Inspiration #34 Family

When I came up with the Inspiration, Family, so many months ago the theme seemed like it would be a perfect one for the season.  But, after talking with a few people, it actually seems like one of the more difficult inspirations we have had.  At first I was surprised by that but after thinking about the theme and creating my piece I totally see what people were meaning.  Family is just such a complex topic and so very personal that it's hard to come up with an image, song, or any creation that isn't honest, from the heart, and sometimes, frankly, just painful.  Plus, I hadn't thought about how powerful the holiday season is because of the theme of family.  Duh, right?   So, perhaps this may be one reason why it was just me and Joanna for round #34!  Without further ado, enjoy - Family.

"He Would Love to Help Her Build A Castle"

A very big thank you to Joanna for your submission!  You spared me from my first solo post...something I am and always have been prepared and comfortable to do but am happy to never do.  The inspiration and comparison between submissions propel me forward with the ACoLab so thanks ;)  Since it was just the two of us I feel a bit more comfy rambling too!  Joanna was so inspired by this round's theme that it spawned an entire new project and series of images.  (Be sure to check it out!)  This made my whole day seeing as the entire basis for this project is to inspire and to act as a catalyst for creations that may not have come to fruition without the ACoLab.  Funny but I also started a new series of images based on this inspiration.   (The above is one example.)

"Family"

I am in the process of moving now and I know everyone is a bit too busy to play for a bit so I am going to take a little holiday from the ACoLab.  Let's join back here after the new year to see the new themes, be inspired, and start creating again.  So rather than have an inspiration due on the 5th, that's when I will aim to post all of the new themes for 2012.  The first due date will be the 20th.  (Although you can always participate at any time with any of the permanent inspirations or extra inspirations.)  I really want to thank everyone who contributed, commented, and visited the ACoLab this year- you make this place what it is and I really do appreciate that.  I hope you are in for more of the same and some new changes in the new year!  If you would like to be added to the mailing list (basically bi-monthly reminders for the prompts) please just let me know and I will add your email address to the list.  A very merry holiday season no matter what you are celebrating and the very best in the new year!

xo
Anika

Inspiration #33 - Found

Thanks to Joanna and Stephanie for joining in round #33, Found.  We all submitted photography this time!  It's nice when that happens sometimes as we can see each other's own unique eye along with our own interpretation of the theme.  Without further ado, Found.

"Suspicion"
Photograph by Anika

"Found"
Photos and text  by Joanna
{Visit Joanna's page for entire entry}

"Found"
Photograph by Stephanie

December 20th is the due date for round #34 when the theme will be "Family".  I'm hoping to see more of the ACoLab family for this last prompt of 2011!  I have plans to mix things up a bit in 2012, stay tuned and hope to see you back here for round #34!

Inspiration #32 - Going with the Flow

Thanks to John and Teagan for sharing their inspired creations!  I know this was kind of a tricky theme but you two made it look effortless, fun, and entirely beautiful.  The next inspiration is due on the 5th of December {unless you want to hop right in with one of these or these} and is open to anyone who would like to participate.  The theme for round #33 is FOUND.

Have a great holiday for those of you celebrating this week and thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Breathe Like the Ocean"

Song by John
{Click the title to listen to the song, click here to read the lyrics.  It's beautiful; take a listen.}

"It's What They Do"

Hope to see you back here on the 5th!

Deadline Extension - Going with the Flow

In keeping with the prompt for round #32, the deadline for "Going With the Flow" is extended out to the 22nd of November.  Hope it inspires you to create something!  If you would like to join in, please do

New Artist and New Joy

A huge welcome to the newest member of the ACoLab, Lisa!  If you are unfamiliar with Lisa I encourage you to check out her page and also her blog; you will be happy you did!  Thanks Lisa for contributing this photograph to the Permanent Inspiration, Joy.  So happy to have you aboard!
 
