Now, before all you real photographers come lunging at me with pitchforks and fiery torches, I want you to take note of the asterisks on …
Now, before all you real photographers come lunging at me with pitchforks and fiery torches, I want you to take note of the asterisks on the title. My beef is with the shutterbugs who flood these sites with everything they think qualifies as photography. I’m talking about the one’s who take pics at their kids birthday party, their dog or cat rolling around on the grass, the rustic old shack down the road, their wife or girlfriend stepping out of the shower(or some other equally unerotic pose), their vacation photos, etc. These are the one’s who take a picture of a bird on a wire, 10 different ways, and post them all. One shot of the old barn isn’t good enough. Why not take 20 more, get it from every damn angle. And post them all. How about the macro shot of the flower, always a banal treat. Oh, and don’t bother with that pesky focusing. Don’t want you to get slowed down. Now, I’m sure I’ll get replies like “Well, there’s just as many bad “artists”. This may be true, but it takes a lot longer to make a bad painting or drawing than it does a bad photograph. And you only can post one version of bad art. It matters not, because the bad art will never be seen, getting pushed out by 50 more bad photos. True, there are some serious photographers on these sights, one’s with knowledge of lighting, composition and color. One’s who have their own darkroom and equipment. One’s with serious commitment to their craft, and a discerning eye for what worked and what didn’t. But even their work gets buried under the schlock. If some of these digi-dummy’s would use more restraint and discrimination with their choices, maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to see the forest for the trees. If they thought to themselves “How can I put a fresh spin on this subject?” or “Should I bother, it’s been done to death?” , these sites would be a tad roomier. I made the mistake, when I first joined, of putting a few of these members on my watchlist. Now, I’m inundated every morning, with a new barrage of photographic excrement. I even tried taking them off the list, to no avail. It just keeps coming, like some Twilight Zone episode starring Pauly Shore. Moral of this story, is that I pick and chose after I see the work, now, and that the best place to show these pics, is at your next Christmas party. Digital cameras, the slide projectors of the new millenia.
Hi Everyone :) VBS I know that some of you would have noticed that I haven’t been around for a while. I just wanted to say hi to you all …
Hi Everyone :) VBS I know that some of you would have noticed that I haven’t been around for a while. I just wanted to say hi to you all and say I am still here … I am VERY busy at the moment is all. Last week I had the Mediation Service with my Ex Girlfriend … We came to a deal where she gets a certain percentage and I get the rest. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it’s over :) Now I am free to sell the houses and she will sign, so it’s a huge relief. :) Also, two weeks ago I landed a casual job here in Kellerberrin at the local hardware store, so I have been working 30 hrs a week as well :) :) VBS The other reason I have been so quiet is because I am already packing and cleaning here. I have a buyer (The guy who bought the houses in Jan this year which fell through because of my ex not signing) I am waiting for him to get back to me about his finances. So I have been busy busy busy. I want to have everything packed for the removalist ASAP so I can move at a moments notice. I am also looking for somewhere to rent in Ballarat. Preferably South Ballarat and in a quiet area that will let me have my 2 cats and dog. If anyone from that area knows of anything PLEASE let me know :) :) So that is why I haven’t been around much. I promise to try to at least get a Showcase up this weekend (thank you to those of you who sent me links) and hopefully get another lot of discounts up for those that follow my sale items :) I hope everyone is doing well :) I AM!! :) :) VBS
My favourite film is one by Stephen Poliakoff’ called ‘Shooting the Past’. There is this line that sticks with me almost everytime i lo…
My favourite film is one by Stephen Poliakoff’ called ‘Shooting the Past’. There is this line that sticks with me almost everytime i look at a photograph, either my own or someone elses. It goes along the lines of: / ’ I just have to say one thing to make this picture electrifying, these people are about to be hit by the most terrible change, their whole worlds turned upside down …. they have no idea, uncertainty beyond their wildest dreams.’ And i suppose this is the power of photography, the smile frozen in that split second of time, with no knowledge of what the future may hold. This quote has special meaning to me also because i not only go ‘click’ with my camera, but i even find my brain going ‘click’ – i am constantlly framing life. An example of this was several months ago my sister had her first child, a little boy called Oscar – such an amazing day – then on the Sunday, they were supposed be coming home and i can remember ‘click’ i am in the dining room, ‘click’ the phone goes and i walk into the living room to answer it …. ‘click’ my mum is sobbing because he is being rushed to the heart unit for an emergency operation. Every moment for me was mentally frozen in time – and when i look at photographs of Oscar on the day he was born that quote comes flooding back to me. On a positive note, Oscar is now 8 months old – he had another operation a couple of months ago and is thriving. But to sum up, I suppose i just wanted to say that photography is almost like oxygen to me – i need it – i need to record all those around me that i love and tell the story of their lives. I would love to know why you love photogaphy, or painting or writing or anything creative. Love Debxxx
There was no way I could fit all of the wonderful responses I got to this question in BubbleWrap...
