Title: Art? Poetry?
Post by: 0dan1 on December 03, 2007, 11:18:21 PM
Post by: 0dan1 on December 03, 2007, 11:18:21 PM
I just wondered what sort of creative activities people here are involved in... not entirely sure if there's another topic about this. I am sorry if there is ><
Anyone write? poetry? draw? photography? =]
This is odd, but i have noticed that atheists i know are far more creative than religious people... =P
no idea if there is any grounding in that, just something i have observed.
But thats beside the point =]
Just interested, really =]
Anyone write? poetry? draw? photography? =]
This is odd, but i have noticed that atheists i know are far more creative than religious people... =P
no idea if there is any grounding in that, just something i have observed.
But thats beside the point =]
Just interested, really =]
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Post by: MommaSquid on December 04, 2007, 12:09:48 AM
Post by: MommaSquid on December 04, 2007, 12:09:48 AM
I have no talent whatsoever, thanks for asking. :?
We do have quite a few talented members here. Hopefully they will share their stories and interests with you.
We do have quite a few talented members here. Hopefully they will share their stories and interests with you.
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Post by: McQ on December 04, 2007, 12:23:37 AM
Post by: McQ on December 04, 2007, 12:23:37 AM
This is the perfect place to ask about that, as a matter of fact. 
And it is a great topic. I can't believe no one has thought about this yet! Nice one, 0dan1!
My family has quite a few folks with various talents. Some of them skipped a generation (mine), but my mother was a concert pianist. She also loved to paint and was very good. Two of my sons are very artistic. One is in a great art school in Baltimore, Maryland. The other is still young, but he is ranked (yeah they have competitions that place kids) as one of the best pianists in the state (Pennsylvania).
I have played percussion and acoustic guitar since I was about 8 years old. Mom made my brothers and I study two instruments. I'm not great, just passable. I also love theater and acting, and have been fortunate enough to be able to pursue that in addition to my real job.
I love to write, and got to write a screenplay for a short indie film, as well as some short comedy shows at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
But I really love photography, and have been gung ho with it for a while.
My photo gallery site is www.mcq.smugmug.com (http://www.mcq.smugmug.com)
So there's a start. How about all you other talented folks?
And it is a great topic. I can't believe no one has thought about this yet! Nice one, 0dan1!
My family has quite a few folks with various talents. Some of them skipped a generation (mine), but my mother was a concert pianist. She also loved to paint and was very good. Two of my sons are very artistic. One is in a great art school in Baltimore, Maryland. The other is still young, but he is ranked (yeah they have competitions that place kids) as one of the best pianists in the state (Pennsylvania).
I have played percussion and acoustic guitar since I was about 8 years old. Mom made my brothers and I study two instruments. I'm not great, just passable. I also love theater and acting, and have been fortunate enough to be able to pursue that in addition to my real job.
I love to write, and got to write a screenplay for a short indie film, as well as some short comedy shows at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
But I really love photography, and have been gung ho with it for a while.
My photo gallery site is www.mcq.smugmug.com (http://www.mcq.smugmug.com)
So there's a start. How about all you other talented folks?
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Post by: rlrose328 on December 04, 2007, 03:50:58 AM
Post by: rlrose328 on December 04, 2007, 03:50:58 AM
I'm a scrapbooker... I put photos on paper, along with metal charms, fibers, other papers, and miscellaneous embellishments, along with a substantial amount of typed journaling to talk about stories the pictures don't completely tell. I always wanted to be creative, but no matter what I tried, it never really worked out.
I also write poetry and have used some in my scrapbooks. I have a huge book of poetry that I wrote as an angst-ridden teen. Sad sappy stuff, that.
I also write poetry and have used some in my scrapbooks. I have a huge book of poetry that I wrote as an angst-ridden teen. Sad sappy stuff, that.
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Post by: Mister Joy on December 04, 2007, 06:15:01 PM
Post by: Mister Joy on December 04, 2007, 06:15:01 PM
I'm trying to get a couple of short stories published atm. I figure starting with short stories rather than novels is an easier way to build a reputation, although I have two novels under my belt (and a third that I'm working on). First is called The Good Host, narrated by a single parent librarian who's outwardly boring and uneventful existence covers some very perverse ambitions. The second is Noise. That's my favourite. It's another psychological horror, essentially, with traces of very cruel humour throughout. It's about an unhappy & slightly autistic American child growing up in Coventry (the ugliest city in Britain) who hears about the death of a deranged serial killer on the news and uses this to create an imaginary friend for himself. It follows on from there & everyone lives miserably ever after.
The one I'm writing now (very slowly) is called A Jar of Moon Beams. Another macabre tale but a bit more light-hearted than the previous two. It's supposed to be about a bloke who's just finished university but finds that he's wasted three years of his life to get himself nowhere, so he ends up finding a crappy job as a sales assistant in a small organic food store. His boss - who, upon first inspection, appears to be a typical vegan tree-hugging hippy - turns out to be a sexually promiscuous & thuroughly sadistic psychopath with a fetish for cannibalism. He befriends the protagonist but makes constant efforts to get him under his thumb (varying from obvious to very subtle). It generates an awkward working relationship, requiring constant negotiation and tweakage, as you can imagine. I'm not that happy with how it's going so far. Then again, I never am until they're completely finished, edited, et cetera.
