Sanguine

Jerry Uelsmann

"I have gradually confused photography with life." - Jerry U.

Jerry Uelsmann is undoubtedly my favorite photographer. He is a pioneer of photo manipulation; creating dream like surreal masterpieces without the help of modern day technology. It's a shame that I had to discover him on my own, perhaps because I've never taken a photography class, but Uelsmann is remarkable. During the 60's Uelsmann was considered an innovator because obviously photoshop did not exist to create his kinds of photo based magic. His technique is primarily "multiple printing"; exposing certain parts of his print with chosen parts of a film negative.

I have to be honest, photography is not my favorite form of art because it's machine produced, without an original to appreciate. But Uelsmann doesn't just rely on his camera, his technique is his currency. By mixing his photography to create a single print, Uelsmann has created an original work of surrealism ultimately by hand. So anyone who knows what kind of art I appreciate would surely understand why Jerry Uelsmann is a photographer I can admire.

Lissy Elle Lissy Elle

The Philanthropic Gifter

My mom always told me, "Life's a bitch, so think of others."

It's almost the holidays again and that means GIFTS!! Of course we shan't forget the religious and cultural significances as well, of course of course. With that said, I know a lot of us look forward to gifts during this time of year for various reasons such as 1) I deserve a reward 2) Santa is real, shut up 3) I'm plain spoiled, deal with it. Well... I'm here with a few suggestions related to good causes! Since some of us cannot always donate pure cash, thank God there's incentives. You can purchase products from the following causes to give as gifts! No more worrying about beating soccer moms to the fleece sweaters at Old Navy. It's always humbling to help a good cause and I know we can all use a good humbling every now and then.

I'm a huge fan of art related causes such as 28Cents who manages a postcard collaboration between some of today's most famous contemporary artists to benefit Art Start. Art Start offers free art programs to new york city's at-risk youth. Artists include: TADO, Jon Burgerman, Amanda Visell, Sket One, and Tilt. For only $20 you get 24 impeccable postcards to give away or write to lovers with style. 100% of profits benefit Art Start and by the way this is on my wishlist, wink wink.

The American Cancer Society recently collaborated with artists on their project: MoreBirthdays to create wrapping paper, posters, and prints to sell. I love the idea of these artists' artwork being used as wrapping paper because it's very retro. It use to be popular to wrap gifts with posters in order to show you know what kind of art the receiver likes. Artists include: Kari Moden, Andrew Bannecker, ilovedust, and Jon Burgerman. For only $15 you get 4 sheets of awesome wrapping paper to wrap those holiday goodies for your loved ones. Profits also benefit their cause to "create a world with less cancer and more birthdays." So go ahead and show your loved ones what a philanthropic gifter you are!!

Bjork Dork

“People always ask me about eskimos, but there are no eskimos in Iceland”
- Bjork

You may know her from the Olympics or probably her outrageous "swan dress", but Bjork is definitely the queen of bazaar music that sounds phenomenal. This Icelandic electronica, alternative rock, trip hop singer is definitely one of my favorite icons. She is so creative about her music and style that she doesn't believe in mistakes when she is recording, either it sounds good or it doesn't. Isn't that the way music should be? But if you haven't listened to her music before then I suggest you give her a try. Her distinct voice and hypnotic melodies will put you in a trance.

Lady GAGA all the way right? Well she isn't the first to decide to bend the rules of fashion. Bjork along with other fashion icons such as Grace Jones has always been mixing up the fashion world. GAGA also isn't the first to support the late Alexander McQueen. Mcqueen has always been a favorite of Bjork and she's been sporting his magical creations for a long time. In fact the dress in this music video "Who Is It" was created by Alexander Mcqueen. So am I a fan of Bjork? Well I would give her a kidney to see her sing live...no j/k that would hurt. But she is definitely one of my role models and favorite style icons.