Without Gorilla Is There Hope for Me?

Sitting in Biology class the morning after I finished reading Ishmael and Mother Culture is buzzing loudly. Discussing genetically modified food, professor poses the opening for ethical questions. A student immediately says "But there are undeniable positives- we are feeding so many, in this population we can't afford not to genetically modify our food."

But we aren't feeding everyone.

Growth in food, growth in population. Of course there is a direct correlation.
But now it is monopolized.

"Soon you voting citizens will have to decide whether we can modify genes to balance out a gender ratio; to balance out the number of daughters and sons."

And my blood boils.

The frontier of gender is already so obstructed. It is not a choice for society to make. There are people who are neither daughters nor sons. What about those individuals who are daughters and sons? To ask a population to dictate how many cookie cutter boys and girls they want born that year is not only an enormous, unnecessary undertaking, but ethically cruel.

Meat Couch

It was a simple challenge: step one- lie to the public, step two- wait to be challenged; little did I know I would commit hours to reupholstering a couch as well. “Oh yes I hand dyed all of the fabric with fresh meat”. An elaborate story was told about being elbow deep in a blood soaked bathtub, scrunching and sloshing cloth around to get the right grungy look. Despite the uncanny pink color and lack of odor no one took me for a liar.

            It was because as the artist in the gallery I had the upper hand- the control. No one wanted to question my methods for fear of insulting me, going against their friends or looking uneducated. It is not the norm to question art right? It is made by “gifted individuals” to be admired by envious crowds. “I wish I had some sort of artistic talent.” I hear far too often when really the question should be “Why haven’t I though about it like this before?”

This was only a college campus gallery setting among peers. Imagine the power this monolithic idea has when backed by billions of dollars in advertising and image building. It is this unwillingness to question. The Milgram Experiment (1963) presents only an assumption of authority- no real consequence existed for participants.

Recently a discussion came about where I was challenged: that this obedience is fading fast and that people are quickly waking up. I argued that no, we like to think we are waking up- it makes us feel better, and secondly, no, look at the meat couch. A simple question: What is this material? If an audience is not willing to question an unassuming peer about a detail so trivial- why should they question the patterns that they have been living out for generations? 

Don't Overthink It

Good art doesn't have to be hard to do.
   -Dr. Greer Markle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BG9ILVQBkQ&feature=player_embedded#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5cFCxSog4&feature=player_embedded#!

Tony Orrico
I have found that I admire work that speaks to genuine, invested endeavors. So simple then, why don't I incorporate that in my own work? This year's goal.

Mission Possible

It's been done.
Two weddings: one morning, one evening, two days in a row.
Meeting the boyfriend's entire family
One outfit: to be charming and young and modest
Budget: Thrifty

Dress: Anthropologie, on sale

Clutch: Banana Republic, on sale

Shoes: ModCloth, on sale, one of two remaining pairs AND half a size too small. 

Quite the gamble. 

Summer Shin Dig

    To be back and making my own decisions. Some kookier than others (floral thrifted pants) and some sensible and mature (cerulean silk blouse).
    Last night I was complimented by friends on the trials and tribulations I had overcome in the past year. They said I was graceful and strong. They spoke of my young relationship with high regards. I glowed. People who's opinions that really matter. I hadn't even thought of this year as being a difficult one (though 2011 could never be mentioned again and that would be just fine). As we recounted our accomplishments and passed stories and credits around the room our report grew more and more animated and ridiculous finally ending in exhaustion.
    I was struck by the types of things they noticed about me. It is always that "own voice on the answering machine" when you see yourself reflected back in the eyes of your friends. The gap between the ideal and real self. That gap grew smaller and smaller, what they said made me proud of myself.

Mission Impossible

5 months later we made it here, now it's time to meet the family
4 weeks to find the ultimate find
In 3 words it must be charming, chic, and on the budget
2 weddings, two days in a row
1 dress

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/luck-be-a-lady-dress#reviews_header
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/folded-fatale-dress
http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-974-palatine-hill.aspx
http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1411-frabjous-day.aspx