My writing tends to be quite bleak & depressing. Even my protagonists aren't always that likeable, in fact they're often deeply unpleasant. I hate flawlessly moral people though & they're no fun to write.
Oh and I wrote a short school play once called Killers Anonymous (as in Alcoholics Anonymous but for mass murderers) for a house concert, which featured various characters from popular songs
MacHeath/Mack the Knife from Kurt Weill's Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, o'course; Maxwell Edison from the Beatles song Maxwell's Silver Hammer (I was going to have the joy of playing this laid back, fun-loving chappie); Stagger Lee & Leroy Brown. There were three more but I invented them to account for other Hollywood psycho stereotypes. In the end, I decided not to give it to the drama department because I was occupied enough with GCSEs at the time.
The one I'm writing now (very slowly) is called A Jar of Moon Beams. Another macabre tale but a bit more light-hearted than the previous two. It's supposed to be about a bloke who's just finished university but finds that he's wasted three years of his life to get himself nowhere, so he ends up finding a crappy job as a sales assistant in a small organic food store. His boss - who, upon first inspection, appears to be a typical vegan tree-hugging hippy - turns out to be a sexually promiscuous & thuroughly sadistic psychopath with a fetish for cannibalism. He befriends the protagonist but makes constant efforts to get him under his thumb (varying from obvious to very subtle). It generates an awkward working relationship, requiring constant negotiation and tweakage, as you can imagine. I'm not that happy with how it's going so far. Then again, I never am until they're completely finished, edited, et cetera.
My writing tends to be quite bleak & depressing. Even my protagonists aren't always that likeable, in fact they're often deeply unpleasant. I hate flawlessly moral people though & they're no fun to write.
Oh and I wrote a short school play once called Killers Anonymous (as in Alcoholics Anonymous but for mass murderers) for a house concert, which featured various characters from popular songs
MacHeath/Mack the Knife from Kurt Weill's Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, o'course; Maxwell Edison from the Beatles song Maxwell's Silver Hammer (I was going to have the joy of playing this laid back, fun-loving chappie); Stagger Lee & Leroy Brown. There were three more but I invented them to account for other Hollywood psycho stereotypes. In the end, I decided not to give it to the drama department because I was occupied enough with GCSEs at the time.
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Post by: SteveS on December 04, 2007, 08:52:28 PM
Post by: SteveS on December 04, 2007, 08:52:28 PM
The only 'artistic' field I was ever involved in was music. I grew up playing clarinet (classical) and saxophone (jazz). I was in my school bands up through high school, but then quit playing as a member of any organization. I did play open mikes in college with the clarinet, playing jazzy stuff or pop "interpretations". We had a few guitar players, an electronic piano player, me, and a few vocalists that we shifted in/out on various evenings. It was fun. We used to get together in a dorm practice room to work out our stuff.
Improvisation did not come naturally for me, but after hacking around for a while I could place some instrumental fillers and take a few solos, but I wasn't going to really impress anyone - just enough to not embarrass myself completely! It was a great time though, and a lot of fun.
Now I occasionally play my cheap keyboard and I'm trying to learn to play it better. I did come into the possession of a very old Wurlitzer organ (two manuals and 1 octave on the foot pedals) that has a cool sound - I'm (slowly) learning to play parts of some of Bach's excellent organ music on it. Again - I'm not going to impress anyone, and someone who can "really" play will blow me out of the water - but I do enjoy it. It sounds nice and I enjoy the challenge of coordination that it requires. I just don't have a whole lot of time to devote to practicing
Improvisation did not come naturally for me, but after hacking around for a while I could place some instrumental fillers and take a few solos, but I wasn't going to really impress anyone - just enough to not embarrass myself completely! It was a great time though, and a lot of fun.
Now I occasionally play my cheap keyboard and I'm trying to learn to play it better. I did come into the possession of a very old Wurlitzer organ (two manuals and 1 octave on the foot pedals) that has a cool sound - I'm (slowly) learning to play parts of some of Bach's excellent organ music on it. Again - I'm not going to impress anyone, and someone who can "really" play will blow me out of the water - but I do enjoy it. It sounds nice and I enjoy the challenge of coordination that it requires. I just don't have a whole lot of time to devote to practicing
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Post by: Simone on December 05, 2007, 12:17:11 AM
Post by: Simone on December 05, 2007, 12:17:11 AM
I sing, dance, doodle, study, act, rant (lmao), nothing too out of the ordinary.
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Post by: pjkeeley on December 05, 2007, 01:51:07 AM
Post by: pjkeeley on December 05, 2007, 01:51:07 AM
I write, I also play bass guitar (and sometimes blues harp) in a band.