There was no way I could fit all of the wonderful responses I got to this question in BubbleWrap so I thought I’d share some more of them with you here and invite you to add what RedBubble means to you too. What Does RedBubble Mean To You? (in 50 words or less) not getting my real work done, sore wrists, scraped knees from photo shoots, the company of equally minded loony brains who are mad as a cut snake, being able to approach any subject in front of an open minded audience without the fear of fists flyling…all of which i would never want to have to trade in… Jessica Tremp red bubble means building new friendships, meeting new and interesting people from all over the world. / red bubble means that I can share my work with others and get their opinion on my work and also sell it at reasonable prices to any one any where in the world with ease. / because of rb I get to meet people and view their art that I other wise would not have know that even existed and I also get to be a member of an awesome community with hundreds of lovely and very talented artist, writers, painters, drawers, photographers. / Red bubble also means that I can get great advice and help with my work with out it being a big deal or a hassle to any one and I look at rb as kind of giving me a further education with my photography and also life’s history. / I now can’t live with out rb and don’t want to, if I didn’t come across rb I would be lost. dairygirl I am very new to Red Bubble, but I feel like I’ve been embraced with wide open arms. I’ve never participated in a creative community that actually matches my own enthusiasm – that is until now! For me, RB is a place where I can engage with other artists, some whom I’ve admired in national design magazines. The opportunity for networking is incredible, and I’ve never seen it work so seamlessly on a website with such enjoyable and addictive results! Natalie Baird Redbubble to me is a community full of great artists who strive to create. Its a great place to hang out and make friends with people who have a common goal. To improve on ones own performance and encourage others to do the same. Julie Langford Redbubble, to me, is possibility and growth. Encouraging me whilst challenging me. Allowing me vulnerability whilst strengthening me. Redbubble is like the parent teaching me to ride a bike for the first time – giving me the support, the training wheels, sticking close by me…yet letting me go at that last moment, allowing me to ride free, to find my own way. Kristy Lee I found Red Bubble in May 2007 and signed up without really knowing what I was letting myself in for, but hoping to increase Sydney’s awareness of 3D CG art. As I started uploading work, I noticed people were commenting on each picture I uploaded… all very positive. Other artists immediately started to favourite my work and also added me to their watchlists. I belong to other sites worldwide, and I have not had the same overwhelming response to my work anywhere else online. Since joining Red Bubble …. - my work has been viewed close to 50000 times - I’ve had a whole exhibition printed by Bubble - I have met many amazing artists and writers at Red Bubble, some of whom I have had the honour of working with… Paul Louis Villani, Witheringmoon, Steve Axford, Hans Kawitzki, Richie Dean, Kevin Kroeker, Kathleen, Damian and Veronica Purcell and James Pierce to mention a few (ok to mention a lot!) - I have a place to send potential clients to view my portfolio - I met Bodymechanic here at the bubble and now my work is on display at Gallery 26 in Sydney and through him was also exhibited at the Tap Gallery, also in Sydney … this has led to exhibitions at other venues. There have been many more bubble experiences for me, but these are the stand out ones. Rose Moxon RedBubble is more than just a shopfront for me, it’s a community and almost a family that I am happy to be a part of. I enjoy helping our other members, talking about absolute garbage (in the Soapbox forum) and commenting on some very great work! I joined this site at the start of September ‘07 and I’m proud to say that I already feel like I’ve been here for a very very long time, or as I was here when it first started. I’ve seen the community grow and evolve in the last couple of months and enjoy it very much. Faizan Qureshi For me, RedBubble is all about passion! / I love life, art, creation, experimentation, expression and the feeling of community, and want to share every bit of it with people who have the same passion for it as I do. RedBubble gives us all that opportunity. / It’s a way to connect and share and express yourself in the way we all need to deep down. James Price Redbubble is the first place I log onto when I get online in the morning, the only place I feel a real sense of community and sharing, and the best place for an artist on the web to be if they are interested in friendship, inspiration, top notch administration, and the potential to sell their work in a user friendly environment! Mundy Hackett The best part about RB for me has been meeting people with similar interests and the sharing of knowledge and ideas as a consequence of those meetings. / When I say “meeting” I mean meeting in the physical sense, not just in cyberspace! Andrew Bosman redbubble is a place where I can share my work with others who share the same interest as myself. But it’s more then just that, It’s a place where I can go and spend time just letting loose in the forums, and have a little fun at the same time with other artists within the community. :) EOS20 An ideal vehicle for artist interaction that has inspired and motivated me. I’ve made new friends, shared ideas, collaborations and have come to appreciate and enjoy the originality and creativity that abounds on RB. I’ve become an armchair traveler, an observer, a participant and a student. But, most importantly…… I’ve realised how fortunate I am. / Thank you redbubble for this journey! Mugsy What RedBubble means to me, is a collective of like-minded creative souls, coming together to form one fantastic place to hangout online. Where you can see anything and everything, and find inspiration for your creativity and even meet some wonderful people. ashlynmm Ready? / Enjoy / Discussing Beautiful Artwork and Writing / Ultimately / Benefiting everyone / Because / Life IS a Bubble / Everyday!! Craig Shillington
The first and most obvious reason would be to steady your camera and get sharper images. That will happen. But I think using a tripod go…
The first and most obvious reason would be to steady your camera and get sharper images. That will happen. But I think using a tripod goes beyond that. It forces you to slow down and think about your shot. / I will sit my tripod up,then take my camera and walk around the scene to see if I can find a better angle. (up,down ,left ,right,etc.) if not I shoot from that spot. / Another advantage is finding unwanted items in yout viewfinder.(like that tree limb sticking in from the side / Camera adjustments are sometimes easier while your camera sits on a tripod. / Tripods are sometimes a hassle but are well worth the effort.
