Slideshow

When exploring the city of Philadelphia in the past, I never really noticed some of it's hidden treasures or its uniqueness before. Since I lived in a suburb outside of Philly most of my life, the streets of Center City usually held the destination of my weekends. Many times I would walk by the same structure, building or scene and not even notice it. For the assignment of "walk, ride, bike" I gave myself two destinations to start noticing these treasures: Chinatown, which was conquered on my own, and Penn's Landing, which was in the company of friends. My second destination gave me the opportunity to capture the sparkling bridge and view of the water, which truly set the end of summer scene at Penn's Landing. Not only did this evening possess beauty but the excitement of the band Dr.Dog, natives to Philadelphia and one of my absolute favorite bands.
Even though Penn's Landing held an assortment of interesting people, color, and of course Dr.Dog, I found Chinatown to be more visually interesting. Although most of Philadelphia seemed still and bare on that lazy Labor Day afternoon, Chinatown was bustling with crowds doing their daily chores, families moving along and the occasional wanderer,such as myself. I can not say that I did not stand out when roaming through the fish market, small antique and gift stores, and food market but I am glad I had the motive to explore. Every corner was filled with life, culture, and possessions of meaning which I did not understand. Seeing something new and interesting broadens the mind and enables us to keep that motive to explore and even document every journey.

Ted Talk: Lawrence Lessig on laws that choke creativity

  Our artistic culture thrives on the experimenting and combining of images, music, and video that already exists in the world. Through these experiments, people currently take other artists material and make it their own through the many tools of technology. By performing these acts of creativity, our "amateur culture" is breaking the several laws of copyright. Because of this, our generation becomes limited in the creative process. As Larry Lessig said, "people are using digital technology to say things differently...technology is the tool of creativity and the way our kids speak." Our generation can not return to the songs of the old days. Our way of returning to that piece of creativity is through the mixes and creating via digital technology. Of course, our creativity is not limited to the tools of the internet and availability of certain work, but this form of art is becoming one of the most prominent mediums. Artists should have the opportunity to chose whether they would like to make their work available or not. No one should be limited to the process of creating, as long as what they are creating is original.

Ted Talk: Shirin Neshat: Art in exile

"Art is our weapon, culture is our form of resistance."  

                            -Shirin Neshat 

http://www.gladstonegallery.com/neshat.asp
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/shirin_neshat_art_in_exile.html

Art not only is conveyed through the act of piecing together a vibrant pair of red pants and a 10$ thrift store shirt, but a way to voice social commentary on the world today. Shirin Neshat portrays the Pre and Post Islamic Revolution through film and visual art. Captivating the audience with striking images that she describes as a "political and allegoric story", Neshat portrays the life of Iranian women. Government does anything and everything to stay in power, leaving the people of Iran facing censorship, harassment, arrest, torture, or even execution. Although she has no access to her country, Shirin Neshat has found her voice defending these women who are "educated, sexually open, fearless,  and seriously feminist." This video is truly inspiring and makes us fully appreciate the gift of having a voice.

Jessi Arrington: Wearing Nothing New

http://luckysoandso.com/
http://www.ted.com/talks/jessi_arrington_wearing_nothing_new.html

"Fitting in is way over-rated...Just be who you are. Embrace your inner child."
                                           -Jessi Arrington
The beauty of expression through developing a unique fashion style is an art form. Being creative is not limited to what you make, but also what you wear. The power of color, pattern, and combination through clothing is just as fun as deciding paint on a canvas or composition for a design. Our artistic eye is used is every day activity, so why not embrace it!  Rummaging through the thrift store, saving some extra bucks, and feeling confident and great is everything Jessi conveys and lives by.

Flickr Account

http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithmcdevitt/5789999285/in/photostream