CHEETOGRAPHY

Phase I Complete

2012-09-08T17:17:00.004-07:00

Black painter's tape, leveler, and lots of patience. A third of the way there!

Been thinking about this...

2012-08-21T01:18:00.002-07:00

Back during winter break 2009, my uncle took me on a trip to Europe that I'll never forget. I've been meaning to re-edit all the photographs from this trip for some time, and figured I'd get started while I wait to develop my film from Vietnam.

When I think of this trip, I always envision this image. It was our last afternoon in Amsterdam, and my uncle decided to take a brief nap before dinner. As I stepped out of my hotel and walked across the first intersection, this is what I saw.

I stood there for over 20 minutes just taking in the moment. It was and still is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.

Click for high resolution.

Forgotten Film (Pt. 3)

2012-04-17T01:00:00.021-07:00

Many people use the words graffiti and street art interchangeably, yet these terms designate completely different types of art. Writers utilize elements of street art in their pieces, and street artists find inspiration from graffiti; the two are mutually independent forms of expression.

"Graffiti" focuses primarily on the technique of writing words in creative styles. A good writer spends time perfecting his/her style by combining visually pleasing handstyles with strokes that uniquely construct or link each letter. The next time you check out graffiti, take care in noticing the manner in which the writer executes his/her tag. Flow and form are key elements that separate the good from the great.

Tags are the basis and foundation of all things graffiti. It's a necessary prerequisite that writers must master and hone before moving on to throws, pieces, and murals.

Click this next picture to see it in full detail...

On the other hand, "street art" is simply public installations of art. Graffiti could be seen as a denomination of calligraphy, while street art encompasses a broader spectrum of artistic styles. I'm truly blessed to live in a city where street art is easily accessible and constantly changes, and it's interesting to see how my favorite spots evolve over time.

These will be the last photographs from the rolls of film I developed. Thanks for looking!

(All shots taken with a 35mm Pentax, and post processed in CS5)

Forgotten Film (Pt. 2)

2012-04-14T10:19:00.014-07:00

Some of these alleyways simply speak for them self and can do without the colorful graffiti or chaotic ensemble of trash. It's always nice to take your time to soak in the beautiful lines of the City. The serenity of these quiet streets almost impose an Edward Hopper-like quality, and it's something you need to experience with a friend or by yourself. Be sure to grab some of Anthony's Cookies while you're at it!

I know that I take a lot of my pictures from similar angles, but I like the geometrical symmetry that goes with these kind of shots. It establishes a sense of balance and comfort that I look for in all forms of art.

(All shots taken with a 35mm Pentax, and post processed in CS5)

Forgotten Film

2012-04-14T00:09:00.009-07:00

I have this brown, cardboard box I keep in the trunk of my car. It is the only thing I ever keep back there, and it's serves all sorts of useful purposes. Not sure where to put that smelly takeout you just picked up? Need a spare floor brush for dusty days? Extra towels or plastic bags for emergencies? Stashed and accessible in my trusty box.

But there was something I forgot about in the box. Back during the summer of 2011, I spent an afternoon revisiting some of my favorite alleyways in San Francisco. If you're able to look past the foul odors of piss, shit and vomit, you may stumble upon some of the greatest treasures of The City. When I want to see some art but don't feel like braving the parking gods in SoMa, I take a stroll through these streets to see what I can find.

The following photographs were taken with an old, hand-me-down 35mm Pentax (Fujifilm ASA400). These were my first non-digital photographs since 2007, and I finally got my lazy ass to take them out of the box and get them developed! Film has a unique quality that makes photos look and feel more... sentimental. It's hard to explain unless you see and touch the physical prints for yourself. Here are just a few of the shots that I liked and decided to touch up. I hope you guys enjoy the photos, and be sure to stay warm during this windy spring season!

It's always important to step back and take the time to see something from two different perspectives...

(All shots taken with a 35mm Pentax, and post processed in CS5)

CPA

2012-01-21T22:59:00.001-08:00

CPA... the pursuit of these three magical letters, along with my part-time job, is making my life a living hell. If I promised to hit you up but haven't, please don't take it personally! I seriously underestimated the time commitment required to pass these tests (there's four of them).

While this means I'll be spending most of my time at the 24/7 Starbucks, it also means I'll make the time I spend on my photography and on this blog count. I have three rolls of 35mm Fujifilm I still need to develop and edit, along with the other NYC photographs from the G12. The updates will be sparse, but they will be well worth your while.

New York for the New Year

2012-01-08T15:52:00.001-08:00

My brother and I arrived in JFK Airport on a windy, bitter evening. We had hoped for snow, but instead received rain - uncharacteristic of New York in the winter. Leaping over the puddles on the damp tarmac, Alan and I made our way to the center aisle outside terminal 2. First thing on the list - find a hot bowl of noodles to devour!

"It looks like we have to go all the way out... here." My index finger stopped upon the end of a lone, purple line.

"Is this a bad area?"

"I have no idea. I've never been in Queens."

But this was our manifest destiny, and our sole ambition for the night. Our hearts cried for hand-pulled lamb noodles in the heart of Flushing - the real Chinatown of New York City. After a one hour subway ride into the unknown, we emerged in what can only be described as "foreign." Nostalgia filled our minds of memories from our past trip to China, and for a brief moment, both of us forgot that we stood on American soil.

The street vendors selling cheap toys and bootleg DVDs were closing up shop, but food stands steamed up the sidewalks with both familiar and mysterious eats. It was so scenic at night, and I wish I captured more photographs of the moment.

After squeezing through the hordes of elderly Chinese women, we finally found the entrance to Golden Shopping Mall. We cautiously walked up a dingy stairway which led us to our intended destination!

Who knows if that's what the sign actually reads! They know what people go there for, and that's all that matters. We sat down in a cramped, greasy room with nothing but pull-out tables and plastic stools. The woman behind the counter picked up strips of pre-cut dough, and began stretching them out in a swinging motion.

After about ten minutes, we received this:

The noodles themselves were quite interesting: chewy, thick, and slightly raw in the middle. They complimented the lamb meat, mushrooms, and cilantro perfectly, and had an amazing texture. The broth was quite flavorful as well, but they doused it with a ludicrous amount of MSG. By the end of the meal (and for a good part of the following morning), I couldn't feel my cheeks or my tongue!

Although these noodles are worth trying at least once, the MSG really killed any ambitions to come back for more. The adventure we had, however, was well worth the pilgrimage. Content with our find and excited for more, our week in New York had officially begun!

(All shots taken with a Canon G12, and post processed in CS5)