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Post by: donkeyhoty on December 05, 2007, 02:19:24 AM
Post by: donkeyhoty on December 05, 2007, 02:19:24 AM
Quote from: "Mister Joy"Oh and I wrote a short school play once called Killers Anonymous (as in Alcoholics Anonymous but for mass murderers) for a house concert, which featured various characters from popular songs MacHeath/Mack the Knife from Kurt Weill's Die Moritat von Mackie Messer, o'course; Maxwell Edison from the Beatles song Maxwell's Silver Hammer (I was going to have the joy of playing this laid back, fun-loving chappie); Stagger Lee & Leroy Brown. There were three more but I invented them to account for other Hollywood psycho stereotypes. In the end, I decided not to give it to the drama department because I was occupied enough with GCSEs at the time.If you wrote something like that here in the states you might just be referred for psychological counseling. You know because, obviously, people with imaginations eventually shoot up schools.
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Post by: Mister Joy on December 05, 2007, 09:37:11 PM
Post by: Mister Joy on December 05, 2007, 09:37:11 PM
They don't really mind murder and mayhem in our schools. Some of the stories I've exhaled in the past have been purely to see exactly what I could get away with - making every effort to muster the most perverse, practically pornographic material imaginable - and through my extensive research it turns out that anything goes except for satirical criticism of the education system itself. That isn't taken lightly at all.
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Post by: Steve Reason on December 06, 2007, 10:30:22 AM
Post by: Steve Reason on December 06, 2007, 10:30:22 AM
I like writing poetry and photography. I think I'd be a fairly decent lyricist. What I really want to do is learn how to play piano. Music is my greatest love. I used to paint, which I was tolerable at. But I can't draw worth a damn. Oh yeah, I can juggle! :lol:
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Post by: Tom62 on December 06, 2007, 11:50:27 AM
Post by: Tom62 on December 06, 2007, 11:50:27 AM
I love to draw and paint. Unfortunately I haven't been doing that for quite a while since most of my energy nowadays goes to my wife and my open source Java project.
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Post by: McQ on December 06, 2007, 08:45:34 PM
Post by: McQ on December 06, 2007, 08:45:34 PM
Quote from: "Steve Reason"I like writing poetry and photography. I think I'd be a fairly decent lyricist. What I really want to do is learn how to play piano. Music is my greatest love. I used to paint, which I was tolerable at. But I can't draw worth a damn. Oh yeah, I can juggle! :lol:
Juggling....always good at parties. You never know when it will come in handy!
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Post by: McQ on December 06, 2007, 08:46:46 PM
Post by: McQ on December 06, 2007, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: "Tom62"I love to draw and paint. Unfortunately I haven't been doing that for quite a while since most of my energy nowadays goes to my wife and my open source Java project.
Tom, it's always a good thing when your energy is directed toward your spouse. It keeps me out of a lot of trouble!
Title: I am a poet
Post by: lacey_sawyer on January 26, 2008, 06:29:15 PM
Post by: lacey_sawyer on January 26, 2008, 06:29:15 PM
I write a lot of poetry. Here's a poem I wrote when my husband and I were nearing a divorce:
THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
Inventorying the depths of hell,
Along the road to nowhere.
Sheltered only by the canopy of impending doom,
We pass hand in hand in motionless grace
Through mountains of fear and valleys of doubt.
A path that once took us to heaven,
Has become a long and perilous trek
From the gray of purgatory to the black of the night.
Our cries echo through the halls of eternity,
As does our pure and broken love.
A fork in the road and we part ways,
On our relentless search for nothing,
On our roads to nowhere.
There was nothing I’d rather have,
And nowhere is where I’d rather be,
Then by your side and in your heart.
Now nothing is what I have,
And nowhere is where I’m going, alone.
THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
Inventorying the depths of hell,
Along the road to nowhere.
Sheltered only by the canopy of impending doom,
We pass hand in hand in motionless grace
Through mountains of fear and valleys of doubt.
A path that once took us to heaven,
Has become a long and perilous trek
From the gray of purgatory to the black of the night.
Our cries echo through the halls of eternity,
As does our pure and broken love.
A fork in the road and we part ways,
On our relentless search for nothing,
On our roads to nowhere.
There was nothing I’d rather have,
And nowhere is where I’d rather be,
Then by your side and in your heart.
Now nothing is what I have,
And nowhere is where I’m going, alone.
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Post by: jrosebud on January 27, 2008, 05:30:37 AM
Post by: jrosebud on January 27, 2008, 05:30:37 AM
I express my creative side via the sugar arts. I like it since it's an art form with a deadline. My other projects (quilts, paintings, and the like) are never quite finished; with cake, I normally have to have it done by a certain time (or if not, it gets moldy after a week or so).
I also sing and dance religiously with the kiddo; not sure that I'd classify them as talents, though.
I also sing and dance religiously with the kiddo; not sure that I'd classify them as talents, though.
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Post by: bitter_sweet_symphony on January 27, 2008, 05:32:23 AM
Post by: bitter_sweet_symphony on January 27, 2008, 05:32:23 AM
QuoteTHE ROAD TO NOWHERE
Inventorying the depths of hell,
Along the road to nowhere.
Sheltered only by the canopy of impending doom,
We pass hand in hand in motionless grace
Through mountains of fear and valleys of doubt.
A path that once took us to heaven,
Has become a long and perilous trek
From the gray of purgatory to the black of the night.