I always knew that the RedBubble team had a big job on their hands. But recently, various piles around the office have been tipping me of…
I always knew that the RedBubble team had a big job on their hands. But recently, various piles around the office have been tipping me off as to just how big a job it is… / This is the board where I pin up all the cool ideas people add to the Feedback and Suggestions Forum and then refer to for ongoing nagging to get what we all want :) / ...and the ones that didn’t fit on the board! / Then Pete tells me that 2585 sales notifications went out in March and Group Activity is growing and growing / Just cleaning up Ed’s desk could be a 5 person job / We’re always trying out new products which results in the Bub Hub being taken over with samples ready to be played with and debated over. / And Peter has a more emails than I can count to deal with – 4294965818 to be precise. That explains why he never gets back to me. Sometimes finding the time to get through all the great ideas can be overwhelming, but it’s worth it. And it’s so satisfying to see artists and writers sharing their creativity. The staff may not be able to make magic happen overnight, but it’s inspiring to work with a bunch of people who are so focussed on helping artists connect with one another and sell their work. Jo
I’m re-working my marketing/sales kit with the goal of actually actively selling my stuff again. It’s been a few months since I made an e…
I’m re-working my marketing/sales kit with the goal of actually actively selling my stuff again. It’s been a few months since I made an effort and I feel slack. Upon checking out the interview I used to send around, I am appalled at the boring and irrelevant questions I asked myself. And at my boring and irrelevant answers. Can you think of some better/cooler/funnier/more useful questions I can interview myself with? Or even just some completely random questions or facts I could throw in for the heck of it? My brain is too fizzled to think for myself this afternoon. Must be Friday :)
I am writing this because I am so chuffed with a recent purchase I made from Firedrake / ...
I am writing this because I am so chuffed with a recent purchase I made from Firedrake I love her work and decided to take the plunge, snoop around her website (which is bloody fantastic) and ask some questions. Well, I ended up buying the Blueringed Octopus painting. It arrived on Tuesday. I can’t stop looking at it, picking it up, rolling it under the light… the irridicence of colours, the detail in the line… this is amazing work. My point is, if you like an artist’s work, just ask the question of them. They may be willing to sell you the original and sure it might be more than a print, but it’s the original! I feel this is an investment because this artist is going places! If you aren’t familiar with her work, I seriosly suggest you go take a look : )
by Anne van Alkemade On a few occasions since the Phoenix-Appeal account (and subsequent group) were set up just days ago, I have been…
by Anne van Alkemade On a few occasions since the Phoenix-Appeal account (and subsequent group) were set up just days ago, I have been called upon by members of Redbubble to account for myself! “Why waste time and money doing this when you could be giving straight to the Red Cross?” is one question asked of me within an hour of launching Phoenix Appeal. Another was “You’re only making business for Redbubble. What a waste.” Sometimes the comments have even been a little aggressive and on one occasion it was suggested that I (and my fellow Phoenix elves) were doing it purely to increase our own profile on Redbubble. An uncharitable view, but I reminded myself that these people don’t know me personally and sadly, in recent days, there have been warnings in the media about scammers on the Internet setting up bogus sites for donations. As an aside, this is why I have not put my name to many of the things being done in either the account or the group; but on the other hand, people donating their work and money want to know who is behind it all – a bit of a dilemma. In any case, I thought it time to let you in on the thought processes and how Phoenix has evolved. Like many people, I read avidly Darren Stone’s journal on the bushfires starting Saturday 7 February as he kept an around-the-clock vigil. The news was every bit as devastating, as Darren’s account and efforts were impressive. Immediately that I realised how very bad things were getting in eastern Victoria I contacted Darren and asked him if he intended to set up anything in Redbubble to raise funds for bushfire relief as I wanted to help by contributing to something and I wanted to do it as quickly as possible. He said he had no objection to me doing it! Setting up an account on Redbubble is very easy as I’m sure you will all agree. I also contacted Redbubble to let them know I was doing this and asked if they could arrange for funds to be transferred, although instead Jemimalovesbigted found the bank details for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal launched by Victoria’s Premier John Brumby and I used them instead. From here, there was a deluge of people contacting the account wanting to help by donating profits from their work. And this deluge has only slowed a little in the 11 days we have existed. I was inundated, and I’m glad to say that the lovely Jemimalovesbigted very quickly offered assistance, followed by adgray , GeorgieGirl , SoxyFleming, Rose Moxon and Christopher Ewing (who, I might add, has made it possible for the rest of us, all Aussies, to get some sleep and he takes on the ‘nigh shift’). This is all how, but not why! Instinct drove the creation of Phoenix-Appeal, but the ‘why’ was brought home to me by adgray who expressed her frustration to me that she could not contribute in the same way as other artists. Addy is a poet and writer. While she does not produce much in the way of visual art, her words are wonderful and poignant, creating images within. On Redbubble, these things are not so easily marketed as paintings, drawings and photographs. But I recognised the frustration because I feel that way too. I don’t have much money to spare. I am far from being alone in this and the cliche of the poor artist reigns, I’m afraid. I’ve given a few gold coins here and there – to the CFA, Red Cross, to people doing their own fundraising towards this call, but it has never felt like enough. I would give blood if it was any good. So, instead, I wanted to give my time, energy and art if I could. If you are a Redbubbler reading this I am sure almost every one of you would understand or relate to this in some way. Phoenix is primarily to raise money to help. But high up there is also that it provides the means for artists who have no other way of helping, an outlet to express their own grief at the horrific events of these past days, and to show their support, love and care through their art. It is a natural thing for an artist community to want to do. To the detractors out there who think we are just in it for ourselves, I do understand where you are coming from. Truly I do. But you are wrong. We want to help and for some of us it is the only way we can. To Redbubble, I say thank you for your moral support and also your very generous pledge to match profits made specifically for the Victorian Bushfires Appeal. And to the supporters out there who have contributed their work, made pledges of the profits from their accounts, who have purchased works with the prime intent (other than loving the art) of donating funds for those who are living through terrible times, I say a big and heartfelt thank you. Anne
