Teagan - And Three Became...

Here is the latest contribution to And Three Became...  The first image below is entitled, "Regret" and the second one is "Hope".

What I love most about Teagan's work is her narrative.   Well, wait, I love her graphic style which instantly pulls me in and then I love the subtle touches she uses to convey her stories.  I have learned through following her blog that she puts an incredible amount of thought into her creations well before the work is actually created.  There is almost always a narrative to her photography and artworks.  I suppose that her passion for writing allows her to create a story and characters for everything she makes. 

At first glance, her work is visually appealing and intriguing- nice graphic lines, clean and interesting compositions.  But look back at the three images she used to create these two pieces and you will understand what I mean when I say she has a subtle complexity.  {Yes, I did just say "a subtle complexity", sorry...but those really are the words I need to use!}  Her alterations to these photos may seem like simple ones but the more you look at the images, the more you can see a thoughtful, precise technique.

I stared at these two pieces and her words for awhile... How did she create a sadder looking woman in "Regret"?  What did she do that created the contrast she needed for her story?  Teagan's work makes you look deeper, something seemingly simple becomes complex.  Again, look back at the three images and notice the subtle changes she has made to her character, to the backgrounds, and you too will be able to realize her complete story as she intended.

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If you would like to contribute to this Inspiration or any others listed please do so.  And please be sure to check out the other submissions for this theme, And Three Became...

You can see more of Teagan's work for the ACoLab here and check out her own blog here.

And Three Became...

I have been thinking some more about how we all interpret the same thing in our own unique way.  That got me to thinking about how our own interpretations can also change from day to day, mood to mood.  So for this challenge I propose you try the challenge in at least two different ways.

The Challenge:
I am providing three images to use as your inspiration, your catalyst to create.  These three images can be used however you would like or not at all...do you want to cut them up, collage them, use the idea of them to create a story, write a song??  Use these images however you feel inspired to do so and then send me the result.  I will be posting the finished pieces as I receive them.  Again, I challenge you to try creating at least two different things.  Yes, we all see things in unique ways but independently we can also have different ideas based on the same inspiration. 

About the images:
I don't think of these images as an easy inspiration.  What I mean is that it's hard  a huge challenge, for me at least, to extract a different idea from one that already has a clear theme.  I also chose an image that I was going to delete off my camera. {It was taken by accident and isn't really "pretty" by any means...it's an inconsequential image.}  I like the idea of challenging myself to make something out of nothing, you know?  It's interesting to think about how everything matters, everything can be anything based on perspective.  So if I don't feel inspired by the images perhaps I just need to change my perspective.  Using these not-so-perfect images to create something I never would have thought of if it weren't for them can feel rewarding and inspiring.  But remember, you can use the entire image, part of an image, some of two images, or just get an idea from the images and create your own work {in any medium}.

You can save these images off this post, download them here, here, and here, or contact me and I can email them to you.  This may sound confusing...don't feel shy to contact me if you have any questions.  I hope you're up to the challenge!

1)   2)   3)

"We Come in Peace"

by Anika

{First Version}

{Used images 1 and 3}

Untitled

by Joanna

{Versions 1}

 

 {Version 2}

"Regret" and "Hope" 

by Teagan

Celebrate!

Welcome, it's time to celebrate!  Below you can see my submission for the word "Celebrate".  I will be adding further submissions to this page as well.  If you would like to join in please do.  The great thing about the ACoLab is seeing how we all interpret the same idea in different ways.  So if you want to submit a story, an image, a song...whatever you are inspired to create, please do!  Don't be shy, just send it on my way to add to the post.  If you would like to know more you can always click on the Lo-Down and if you would like to see other inspirations you can do so here.   Enjoy!

Celebration

by Anika

If you would like to know more about any of the submissions you can link to that artist's page to see more.  Thanks for visiting and happy creating!

Word of the Day

I thought for the first challenge back we start with a happy theme, something easy and inspiring.  So how about a word?  In honor of the second year of the ACoLab, how about the word "Celebrate!"? 

So, as with all inspiration prompts in the ACoLab, use the word to inspire a creation of your choice.  The word can be used in your piece or can be used solely as a jumping board for your imagination.  A photo, video, painting, story, song, ANYTHING you want to create and submit is perfect. 

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.  I will be back in a couple of days with my submission.  Until then, happy creating! 




New to the Lab?  Please click here for more info and if you have any questions you can contact me via email.

Year Two / Why I love this project / What's in Store

After more than two months (eek!) away from this site, I have had a lot of time to think about the ACoLab, what I want to change, and whether or not to continue.  I think that this break was a good one because it really made me evaluate why I like this site.  I think towards the end of its first year participation waned and I thought, “Why go on?”  I think I was losing sight of what originally spawned this project.  I like to create.  I love being inspired.  I really like to be inspired and create with other people.  Ideas that may never have come to fruition if it wasn’t for a certain prompt, a certain inspiration, or a product of someones imagination… it’s exciting.  So, I have to focus.  The ACoLab is about creating.  I was only remembering the other reason I love the ACoLab – seeing how we all imagine differently.  That was one reason why I started the project but it wasn’t the only one and I think I forgot that somewhere along the way.  So yes, definitely the more the merrier but even if it’s just me this project remains an inspiration, a huge challenge (which I love), and at its best, a great space to brainstorm with other creative minds.  So, how can I change the Artist's Collaborative Laboratory to be more of that – a collaborative space, always changing, evolving, inspiring?   This is what I have come up with…

