4th Question asked by a Curious Follower

Above: as it was still drying,

BrokenHeartBrokenGirl

previously Broken Heart...

(a gift to Ryan of Dead Man's Bones...but not anymore,

maybe for next years DAMNED show)

-When people look at your art, what would you like them to think, feel, see?

• OK, I hope this makes sense. And if it doesn't, please feel free to ask WTH!?! But I think I can make it logical. Here goes...

• The only thing I would really REALLY like for anyone to DO when they see one of my art pieces is to have a reaction. No matter if it's bad/negative reaction. You know...even if they have a "UGH" reaction...cuz it still means I did "my job" as an artist in my opinion. If someone just looks at one of my pieces and has NO reaction whatsoever, then it's really a sucky feeling (I do this with art also...I just don't have a reaction to some things-my brain doesn't say COOL or UNCOOL, just says BLAH basically).

• Here's a couple examples I've had. Well, I did have an art show about 10 years ago. It was very small (very very local-in my old hometown) with a group of friends. And it was kinda my show and they were supporting artists in a way...I had almost half the wall, and they had the other half (the other 3 artists). At that time (very early on in making art) I had a lot of pieces. I was cranking 'em out like no tomorrow! BUT I was a newbie and I regret some of the things I did then...but again I was just starting to make stuff so I had no idea what I was doing most the time.


• OK, to the point. Sorry...memories. ;) So anyways there was a guy at the show. Maybe a friend of one of the other artists there. We were chatting at a couch by the other artists wall. There was also a couch by my wall. So I don't even know how this came up but he said "I'm afraid to sit down there." I don't think he knew I was the artist. So I was baffled and was curious about why he thought this.


• Well, back then I used a lot of BRIGHT colors...as well as often painting with many coats-which I still do. And I also painted these crazy BIG faces, very abstract (the show was called "Faces in Disguise"). So yeah, he had this kinda negative reaction to my work and I thought it was actually a funny compliment in a way. That my art had that type of reaction on someone. I will always remember that for some reason.

• OK, now fast forward to NOW (2009). At the DAMNED show. Well, I didn't hang out around either of my pieces much. It was kinda hard to and I was either chatting with artists or looking at the other art most the time. So at one point I'm near "Female Baggage." Enough to see anyone go by it and see a physical reaction, if any. So eventually a guy comes by it and his mouth was open a bit and then he started nodding his head up & down. I was like "Wow, he's liking it! Cool!!!"


• So that was the only time that night I went up to someone by one of my pieces & chatted about it. If he didn't have a reaction like that, I probably wouldn't have went up to him. And I'm not saying I NEED a physical reaction when someone sees my work but in this case, he did have one. Which was quite awesome!


• He was really cool and he did really like it, he said. I gave him my business card (which is basically my Etsy Shop & my email)...told him my art on there is a bit different (definitely not the same prices as my 2 pieces there, etc...). So that was really cool and one of my "artsy" moments so far. ;)

• SOOOO...I hope that makes some sense. I actually wrote down this answer before (and it was much shorter) so this is what happens when I don't have what I wrote down by me. :P I think artists and many non-artists would understand that basically all I'm saying is if you see a piece of art and nothing registers OR it's "OK" (terrible word for any art!), well, that's not much of reaction, right?


• For me, art should be either beautiful, inspiring, disturbing, shocking, or thought-provoking in some way. Art is meant to have a reaction. And if there were never any reactions, it'd be a sad art world, wouldn't it!?! {And I also think this applies to many aspects of life. From music to films, etc....} See the passion of the artist...or see the passion in the piece. That's what any type of art is about-PASSION! ^_^

3rd Question Asked by one of YOUs: Dinner & a Movie with ____

• If you could share dinner & a movie with THREE dead musicians, whom would they be and why?

• IAN CURTIS (LEAD SINGER OF JOY DIVISION)
• SYD BARRETT (ORIGINAL MEMBER/LEADER OF PINK FLOYD)
• SID VICIOUS (BASSIST FOR THE SEX PISTOLS)

• I have always been intrigued with Ian Curtis. Over the years I've come to realize (for me) he's a musical genius and he truly put all of his heart & soul into his music. He dared to do something completely different in music and I appreciate anyone who takes a risk whether they realize it was a RISK or not.
• His story is quite sad though. I've done lots of research on him to try to figure out the type of person he was...and of course why he would want to end his life at 1-a terribly young age (only 23 years old) and 2-why he would do it RIGHT before possibly getting the recognition Joy Division deserved (he killed himself the night before their first US tour).
• And although I can only say my opinion to WHY he would do it (which are many things and his friends/family also say it probably was many issues), I know he was really a lost soul...but still very intelligent, talented, and CUTE! ;)
• So at dinner I would like to chat with him about his lyrics, music, and life (in general). Telling him "Don't you know you are crazy to have killed yourself man! You were gonna be big superstars!" I just think it would be great to hang out with him. I feel a lot of things he we writes about (though many are sad, depressing, painful) but I applaud him for reaching deep down to bring those sorta feelings to the surface.