Did you ever ask yourself why you use Red Bubble? I have, and here’s my thoughts. Originally, I joined to have a place to show my work on…
Did you ever ask yourself why you use Red Bubble? I have, and here’s my thoughts. Originally, I joined to have a place to show my work online on a premier photo site, and to see what others thought of my photography. By getting feedback, I was able to learn and improve my photography. Occasionally, someone would actually buy one of my pieces, and of course, it was exciting. After over a year and a half I am re-accessing my motives for being here. RB seems to have become more of a social network of other artists, and not really a place where you can actually sell your work. In recent weeks I have had a big push and submitted a lot of different pieces. The responses have been pretty much from the same handful of people. I do appreciate the views and comments, but frankly they are not helping me to improve my art. These efforts have not generated a single sale. Without sales, I do not see the value in putting in the amount of time that I have been. There is over 350 people in my watch list, however, there are only a dozen of so of you that comment on my work. The level of frustration, for me, is getting old. We can all do more when it comes to commenting (including myself), but we don’t. Maybe you all are feeling the same frustrations. Yet we continue to press forward, stay on board, and not jump ship. So, to the title of this entry, Why Red Bubble? The answer may be different for each of us. You have to determine for yourself the Why. If it’s a way to socialize, then that’s your choice. Nothing wrong with that. If you want to sell a lot of art, this is not the place in my mind. I’ve learned that you have to get out there, meet people and promote your art, if that’s what you want to do. I plan to not spend as much time here, and pursue other areas to promote my art. So, having said that, I will check my Bmail for your messages. Just so my mail does not build up I’ll be leaving groups. You can contact me directly at lenzphotoshop.com. My artwork will remain available on RB for now, but don’t expect to see any new work for awhile. It’s time for a break. Alien Fingers are resting, for now. Cheers…G>
While playing around practicing with flashes, I thought I’d do some test shots to show the effects of different modifiers. But for com…
While playing around practicing with flashes, I thought I’d do some test shots to show the effects of different modifiers. But for comparison, here’s a direct flash shot. There’s shadows on the wall, on the dog from its tongue, it’s hard and unflattering, and can be a lot worse with a person. When using a speedlight one of the easiest solutions is to bounce it. It’s pretty much eliminated the wall shadows, softened the light as a whole, but there’s still shadows underneath the mouth from the light bouncing down off the ceiling. To fill in the shadows on the subject you can combine bouncing the flash off the ceiling with a bounce card. A business card held on with an elastic band will get the job done, and some flashes have them built in. This is the built in card on the SB900 / It’s reduced shadows in the subject, introduced a catchlight in the eye, but has also once more added a slight shadow to the wall behind. Nowhere near as bad as the direct flash. You can buy products such as the Lumiquest Pocketbouncer. These work on the same principal as a bounce card but are much larger. / The pocket bouncer stops light bouncing off the ceiling and just directs it to the subject. You can get all sorts of types, including those with holes to filter some light through to the ceiling. This is the pocketbouncer, but there’s a whole range of different items available. / It’s gives a lot more direct light than bouncing, but like direct flash, it’s got more noticable shadows, though not as pronounced. You’ll have seen flashes with what looks like a bit of tupperware on top. / These diffusers are my favourite. This came with my SB900 but you can buy them to fit most any speedlight for around $20-30 / Pointed up or at an angle it’ll still bounce light off the ceiling providing a softer light, and works quite well in locations where you can’t bounce off a ceiling. Another great way to get rid of those pesky shadows on walls is to use an off camera flash to overexpose the wall behind. This can mess with your metering a bit, but like anything in photography, a bit of fiddling with settings and you should be able to find something that works for you.
Hi Guys, I’m very inquisitive and curious by natur…
Hi Guys, I’m very inquisitive and curious by nature and sometimes that gets the better of me, I’ve been thinking I’d like to ask you some questions now and then, just a few for you today :) 1. How did you hear about redbubble initially? 2. Why do you love redbubble? 3. What keeps you coming back to red bubble? I’d really appreciate your feedback :) This is purely my own initiative by the way, just wondering and pondering life as usual …
1 You can get chocolate. / 2 Chocolate satisfies even when It’s gone soft. / 3 You can safely have chocolate while driving. / 4 You can m…
1 You can get chocolate. / 2 Chocolate satisfies even when It’s gone soft. / 3 You can safely have chocolate while driving. / 4 You can make chocolate last as long as you want. / 5 You can have chocolate in front of your mother. / 6 If you bite the nuts too hard the chocolate won’t mind. / 7 Two people of the same sex can have chocolate,with-out being called nasty names. / 8 The word commitment won’t scare off chocolate. / 9 You can have chocolate at your desk,with-out offending workmates. / 10 You can ask a stranger for chocolate with-out getting your face slapped. / 11 You don’t get hairs in your mouth with chocolate. / 12 “If you love me you’ll swallow” has real meaning with chocolate. / 13 With chocolate there’s no need to fake it. / 14 Chocolate does’nt get you pregnant. / 15 You can have chocolate any time of the month. / 16 Good chocolate is easy to find. / 17 You can have as many kinds of chocolate as you can handle. / 18 You are never too young or old to have chocolate. / 19 When you have chocolate you do’nt wake the neighbours. / 20 With chocolate, size does’nt matter. / 21 You don’t have to beg to have chocolate. / 22 You can have chocolate any-where,with any-one and not go to jail. / 23 Chocolate does’nt keep you awake,yapping after you’ve had it. / 24 You can have chocolate all weekend and still walk OK on Monday. / 25 It’s easy to find 9 inches of chocolate.