Our cries echo through the halls of eternity,
As does our pure and broken love.
A fork in the road and we part ways,
On our relentless search for nothing,
On our roads to nowhere.
There was nothing I’d rather have,
And nowhere is where I’d rather be,
Then by your side and in your heart.
Now nothing is what I have,
And nowhere is where I’m going, alone.
"Sheltered only by the canopy of impending doom" ... I have felt this way a couple of times. Thanks for sharing your poem. It's very expressive.
As for me, I too write poems and most of them are dark and morbid stuff. I love music and am learning to play the acoustic guitar (thanks to the people on this forum who helped me out in purchasing one). I am interested in foreign languages and have been trying to learn Spanish for the past 2 years, but unfortunately haven't progressed much.
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Post by: Smarmy Of One on January 27, 2008, 09:57:08 PM
Post by: Smarmy Of One on January 27, 2008, 09:57:08 PM
I make my living as a graphic designer and illustrator. I usually do art direction for film and television productions.
I enjoy painting- watercolour, oil and acrylics for myself. I also play the drums. Not so much anymore, but I was always in some band or other in my 20s and 30s.
I also enjoy writing. I write screenplays. I have a short that I am currently trying to get produced so that I can direct it.
Pretty much any creative avenue, I try to throw my hat in.
BTW, lacey_sawyer, I really like your poem. I'm sure it rings pretty true to a lot of people here. Feel free to share more.
I enjoy painting- watercolour, oil and acrylics for myself. I also play the drums. Not so much anymore, but I was always in some band or other in my 20s and 30s.
I also enjoy writing. I write screenplays. I have a short that I am currently trying to get produced so that I can direct it.
Pretty much any creative avenue, I try to throw my hat in.
BTW, lacey_sawyer, I really like your poem. I'm sure it rings pretty true to a lot of people here. Feel free to share more.
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Post by: Kona on January 28, 2008, 02:38:55 AM
Post by: Kona on January 28, 2008, 02:38:55 AM
I have really like photography....genetic influence from my father...and of course Hawaii makes that really easy. Mostly landscape stuff and macro. Eventually I would like to do large canvas gallery prints with paint highlights.
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Post by: McQ on January 28, 2008, 03:35:47 AM
Post by: McQ on January 28, 2008, 03:35:47 AM
I heartily encourage everyone to share their artistic talents on the forum. If you can write, draw, paint, take photos....whatever....please feel free to post.
Even hobbies or other things you all love, by all means, share it. I am still being impressed by Kyle's ability to work with machinery. He's got some cool stuff he builds, tears apart, refurbishes.
So let's see it!
Even hobbies or other things you all love, by all means, share it. I am still being impressed by Kyle's ability to work with machinery. He's got some cool stuff he builds, tears apart, refurbishes.
So let's see it!
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Post by: JebusKryst on January 28, 2008, 12:39:23 PM
Post by: JebusKryst on January 28, 2008, 12:39:23 PM
Used to be in a Rock band in my younger days, playing guitar and singing. These days I spend most of my free time writing for the piano as well as writing variations on the works of my favourite composers. I'm currently going through a Bach stage - which raises a few eyebrowes with friends....especially as I'm currently working on some of his choral works which are normally associated with religion.
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Post by: McQ on January 28, 2008, 05:21:05 PM
Post by: McQ on January 28, 2008, 05:21:05 PM
Quote from: "JebusKryst"Used to be in a Rock band in my younger days, playing guitar and singing. These days I spend most of my free time writing for the piano as well as writing variations on the works of my favourite composers. I'm currently going through a Bach stage - which raises a few eyebrowes with friends....especially as I'm currently working on some of his choral works which are normally associated with religion.
Nice to hear. Hey, Bach is ok, even for us heathen dogs! LOL!
I love hearing variations that people have composed. I try to encourage my youngest son (14) to play variations on his favorites too.
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Post by: SteveS on January 29, 2008, 04:20:08 PM
Post by: SteveS on January 29, 2008, 04:20:08 PM
Personally I'm a fan of Bach's organ music. I'm a very amateur keyboard player, but about a year ago I downloaded some of his scores and began learning to play (not at a level that would impress anyone) some of them.
I think its perfectly okay to enjoy religiously inspired music and art - to deny this seems like denying our culture. To enjoy it doesn't mean to believe it. To put this in a different light, I enjoyed the ancient Greek plays without believing in the Greek gods, so what's the difference?
I think its perfectly okay to enjoy religiously inspired music and art - to deny this seems like denying our culture. To enjoy it doesn't mean to believe it. To put this in a different light, I enjoyed the ancient Greek plays without believing in the Greek gods, so what's the difference?
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Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 03, 2008, 06:40:03 PM
Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 03, 2008, 06:40:03 PM
Thought I'd share a few pieces.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FSelfSelf.jpg&hash=b0a713048176cfbc0c3d0842db8087d82acb0d83)
This is a representational self portrait I did a couple of years ago. I don't do this kind of painting much anymore. Sadly, I just don't have the time.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FSelf2.jpg&hash=20e120ee78b3bdac4f40b623e59d9d0a19d13909)
Another self portrait. This is supposed to have a bit of a stained glass feel. Originally, there were supposed to be 5 canvases in the shape of a cross, but I never got back to it.
