Watching
BarlowGirl
I figured this post counts in my design blog, because listening to music really is a part of my design routine. Well this isn’t really a “watching or reading”, but I just had to mention this since it is on my mind. I have been trying to create an emotion evoking soundtrack for while I draw. It makes it easy to lose myself and keep from getting distracted from the task at hand.
Anyways, to do this I have a Pandora account, paid for and totally worth it, and my newest station was created with Flyleaf and Paramore. A group that has been sneaking their way in there is a Christian girl band called BarlowGirl. Now I am a religious person, and I do believe I have a strong faith, although I am NOT the person to bring it up and discuss it with anyone who I am not in a close friendship with. I am also not interested in most Christian music I have heard. Usually sounds preachy, and instead of getting into the music, I usually get annoyed with it.
While I listen to my music and draw, I obviously don’t stare at my station to see who is singing, I just listen and go on with my business. When I hear a song I like, I make sure to click the little thumbs up. Let me just say, there isn’t another band I have liked lately as much as this girl band. Their songs are perfect with the mood I want to convey in my art, and their voices, lyrics and melodies are so strong. Being part of a religious group of any kind will always draw ire, and totally isolates you from potential fans. I would never have even wanted to listen to this group, solely based on the fact that they are a religious group. I am so glad this music slipped into my station, not only do I feel good knowing they are singing about something I love, I love listening to them.
well, that is my spiel for the day.
Check em out… BarlowGirl
Avatar: The Last Airbender
I had always been interested in this series, I watched it upon release, but I couldn’t continue to watch due to some schedule conflicts. Here I am now, finishing up the story, and I have not been disappointed.
Although the show is meant for a much younger age range, I absolutely love it. The combination of the rich fantasy world, based on many different Asian and tribal cultures, visually powerful animation sequences, building romantic plot line, and main theme of friendship and hope, easily keeps me smiling, laughing, crying and cheering for the lead characters.
Visually, one of my favorite aspects of the series is the earthbender, Toph. Her fighting style, based on Southern Praying Mantis style, is so well expressed in her animations. Her motions are so intense, powerful and focused; her blind eyes are motionless which intensifies the feeling of her focus, it’s chilling! Quite frankly, she is a little bad ass, and I am always excited to she her strut her stuff.
Of course, I love the main character, his love interest and their amazing friends; they all have vast strength. Literally, wielding very skilled and amazing fighting abilities, but also how they are so determined, full of love and friendship. Seeing these young people grow into leadership roles really makes me happy, and sad for our own world. Our world being so tainted by greed and ignorance; what can I say? I am a bit of a dreamer.
Learning even though there are distinct boundaries, and divisions between the different races which inhabit this world, they are in all reality the same people; this is one of my favorite themes in the series. Learning how race and culture can not determine individual worth, and how good and evil can be found no matter where you look. Friendships and relationships are built everywhere the young heroes go. This series is amazing, I could go on and on about it; makes me wanna create all sorts of fanart. 