The Loop Scoop

Photo of the Week: Image Association

2012-05-25T14:41:25Z

Let me start off by apologian’ (Kanye Speak) for the hiatus here on the The Loop Scoop. We’re sorry.

It’s beach season. If the weather isn’t proof enough, just voyage south on I-45 between Friday and Sunday. That’s four lanes of Mjölnir, folks. What’s Mjölnir? Oh, it’s just Thor’s immovable hammer.

This picture by Candace Garcia got me thinking. So, today we’re playing Image Association. As cute as it is, my mind went elsewhere.

“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” – Perhaps more interesting than the association, is the fact that Billy Corgan had hair.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Stephan took to driving with the top down, which prompted him to send me this. Clearly I’ve underestimated Stephan’s penchant for crazy.

Check out the rest of Candace Garcia’s photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candacegarcia/
Add your photos to our pool to be chosen for the Photo of the Week here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1312627@N25/pool/

Ticket Giveaway: The Bright Light Social Hour at Warehouse Live

2012-05-24T20:31:37Z

Friday is going to bring quite the treat. Warehouse Live will be hosting Austin quartet, The Bright Light Social Hour. Yes, the same band we’ve covered every time they’ve blown through Houston over the last two years. Lucky for us (and even luckier for you), we have the pleasure of offering two pairs of tickets to the Friday night event!

To win, leave a comment down below (make sure you have a valid email address that we can contact you at). If you’ve been to one of their shows, tell us your favorite experience. If you haven’t been yet, your comment should tell us why you deserve the tickets and what you’re looking forward to the most. Feel free to fudge (read: plagiarize from our previous coverage) your stories.

Houston bands Electric Attitude will be opening the show along with The 71’s. If you have a story about either of those bands… a “can’t miss” moment. We will also consider those for the free tickets. We’ve got one of those under our belts as well.

Oh, this is not to be missed folks. If you don’t win, no worries. Tickets are only $10 and it’s an all ages show. Doors open at 8:00PM and the show starts at 9:00PM.

Rants from the Rat-Race: Fifty Shades of Shhhhhhhh

2012-05-21T16:23:52Z

It became a weekly occurrence. The setting was forever changing… sometimes in the elevator, in the ladies room, outside in the smoker’s exile station. The cast altered… the female receptionist from the doctor’s office down the hall or the woman I’ve been smoking next to for the past three years who has generally respected my clear desire for silence during puff breaks. The question was always the same… “Have you read ‘Fifty Shades of Grey?’”

No, I hadn’t.

I wear my aversion to New York Times Mega-Sellers as a badge of honor. I didn’t need to read ‘The DaVinci Code’ to chat my way through cocktail parties and I never bothered to disguise my concern for the multitude of fully grown adults who recommended the ‘Twilight’ series to me. I’m a self-respecting, snobby-as-sh*t disdainer of popular fiction. It’s a lingering hipster affliction – the only viral infection contracted in college that still lingers, unresponsive to antibiotics of any kind.

But as the weeks clicked by and strangers routinely kept cornering me, kept asking me, “Have you read this ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ book? I keep hearing people talk about it.” Yeah, me too. People like you. People who have never, ever spoken to me before. So what? What is this all about? What could this book possibly contain that seems to be a great equalizer for instinctively competitive professional women?

Sex, apparently. Raunchy, hand-cuffy, crazy sex. Strangers, completely nameless women, have been trying to strike up countless conversations with me over the past few weeks concerning one of the raciest books found outside the backrooms of Zone D’Erotica. That’s… shocking. And, according to my husband, kinda hot. I suppose he has a point. Isn’t it time, high time, that women have an outlet for all those burning little red devil desires we so often ignore and postpone in favor of focusing on workplace disputes and happy hour dramas? I decided this could very well be the next wave of sexual liberation for women – sneaking away during lunch hour or coffee breaks to steal a few breathless minutes with some hardcore illicit lit.

