(no subject)
Interesting dreams last night. No art projects from this one, but fairy worlds. A strange, wild man with gentle eyes and tiny guitars, about the size of my hand; fairies, leaves everywhere, rainbow coloured dogs (Bellwhether insisted they were in fact called gunterlings, and were not at all toy poodles- i was unconvinced), and the music- of pipes and wind and ill-sized guitars. I need to work on remembering these more clearly so I can write them down (or vice verse) because it seems to be the only time my imagination works overtime any more.
The ballet last night was great. Stephanie and I got season passes this year and so far it's been a lot of fun- though next year I am definitely upgrading our seats. This year we went cheap, and have been surrounded by some of the most awful theatre patrons who obviously aren't enjoying it anyway. I don't mind bad theatre manners so much if they're at least appreciating the show, but no such luck yestreday.
The performance was fantastic. I was surprised to see that they actually had one of their soloists playing Juliet instead of a more experienced principal, but both she and Romeo brought a very youthful exuberance & innocence, so it was perfect. The choreography was largely narrative, mostly lacking the traditional pas de deux, but was instead driven along largely by the minor characters- Mercutio's irrepressibly womanizing, Tybault, the nursemaid, the Friar's melodrama and sense of impending doom. It zigzagged easily between the entertaining and the overwrought and had the audience noticeably responding to everything- very well done.
I have to admit, though, I was really impressed by the set. Absolutely modern and minimalistic- all white, with two curved walls (very mod) that were pushed about the stage and two walls curving into the center back, leaving a ramp that arched around them backstage. This ramp could be raised and lowered (how exciting, you say dully, until you see a ballerina on it) and cued the most dramatic lighting shifts & change of day. What I would do to get to play as a theatre tech again (or even better, have access to it and a camera all at the same time!)
After that, had a client meeting. It's probably going to be a long time before I'm not at least mostly terrified of consultations. I'm too shy for this business (but rapidly learning how not to be, or trying.) Anyhow, we did arrange for a shoot in march, date pending the studio's cooperation, and I'm excited- performer shoots are so much fun. Annd it's nice to know that I'll have a way to pay for the lighting equipment that I'm ordering.
Reading a flickr discussion on 'the meaning of pro photographer' and I hate that 'weekend shooter' is automatically equated with 'crap.' As if there aren't just as many 'pro' photographers by their own definition who suck; so people who can't yet afford to make the jump and give up the day jobs therefore have no artistic value to contribute?... I'm not even reading that discussion any longer.
Had a good (if brief) discussion w/ Steph about the potential future art project. I've been generally having doubts on whether or not it's interesting enough for an entire project run, but she was really excited by it to. It seems to be something that people would actually come out to see. Don't want to talk much about it until I know whether or not it can happen- it'll take a good amount of research in media law, possibly some licenses, some kind of ability for set & lighting consistancy, and more working makeup artistry knowledge than I have right now. Might be a year-long project, let's see where it goes.
Anyhow, I really need to get something done today, like cleaning and research and whatever else I can remember. wish me luck.