I need to write this but I will try not to be dour. It’s something I need to do and if you read it then I am grateful for your interest, ...
I need to write this but I will try not to be dour. It’s something I need to do and if you read it then I am grateful for your interest, and if you comment, then I am honoured.. I’ve been given cause to pause in recent days, weeks … months even – yes, a long pause … to think over and over about why I write creatively and what does it do for me. Is it really worth the angst? Can I be bothered expending energy and pouring out my creativity onto the page where it either is criticised for being light and fluffy or just not read? The first point I guess is to declare that I don’t write purely for catharsis. Like most writers, I have to do it, yet I feel the process is incomplete if no one reads it and has some sort of reaction. The urge is within me although a great deal of procrastination comes into play. It’s paradoxical yet true. (I have never been a great fan of Michael Leunig as clever as I believe he is, but one of his cartoons sent to me years ago by a friend has always resonated, where the hapless writer asks the doctor to surgically remove the book that’s within him). The whole thing is painful and distracting from other things in life yet for me it is where my whole life gels somehow. These all seem very good reasons to keep writing. But there is also a part of me that is an attention whore. Yes, I confess it. I need to be told constantly not how wonderful I am, but how awful I am not. Does that make sense? I have real trouble receiving praise. It has taken me years to learn how to be gracious about it because I understand that the person saying things about me or my work is giving me a gift. I will smile and say thank you. But often this is an act … not because I’m ungrateful, but because I have no idea how it could possibly be about me or anything I do. I know that’s a bollocks way to be in life and believe me … heart’s out there bloodying up my wrist. However, praise and acceptance are like a drug for me. If I get a little, I want more to try to feel its effects. If I get more, it still isn’t enough. There’s a little ‘thing’ inside me with a booming voice (like that television woman on Doctor Who) yelling “Feed Me!” As a result of this crappy psychosis, my creative efforts every 4-5 years, grind virtually to a halt leaving me desolate. If I write, my needy ego is yelling for more feedback. If I don’t, I am bereft and silent inside. Oh shit, getting angstier by the keystroke. Sorry about that. So, where to next? I guess the next question is, how do I go about getting the response I need to keep me going? Publication, of course! And I guess this is the crux of the whole journal. If I don’t do it myself, it doesn’t happen. Does that mean I am crap? Or does it just mean that my writing is simply not what people WANT to read. My money-for-jam job (and bread, milk and mortgage et al) is writing local news. I’ve done that type of thing for omg over 25 years. And it is fulfilling a need in others to know what is going on. People like what I write, usually the light hearted stuff, occasionally weightier issues although I usually choose to pass those ones to someone else (been there, done that). Sorry, that sounds arrogant. I don’t mean it to … it is not something I do lightly. I dislike negative and interrogative news style and prefer to write stuff that leaves people smiling. But while it can be a little creative, it doesn’t fulfill me in the way I need which comes from completing a short story or writing longer pieces. Are you still there? / That’s okay, I understand if you need to go now. I’m rambling. But I promise there is a point. In the world of fiction, in all it’s manifestations, do we choose to write what we think the market wants? Or do we write what fulfills our own spiritual needs? I guess I need to follow that up with: well, do you want to make money, become famous and acclaimed, or do you want to write in a dark corner somewhere and hope that someday someone might want to read your writing. Because honestly folks, the freakish occurrence like Stephen King, who wrote what he liked and was accepted with open arms into the market, is really a very unlikely thing to repeat at any regular intervals. Sure it’s schlock but the guy is a success story (and I confess to loving his schl … oops … his work!). Research the market and write to be successful? Write what appeals just to you and hope someone else likes it? I’ve only once ever done the first (that I can remember) and gain some success from it. In circa 1994 I decided to try to write a five minute fiction piece for That’s Life! . The seventh story was accepted and published. The money paid for my first computer printer! It was a big deal to me. I’ve never been able to repeat it … not because my previous and subsequent stories were bad (in my opinion the one that got published was bloody dreadful) but because it’s a lottery to be able to pick the one scenario that the editor will like at that particular day, time, month, season or whatever. And you are competing with literally thousands and thousands to make it into the 52 editions or so each year. While it was heaps of fun doing this, it provided me with little spiritual outlet for my writing. It was a distraction, at the time, from writing for the Australian competition circuit which also provided me with a few little thrills here and there, but almost no real success. Okay, let’s fast forward to now. I am much wiser (I think) but still pouting about the lack of success or acceptance or whatever. A recent rejection (sort of) from a fairly prominent writing scene in Australia made me a little angry because the rejection was not based (this time) on technique. In fact the editor said it could not be faulted on those grounds. Simply that it was not of sufficient seriousness to be included. No, it wasn’t an academic journal. But if I wanted to write academic or high brow fiction, I’d go back and do that lit honours year I was offered (if I could afford it). Evidently the handful of high distinctions I managed to get throughout the course even though not my major warranted a little encouragement from the faculty (yeah, okay, trumpet-blowing, but it surprised me and I am quite proud of it). One of the things as a writing host on Redbubble that I take very seriously, is that I try to put aside my own personal taste in choosing features or winners (where we don’t have external judges). I try to listen to what other people tell me they like and why. Because often the things that win are not to my taste. Some I just don’t get at all. But who the hell am I to decide whether or not they should be seen by others who may do? I want to write things that make people smile. Or make them feel they can participate in the worlds I create. Or nod and say, ‘hey yeah, I know that feeling’. Or shiver and think ‘what a bastard; hope they get what’s coming to them’ and know that they will. Because in my humble opinion, the western world’s problem is not about money or economy or ecology or environment – yep, they’re serious but they are symptoms. We have forgotten how to laugh. We have lost our child-like joy in living. We no longer appreciate just what we do have and focus on what we don’t. We’re so busy trying to impress everyone about how much money we have or how hard done by we are, or how clever we think we are, that we just don’t go on the whimsical journey any more. There’s no more Twilight Zone or Hitchcock Presents on TV … it’s all bloody reality tv because it’s cheaper to produce and provides no taxation on the brain stem. And even though we now have the Net where anyone can publish, there’s so much noise about trying to appear super intelligent or super stupid or super something, that we don’t just stop and read a story … however it is written. Okay, that’s my rant. It’s here now. I might take it down later. Too long, too boring or whatever. I just wish …
It’s true. I came to the realisation on the weekend on our trip to Liffey Falls...
