At the Jeans for Genes launch on Monday night I took a couple of images of people that I really loved at the event which I wanted to place here, and afterwards I went out and walked around the city and took a few interesting shots that I liked and thought I would share. I like looking at seemingly common things I have seen on more occasions than are worth recalling, in a new and different way.
City shots
Some beautiful sentiments
These were emailed to me and were too special not to include here.
...And a special Thank you to Tammy for the text of the full poem. She emailed it to me and I am including it here.
ANYWAY
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it is never between you and them anyway.
The Jeans are launched!
For those who have been following my blog for a while you would be aware that I was asked to paint, yes paint, a pair of jeans from a famous Australian country singer, Lee Kernaghan who was also the Australian of the Year in 2008. I have not painted before and indeed was very nervous at how they would be "seen" and judged by the public and those in the art community who are REAL artists with staggering talent.
I need not have worried too much by the warmth and courtesy that was extended toward me by the people who were there at the launch.
Last Monday night I was at the launch of the Jeans For Genes day art exhibition which will be on display for the public to see until the 30th July when they will then be auctioned off with the proceeds going to benefit the Children's Medical Research Institute who scientifically identifies genetic abnormalities that occur in the first glimpses of life and finds ways to help nature get the balance right.
I am so very proud to be associated in a very small way with this important and vital cause that helps make a difference in the lives of children. Here are pictures of the jeans that the one's I painted are numbered amongst this year. I love the high standard, and am very gratified that even if remotely, I am numbered amongst these wonderful artists whose work I truly admire. The jeans depict in most instances, aspects of the celebrities life. For those who are in or coming to Sydney to visit and who want to see jeans or paintings hanging, they are in the Arthouse Hotel in Pitt street next to the Hilton Hotel in the city. They are all upstairs hanging in their glory and will soon be purchased by corporations, companies and individuals who love art and who like one off art pieces that are extremely unique. Last years top prize was one by the incomparable Nafisa Naomi for her painting which I featured on my blog at the time and it sold for $35,000. see here
Here they are.....
Lee Kernaghan's Jeans (Former Australian of the Year and current Australian Country singer and entertainer)
Painted by lil' ol'e me.
Sephanie Rice's Jeans (Australian Gold Medalist swimmer
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)
Lisa Kudrow's Jeans (Famous Actor)
Painted by Elizabeth Barden
Renee Zellwegger's Jeans (Famous Actor)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)
Gai Waterhouse's jeans (Famous Horse owner and trainer)
Painted by the amazing Kathrin Longhurst
Guy Sebastian's Jeans (Former Australian Idol and entertainer)
painted by Max Mannix
Vanessa Williams' Jeans (Former Miss USA, Entertainer and Media Presenter)
painted by the great Robyn Caughlin
Human Nature's Jeans (Famous Aussie Boy Band)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)
Leo Sayer's Jeans (Famous singer and entertainer)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)
The living End's Jeans (Famous Aussie Rock Band)
painted by Robyn Ross
Gough Whitlam's Jeans (Former Prime Minister of Australia)
painted by Vincent Fantauzzo
Miley Cyrus's Jeans (Famous teen superstar aka Hannah Montana)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)
Orlando Bloom's Jeans (Famous actor)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)
Casey Stoner's Jeans (Famous Moto GP rider - Australian)
Painted by the amazing Nafisa Naomi
Billy Joel's Jeans (Famous musician - The Piano Man)
painted by Garry Fleming
Coming back to me
I arose at 3;30am to watch the memorial service of Michael Jackson. I watched it with a mix of emotion. I could not help wonder what the impact will be of Michael's life, what the impact was of a young boy's dream, what the impact was of the allegations, and what the impact was to the family when all the well wishers were very quiet during the courts of public opinion. It has caused me to reflect a lot on life in general. I would agree that he was one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived, I do not know if I would agree he was the greatest, but make no mistake I will treasure seeing him live in concert. I was mesmerised watching him, and when he came out on stage in a cherry picker over the audience and I was underneath and saw him up very close, it was an amazing experience I shall never forget. I still maintain it was amongst the fastest 2 hours of my life. The signed photograph I was fortunate to obtain will not be sold, it will remain a simple moment in time that I have.
I was touched by the eulogies of Brooke Shields who painted eloquently the life of an actual person, a wonderful human being and a her dear friend. I was also touched by the Rev. Al Sharpton who spoke of Michael who lived beyond limitations and was driven, even from a young boy, to fulfill his dreams. I was in awe of that.