"Angel's Parasol"

If you would like to add your own interpretation for the theme of Joy please do!  There are also two inspirations a month to inspire should you like to join in for those.  Thanks for visiting the Lab!

Artist Page - Lisa

My name is Lisa Gordon and I am a hobbyist photographer living in the United States.  Aside from my family, a camera is my very best friend.  I have been interested in photography ever since my Dad allowed me to use his old Polaroid and Brownie cameras to take photographs.  I put this interest aside for several years as life “happened,” but over the past several years have begun to devote time to it once again.  A lot of time!

My interests range from Polaroid to digital, to alternative photography processes, such as lumen prints.  I am not only interested in the photograph itself, but also in the technical aspects used to make the photograph.  I am definitely not a purist when it comes to editing, as I enjoy this process almost as much as I enjoy getting the photograph.

Most of my work is digital and nature-based, with a special love for macro flower photography.  I also enjoy photographing weathered buildings, covered bridges, and when I am very lucky, street scenes.  When not at my day job as a university instructor, I can usually be found behind my camera, or behind my computer.

Please visit Lisa's beautiful blog and join in her project, The Creative Exchange. 

Submission for #31 {Light and Shadows}
"Light and Shadow"
{You can see this image, as well as another from this series, here.}

Submission for the Permanent Inspiration, Joy
"Angel's Parasol"

Inspiration #31 - Light and Shadows

Whew!  Sorry it took me a bit to get this post up!  I planned on posting everything yesterday but then lost all Internet.  The idea of writing a post from my phone still seems a bit too hardcore for me.  But here we have it- round #31.  Thanks again to Ana for submitting this round's inspiration of "Light and Shadows".  As always, just click on an artist's name or visit their artist page to learn more about their submission or to see more from that artist.

"Day into Night"
Photograph by Anika

Untitled
Photograph by John R.

"Serenity"
by Ana

"Light and Shadow"
Photographs and words by Joanna

Smile and the world will smile back.
I love how light and shadow dance with one another.

"Light and Shadow"
Photograph by Lisa

Thanks for visiting the ACoLab.  If you would like to join in the fun, please do!  Round #32, "Going with the Flow", seems like it will be a challenge.  But I find that some of the best creations happen with prompts like this; the ones that leave me clueless until inspiration finally shows itself.  I look forward to seeing what you come up with and hope to see you back here on the 20th for that.  If you don't want to wait you can submit to a Permanent Inspiration at any time and there are also monthly inspirations that can be submitted any time during a month.  Happy creating!

Inspiration #30 - Haunted

Hello and welcome to round thirty of the ACoLab!  Thank you to everyone who submitted their creations inspired by the word "Haunted".  I was hoping to gather some of the Halloween spirit and as usual am loving the diversity- photographs, music, a movie, and fiction too!  As always, please click on an artist's name or visit the Artists Page for more information about a particular entry or person. 

Brooding Brothers
Photograph

Haunted
Movie and soundtrack
by John

Haunted by...
Photograph

13 kinds of ghost
a collection of haunted hint fiction by Tia and Matt
{hint fiction - “a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story.” (Robert Swartwood)}
Untitled
She watched the execution dry-eyed, one hand to her stomach.

Feels No Cold
Laughter echoed through each room of the house. He prayed none of it would make it into his boxes.

Bell’Italia
She still remembers the text message. “I am sorry I cannot meet you forever. I am sorry I have to cheat you. -Alessio”

Untitled (2 Years Later)
Charlie flicked dirt to cover her droppings. She sniffed that hard white thing before her. It looked like what the dog chewed, only much smaller.

Her Eyes
Hollowed-out, a pale blue that seemed to suggest an ocean behind the irises. They search their surroundings wildly, seeking something unspeakable.

Speak to Me
Anne, where are you? I can’t see anything, but I hear something. I think it’s breathing.

Motel
The leftover rain made drippity sounds. They lulled her and the children to sleep, the 3 in one bed together.
‘S how they were found.