It’s true. I came to the realisation on the weekend on our trip to Liffey Falls that no matter how much I want to, I simply don’t have the right stuff to make it as a landscape photographer. For one, I am terribly unfit. The mere thought of walking through the bush for miles to some gorgeous but out of the way spot makes me break out in a cold sweat and reach for a chocolate muffin for comfort. I know, I know… I hear you saying “But you can fix that! Join a gym, walk every day – PUT DOWN THAT MUFFIN! etc etc” However, there are other contributing factors that aren’t quite so easy to fix. For example, my spectacular lack of co-ordination and gross motor skills makes my health insurer shudder if I even consider climbing on slippery rocks (or unslippery rocks for that matter) – or any other surface that is even slightly less than perfectly flat. My sense of direction is completely crap too, and friends have been known to want to come in our car on outings just for the laugh factor in watching me try to read a map. Walking off in to the bush alone would just be an invitation to the Tasmanian Tigers (who most certainly are still out there) to follow this hapless human with their knives, forks, and napkins – because sooner or later she is bound to become food. So you can maybe see that the above could be a little inhibiting on my sense of adventure? In fact… the only reason I have gotten many of the shots that I have so far is largely in thanks to my cheerful packhorse, slimey rock tester and chief bottom pusher upperer… my hubby. My number one son does his part too by holding my hand to steady me as I clamber over rocks, and gives me lots of encouraging support as I puff and pant my way up out of gorges – why do waterfalls and other good stuff always have to be at the bottom of impossibly steep ravines?? Number two son helps too by puffing and panting in sympathy :) I simply don’t have the right stuff to become a serious landscape photographer, but you know what? I am totally ok with that. Photography for me is more than a hobby, it is a part of my soul… something I could not live without in my life, but it’s unlikely to ever become my profession, as much as might sometimes wish it. This revelation has not sunk me to the depths of despair as it may once have. Nor has it made me feel the burden of perhaps selling myself short. Instead, I feel a lightening of spirit, a contentedness of the heart, acknowledging my limitations and working with and around them. I am an aspirational photographer and artist. And that’s pretty damn cool by me. Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Picasso
HI! / Many of you will be aware there has been somewhat of an upheaval across this website these past weeks regarding in general – the rul…
HI! / Many of you will be aware there has been somewhat of an upheaval across this website these past weeks regarding in general – the rules and policies re expected behaviour and how they have been enforced. In response to this, RB admin and management are working really hard to put together as clear a statement re what is, and what is not acceptable behaviour, and what the resultant penalty for ‘overstepping’ any particular mark should be. Excellent!!! They now have an (apparently draft) document on this that is beginning it’s process of ‘solicited feedback’, firstly by having been assessed by RB staff, currently it is available to group hosts to view and comment on, and sometime (soon, I expect) it should be made available to the general RB membership to add their feedback. This is all a very fine, extremely difficult and confusing (due to the already extremely varied viewpoints expressed) and SLOW process. I have read the proposed new rules and guidelines pdf document I believe now 7 times, making notes as I go. On the whole, there are a few rather minor issues that I believe MAY be queried re how they are to be defined and enforced, but overall, everything is extremely clear and well set out. The earlier ‘rules and policies’ (when I finally found them) I ALSO thought were quite clear, well set out and defined. The one major difference between these 2 documents is that the new one allows for a ‘review process’ for those who wish to activate it, whereas there was no recourse to review before. / This is, in principle, a truly EXCELLENT addition to the rules and guidelines. So far – all fine and good and excellent??? Yes??? With, in my honest and truly thought through opinion, ONE EXTREMELY SERIOUS OMISSION WHICH IS BEING TOTALLY IGNORED AS EVERYONE (well – only hosts so far) RUSH TO AIR THEIR OPINIONS AND ARGUE OVER THE FINE PRINT IN THE NEW GUIDELINES – AS WELL AS ISSUES NOT IN THE NEW GUIDELINES AT ALL (LOL)....... The primary reason there was a great upheaval and huge anger and disillusionment throughout the RB community was NOT the ‘enforcement of any rule or guideline per se’. The primary reason for the huge upheavals and the extremely upsetting and destructive arguing in the forums over the past weeks was the PERCEPTION OF UNFAIR AND INCONSISTENT APPLICATION OF RULES AND GUIDELINES. RB management HAS ADMITTED that, since it’s not well advertised assumption of altered rules in February, it’s application of those rules HAS NOT BEEN CONSISTENT OR FAIR. Nowhere in this new document, or in any of the information provided to, or solicited (from so far only staff and hosts) does Red Bubble management provide ANY information at all on how they intend to implement not just this new rules and policy document (in whatever slightly edited form it may finally see the light of day), but also on how they intend to firstly make sure that these new guidelines and rules are implemented CONSISTENTLY AND FAIRLY, and, how they are going to be made to BE SEEN TO BE IMPLEMENTED CONSISTENTLY AND FAIRLY. If the previous rules were unable to be administered consistently and fairly – what reason does anyone at this point in time have to consider that the implementation of ANY format of ANY rules and guidelines will in future be able to be more fair and consistent than to this point in time? In my honest opinion – an EXTREMELY BIG HOLE in RB management’s response to the recent upheavals. I would hope this could be addressed well BEFORE any potential new rules and guidelines need be submitted to ANY feedback at all….. I welcome any and all opinions here on this – my statement of my opinion. However, I will not reply to any comments left here until, at the earliest – sometime tomorrow. / I am, at the moment, extremely tired. I have spent by far the greater proportion of the past weeks on RB policy and procedure issues, with virtually NO time to myself and / or my artwork. For the sake of my sanity, I am now, on posting this journal, going to turn my internet off, and concentrate for a bit on what I should be spending most of my time doing – my photography (as well as resting lol). / I resolve truly to not delete any comments here that may disagree with what I have written – I am interested in fair and open expression for all. / Cheers - / Kallena xx