If this sounds like self-justification, that’s because it is. It’s the same reason that I did, eventually cave to peer pressure years ago and read one of the ‘Twilight’ books… purely for sociological research purposes, mind you. It wasn’t because I was the biggest poser, the most flaming hypocrite to ever keep a volume of the complete works of Joyce on her coffee table. No. That wasn’t it at all.

But now, only a couple of hours and yet many, many chapters into the latest “have you read…” sensation, I find myself facing a fresh dilemma. This week, when someone inevitably corners me with a repeat of the impromptu book club session, I’ll have only two choices. Lie, which I don’t do well, given the tendency of my cheeks and ears to flame in moments of blatant dishonesty. Or, tell the truth. In which case I’ll be stuck in an elevator, or in a ladies room or sharing a relaxing smoke next to someone who will give me a knowing nod or god forbid, maybe a wink. I don’t want to know my co-workers’ or even remote office building residents’ impressions of the Fifty Shades main character’s deflowering by a billionaire. I just… prefer to think of everyone I meet in a professional capacity as sexually dormant. Like teachers. Or siblings. Or parents.

Being in the know has become its own punishment. Every chick at Starbucks in the morning hunched over a Kindle, every secretary failing to register when someone walks in because her nose is inches from her computer screen, every woman in my office who vanishes during lunch and comes back with a dewy-eyed expression of haughty naughtiness… yeah, I know what you’ve been reading. And you know what I’ve been reading. But please, let’s just not talk about it.

Photo of the Week: Everyone, Meet Roderick.

2012-05-18T11:45:29Z

This one comes to us from DiskoJoe. He calls it Roderick – 100 Strangers: 14/100 and it’s part of the 100 Strangers group on Flickr. WHAT’S THAT?

I’ll let Xavier J. Peg break it down.”Focus as much on learning about the person photographed as the image they give you. Yes, the image they give you. Portrait photography is always a collaboration, a dance, between photographer and subject. Learning how to engage unknown and reluctant people as quickly and easily as adjusting your aperture is what 100 Strangers is all about. Being able to engage a stranger, see the shot and quickly adjust your camera to capture it (not necessarily in that order) is a wonderful skill to develop that will help you immensely in photographing people under any conditions.”

And now for the photo and written words that accompany it.

“I recently purchased a new camera and had been dying to get out and snap off some new photos with it. So on Sunday it was my birthday and mothers day so I finally found some time. I was strolling around downtown and was approached by this man Roderick. He told me he didnt have much money, maybe about 30 cents, but he wanted to know if he could buy a cigarette. I was in a good mood so I told him he could just have one if he didnt mind posing for a picture. He hesitated just a bit at first but I assured him I’d make him look great. So he said go sure. He gave me a little pose and I snapped off this picture. Afterwards I let him see it on the live view. He seemed to like it and smiled and gave me a pat on the back then rolled off.”

Check out the rest of DiskoJoe’s photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laanba/
Add your photos to our pool to be chosen for the Photo of the Week here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1312627@N25/pool/

Where’s Pauldo (ep. 114)

2012-05-17T15:54:50Z

Pauldo has been a Stump Master lately. Let’s take a look at the man of mystery’s clues of the past that still (STILL!) remain unsolved. Loopsters be letting us down, yo.

http://theloopscoop.com/wheres-pauldo-ep-113

http://theloopscoop.com/wheres-pauldo-ep-112

http://theloopscoop.com/wheres-pauldo-ep-109

And, guess what… He’s left a new clue as well. Here we go again.

Happy hunting… An Easter Egg at the end of May? Yep. Pauldo found it this morning.

The Menil Collection — Richard Serra Drawing: A Retrospective

2012-05-16T21:31:19Z

There are so many benefits to living in Houston, Texas. First, the weather is beautiful when it wants to cooperate, the cost of living is reasonable compared to other big cities and finally the exhibitions that are brought here is priceless. The Menil Collection has Richard Serra Drawing: A Retrospective currently on view until June 10, 2012.

