Art Show

Come out to The Wine Merchant during Art Walk or during the month of May to check out my work!

Rainy Hike in the Woods

There is something wonderful about hiking in the rain. I took a nice stroll through a local preserve yesterday and found that my senses came alive underneath the canopy of deciduous trees during the constant shower of rain.  When I stopped it seemed as though I could hear each individual raindrop hit each leaf.  The mayapples quaked with joy as they soaked up the much needed nourishment.  The forest and connecting prairie/savanna even had a very ethereal, out of this world look to it.  The clouds hung low, the sky was darkened, and yet the forest was lit by a very soft, even glow of white light.  Here is an image I took of a newly sprouted lupine leaf studded in raindrops!

Enjoy,

Tyler

Southern Exposure

My spring break was two weeks ago and I was lucky enough to catch a trip with Base Campus to the beautiful state of Georgia for the week.  Here is a journal entry I wrote on the way back from our trip.  So see my portfolio of work from the trip check out my website, tylerben.com and the subject titled "Southern Exposure" under my "Works". 

"March 12, 2010

 

Endless ribbons of white and golden-yellow paint strips guiding the way back home.  I looked forward to this trip mostly for the sake of escaping the frustrations of work and school temporarily.  To my satisfaction, it became more than just an escape; it became a journey, full of adventures, trials, triumphs, and bonding.  Leaving Ohio, I felt accomplished with the notion that I finally launched my website, tylerben.com, that will hopefully increase my work’s exposure.  I had no expectations or goals for the trip other than maybe adding a few more pieces to my portfolio.  The beauty of the south never ceases to expand my cultural palette either.  The charming city of Chattanooga, kitschy mountain village of Helen, Savanna’s eye to the future and appreciation for the past, and Tybee Island’s very laid-back nature (except for crazy coastal storms) fed my soul.  After reflecting on the places themselves, I remind myself that it is the people along the journey that make it what it is.  People distinguish a journey from a trip.  Anyone can drive from point A to point B, but a journey tests your limits, patience, and relationships with all the people in between.  Everyone plays their own part along the journey; even down to the kind bystander, the sketchy gas station attendant, and the knowledgeable local.  Those minor interactions, however, do not compare to the relationships between those and myself that take this journey.  My memories of our walks down the beach; opening up to each other in so many levels, and sharing moments of inspiration and awe over the picturesque landscapes will never leave my soul.  The ocean itself seems allegorical to these relationships.  Aside from instances of rough weather, the beach provides a peaceful place where two complex and completely different bodies become one in the breath of the waves.  As these ribbons of white and golden-yellow guide us home, I hope, as with all of my journeys, this connection, feeling, emotion that I feel right now will only expand after we return home.

 

 

Seven days, eight states, thirteen people, one flat tire, a few curious raccoons, and four water-logged cars: Base Campus spring break – priceless."

And I'm Off Again

I am only hours away from leaving for Georgia for a week: a WHOLE week without technology, besides my camera of course.  Minutes ago I launched my professional website. Check it out here! See you all in a week!

Anticipation

Saturday I leave for a week-long tour through Georgia on expedition that will take me into the caves of northwest Georgia, the beaches of Tybee Island, and the historic avenues of Savanna.  In the meantime I am nervously trying to have my professional website launched before I leave.  In today's New York Times: Home Section  I was totally inspired by the artist, Marina Abramovic's color selection in her SoHo loft kitchen.  Toning down the colors just a tad, I used this scheme as a model for my website color scheme.  Keeping the suspense!

Memory Remains

I noticed this decaying bouquet of flowers resting on the shores of Lake Erie at the base of Marblehead Lighthouse last week and wondered about their origins... Were they placed there in celebration or closure for pain?  So many possibilities and that mystery is why I cherish this image.

Swell Design

I recently found the company Scout Books through another blog that I follow and fell in love with this company's designs.  Here is one of my favorite notebooks that they sell but you also have the option to design your own custom notebooks. Check it out! Well I am back to finishing my entry forms for the Findlay Art League's Photo 28 show before I turn in my pieces tomorrow! Keeping my fingers crossed!