Why, when choosing which supermarket checkout queue to join, do I always end up in the one with the little old lady who “has 2p somewhere…
Why, when choosing which supermarket checkout queue to join, do I always end up in the one with the little old lady who “has 2p somewhere if that would help”? Why is there only one Monopolies Commission? Why does the perfect photographic light always materialise 5 mins after I’ve waited an hour and have packed up my gear in disgust? Why does my wife always squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle? Why do I always discover the absence of toilet paper after I’ve finished and not before I’ve started? Why do ATM’s always run out of money just before I reach the head of the queue? If the distance from my garage power point to the furthest extremity of my back lawn is x ft, why do I always manage to buy the only lawnmower in the shop with (x-2) ft of cable? Why is every traffic light on red when I’m late leaving for work in the morning, but on green when I’ve got plenty of time to spare? Some of life’s imponderables. Can you add to this list?
I am the host of several groups, the art which is put into the groups is unlimited, why do other groups put 3, 10 or even 20 work total, ...
I am the host of several groups, the art which is put into the groups is unlimited, why do other groups put 3, 10 or even 20 work total, this is just rediculous to me, all groups should have unlimited works to be submitted to groups, 3 works total, I want say which group it is but its rediculous, when running a group the load can be very big, put on other hosts for the load, let us all submitt what we want in total, GROWL GROWL, SCREAM, YELL, TANTRUM, ok, thats me lol xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Earlier today there was a bit of an incident down on my local beach. A small boy got into the family car which was parked on a reasonably…
Earlier today there was a bit of an incident down on my local beach. A small boy got into the family car which was parked on a reasonably steep street across the road from the beach and managed to release the handbrake and knock this brand new Lexus wagon out of gear. The car rather predictably then took off down the street and rolled right out into the busy main road, over the gutter and down another steep driveway then crashed through two fences and go straight over a sheer eight metre cliff straight on to the sands below. The small boy managed to avoid all traffic and pedestrians and steered the car perfectly down the second long narrow driveway and then leapt from the car just seconds before it went airborne over the cliff escaping with a few cuts and bruises. Not such happy news for the car though… that was comprehesively totalled….. / . / This is the street the car had been parked on about 100 metres up the road in a driveway… if you look carefully you can see the tire marks… / . / / . / directly across the busy busy Lawrence Hargrave Drive the car barrelled across was this narrow and steep private driveway and the little lad managed to get the car straight down this before it veered to the right and plowed straight through the two fences….once again if you look really closely you can see the tire marks… / . / / . / another view of the second driveway with it’s now tastefully displaced fencing… / . / / . / and this is where it ended up much to the consernation and general amazment of the local wet ones… / . / / . / yep that’s some ding in the duco….. / . / / . / a better view of the cliff it came down….and this is a really small sort of cliff for around these parts… phew ! / . / / . / fortunately the NRMA will give you a free tow if your car becomes incapacitated although this may have been somewhat streching the friendship a tad… / . / / . / the fella’s had to try a few types of chains and things before getting it hitched up to this nifty little tow truck and my goodness lucky it was low tide is all I can say….. / . / / . / but soon enough the car was hitched and the Lexus was ready for it’s final inglorious tow up the beach to the dead car place….. / . / / . / but have a look at what that bounce down the cliff did to it… can you imagine the fate of the child if he hadn’t have leapt out the open window as the car got to the cliff…. / . / / . / the fire brigade came to give a bit of assistance too and a passing council worker stopped and stood about with his arms crossed looking inscrutable in his fluro jacket which gave the whole scene the perfect gravitas….and so it all went pretty soothly from that point on… / . / / . / at breakfast this was a brand new car the apple of this families eye… by morning tea it was toast…. / . / / . / and off it goes for a slow and scenic beach trip behind the terriffic little tow truck… / . / / . / so what I’m thinking is that this little boy was unbelievably lucky in many many ways… however I’m also thinking that the insurance company may not be too impressed with the concept of shelling out the bones to replace this shiny and very expensive new car…. which could lead to the little lad being put up for rehoming on ebay fairly soon in order to recoup some of the costs involved in this escapde… or maybe being grounded till he’s about eighty and has paid of the staggering debt his folks now have…. luck hey it comes in all sort sof manifestations ….. here is a link to the newspaper story in the Sydney Morning Herald for the full details and there is an updated version of the story here
I want to thank my brothers Rick and Clyde who both served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm; my Uncle Bill who serve…
I want to thank my brothers Rick and Clyde who both served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm; my Uncle Bill who served in World War I; Uncle Teddy who served in World War II; my Uncle Frank who served in World War II and the Korean Conflict; my (now deceased) brother- in- law John who served in Vietnam. I want to thank my husband, Jay, who served in the United States Army as a foreign national. They all served because they believe in freedom. Whether we support the wars or not, each and every one of our veterans deserve our gratitude. We can oppose war and still support the troops. Bring our troops home, President Obama. Bring them home and let’s embark on the road to peace.