I too have felt for the longest time, driven to achieve and fulfill a dream. Certainly my life has no relevance to Michael's but the magical process that is born within and bids me to rise each day and work toward the realisation of my hopes and dreams is real. And that is something that was acknowledged that Michael had in abundance and achieved.
I was adopted into a family who I say were poor. Not destitute, but we just didn't have a lot. I am fully aware that many, many families world wide were or ARE in a similar situation and worse, I am not unique. One of my most humble memories was watching and helping my parents look around the house for a few more dollars and cents that may have fallen between the cushions on the lounge so they could make the difference in the entry fee to a polynesian concert that was being held. We went and enjoyed it, but I have never forgotten that feeling of sadness, pity and appreciation I felt, even then, toward my parents who tried their best to give me and Kayleena a happy childhood.
There were many times I recall when the money, or lack of it, caused arguments or meant I had to make excuses to my school friends as to why I could not go on excursions, or the moments when we could not afford the latest fashion shorts I so desperately wanted, or the many times I simply had to go without. It certainly never killed me, but It was then, when I knew that I wanted to live differently. I wanted my life to achieve something and perhaps even mean something. I promised myself that I would find my "calling' in life, my "thing" that would help me live more abundantly.
I wanted to never live in that hand to mouth struggling way again.
I soberingly and honestly have been right back in that situation a few times as an adult, which brought back a flood of feelings I had long suppressed, I have felt like a failure on the odd occasion, and even grappled once with the dark feeling of hopelessness and once fleetingly contemplated suicide. Thankfully I stayed the course and saw beyond the moment of despair. The situation came about largely because I was judging my life by what other people have and what I don't or didn't have. How wrong and sad I was.
Though in recent times I know that I have grown so much and have come to know that the way in which the public or even myself judges or compares is flawed. I, for the most part, am so much richer than my parents, not in assets or dollars but in the way I am trying to live more freely and more meaningfully and living without regret. I recall my adopted father Allen saying that he wanted his life to be different, and it could have been. I have heard similar sentiments on the odd occasion from my mum. I am trying to live so that if any inspiration falls from the sky in my direction I will recognise it and act...and I do.
My dream is to touch the world through my photography, and who knows maybe even art, which has started to open up a whole new door of opportunity. As a youth and finding myself "without" much, I now know of a surety, that it provided good earth and soil to help germinate my desire to express myself creatively. I find so much joy and satisfaction and pleasure n seeing something differently and creating something from what I see. I am no Monet, or Gaugin or even Philippe Halsman, or Annie Liebovitz.
I am a simple person who is grateful for the realisation that if you work at something long enough and hard enough you become better and better, I have discovered that principle also applies to my understanding and self appreciation. If money comes as a result of my personal realisation and expression, and I somehow feel it will, it is pleasing to me that money now, compared to me as a teenager, is not my goal or end game.
Let me draw these collection of thoughts together and close this post.
I am so very grateful. Whether rich or poor, I have come to understand this more fully that the process of self-discovery, self-expression and the persistence to express that, and not place limits upon myself, or live within the limits others may wish to place upon me, and succeed at that, already fulfills my dreams!
I already live abundantly. I am already successful. Not in the way the world would see me, but in a very different and very real level. A friend who has seen much in their years and has much of life's bounty has kindly and resolutely said, "I envy you!" - "The people you meet, the things you do and the way you see and photograph, make me want to find more to do and be more" I am deeply honoured. I hope one day that my images will be seen, loved and purchased around the world. I give the absolute best I can, I give my all to what I do and may often fall short of what others want, or even what I want, but I continue on. If any of you have ever really wondered if dreams do come true. They do. I am living proof of it.
A new picture
Marcelina created this and wanted to show me, I really liked the thought, the look and style of what she created and thought it would be nice to share also. Thanks Marcelina, it looks great.
Continuing on
I am about to do the Down Syndrome Calendar artwork for 2010 and I ask myself yet again, where did that year go?
Life is speeding up, not slowing down as I once may have imagined. I have also finished working on creating an instructional DVD for a client and friend who wanted me to do the filming, editing and the voice over narration for an instructional DVD that will be sold in the USA for an automotive product which could potentially sell a few million products, so I have completed that last night, and I will be getting a small, VERY small percentage of the profit should it indeed sell well. I have done so many hours of work and so many jobs for this person and have received NO payment whatsoever, but I truly believe in this guy, I believe in his vision, and believe that it will come off for him. It is exciting to see others now believing in him, and if it works, I might get some money, and if it doesn't, I have helped a good friend.
