Bjork, Biophilia and Michel Gondry

Michel Gondry and Bjork; they fit so well together artistically. Both positioned in some otherworldly, yet familiar, heart warming place. They can still create fairy tales of other worlds where science has new rules, or no rules.

The video for “Crystalline”from Biophilia is what you would expect, but still mesmerizing escapist fun when you need a 5 minutes to recharge. More intriguing is the new album or whatever you want to call it that Bjork is putting out. It is also an iPad app, traveling exhibition, a music education tool, and includes a discussion of Bjork’s take on the natural world.

The visuals alone are intriguing. The many avenues inside Bjork’s creative process while putting this album together is inspiring in the least. I feel like I could spend many enjoyable hours discussing the connection between nature and technology with them over a pint or a cup of coffee. The video itself leaves much food for thought.

Movie Review: Captain America

For me, summers are about action hero blockbusters. With this genre there is a fine line between fun and campy. When the plot devolves to silly I soon lose interest. Captain America stays on the fun side without taking itself to seriously. I would say Captain America is worth the time and money to check out in your local theatre.

A sucker for anything set during W.W. II, I was drawn in by the period details and the black and white strokes of the conflict. The action sequences are well paced and not overbearing. They help tell the story without becoming the story.

The one-dimensionality of the Captain is relic of the period, and honestly parts of me needs an occasional dose of an easily defined character. The current vogue is to create characters that are both good and evil all the time. Guess which side you are going to get today? That would depend on the characters narcissism. Captain America did not think of himself. He fought to protect the allies from bullies everywhere, regardless of his personal safety or love interest.

Should we move the Captain into the 21th Century? I do not have a ready answer, except it was wise not to modernize him in the first movie which is set at an earlier time. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in his first avengers movie set in the present. Of more interest to me is when he will show any sign of sadness over the loss of Peggy Carter right after their first kiss?

Chicago at Sunset

I created only B&W prints until I switched to digital media. Photoshop gave me the freedom to build a studio at home. An unexpected consequence was the ability to experiment and create in color without having to spend days immersed in chemicals. My pallet for capturing moods and ideas has exploded. Combing the streets of Chicago is a subjective experience and now I can share what I experience in my mind’s eye. What does this image evoke for you?