Yesterday I received a random email about an artist i should look into. It turns out that i actually really love her work. Kristi Antonneau is an artist and graphic designer who's style is clean and simple. I often struggle with the fact that the last 3 years i spent fighting teacher about creating beautiful art just because i like it. To me even though its beautiful there are are other aspects such as execution, scale, material and others that all make something even though its not "contemporary" worthy of recognition. However i would argue that they way that Kristi executes her mixed media collages is more than enough to categorize her as a contemporary artist. There is no deep meaning or huge concept fabricated to make the work more than it is. Its simply good.

I personally like pretty things. Thorough out my college experience i was told that in the contemporary world of art there was no place for pretty or beautiful. Its like clipping a birds wings and telling them not to sing to take away the what is inspirational to them.

If you are inspired by something just because its beautiful then its should be that way. I have a hard time dealing with pretentious concept artist that make horrible work but can run circles around it explaining why its the shit. Its still Ugly. When it comes down to it wheather it is the most conceptual, well executed pile of dog crap on someone's face it still stinks.

Doubt climbs a young tree

Wind and rain endured before

Belief seeps in through the thirsty roots

To swell a blossoming soul

Till uncertainty clings no more

-Kristi Antonneau

http://www.littletreestudio.com/splash.html

The Wait

This is one of my favorite shots. All of them have so much potential. This one was hot with the flash lighting up the closest plats making them look lighter and a little out of focus. The soft look of these are something that i want to continue in my work to come. As i continue to shoot i feel like i am allowing my self to shoot more like i use to. It sees as if though out my college education i was forced to focus so conceptually that i lost a little of my individuality. I felt forced to come up with concepts and create work within the confines of my idea. I have no idea what this means to me or other people. And honestly i don't think it even matters. I know that i love the balance, colors, framing and feel. Weather it is conceptional or not matters little to me. I love if for what it is not.. It is merely a fabrication, this did not happen by chance, a staged reality. I could go into a whole explanation of fabricating identity and staging a false reality but what does that really prove. The fact is that i made this happen. It was a moment that we shared. Piggy backing one of my closes friends through the snow as to not mess up here heals in a field found randomly off the side of the road, while my boyfriend watched her 6 mont hold son as we run around dressed like we mean it. Its nothing more than the urge to wear your mothers heals, dressed to the T, with your makeup all smeared. This is the way we do it, and we do it well. Tara you are absolutely stunning!

A Little Vamp

I love the affect of just a little contrast and saturation alteration.

Dearest tara

This is one of my close friends. Its always wonderful working with her. You know how some people just have the ability to make you look like a great photographer with the smallest effort. well this was a 15 minute shoot on one of the coldest days just before we had a huge snow storm and it was rather cloudy. Despite the weather and it being rather cloudy she always looks so flawless.

More From THe Day Before

A collection of the past

Lately I have been having trouble having the desire to take photographs. I was not surprised when I woke to a grey dull morning topped of with a touch of crisp wind. As I busied myself around the house I contemplated venturing outside. One of my friends had offered her self up for a brisk photo shoot the day before and and as it reached noon a stream of light passed through the window slightly blinding me and giving me a glimmer of hope for a successful shoot. Its been so cloudy and cold out i have had a real problem getting motivated. Around 2pm i assembled an outfit of vintage cloths that I've collected from a few vintage clothing stores over the years and called my friend kate to start the hair an makeup process.

This outfit was compiled of a bright gold vintage clutch, a belted vintage poly blend plaid oversized shirt, leggings, wool socks, and classic black leggings and boots.

At about 4pm as the sun was about to set we headed out to an abandoned warehouse here in hagerstown. It was so cold out we tried to move very quickly so i only took about 50 shots but this is one of my favorites.

This shirt and Clutch are available on my Etsy site ButtonsnBones.

Wire Working Experiment

This is my most recent addition to Etsy. Its been a slow process getting my page up and running and i have yet to make sale, but now with school over i have plenty of free time to focus my attention towards it.

I work at The Potomac Bead Company in Hagerstown MD. Working there has been wonderful, I have learn so much and continue to learn new things almost every time i work.

This is the newest piece i have created. I personally love it. It makes me feel great wearing something completely fabricated that i made.