7/20/09

Last week marked my fourth year anniversary as a member of DeviantArt. I've met many nice and interesting people on this site and gained some recognition for my work. However, because it is a public art site that's not impervious to the rest of the internet universe, it's disheartening that latest pop culture fads and fetish art often get much more recognition on this site than actual honest-to-goodness quality pieces of art. So much so that this site often gets negative press about it. It also doesn't help that management is much more interested in getting subscriber money more than maintaining a distinguished online art community (which is why I no longer subscribe). My disillusionment with the site has caused large gaps between my submissions and so far I haven't posted anything this year, but I've decided to share my latest work on this site.
I sure miss customizing my journal and adding pictures in it, but that's what a blog is for, right?
By the way I actually do have a blog now:
[link]
But I really need to update it because it's original purpose was to feature my finished digital cartography assignments.
But despite all its negative aspects and the wrong crowd it attracts, there's still no site like DeviantArt and I think it serves as a launching pad for modern-day artists to get recognition in the world of comics and cartoons due to the decline of traditional mediums.

I've taken a black and white photography class during the summer. I needed the extra credits to get my diploma and I thought it wouldn't be so hard since I took three years of it back in high school. But the whole experience was quite daunting. Lots of deadlines during a short and condensed summer class. I had forgotten how much trial and error, standing up and time the class required since I took my last photography class more than five years ago. But in the process I have relearned my photography skills and I might continue taking pictures by using the photo labs at the local recreational centers once my class ends. Also, I have made some nice pictures in the meantime.
Here I present the first black and white photographs I have made since May 2004. I hope they compare well to my high school work. Soon I'll also be posting my paintings I made during a painting class last semester once I get off my butt and take pictures of them.

Enjoy,
John