I have also just finished the artwork for another CD two nights ago for Steve Prestwich, a songwriter and singer, and former drummer of AustraIian rock band legends Cold Chisel and have become quite appreciative of his talents and voice. That has been fun and exciting to have been apart of. I will be giving away a few of that CD when it is printed and complete, which will be 2-3 weeks away.
I have also started compiling a high quality book as a draft on the pictures i have taken of rock bands and music generally. I found a place or company that can produce actual books in one offs or two offs or multiples which are hard cover and classy books, so I could actually produce a sample to show publishers. They are not cheap but boy they look good.
I have two word statues(?) or carvings at home and they are carved out of wood and are quite large. They simply say DREAM & BELIEVE. I look at these words each and every day and follow their subtle prompting.
I am also in the middle of 4 wedding albums and juggling a new presentation for training people on photography and Nikon Cameras specifically for Nikon.
I have also been approached to do another painting, having only done the Jeans previously, which get launched officially along with all the other pairs this coming Monday night, and will be auctioned on July 30. Tickets for that Auction will be $250 per head with all proceeds going to help children's medical research. I am nervous. I hope it sells well, and does well. Not that I see any money for it, it all goes to charity, but because it is my first, I hope it does reasonably well. Though compared to people and true artists like the lady and talent I mention below I am but a bit part player, who has dreams and is grateful for any medium in which to express them.
Here is a picture of the Jeans that a wonderful friend and hugely talented artiste Nafisa Naomi painted of Casey Stoner's jeans. He is a young Motorcycle GP racer, a very successful one at that. He rides a Ducati motorcycle and they loaned a couple of bikes for the shoot together with Nafisa's own bike and I took the photos. I really admire Nafisa's work. I think I am busy until I spend a few minutes with this amazing woman who works tirelessly and consistently. I will hopefully be photographing a few more images of her soon and will feature them here in another post when that happens. I also photographed her poodle Romeo and she loved the portrait I created and so did I. If you look very carefully in the second picture you will even see Romeo sitting on the bike's seat on the Red Ducati Monster! a subtle but cute touch.
My life is certainly very full, and this is what I was alluding to in the previous post titled the Journey. I indicated when I don't have to worry about my weaknesses because others remind me, I was referring to the many jobs I have before me, it seems when I finish one, and take a breather for a few hours, I have one of those clients or friends who I have said I would help calling me or emailing me asking for their project yesterday. But obviously I cannot expect everyone to "get" me and recognise that people's perceptions are different, and I am learning more and more to appreciate the differences.
It is a good time to be alive. I am so grateful.
I must love being busy because it is a space I am want to swim in for the longest period of time. I can however see ahead a light, a glimmer of hope that beckons me forward, a feeling that all the work and all the effort will pay off, so I continue forward in the direction of my dreams. Whether it pays off or not, I have truly lived and opened every door I possibly could to realise my potential and satisfy my desire for inner expression.
16 THINGS by Dave Barry
This was emailed to me today and I liked it and thought I would share.
16 THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN:
by: Dave Barry, Nationally Syndicated Columnist
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2 If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.’
3. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’
4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
6. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
7. Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
14. Your friends love you anyway.
15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16. Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it’s up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.
"A Hummer on Steroids"...
Cars guide.com.au reports that a new Canadian may be making its way to our shores. The Knight XV is obviously for the well heeled and makes a hummer look small.
Chick here to read the article. I thought I would share some of the pictures from their gallery. Amazing. Imagine how much it would cost to service and to run? I guess though that for those who can afford them, those few would not worry about such trivialities!
The journey...
I am sometimes reminded and it is often not an altogether pleasant inner experience, how imperfect and flawed I am. There are things happening on one level that are just spectacular and things on another where people are waiting for things from me and there never seems to be enough time to accomplish the tasks that are before me.
I have however come pleasantly to a place where I know that I give my all to whatever I am doing, and it is OK not to be perfect, and yes some people will be unhappy on the odd occasion, but with patience and persistence I will get to the space where I can be better. I am learning that it is not possible to please everyone. I knew that already outwardly, but on a much more personal level I am understanding this more.
Like most things of worth in life, it is not simply in the destination where one finds a pure joy but in the refining and clarifying journey.
I sure love the journey, with it's incumbent bumps and curves. I love that I am filled with foible and weakness, and thanks to some other people I do not have to look for the areas I need to improve in, others bring that to my attention.
One more day at the show today and it will be the biggest day, all the public comes in today and it will be chaotic, but I am ready for it and will triumph at the end. Sore feet and dry throat from talking all day notwithstanding. My morning walks are a source of rejuvenation and personal time to reflect, plan and dream. I value this space in the dark and cold it is like a daily tune up.