Lest Ye Become
Barnes was certain that was his own face staring at him, reflected in the dark pool of blood on the street.

Salem
The wind sounded like a scream and brought smells of burning. Celia watched her little ones play dolly. She failed to see the needle.

Touch
The mirror was cool under her hand at first. The warmth came in the instant before the fingers closed around hers through the glass.

Imaginary Friend
It wasn’t Bella, it was the naughty one. Mommy didn’t understand. Bella tried to mind her beeswax, but the naughty one hated the new baby.

Checking In
Your seat has been prepared in advance, sir. Yes, we knew you’d be along eventually. Now come, join us.

Always and Forever
Smell and warmth in the bed, even on the coldest nights. Ease and happiness in the glow of the bedroom that seems to permeate the darkness until morning, she smiles.
Haunted
Song {To listen to this song please click "track details" on the widget below}
by Doug
Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

Thanks for visiting the Artist's Collaborative Laboratory.  Also, many thanks to Ana for submitting our next inspiration, Light and Shadows!  I hope to see you all back here for that.  Light and Shadows will be due on the 5th of November.  If you would like to participate please do! Happy creating!

New Joy and Haunted Extension

Here is the latest contribution to Teagan's Permanant Inspiration, "Joy".  This photograph comes to us from Ana.    If you would like to contribute to the ACoLab please do.  There are ongoing and monthly inspirations you can contribute to with any form of art...really anything that comes to mind.  The next deadline for the ACoLab has been extended by a few days.  October 23rd is now the deadline to submit for "Haunted". 

Thanks Ana for spreading your take on Joy!  Be sure to visit Ana's artist page to see her other submissions.  As always, thanks for visiting the ACoLab and happy creating!

there are two joyful stories about this photo. the first one is the best. it was the first day this little boy was driving his bicycle without the training wheels (his mother told me). and he was really unstoppable and having so much fun. the second one is the small fact that this shot is my first good 'panning' ever! it's a technique we can do in manual mode, I deliberately chose a slow shutter speed and followed the little racer as he moved from right to left to get the blurred background and his picture sharply in focus. YAY! for both of us
-Ana

Inspiration #29 - It's All An Illusion

Here are the entries for round 29, It's All An Illusion.  Thanks to everyone who submitted!  I am very excited to see the next round of submissions, Haunted, due on the 20th of October.  Thanks for stopping by and as always, you can click on an artist's name or visit the Artists page to find out more about a particular person or their submission{s}.  If you would like to be a part of the ACoLab you can join in at any time!
Seeing Double
by Ana

It's Just An Illusion
Photograph by Joanna

Illusion
Photos/Video by Anika & Music by John

Inspiration #28 - Seeing Red

When I thought of "Seeing Red" I admit to thinking about the theme of anger and as usual am impressed by all our different perspectives {most of which didn't deal with anger at all by the way}.   Should you like to know more about a particular artist or their submission just click on that artist's name or visit the Artists page.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Lilliput"
Photograph by Ana

"Seeing Red"
Digital Collage by Anika

"Seeing Red"
A Short Play by Tia & Matt
THE BOY CARUSCO sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS MOTHER enters.

MOTHER
(Wearing an apron.) Bambino! Che bella! What is it you make? (He holds up his hands.) Ah! Look at you, red-handed! (She laughs and moves to fetch a towel. Carusco is left examining his hands, confused.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of twenty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS LOVER enters.

LOVER
(Wearing an apron. Only.) Is this how you always work, amore?

CARUSCO
(Holding up his hands) What do you see?

LOVER
I see you.

CARUSCO
(Pulling her down to him. She giggles; he leaves red handprints on the apron, on her torso) This. Here. Here. There. (Indicates the handprints, gently.) What?

LOVER
Me.

CARUSCO
Color.

LOVER
Red.

CARUSCO
Which is-?