  Submitting
If you know me from my other blog or other hosted projects, you already know I am not too big on rules and restrictions when it comes to art or creating.  I do like them when they can enhance a challenge, but as far as pinpointing how to create something in one particular way, well, I personally don’t believe in that.  (I also feel like each individual’s process is a main part of the creating, a main part of the continuing inspiration.)  So, I am doing away with deadlines.  If you are familiar with the ACoLab then you know that I used to have Monthly inspirations, Extra Inspirations, and Permanent Inspirations.  I want people to feel like joining in at any time is not only okay but encouraged.  I like deadlines because I believe seeing other people's creations can influence what we think when creating; posting everybody's work at the same time avoided that.  But it was one of the last restrictions here so bye-bye deadlines.
    
 You can also submit to any inspiration more than once.

Exposure

   I like sharing.  This site isn’t just about showcasing me and my work.  So, I will not only be adding an artist’s submission to the main page of that inspiration but will also make a post for that person all to themselves.  (This will happen within a day or two of submission.)  In that post an artist can choose to add links, info about their creation, what it’s about, why they were inspired, what made them create what, or it can be blank, just the submission.  This info will also be added to your Artist Page.

      

  More posts.

   I like the excitement to stick around.  I also think it’s nicer when someone submits something not to have to wait two weeks to see it posted.  So, now when somebody submits something I will post that creation within a day or two.  I will post an inspiration on one day, show what I or another person created a few days after that and hopefully will have more to share in between that post and the next inspiration given around two weeks later.  I am hoping to post some other ideas as well in between those two weeks... perhaps an interview or profile on one of our participating artists?  There is a huge selection of inspirations to choose from already.  I have complied all of our previous inspirations/challenges into one page.

   

  Cleaner space

   I am going to rework the pages of this site to be even simpler.  All artists and their links will now be on one page.  I will still always make an Artist Page for anyone who contributes.  Whether that page has a profile image, info, and/or links is up to each artist.

  Mailing list.

   It’s hard for me to remember to send out reminders and I sometimes feel like emailing people but don’t want to be a bother.  So, think I am doing away with the mailing list.  May I instead recommend subscribing to the RSS feed?  By subscribing you basically stay in check with every new inspiration or notice that is posted.  If you join via email you will get each post right into your inbox.  I have left the links on the left sidebar for all different kinds of subscriptions feeds including Bloglovin’.  I will also be tweeting each new post so follow my Twitter feed @ anikatoro.

  Participation.

   I am going to post new inspirations each month but will also be accepting ideas and inspirations to post.  If you want to see what someone creates to your image, song, word, story, etc., then send it in and I will post it.

So, I am committing myself to another year.  Yes, it’s a challenge,   Yes, sometimes I just don’t feel the inspiration.  But when I push myself to find a way in those harder, more challenging prompts, I find I stumble onto some of the most rewarding ideas.  Committing to the ACoLab and staying productive is difficult at times but after this long time to reflect I was able to stand back and realize how rewarding a place this is.  Won’t you join me on another year??

 

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Please be patient if links are off for a bit or things seem a bit off.  And if you have sent me a submission over the last two months or an email I didn't respond to please send it again.  I know, horrible etiquette!  HORRIBLE!  But I have been moving the last few months and was without internet for 6 weeks or so, and before that I lost my mind somewhere in one of the boxes.  Thanks to those of you who have emailed asking about the future of the ACoLab.  Thanks to those of you who continue to visit!  


Oh!  Please take a moment to look at the pages above as I have changed them up a bit.  Hope to see you back soon! Glad you stopped by. 


-Anika

ACoLab 2012 & Call for Submissions

So, I'll admit, I have not done anything with the ACoLab since the last round.  It's on my mind but so is moving.  I will be moving over the next couple of weeks.  After that I am going to post our new 2012 inspirations and some changes as well. 

One of the things I want to change is the monthly inspirations page.  I think having an ongoing Permanent Inspiration submitted by other people than just myself is the way to go.  {I think that these will also replace the current monthly inspirations page}.  So if you would like to contribute a Permanent Inspiration I invite you to do so.  These are prompts that will stay up on the site and can be submitted to at any time.  {You can read more here.}  The prompts you submit can be in any form - an image, movie, song, something written, ANYTHING that you were inspired to submit will be sure to inspire someone else and that's the whole point of this project.  So, spread some inspiration on and email me using the submit button or you can email me at anikatoro {at} gmail {dot} com with your idea or submission.  Plus, it's pretty cool to see what other people create based on your inspiration. 

I am hoping that this and some other ideas may generate some more involvement from people, get people excited!  The more the merrier!  If you have any ideas you think could make that happen please contact me and let me know!  Okay, so all for now.  Hope you are having a wonderful start to 2012.  I will be around more post-move and am very much looking forward to that!  Happy creating!

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"

by Anika

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"

by Joanna

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"

by Teagan

"Go With The Flow"

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"

by Anika

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. 

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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

by Anika

Haunted
Movie and soundtrack

by John

Haunted by...
Photograph

by Joanna

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!

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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"

by John R.

"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.