An interesting Postscript
yesterday I received this as a comment. With a smile of interest, I share it with you.
"I love that I am filled with foible and weakness, and thanks to some other people I do not have to look for the areas I need to improve in, others bring that to my attention." What you are telling us is this: I will keep doing anything I want until someone complains about it, or until it becomes painfully obvious that I am breaking the rules!
You are a great impersonator. You have mastered the art of deception without feeling any sense of guilt whatsoever! Even if others bring your foibles and weaknesses to your attention, do you really care? Not at all. One day though, they will all come back to haunt you.
This is a small world Craig. What goes around comes around. It's high time you grow up, and face the music. Honesty is the best policy. -hs
Another faceless voice in the wind who sees it as their contribution to bring me to an awareness of just how troubled and wretched they think I must be. Out of a seeming civic responsibility to "tell it like it is".
I publish this here because this person has no clue about me, about what I am trying to do and accomplish or even any clue about what truly motivates me. They only think they do.
They feel wronged or cheated over an incident that they perceive went a certain way and conclude that their assessment is the only one and the right one and then take it as their personal crusade to expose me yet again for the charlatan they purport me to be. They have no idea and no life it would seem. As stated more times than I wish to review, I am flawed! You cannot explode the bomb once it is gone off I submit.
I make mistakes, they already sadden me, they don't haunt me, I have no skeletons in the closet. To the person who wrote this above who chooses to mask their identity, do you honestly think that I should live like a hermit and be afraid of such a spineless comment like this? think again. I am not without sin or guile and have never purported to be. I am a wanderer along life's paths trying to find a way to make the area of ground and the people with whom I associate a little happier and feel a little more special and in that wonderful light feel appreciated and happy that I could discover and do something that pleases and interests me and hopefully touches the lives of those I come in contact with.
If I have wronged anyone and they have the courage to approach me privately in full view of who they are and air their grievance I will sincerely apologise and try to make amends where I can, and if I cannot, I will seek their forgiveness and go on my way and wish them the best for their journey. I simply cannot and will not live a life of regret. There has been enough pain and anguish with things I have already faced in my life without unnecessarily adding more in to the mix.
This person obviously has no concept of how innately regretful and anguished I feel within, at many of the mistakes I make day to day, or in times past, or even the current times. The whole point of this post was to suggest that I have noticed that Haba na haba (little by little) I am maturing, and my perceptions of what I think life really is and what my place in it is, is constantly being reviewed and refined. I do not suspect that any person who achieves a level of advanced years is ever totally happy with everything they said or did when they were younger. That is why the saying "You cannot put an older head on younger shoulders exits" because often times we wish we could to save us all the grief. But I strive to seek the best within inspite of the many times I have fallen and continue to fall, short of my own expectations. I simply cannot live a life to please others because then I would be an impersonator, though I absolutely am not. Watch me soar as I strive to go beyond the limits that you and others set before me.
Jasin Boland
Last night I had the opportunity to spend time with a world famous photographer Jasin Boland. Most of you would not know who he is but many of you have seen his pictures, he is a movie stills photographer and has covered many of the worlds big blockbuster movies. In fact next Wednesday he is off to China to do another movie with Jackie Chan and will try and get one of the pictures I have taken of Jackie Chan autographed for me when I met and photographed him some time ago now.
I really enjoy photography and am passionate about it, Jasin has my all time dream job, and who knows I may even follow in similar footsteps in time to come. This You Tube clip really highlights Jasin's enthusiasm and commitment to his craft and it is infectious. I really am appreciative of his time and words of encouragement.
This man numbers Tom Cruise, Brendan Fraser, Will Smith, Matt Damon and many other major celebrities as friends, he knows them and more importantly, they know him! I think it would be fair to say that his eye and perception is very good. His attitude and warmth is evident and certainly would be a major factor why these people like and employ him. I share his enthusiasm and passion for the image.
He is on the Nikon stand at the PMA show in Sydney today and tomorrow at 4:15pm in Sydney's Darling Harbour exhibition centre if you want to meet him! It is the biggest photographic show in the country and it is amazing to see all the vendors and all the equipment, it is a photographers equipment dream. I am involved for Nikon doing training on some cameras for members of the public today and tomorrow as well using Nikon's new D5000 camera for people who are new to DSLR, and it is fun. This is mecca to a lot of closet and professional photographers, so if you like cameras or photography come on down.
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