I'm not in love with myself, I'm just the only one willing to sit still for me for so long.
Here is an illustration I did for a punk record a while ago. Most of my current work is in this style.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FIllust.jpg&hash=e1dd9f660d2a7f11f3fb30d26ba54ee889345695)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FSelfSelf.jpg&hash=b0a713048176cfbc0c3d0842db8087d82acb0d83)
This is a representational self portrait I did a couple of years ago. I don't do this kind of painting much anymore. Sadly, I just don't have the time.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FSelf2.jpg&hash=20e120ee78b3bdac4f40b623e59d9d0a19d13909)
Another self portrait. This is supposed to have a bit of a stained glass feel. Originally, there were supposed to be 5 canvases in the shape of a cross, but I never got back to it.
I'm not in love with myself, I'm just the only one willing to sit still for me for so long.
Here is an illustration I did for a punk record a while ago. Most of my current work is in this style.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv648%2FTedious1%2FIllust.jpg&hash=e1dd9f660d2a7f11f3fb30d26ba54ee889345695)
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Post by: McQ on February 03, 2008, 08:13:55 PM
Post by: McQ on February 03, 2008, 08:13:55 PM
Quote from: "Smarmy Of One"Thought I'd share a few pieces.
These are really impressive pieces! Really!!!
I cannot imagine you would have difficulty selling paintings if you were so inclined. Outstanding....Bravo!
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Post by: Sophie on February 03, 2008, 10:52:14 PM
Post by: Sophie on February 03, 2008, 10:52:14 PM
In my younger days, I used to write. Somewhere along the way, I was poisoned with the idea that all work should be productive. Damn religion. Now, I'm trying to find hobbies. That sound so f'ing pathetic. My hubby gave me a nice digital camera for Christmas, so maybe I'll learn more about photography.
I'm so impressed with everyone! :)
I'm so impressed with everyone! :)
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Post by: McQ on February 04, 2008, 03:57:26 AM
Post by: McQ on February 04, 2008, 03:57:26 AM
Just throw this one in for fun. Photography plus PhotoShop=Fun.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2FJohn4somecopy.jpg&hash=5d82c41fd78d8c679600800fe14da3eea0930522)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2FJohn4somecopy.jpg&hash=5d82c41fd78d8c679600800fe14da3eea0930522)
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Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 04, 2008, 04:43:05 PM
Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 04, 2008, 04:43:05 PM
That's some seamless PS work. Nice job!
Is it just me, or are teenagers all looking alike these days?
Is it just me, or are teenagers all looking alike these days?
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Post by: McQ on February 04, 2008, 04:49:46 PM
Post by: McQ on February 04, 2008, 04:49:46 PM
Quote from: "Smarmy Of One"That's some seamless PS work. Nice job!
Is it just me, or are teenagers all looking alike these days?
I had a lot of people believing I have quadruplets. Thanks. I have to give my son credit. He was a good sport about posing for me. Did another one with my 17 year old son, and he wasn't as patient. My revenge will come when he asks for money for college. :lol:
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Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 05, 2008, 01:22:49 PM
Post by: Smarmy Of One on February 05, 2008, 01:22:49 PM
QuoteMy revenge will come when he asks for money for college.
LOL!
McQ Jr. "Dad, I want to go to college and become a doctor."
McQ "That's nice, Son. I've been waiting to have this talk. Remember that time when . . ."
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Post by: SteveS on February 08, 2008, 02:20:26 AM
Post by: SteveS on February 08, 2008, 02:20:26 AM
".... you broke the lamp in the living room back in 1985? Yeah, well, compounded the interest on the damage you've yet to reimburse me for adds up to quite a bit...."
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Post by: Seosamh on March 12, 2008, 02:58:51 AM
Post by: Seosamh on March 12, 2008, 02:58:51 AM
there's a link to my photo gallery in my signature.
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Post by: Eris on March 15, 2008, 02:00:12 AM
Post by: Eris on March 15, 2008, 02:00:12 AM
I love writing, photography, sculpture, and painting.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi225.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd208%2Ferinh2o%2FS7302521.jpg&hash=069dbf5ea19241dddb66ae218fc3730a9f67ec59)
And I've also noticed that contemporary Christian "art" is not as creative as secular art. I think this stems from self-abating tendencies of Christians who believe they need to "give God the glory" for everything good that happens. Because they can't freely give themselves credit for their own accomplishments, creating isn't as emotionally fulfilling to them. Also, because their subjects are limited to clean, Christian things, they don't have as wide a range of possibilities.
...At least, that's how it was for me.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi225.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd208%2Ferinh2o%2FS7302521.jpg&hash=069dbf5ea19241dddb66ae218fc3730a9f67ec59)
And I've also noticed that contemporary Christian "art" is not as creative as secular art. I think this stems from self-abating tendencies of Christians who believe they need to "give God the glory" for everything good that happens. Because they can't freely give themselves credit for their own accomplishments, creating isn't as emotionally fulfilling to them. Also, because their subjects are limited to clean, Christian things, they don't have as wide a range of possibilities.
