Daily Dose of Art -- March 4, 2011

Guatemala City, Guatemala.  Streets of the city dump community.  August 31, 2010


My team and I spent the day visiting a city dump where thousands of people lived.  The community was extremely dirty and overwhelmed by poverty.  This photography provides a little glimpse of what the streets were like.  They were very narrow and filled with people and merchant stands.  I like how the small boy is tugging at his older sister's shirt.  This reminds me of the overwhelming sense of child independence in these countries.  So often, kids are left to wander the streets alone at a very young age.  Perhaps a 10 year old girl is taking care of her baby sister, which forces her to grow up years before she needs to.

Daily Dose of Art -- February 25, 2011

I decided to try something new today.  I think adding text to this shot adds so much more emotion, thought, and feeling.  I took this shot in Mexico City in August 2010 while I was wandering the streets alone one afternoon.  Part of me doesn't want to show the photo because it almost feels like exploitation, and the other half does to remind myself of the things Christ teaches us.  The scripture on this photo is from the book of Matthew, chapter 5 verse 3 from the New Living Translation.

I'd really like to hear some feedback on this photo.  Emotions, feelings, theology, reactions whether negative or positive.  What are they?

Daily Dose of Art -- February 14, 2011

Meet Julio.  I had the chance to meet this outgoing and spunky little guy in Ensenada, Mexico on July 9, 2010.  Being Valentines Day, I was pondering what picture/type of photo I should select for today's Daily Dose.  I must admit, I don't have a ton of cheesy love shots although I have a few in the engagement archives.  But on this day of 'love,'  I was wondering what love really means to all of us?  Does it mean things?  Does it mean time?  Frankly I'm not very well versed in the notion of romantic love, I'm single.  But I believe I have somewhat of an understanding of what Christ meant when he said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  And Love your neighbor as yourself."  Again, somewhat of an understanding.  Christ also says that (excuse my paraphrase) "The greatest expression of love is the sacrificing of your own life for another."  Wow.  Can't say I've done that.
The reason I chose this shot is because it is through people and children like Julio that I have found love. Love as an expression and a common bond between two or more people.  I've recognized it in the poor because I believe in situations like these all other distractions and levels of human comfort are stripped.  So my question to you is where do you find your love?  My dream for the world is that love will never be found in a 'thing' but a 'who.'  

Please share your thoughts below!

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 6, 2011

I met this little boy in a slum community in Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City) on August 31, 2010. I love his little suit and the pink balloon was just priceless.  He was a relatively shy kid but his two sisters were just the opposite.  They loved the opportunity to have their picture taken and went crazy when I showed them their portrait afterwards.  This was such a great day and very eye opening at the same time.  At times you begin to question, "What did I do to deserve the opportunity and life I have?"  The only difference between myself and children like this is the circumstances under which we were born.

Daily Dose of Art -- January 28, 2011

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The colors of Kolkata, India.  Need I say more?  I love this shot because it shows so many things that really strike me about the city.  The colors, the vibrance, the poverty, the daily life.  This city truly altered my life forever.  What do you think?

Critiques, opinions, likes, dislikes, and everything in betweet.  Leave below! I love feedback!

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 27, 2011

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So I know I failed to post yesterday but I swear its not my fault.  There was a lightning storm that shut off the internet here.  SO..I'm going to go ahead and post yesterday's photo...today.  No harm, right?  This photo is one of my favorites of when I spent time in Kolkata, India in May 2008.  What an incredible city.  Sights like these were not uncommon but very striking to my eyes.

Critiques, likes, dislikes, opinions, feelings...leave it all in the comment section below.  I love feedback!

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 25, 2011

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I took this shot while exploring Mexico City on August 18, 2010.  Regardless of where you are in the world, it's always sobering to see poverty and wealth side by side, especially when you stand on the fortunate side of the line.

Comment, critiques, likes and dislikes, please leave em!  I love feedback.

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 19, 2011

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I was having mixed feelings on posting this photo simply because I don't really look at a photograph like this as 'art.'  This photo was taken to expose truth.  To show the hard, humbling, and impoverished circumstances that many people find themselves in around the world.  This little boy is part of the Ngobe tribe in the mountains of northern Panama.  I had the privilege to travel to this remote location in August of this year.  Seeing the way some people live really has changed the way I define blessing and necessity.  This boy lived with his mother and two sisters along with his grandparents in a hut no bigger than my bedroom, all with dirt floors.

I would greatly appreciate comments.  Things you like, things you don't like, critiques.  Speak your mind!  I love feedback.

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 18, 2011

This little boy might be one of my favorite portraits ever.  I was roaming around the streets of Mexico City on August 1, 2010 when I came across this little guy and a woman in approximately her mid thirties.  They were obviously homeless and begging on the side of the street.  It breaks my heart but I'm not sure if this lady was the child's mom or not because after I asked if I could take his picture, she asked for money and couldn't even tell me the child's name.  Perhaps she was a drug user and high at the time? Likely but I'll never know.  I snapped a few shots, talked to the boy as much as my limited spanish would allow, and then said good-bye and went on my way.  What strikes me the most is the honest joy he has, somewhat unaware of the definite plight that surrounds his life.


I would greatly appreciate comments.  Things you like, things you don't like, critiques.  Speak your mind!  I love feedback.