Check out The Art Group They are a company who produce ‘consumer art’ i.e. Art for the mass…
Check out The Art Group They are a company who produce ‘consumer art’ i.e. Art for the masses, that people can buy in shops and stick on their redecorated lounge walls. It may be art for the masses, but if you hit on a popular image it can make you money. I recently watched a TV prog about consumer art, and it featured them. It was very interesting. I’m seriously thinking of signing up. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
I have a pet peeve, well actually I have many but one in particular surfaces on redbubble. / Why do people insist on putting composites an…
I have a pet peeve, well actually I have many but one in particular surfaces on redbubble. / Why do people insist on putting composites and manipulations on here and claiming that they are “straight from the camera”? / Why do people not call them on it? And instead praise them for another great photo? / Some examples / Here’s one that the writing says is straight from the camera and goes into great detail to describe how he “got that one special shot” – yet the seagulls are ghosted and see through. Its not time exposure because the wave behind is frozen so the birds havent moved.There fore its obviously not straight from the camera. / Its a composite with a dodgy horizon line where something has been removed. / I asked why he was gazetting a composite as a single image and my question was immediately removed. / So then I reposted asking what program was used to join the images and got a reply detailing CS3 contrast blahblahblah while still ignoring that it is a composite image so the big description about how he captured it is B.S. / Or this one with obviously computer generated ripples and a million comments saying how wonderful it is. I actually like the shot. Its beautiful, but why pretend? And I still don’t know why it bugs me, bullshit artists have always bugged me maybe. images and links removed after reading bubble guidelines – comments untrackable to images still remain and comments still remain
I am all for receiving feedback and critique of photographs, in fact I seem to go on about it quite a lot on here. The lack of proper cri…
I am all for receiving feedback and critique of photographs, in fact I seem to go on about it quite a lot on here. The lack of proper critique for fear of offending or upsetting somebody by suggesting something about technique or composition is irritating but I can live with it. What I cannot live with, nor understand, is when someone using an alias and a non-existent email address leaves insulting words in a public gallery (not RB) not about a photograph, a technique or composition either but a general attack on that persons chosen path. I have today been told that…. ... I am a disgrace to anyone who calls themselves a ‘photographer’. I should go back to sweeping floors or whatever useless job I came from and sell my equipment as I have no ability, cannot take a photo and should not try to sell or display anything again…. Feedback and critique is always welcome as that is how we learn and develop but insults are hurtful and stop you in your tracks. I am now taking a deep breath and trying to see what their point was, why they attacked me, and whether this hurtful statement they made does actually have any validity. Christmas seems to be as good a time as any to kick people for the sake of satisfying their own ego.
I don’t use myspace much, it’s more a place to promote redbubble from. / / I got one of those ‘Friend Invite’ thingys today from someone…
I don’t use myspace much, it’s more a place to promote redbubble from. / / I got one of those ‘Friend Invite’ thingys today from someone I don’t think I know or have heard of, but hey? who the fuck really knows right? / / Anyway, he sent me a friend invite and asked me to check out his poetry, the problem is, he has a private profile, so unless I accept the invite, I can’t read his stuff. / / So I added him and sent this message to him: / / Message sent BEFORE checking out his poetry / / how could I check out your poetry without adding you as a friend? what if you’re some creepy, perverted stalker type person with a hairy ass and ingrown toenails? :-P / / I’ll take a look asap, I’m busy giving virtual blowjobs to the world right now. / / Message sent AFTER reading his poetry / / checked out your poetry, you’re a wonderfully, expressive writer who writes from the heart, I take it there’s a Christian element to your work too? / / You write well but it’s just not the genre I get into, I’m more into the raw, suck and fuck, vulgarity of beat poetry, this is MY flaw not yours. / / Thanks for inviting me to check it out / / I sure am disappointed that you didn’t turn out to be a creepy, perverted stalker type guy with a hairy ass and ingrown toenails. /
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