...At least, that's how it was for me.
Title:
Post by: winterbottom on March 20, 2008, 04:39:59 PM
Post by: winterbottom on March 20, 2008, 04:39:59 PM
I'm a trained writer. I occasionally produce criticism, social commentary, and satire that no one reads. I also degrade the visual arts with my work in freehand drawing, photo manipulation, and collage. My current vocation is graphic design.
An example of my "work", inspired by a mushroom trip (give it a second for the effects to kick in):
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freewebs.com%2Fgatohermoso%2Felectricfamloop.gif&hash=030b45e38ed12ea2d1a04f80a8765b5f3cdc03c9)
An example of my "work", inspired by a mushroom trip (give it a second for the effects to kick in):
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freewebs.com%2Fgatohermoso%2Felectricfamloop.gif&hash=030b45e38ed12ea2d1a04f80a8765b5f3cdc03c9)
Title:
Post by: jcm on March 20, 2008, 06:21:45 PM
Post by: jcm on March 20, 2008, 06:21:45 PM
I don't like art that "tells a story" anymore. I haven't seen anything good in a long, long time. Lately, I am more interested in nature photography. I'd rather just look a pretty pictures. A really good quote sums up what I've been thinking for years about art.
In science one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry, it's the exact opposite.
Paul Dirac
I guess I more like the beauty and inspiration of science, because it is the only thing offering anything new these days.
In science one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry, it's the exact opposite.
Paul Dirac
I guess I more like the beauty and inspiration of science, because it is the only thing offering anything new these days.
Title:
Post by: Eris on March 20, 2008, 07:34:14 PM
Post by: Eris on March 20, 2008, 07:34:14 PM
Fun stuff, winterbottom!
JCM, that's a great quote. So true. Doesn't stop me from loving art, but I appreciate your perspective!
JCM, that's a great quote. So true. Doesn't stop me from loving art, but I appreciate your perspective!
Title:
Post by: Smarmy Of One on March 22, 2008, 05:47:59 PM
Post by: Smarmy Of One on March 22, 2008, 05:47:59 PM
Quote from: "Seosamh"there's a link to my photo gallery in my signature.
Seosamh, your photography is beautiful! Thanks for sharing that link.
Title:
Post by: mrwinkie1330 on March 23, 2008, 06:47:00 AM
Post by: mrwinkie1330 on March 23, 2008, 06:47:00 AM
I'm a composer.
Religion itself basically criminalizes free thought, which is what creativity thrives on. True art comes from the individual. Religion makes that more difficult. At least thats what <i>I</i> think...
Religion itself basically criminalizes free thought, which is what creativity thrives on. True art comes from the individual. Religion makes that more difficult. At least thats what <i>I</i> think...
Title:
Post by: Valerie on March 29, 2008, 04:06:55 PM
Post by: Valerie on March 29, 2008, 04:06:55 PM
I paint portraits. I started painting about 5 years ago even though I have drawn pictures ever since I could hold a pencil. I don't know why I had never attempted painting before I did, but wish I had because I paint much better than I draw. I have always had to have a creative outlet doing something and I am happy to say that I intend to paint as long as I am physically able to. Right now my main inspiration is my adorable two year old granddaughter. She will have quite a few paintings of herself someday!!
Title:
Post by: Seosamh on April 04, 2008, 04:33:51 AM
Post by: Seosamh on April 04, 2008, 04:33:51 AM
Quote from: "Smarmy Of One"Quote from: "Seosamh"there's a link to my photo gallery in my signature.
Seosamh, your photography is beautiful! Thanks for sharing that link.
I really appreciate the compliment. I'll be entering a youth photo contest in a few days and will know the results next month. I won $300 the first time I entered and am hoping to place well this time too.
Title:
Post by: shiver on April 07, 2008, 06:21:01 AM
Post by: shiver on April 07, 2008, 06:21:01 AM
Seosamh, I really enjoyed your photography.
I write poetry mostly, but I have started a novel that is surely never going to be completed. I think my real talent is in writing essays, though.
Here is a poem I'm working on for my Evolution in Literature course.
"Last Chance to Advance Beyond Human"
(The Heaven Question)
The carpet etching cuneiform
into my sweating, shaking knees;
My spine curving pious
toward an icon for the centuries;
The greatest story ever told
or the best lie ever sold?
Do I question alone
as hot tears sizzle over swollen cheeks,
Sweetened by the promise of eternity,
or beaten for crimes human?
All from the invertebrate
swimming and loving his way to higher mammal?
Or woman from the rib
and forever His subjugate?
Humanity free to love as it wilt
or shamed into blushing guilt?
My toes digging craters
in the deep, dark loam;
It's not complete yet, but I'm really proud of where it's going. I have alluded to Erasmus Darwin (Charles Darwin's grandfather) and the title is a quote from the Heaven's Gate cult. And, there are some obscure fiction references.
The assignment is to "creatively" respond to certain concepts we have discussed in class (ie, religious responses to Darwinism, evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology, implications for gender, sex, and love, etc.). I'm having fun with it.
