Talking with Johnnyswim
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Yesterday I received a phone call I had been waiting for all week. Guess who was on the other line? JOHNNY-FREAKIN-SWIM! It was the best phone call ever.
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Latest Netflix Obsession
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I really enjoy learning about different people's creative process and how they go about creating their particular works of art. Shows like Chef's Table and films like Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens are constantly on rotation in my apartment. Seeing their process and learning about their perspective makes me feel less alone because it shows me there are others like me out there.
Read MoreI'm Featured on My Midwest Is Showing
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My Midwest Is Showing is a cool new site "celebrating smart and creative people with serious Midwestern charm." What's not to love? Editor-in-chief, Sammy Walsh, reached out to be about doing a little Q&A...
Read Moremidwest to manhattan: that midwest spirit
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For whatever reason, New York has always remained in my line of vision and someday I hope to live there. Who doesn't have that dream? Midwest to Manhattan is an ongoing series here on the site, dedicated to folks with connections to both the Midwest and Manhattan.
Last month, Erika Veurink kicked things off with her essay and this month, we have Eileen Moores sharing lessons she's learned while working in the fashion industry.
Read MoreTaylor Vander Well (See Through Stories)
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I heard about Taylor's project from a friend of mine and I had to learn more about it. She's combining art with medicine to create a beautiful hybrid of holistic creativity. Taylor's focus is on dementia and those suffering from it, but take note: her project doesn't paint them as victims.
You'll see the term "art therapy" mentioned a few times throughout this piece. I know it sounds self-explanatory, but I asked Taylor to explain it for me. She says that it's similar to any other mental health professional, except that they incorporate art into the process. It's been found to work well with children or the elderly who may not be able to easily verbalize what they're thinking or feeling. Cool, right?
Read my feature after the jump.
Read MoreJami Milne (Artist-in-Residence with Ballet Des Moines)
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Last winter, Jami Milne was the inaugural "artist in residence" with Ballet Des Moines. Jami was given space within the ballet studio, as well as access to staff and dancers. Over a six week period she documented their craft in a series of stunning, sometimes ethereal portraits. Read about her experience below.
Read Morethe architect in your soul
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I don't care for New Year's resolutions, because I feel like we should try to adjust the course of lives throughout the year. But I like the idea of purposefully heading into a new direction at the beginning of a year and it's in that spirit I write the following...
Read Moremidwest to manhattan: good and beautiful
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I've always liked New York. Maybe it's because of Billy Joel, Nora Ephron, and Shake Shack. Maybe it's something deeper. The City seems to symbolize so many different things to different people - dreams, achievement, progress. For whatever reason, New York has always remained in my line of vision and someday I hope to live there. Who doesn't have that dream?
Over the next few months, we'll be having guest contributors here on the site and each will share a piece about life in New York for a series entitled 'Midwest to Manhattan.' First off is Erika Veurink, who recently moved back from Manhattan. Her thoughts are below....
Read Morephotography tips from liz brown
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Liz Brown does most of the photography that you see here on the site and there's a reason why. Beyond her obvious talent, Liz cares for people and her photography style is almost hospitable in nature, creating a warmth that talent alone can't make happen.
I respect Liz so much and I've asked her to share a few tips on photography. In true Liz Brown fashion, the advice you'll find below applies to both art and life. Thanks for sharing, Liz! Be sure to check out her blog here. And if you need some pictures anytime soon, she's a good pick.
Read MoreSam Fathallah (Filmmaker + Photographer)
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With so much information at our fingertips, it can be difficult to stumble upon true creativity. We all know that it's super easy to find a topical meme or hysterical tweet, but art is a different story.
But when you do find it, you treasure it and share it with others. I've noticed that really good art doesn't drain you like so many other things online, but it challenges you and even deepens you.
Sam Fathallah's work made me feel all of those things. In particular, it was a video chronicling adventures with his girlfriend, Mary, that really caught my eye. Watch the video after the jump and you'll understand. After the video, read my interview with Sam. He's one talented guy....
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