As I walk through the first room of the exhibition, there are a number of charcoal and paintstick drawings that are framed with an intense and cautious stroke and strokes of the hand. I feel a sense of great technical ability at work here. Expressing ideas like line and movement. My painting background reminds me that these could be studies for larger pieces, but this is the great Richard Serra, a true master of creativity. So I know that his ideas are more complex than what is being presented on the surface. Serra’s installations whether drawing or sculptural deal with the power of configuration, space, shape, and scale. His Art and Forms are interesting and dynamic and carry a great relationship toward the public, the environment, and the surrounding space it contaminates.

Richard Serra, Taraval Beach, 1977
Paintstick on Belgian linen, Shown installed at the Whitney Museum of American Art,
Whitney Biennial, Collection of the artist, Richard Serra © 2010 Artist Rights Society (ARS),
New York
Photo: BeVan Davies

The artist’s ideas of weight, volume, surface, and application are embedded in every image framed and unframed. You can see Serra’s obsessiveness with each stroke. His Rounds, out of rounds, and Line drawings possess a fluidity and presence that is not only energetic but demands attention. Serra’s philosophy touches on the idea that the Artist has the duty to open new windows in the area of art making. His Belgian linen pieces alter the space of the Menil exhibition rooms as well as dwarfs man’s stature. The artworks confront the viewer head on and force the spectator to analyze what they are experiencing.

These drawings are dynamic and the Belgian Linen pieces stapled to the wall are remarkable. They could be seen as paintings. Serra addresses concerns that the idea of Drawing can sit alongside Painting and demand equal attention. Serra’s language was invented not out of necessity but of demand. His ability to create a new process helped him arrange a new and unique visual language. I feel Serra is one of the first to introduce a system of Art, not just for one medium but for several.

Serra’s “Triangle” Paintstick on Belgian Linen 1974/2011 is one of my favorites. Found in the second room of the exhibition, it discharges a silent energy. I find the shape very harmonious. Everything that needs to be expressed is done with an oversized black triangle. I only wished it could fit in my one bedroom apartment. What I find in Serra’s work is a number of dualities that can be expressed like Presence versus Absence, Physical versus Spiritual ideas, and movement versus stillness. As I come toward the end of the show, I have to admit his paint stick drawings are quite appealing and wouldn’t mind owning one or two. Serra has a unique method to his technique which involves linking analytic and deductive reasoning to create a new tier of visual forms.

His “Two Corner Cut: High Low 2012 Paintstick on Belgian Linen is a masterpiece. As I walk toward the image it makes me feel like I am descending a staircase. It is by far the largest drawing at the Menil. The color alone changes the room and expands it somehow. Serra gives you part of the equation to making great art unfortunately for us he doesn’t divulge everything we would like to know. Serra is one of the top five living sculptors and his Art should not be missed.

Richard Serra Drawing
A Retrospective @ The Menil Collection

1535 Sul Ross Street Houston, Texas 77006

Ph: 713-525-9400
www.menil.org
Thru June 10, 2012
11am-7pm Wed.-Sun.

- Submitted by Jesse Kantu

Street Art of the Week: Quoth the Raven

2012-05-16T16:03:46Z

This piece by Eyesore and the composition by O Texano look infinitely more dynamic than the big budget thriller that recently hit the silver screen. In fact, let’s take a moment and acknowledge the prolific pace in which Eyesore has been hitting the streets lately… His work is everywhere.

Artist: Eyesore
Photographer: O Texano
Location: Allen Parkway

[Add your street art finds here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1477471@N25/]

SPIN8: Put a Tree On It! One Night Exhibition and Summer Party at HCP

2012-05-15T21:42:22Z

A single act can change the course of a life. We’ve heard this enough. But how do we actually go about making a single act in order to make a difference? Well, here is a grand opportunity that may allow just that. HCP (Houston Center of Photography) is teaming up with Trees for Houston, a non-profit organization dedicating to planting, protecting, and promoting trees, to re-create their annual summer party, called SPIN8.