LOVER
Which is…you. Me. Fire. (She is close to him, teasing.) Last night. This morning. This afternoon again. Redredred. (She kisses his nose. He begins to cover her in paint.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of fifty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. He is clearly painting the body of a woman, made of red handprints.

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of eighty, sits in a chair by a window. He holds a swath of red fabric, passing it from hand to hand, running it through his fingers.

CARUSCO
I… I could never see… but I could feel… I still feel. Red. I feel it like no other. I know it in my fingers. (He runs the fabric through the fingers of his left hand and lets it fall to the ground. HIS MOTHER enters. HIS LOVER enters. He does not see them. They pick up the fabric together and drape it around his shoulders. They exit. Carusco pulls the fabric tighter around him, until there is no Carusco. There is only red.)

*   *   *
"Redrum"
Photograph by Stephanie

"You Say Tomato"
Photograph by Carrie

"Oath & Loyalty"
Photograph by Joanna

Thanks to everyone who participated for round #28, you keep this site a source of great inspiration and eye candy!  The next round's theme is It's All An Illusion, due October 5th.  If you would like to join in the ACoLab, please do!  There are ongoing themes which can be submitted any time of the month as well as permanent ongoing themes that can be submitted whenever you like.  For upcoming themes please click here
Happy creating!

#27 - Perfect Timing

Welcome to round #27, "Perfect Timing".  And a very special welcome to Ana, our newest contributor!  Check out her artist page and get to know her a bit better.  If you would like to know more about a particular image or artist you can always link to their artist page by clicking on their name or Artists page.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!
"Purrrfect"
by Ana

"Perfect Timing"
Photo and Poem by Joanna
{Please visit Joanna's page to read her companion poem}

"Plate Face"

"Perfect Timing"
by Tia

"#27"
by John & Anika

 If you would like to take part in the ACoLab please do!  {Current and upcoming themes are listed here.}  The next round, due on the 20th, is "Seeing Red".  There are also other ongoing inspirations should you like to submit for those.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

If you would like me to send you a reminder a week prior to due dates please just contact me {anikatoro [at] gmail [dot] com} and I will add your name to the list.

Artist Page - Ana

Ana is from Portugal, has a Degree in Social Communication, was a professional journalist for 12 years and is a holistic teacher since 2004. She is retired since 2010 due to health issues. At first she didn't know what to do with all the free time but then she bought her first DSLR in July 2011, a Nikon D90, and felt in love with Life again.  Ana is also learning how to use Photoshop and having so much fun. She loves to capture all the little things in her daily life. Living with a few cats, they're a source of inspiration when she is not well to go outside. She blogs about all her findings in Wonderland a special place to share dreamy pictures and happiness. She also has an Etsy shop 'Wonder Design' and a weekly photo challenge 'Earth Wonders' -  take a look, get inspired and join in.



Submission for #31 {Light and Shadows}
"Serenity"


Submission for the Permanent Inspiration, Joy   
there are two joyful stories about this photo. the first one is the best. it was the first day this little boy was driving his bicycle without the training wheels (his mother told me). and he was really unstoppable and having so much fun. the second one is the small fact that this shot is my first good 'panning' ever! it's a technique we can do in manual mode, I deliberately chose a slow shutter speed and followed the little racer as he moved from right to left to get the blurred background and his picture sharply in focus. YAY! for both of us


Submission for #29 {It's All An Illusion}
"Seeing Double"


Submission for #28 {Seeing Red}
"Lilliput"
Taken at Serralves Park, Porto, Portugal

Submission for #27 {Perfect Timing}
"Purrrfect"
I love to capture them yawning, it's such a treat!

Artist Page - Tia & Matt

The ACoLab is so proud to have our first actors on board!  Tia and Matt can both be seen performing in Nashville as well as traveling the country spreading their talent and  imagination.

You can read more about Tia and her creations on her blog, The Briefly Beautiful.