I write poetry mostly, but I have started a novel that is surely never going to be completed. I think my real talent is in writing essays, though.
Here is a poem I'm working on for my Evolution in Literature course.
"Last Chance to Advance Beyond Human"
(The Heaven Question)
The carpet etching cuneiform
into my sweating, shaking knees;
My spine curving pious
toward an icon for the centuries;
The greatest story ever told
or the best lie ever sold?
Do I question alone
as hot tears sizzle over swollen cheeks,
Sweetened by the promise of eternity,
or beaten for crimes human?
All from the invertebrate
swimming and loving his way to higher mammal?
Or woman from the rib
and forever His subjugate?
Humanity free to love as it wilt
or shamed into blushing guilt?
My toes digging craters
in the deep, dark loam;
It's not complete yet, but I'm really proud of where it's going. I have alluded to Erasmus Darwin (Charles Darwin's grandfather) and the title is a quote from the Heaven's Gate cult. And, there are some obscure fiction references.
The assignment is to "creatively" respond to certain concepts we have discussed in class (ie, religious responses to Darwinism, evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology, implications for gender, sex, and love, etc.). I'm having fun with it.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: Kylyssa on April 25, 2008, 04:27:53 AM
Post by: Kylyssa on April 25, 2008, 04:27:53 AM
I'm a freelance writer. I write mostly erotica but I also write "junk" articles for my own pleasure, mostly about sex, sexuality, atheism, saltwater aquarium tips, and floral design. My biggest vice is poetry. You can find examples of most of those on Associated Content. (http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/128051/kylyssa_shay.html) YOu can find some of my naughty bits on my blog. (http://kylyssa.blogspot.com/)
I also draw and paint. Additionally, I love to make fancy cakes. (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=821733&imageID=20204492&MyToken=b5760bce-be97-4f44-ba93-41d0205daea6)
I also draw and paint. Additionally, I love to make fancy cakes. (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.editAlbumPhoto&albumID=821733&imageID=20204492&MyToken=b5760bce-be97-4f44-ba93-41d0205daea6)
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: SteveS on April 25, 2008, 03:03:34 PM
Post by: SteveS on April 25, 2008, 03:03:34 PM
Quote from: "Kylyssa"saltwater aquarium tipsDo you do any freshwater aquarium tips? Like how to fight off massive algae invasions?
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: joeactor on April 25, 2008, 03:29:15 PM
Post by: joeactor on April 25, 2008, 03:29:15 PM
Wow! Great stuff everyone!
How'd I miss this topic?
Ok, so... I'm an actor (big surprise).
I've done a ton of stage, some film, radio, tv, etc. Also sing in the Lyric Baritone range.
Currently I am doing weekly Improv here at the LA Connection (Sat 8pm - come see me!).
... and my main gig is doing Voice-Over work. I've got 3 video games and a cartoon pilot being released this year (hush-hush stuff), and just did some characters for "Bleach" (anime).
If you'd like to hear some samples, or see a bit more of my checkered and chess'd past, my web site is at:
JoeActor.com (http://www.joeactor.com)
Howzat Sound?,
JoeActor
How'd I miss this topic?
Ok, so... I'm an actor (big surprise).
I've done a ton of stage, some film, radio, tv, etc. Also sing in the Lyric Baritone range.
Currently I am doing weekly Improv here at the LA Connection (Sat 8pm - come see me!).
... and my main gig is doing Voice-Over work. I've got 3 video games and a cartoon pilot being released this year (hush-hush stuff), and just did some characters for "Bleach" (anime).
If you'd like to hear some samples, or see a bit more of my checkered and chess'd past, my web site is at:
JoeActor.com (http://www.joeactor.com)
Howzat Sound?,
JoeActor
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 07:06:32 PM
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 07:06:32 PM
Joe's stuff is really good, gang. Really! And Joe, I wish I could drop in to see you doing improv. Wrong damn coast for me though! If I'm ever in the neighborhood though..... 
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 07:12:20 PM
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 07:12:20 PM
Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2Fwild-7755BW_filtered-1.jpg%3Ft%3D1209147071&hash=663233269321a7f622647cd1b0bd3d0b77c1f9a1)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2Fwild-7755BW_filtered-1.jpg%3Ft%3D1209147071&hash=663233269321a7f622647cd1b0bd3d0b77c1f9a1)
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: MommaSquid on April 25, 2008, 07:17:13 PM
Post by: MommaSquid on April 25, 2008, 07:17:13 PM
joeactor: Wow, what a voice!
McQ: Nice pic! Even dead trees are cool to look at.
McQ: Nice pic! Even dead trees are cool to look at.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: joeactor on April 25, 2008, 07:43:14 PM
Post by: joeactor on April 25, 2008, 07:43:14 PM
Thanks for the kudos MommaSquid and McQ.
Very nice photo - amazing how it evokes several emotions at once...
If you're ever out this way, it's improv on the house!
For now, here's a little bit from a movie I did (*** mild warning for language and inuendo ***:[youtube:11bb2qa0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fUMypWpBU[/youtube:11bb2qa0]
(I'm the voices for Holmes and Watson)
There's even a bit of olde improv stuff on my channel, if you're so inclined...