Each year, HCP explores a different theme and create an exhibition of photos taken by the public. This year, the theme is to bring attention to a tree, your tree, many trees or, in more particular, our Houston trees. It’s not hard to believe that trees are important and so essential in our lives. Trees produce oxygen, filters the air from pollution, provides shade, create a cooling effect, and check this, trees will increase your property value by 15% or more. And by any means, we’re not asking you to plant a tree to fight against global warming! We’re only encouraging you to act upon promoting attention to our Houston trees in need.

In order for HCP to create this exhibition, they need your tree photos from which they will create a collage of trees in their main gallery. These images will speak to the public, and bring awareness. Get inspired! Send in your close-ups of leaves, bark, roots, explore different perspectives, texture, compositions of solo trees, groups of trees, anything that you find appealing of a tree. Experiment, and celebrate the wonders of the environment we need to cherish.

Houston Center for Photography
1441 West Alabama
Houston, TX 77006
713-529-4755

When: Friday, June 29, 2012, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Food: GoodDogHotDog
Drink: Free Beer from Real Ale Brewing
Music: Gracie Chavez and much more!

Bring your printed images the night of the party to be included OR email sandy@hcponline.org and HCP will print 2 photos to include. Images must be submitted by June 27th. For more information on submissions, please visit the following website: http://hcponline.org/pages/spin8_submission_guidelines_1725.asp

NEWScoop: Journey to the Center of the Earth, Stripper Run, Epic Party Busted, Freedom Over Texas and Booty Shots

2012-05-15T16:21:20Z

Brendan Frasier Filming in Fort Bend
The upcoming Journey to the Center of the Earth 3 will be set in Fort Bend. Searching to get back to reality, crews for the movie have begun to dig a bit to… you guessed it… the center of the earth. “Believability is key,” said the director who refused to be named in conjunction to the flick. Visit Chron.com for more.

Stripper on the Run
Pocahontas has taken to the woods as police search for the accused murderer. You know what? That doesn’t sound like a terrible detail to be on if you’re an officer. Enjoy the chase, fellas. Visit MyFoxHouston for more.

Epic Underage Party Epically Busted
The good times came to an end abruptly as 300 party-goers were treated to the arrival of the Kingwood policia. The thrower of said party was arrested and charged with enabling his peers with alcohol. But we’re pleading for amnesty in this case. Look at that vest. Does it say, “I’m a misdemeanor offender”? Of course it doesn’t. Visit YourHoustonNews for more.

The Fireworks at Night Will Be Big and Bright
It’s time to get amped up for the Fourth of July. Along with the usual fireworks display over Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s bringing in Billy Currington and Sara Evans to help us celebrate. Now, if I just knew who those two were… Visit KTRH.com for more.

The Booty Shot Chronicles
The long, drawn-out process of the Roger Clemens trial continues… and continues to get more lurid. Apparently, our hero, the Cy Young winning pitcher wasn’t too good at “the booty shot” according to Brian McNamee. This is a detail I’m sure we could have all done without. Visit Click2Houston for more.

The Orange Show’s Art Car Ball 2012: It’s All In The Photos

2012-05-25T12:39:01Z

Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s that time of year again. Christmas? No. It’s days of mass artistic hoopla ignited by the Orange Show’s Art Car Ball on Thursday, culminating in today’s Art Car Parade at 1PM and eventually ending with tomorrow’s Award Show & Brunch.

The winner and… *cough* only participant in this past Wednesday’s Ticket Giveaway was Candace Garcia. She grabbed her tickets and was gracious enough to snap some photos. For those heading to the festivities this afternoon, consider this a preview. Enjoy!

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