Inspiration #30 - Haunted
13 kinds of ghost
  A collection of haunted hint fiction
{hint fiction - “a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story.” (Robert Swartwood)}
Untitled
She watched the execution dry-eyed, one hand to her stomach.
Feels No Cold
Laughter echoed through each room of the house. He prayed none of it would make it into his boxes.
Bell’Italia
She still remembers the text message. “I am sorry I cannot meet you forever. I am sorry I have to cheat you. -Alessio”
Untitled (2 Years Later)
Charlie flicked dirt to cover her droppings. She sniffed that hard white thing before her. It looked like what the dog chewed, only much smaller.
Her Eyes
Hollowed-out, a pale blue that seemed to suggest an ocean behind the irises. They search their surroundings wildly, seeking something unspeakable.
Speak to Me
Anne, where are you? I can’t see anything, but I hear something. I think it’s breathing.
Motel
The leftover rain made drippity sounds. They lulled her and the children to sleep, the 3 in one bed together.
‘S how they were found.
Lest Ye Become
Barnes was certain that was his own face staring at him, reflected in the dark pool of blood on the street.
Salem
The wind sounded like a scream and brought smells of burning. Celia watched her little ones play dolly. She failed to see the needle.

Touch
The mirror was cool under her hand at first. The warmth came in the instant before the fingers closed around hers through the glass.
Imaginary Friend
It wasn’t Bella, it was the naughty one. Mommy didn’t understand. Bella tried to mind her beeswax, but the naughty one hated the new baby.
Checking In
Your seat has been prepared in advance, sir. Yes, we knew you’d be along eventually. Now come, join us.
Always and Forever
Smell and warmth in the bed, even on the coldest nights. Ease and happiness in the glow of the bedroom that seems to permeate the darkness until morning, she smiles.

Inspiration #28 - Seeing Red
"Seeing Red"
A Short Play
THE BOY CARUSCO sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS MOTHER enters.

MOTHER
(Wearing an apron.) Bambino! Che bella! What is it you make? (He holds up his hands.) Ah! Look at you, red-handed! (She laughs and moves to fetch a towel. Carusco is left examining his hands, confused.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of twenty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS LOVER enters.

LOVER
(Wearing an apron. Only.) Is this how you always work, amore?

CARUSCO
(Holding up his hands) What do you see?

LOVER
I see you.

CARUSCO
(Pulling her down to him. She giggles; he leaves red handprints on the apron, on her torso) This. Here. Here. There. (Indicates the handprints, gently.) What?

LOVER
Me.

CARUSCO
Color.

LOVER
Red.

CARUSCO
Which is-?

LOVER
Which is…you. Me. Fire. (She is close to him, teasing.) Last night. This morning. This afternoon again. Redredred. (She kisses his nose. He begins to cover her in paint.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of fifty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. He is clearly painting the body of a woman, made of red handprints.

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of eighty, sits in a chair by a window. He holds a swath of red fabric, passing it from hand to hand, running it through his fingers.

CARUSCO
I… I could never see… but I could feel… I still feel. Red. I feel it like no other. I know it in my fingers. (He runs the fabric through the fingers of his left hand and lets it fall to the ground. HIS MOTHER enters. HIS LOVER enters. He does not see them. They pick up the fabric together and drape it around his shoulders. They exit. Carusco pulls the fabric tighter around him, until there is no Carusco. There is only red.)

*   *   *

Inspiration #27 - Perfect Timing
"Perfect Timing"

Inspiration #26 - Brushstrokes

  "Hairport: Matt & His Hair at the Airport"

Artist Page - Rachelle

The ACoLab welcomes the very talented photographer Rachelle!  You can see more of Rachelle's beautiful images as well as read her thoughtful and entertaining musings here.

Submission for inspiration #26 {Brushstrokes}
"Nature's Canvas"
This image was captured in the Museum of Natural History,Smithsonian,Washington D.C.  Butterflies are given free reign in their indoor habitat.  A paintbrush is used to coax "tag alongs" off of visitors... but I loved the painted design of the butterfly's wing pattern.