Poetry, Painting, and Photography - amazing stuff all 'round.
Someday I hope to start sculpting,
JoeActor
Very nice photo - amazing how it evokes several emotions at once...
If you're ever out this way, it's improv on the house!
For now, here's a little bit from a movie I did (*** mild warning for language and inuendo ***:[youtube:11bb2qa0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fUMypWpBU[/youtube:11bb2qa0]
(I'm the voices for Holmes and Watson)
There's even a bit of olde improv stuff on my channel, if you're so inclined...
Poetry, Painting, and Photography - amazing stuff all 'round.
Someday I hope to start sculpting,
JoeActor
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 10:55:44 PM
Post by: McQ on April 25, 2008, 10:55:44 PM
Quote from: "MommaSquid"joeactor: Wow, what a voice!
McQ: Nice pic! Even dead trees are cool to look at.
Thanks, Momma. And I told you he was good! I've listened to Joe's voice over work before. Very impressive.
And Joe, that clip is very funny. When will Watson get a clue?
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: MariaEvri on June 23, 2008, 11:50:58 PM
Post by: MariaEvri on June 23, 2008, 11:50:58 PM
I'm n to photography a lot, also I love drawing comics and reading books
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: MariaEvri on June 23, 2008, 11:52:27 PM
Post by: MariaEvri on June 23, 2008, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2Fwild-7755BW_filtered-1.jpg%3Ft%3D1209147071&hash=663233269321a7f622647cd1b0bd3d0b77c1f9a1)
I really love that photo of yours
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on June 24, 2008, 04:09:38 AM
Post by: McQ on June 24, 2008, 04:09:38 AM
Quote from: "MariaEvri"Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
I really love that photo of yours
Thanks, Maria! I like it, especially since I just stumbled on the tree while out looking for other subjects to photograph. Sometimes you just get lucky.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: MariaEvri on June 24, 2008, 12:25:57 PM
Post by: MariaEvri on June 24, 2008, 12:25:57 PM
Quote from: "McQ"Quote from: "MariaEvri"Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
I really love that photo of yours
Thanks, Maria! I like it, especially since I just stumbled on the tree while out looking for other subjects to photograph. Sometimes you just get lucky.
I agree. My best photographs are always the ones that I stumble upon
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: afreethinker30 on June 27, 2008, 08:31:31 AM
Post by: afreethinker30 on June 27, 2008, 08:31:31 AM
Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa184%2FMcQ14%2Fwild-7755BW_filtered-1.jpg%3Ft%3D1209147071&hash=663233269321a7f622647cd1b0bd3d0b77c1f9a1)
Very striking photo.I hope some day to have an eye for scenes like yourself.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on June 27, 2008, 02:37:05 PM
Post by: McQ on June 27, 2008, 02:37:05 PM
Quote from: "afreethinker30"Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
Very striking photo.I hope some day to have an eye for scenes like yourself.
Thanks! Sometimes you get lucky. There's so much to see when we just slow down a bit and relax. You see things you've missed a hundred times before in the same spot. Sometimes you just don't "look" for anything. You kind of just let whatever is there hit your eyes like it's brand new.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: curiosityandthecat on June 27, 2008, 03:07:02 PM
Post by: curiosityandthecat on June 27, 2008, 03:07:02 PM
Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
This almost looks infrared. Nicely done.
Here's one of my black and whites:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages39.fotki.com%2Fv1232%2Fphotos%2F8%2F892548%2F3508769%2FProfile_by_CuriosityandtheCat-vi.jpg&hash=7ba1bac612f4bd90f9409dc364c2f6cfbf8b542d)
Taken at Ohio University's International Festival on Court Street. He was dancing around to some Celtic music.
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: McQ on June 27, 2008, 08:25:17 PM
Post by: McQ on June 27, 2008, 08:25:17 PM
Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"Quote from: "McQ"Oh, and one of my latest art photos for your viewing pleasure. I'm unable to post it at full size, due to constraints within this board.
This almost looks infrared. Nicely done.
Here's one of my black and whites:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages39.fotki.com%2Fv1232%2Fphotos%2F8%2F892548%2F3508769%2FProfile_by_CuriosityandtheCat-vi.jpg&hash=7ba1bac612f4bd90f9409dc364c2f6cfbf8b542d)
Taken at Ohio University's International Festival on Court Street. He was dancing around to some Celtic music.
Now THAT'S a cool picture! Nice capture. BTW, I used to go to Athens occasionally for work back almost 20 years ago. Kind of a boring area then. I don't know how much it's changed since then, but I hope they have some culture and things to do now!
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: Dickson on July 24, 2008, 03:02:15 PM
Post by: Dickson on July 24, 2008, 03:02:15 PM
What fantastic pictures!
Title: Re: Art? Poetry?
Post by: Kylyssa on September 21, 2008, 08:32:16 PM
Post by: Kylyssa on September 21, 2008, 08:32:16 PM
You can read my entry in the Obama-McCain Political Haiku Contest here. (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1050517/obama_mccain_political_haiku_contest.html?cat=42)