the visual catalyst

December 4th, 2011

make everyday 4: no sew braided circle scarf

When American Apparell came out with their circle scarf a few years ago, I was smitten with them. However I wasn’t willing to pay that much money for it. Instead I tried multiple ways and attempts to recreate the circle scarf. I mastered a double braided scarf last year, but what I really wanted was the ones from this shop DaWanda.

After some playing around with the fabric, I finally figured out how to do it…and without sewing! Win win. It took me about 30 minutes to finish this and I am pretty happy with the results. Tutorial coming soon.

Tags: circle scarf, dawanda, makeeveryday, no sew braided scarf
Posted in art & creativity | 2 Comments »

December 3rd, 2011

make everyday: day 3

make every day: day 3 “good morning” from mirafloresa on Vimeo.

This morning as I contemplated on what I would be creating today, I noticed the trickles of rain on the hood of my car vibrating with the hum of my engine. It was actually quite simple and beautiful as the rain drops did this quiet dance. It’s only the 3rd day and I am realizing how much I am learning from this challenge. I am becoming more aware of my surroundings and my resources. Sure it would be nice to have a loft studio space with the best paint, the best tools and technology. However part of the creative process, which I actually like, is making most with what you have and making it work.

Like most people, my car has been a safe haven for me. More than just a way to get from point A to point B, it is kind of my place to be able to get away from it all. With the music shut off, I’m able to be clear of distractions and sort out my day with God. ”Good Morning” is another moment captured in my life perfectly paired up with one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite musicians and friend Jonathan Carr.

To hear more of his music:
reverbnation/jonathancarr

Tags: car ride, creativity, jonathan carr, makeeveryday, peace, serenity
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December 1st, 2011

make everyday: day 2

“the welcome”– day 2.

River Rouge Park is probably one of my favorite scenes during my 5 minute commute every morning. The sun begins to rise and traces of the morning fog hovers over the grass. Every time I drive by, I scorn myself for not bringing my camera and then make a mental note to do so the next day. I always forget. This morning was no different. However I couldn’t pass up today. I pulled over and whipped out my phone…hoping whatever photos I got would be substantial.

After a few min editing, I came up with this. It happened so fast and it was so simple, that I couldn’t believe it was already finished. I lingered more in photoshop– adding things, more flare…because that is what I do. But the more that I added, the more I realized it was taking away from the feel of it all. The photo itself, I can’t stop staring at it. After over an hour of experimenting with different techniques, I decided that the simpler the better. It’s not complicated or fighting for attention. It just is a moment of time, captured in my life where everything was quiet and peaceful.

Simple is great, just in the way it was intended to be.
Simple is a breath of fresh air.

Tags: breathe, life, makeeveryday, river rouge park
Posted in art & creativity | 1 Comment »

November 30th, 2011

make everyday: day 1

Yesterday I stumbled upon the website CreativeMornings which is a monthly lecture series geared towards creatives. It takes place in different cities with various speakers lasting about 20 or so minutes. It’s free and breakfast is included. Since there isn’t one in Detroit, just yet, I was fortunate to find out that each lecture is recorded and archived. My creative morning yesterday was spent watching Jake Nickell founder of Threadless expound on the beauty of making. He was speaking my language to a tee, and it didn’t make me feel like some crazy tortured artist in my head. OK, that last statement was an exaggeration.

2011/09 Creative Mornings with Jake Nickell from CreativeMornings Chicago on Vimeo.

There is truly a joy within me when I get to create. Whenever I am in a slump or have hit a creative block, I feel stuck in excuses and insecurities. When my creativity just lives in my head never being expressed in some physical form, it just becomes an idea that eventually will float away into the “what if” land. Jake encouraged making for the sake and pure bliss of making. It got me thinking.

It has been awhile since I’ve created anything just for myself or for the sake of it. I miss it. Inspired by Jake’s speech and some creative exercises found via google… I’m going to challenge myself to create something new, every day for 30 days. Experiment, mess up, and post it online. I know I am a strong starter and visionary, but it takes discipline to actually finish, and not just a 30 day challenge, but just a single piece.

In the past, I was a hardcore rule follower. I tried to put some “rules” along with this challenge in hopes that the boundaries I set would expand my horizons. However after 15 minutes of placing limitations on myself on the first day to simply follow directions– I decided it wasn’t worth it and gave myself the freedom to just do it.
This piece I entitled “Rules”.
Speaking of which, the following rules I’ve adapted from 30 Days of Creativity is basically: