to feel less self-conscious in an interview situation is to realize that interviews are a two-way street. You are deciding whether you want to work for an employer just as much as they are deciding whether they want you to come work for them. Try putting yourself in this mindset and see if your focus doesn’t change.

Release Anxious Energy
Anxiety has a way of leaking out even when you think that you have it well-hidden. If you find yourself fidgeting, try doing something to release anxious energy that no one will notice, such as wiggling your toes.

Take Your Time
Realize that you don’t have to answer questions immediately. Pause before answering and collect your thoughts. If you worry about drawing a blank during interviews, a great technique is to take notes as everyone talks. This takes the focus off of you and allows you to refer to your notes after a question has been asked. If you start to draw a blank, keep making notes and comment that you want to collect your thoughts before responding.

Be Prepared
A well-prepared interviewee has an immediate advantage in an interview. In addition, being well-prepared and proactive will take the edge off of job interview anxiety. Be sure to bring everything that you think you might need, such as your resume, cover letter, business cards, references, licenses, certifications, and a pen and notepad.

Congratulate Yourself
Regardless of how you felt that the interview went, congratulate yourself afterward for taking the chance. Do something that you enjoy as a reward. Above all else, avoid ruminating about how the interview went or what could have gone better.

For information check out the link and the complete site~ Release Through Art.
http://releasethroughart.tumblr.com/post/35214914824/job-interviews-and-social-anxiety

www.shellyperkins.com

#art therapy, #social anxiety, #job interview, #help

Working the Light at the End of the Tunnel

"The Light at the End of the Tunnel"

I completed my latest OU photography project based on an idea of light, which is basically what photography is – light. As I was working and researching possible ideas I continually found myself returning to the ideas of the “light at the end of the tunnel” or “tunnel vision.” These sayings represent a metaphorical meaning but I wanted to show a literal tunnel to represent the end of a long journey.

In life there are achievements that you’ve had to complete an extensive amount of work to achieve a specific final goal, as in college graduation, and you are looking for “the light at the end of the tunnel.” In death the “light at the end of the tunnel” can be a representation of the finality of this world’s death and the “light at the end of the tunnel” is the light beaming, inviting you to the new afterlife.

To show a literal tunnel for the metaphorical meaning I wanted to represent, I found there are not a lot of tunnels located in the state of Oklahoma, where I currently reside. I worked through several ideas with making my own tunnels of light, which is another project that I am continuing. I happened upon a series of tunnels located in downtown Oklahoma City which runs under the urban city blocks of the tallest buildings in the city. For those people who work in these locations the tunnels give the employees and visitors the ability to be mobile without ever needing to venture into an outdoor environment. The tunnels use different colors of lights as a key to a navigational map to guide you throughout this small city that lives underground.

I made a series of images of these tunnels where I found the vibrant colors of the fluorescent lights were placed in various geometric patterns throughout the long man-made underground. Each tunnel offered a different minimalist abstract experience of being an active part of an art exhibition or museum. The lights bleed onto the surrounding space that also becomes a part of the work. The work that is found in this area is similar to the work of the late Dan Flavin. A person wanting to experience his works can travel to Marfa, Texas where a large exhibit of his works remains.

In the final critique of my work I believe most people enjoyed looking at the images with the saturated colors. The minimalist views of the lights created an abstract art which I could control the way in which the viewers see the space, by the way I made the images. My placement of the camera in a particular space forces the viewer to observe the abstract art in a way I wish it to be seen. The images offer a different perspective than viewers who visit the area in person. I would have liked to add a transition area between the images of different colors. When visiting the tunnels, there is not really a transitional area but each tunnel abruptly starts and stops therefore I didn’t photograph what was not there. The final point of the tunnel was recorded as a dark space into the unknown because it was not accessible due to ongoing construction.

Overall I enjoyed the light project and making multiple visits to the site to experience and photograph the area. I like how the photographs came together in the series with a variety of different colors and different patterns of light. The light at the end of the tunnel came to an end of darkness into the unknown that is representative of life because no one really knows what the future holds.

Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com