• Syd is a newcomer for me BUT I was very interested in his story when I found out that he was actually one of the original members of Pink Floyd. AND more importantly, that he was the first singer/writer/guitarist (basically was the leader) of the band. And although he only made ONE album with the band, he has this great legacy. One of those people (although it's kinda sad) that is labeled "Genius...or Madman?"
• Because he left the band (or was kicked out), and although he did a couple solo albums afterwards, he basically lived in total seclusion until he passed away a few years ago. People did not understand that and I really can't understand it completely either. He loved music so much and then....nothing. Very odd. I would definitely LOVE to have more of his music in my collection but he simply stopped...and that is quite sad because he was very talented.
• And yeah, he's really really attractive. Dark hair, dark eyes, tall...seems to be the general thing (tall, dark, handsome, haha)...but it's the kinda guy I'm usually physically attracted to. His eyes are killer-they draw you in completely. But anyways, he was ahead of his time imo and I would the chance to sit by him and chat about...well, everything! Mainly music of course. And why he decided to call it quits with music at such a young age (I believe he wasn't even 25 years old when he said Adios to the music business).

• This person was my tough one. The one I couldn't decide for a while. Had to really think about it. And I really chose him for 'entertainment' purposes. I was thinking John Lennon but then I thought "Hm....???" Very tough call so after much debating, another Sid it is.
• Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. What a story! I mean I think some of you know it. So I won't say too much. Basically when I think of the word PUNK, I see Sid's face. A lot of people credit him for the word and he really lived it up...unfortunately to the point of his own death at a very young age. Every time I see him talking in an interview or something like that, I laugh because he seemed really funny and cool to just hang out with. He's really off the wall and speaks his mind and I LOVE that about anyone.
• Man, I don't know if WE (Syd, Ian, and Sid) could make it through dinner and a film honestly. Mainly because of SID-first off, I can't understand a lot of what he says (I think I'd need Johnny Rotten there to interpret, haha).
• Oh & wait-all three guys are British, hm...how did that happen? LOL. I <3>
• Oh, and Sid is so rude (I honestly think he doesn't realize it) that maybe it'd have to be 3 separate dates and then one big ol' date with all 3 guys. I mean...I think they'd be at each others throats for some reason...and the date would probably be over in a short time. So I think I'd HAVE to do THREE separate dates...then one BIG one which would be very interesting. ;)

So yeah, that's my THREE musicians. :) Who would you choose? And you can say a lil' why also.

Take care friends and thanks for the great questions. Tomorrow I shall reveal the winner of the giveaway, so STAY TUNED. Hope you enjoy your weekend.~

2nd Question asked by a Curious Person

-You're put on a desert island and can only take three albums (ignore the mp3 aspect), which ones would you take and why?

First & foremost, The Pixies: Doolittle.

The Pixies are my fave band of all-time. For me, this is their best work out of their 5 albums. If anyone was ever curious to 'the type of person I am or what kind of music I like in general,' I would just tell them to listen to this from beginning to end. I've had this album for over 15 years and I know I could listen to it for over 15 more, so yeah definitely Doolittle.

Second, Tori Amos: Boys For Pele.

I love Tori Amos. She is such a cool, kooky, and awesome woman. And I appreciate all those things about her personality. As an artist, she is quite a storyteller. Every album has a story and I love those types of albums. Plus her voice is so beautiful & haunting that it literally gives me chills sometimes. Examples on this album are: Horses and Hey Jupiter. And up until I discovered Tori, I wasn't familiar with the piano and how wonderful the sounds that come from it are. Plus I've seen her live a handful of times and that was even more AMAZING. Even more chills! So of course I had to include something from her in my desert island albums.

Third and lastly, Dead Man's Bones: Self-Titled (debut album).

Do I really need to say WHY for this one? :) Yes, I love Ryan but I seriously did not think this album would be as great as it is. Kinda sounds bad saying it like that but really I had no expectations so when I heard the whole CD I was SO blown away. Never heard anything quite like it before: just two guys using vocals, drums, and piano only (no string instruments of any kind). Also, many of the backing vocals are provided by a children's choir...and they add so much to the CD. This might seem like a "Halloween themed" CD or a really creepy/supernatural one, but I know I could listen to it during all times of the year. Some of the sounds don't scream out "Halloween!" and are quite minimalistic but still intense. Example: Dead Hearts.

So I've had this CD for three weeks now and it's in my house's CD players...my computer...my car...and if I had an IPOD, I'm sure I'd listen to it quite often on there too. Pretty non-stop. I mean I listen to other things still but I'm really loving this new kinda sound so I'm kinda obsessed (you'd know this especially if you've seen my FaceBook comments over the past month).

^_^

First Question I'm Going to Answer

So far I've received two sets of questions for my upcoming Blogoversary Giveaway. I wanted to answer atleast some of the questions, regardless if these questions are the "winning ones" or not. So I am not going to reveal the person's identity for each question...and I may not answer them in the order I got 'em or all the questions the person asked in a row either. It's gonna be a BIG mystery. :) I'm also doing this so maybe I won't get repeat questions but we'll see how it goes. So here's the first one.

-What do you find has been the most challenging aspect in your artist journey?

Well, I've been on my artistic journey for around 10 years now. And for many years I hardly made anything at all. (And I have to say I really regret that but what can ya do, right?) So I started painting first and focused heavily on being a painter. But without any formal training or art classes, I truly felt like I did not know right from wrong quite often. Which was not terrible but I still struggled a bit. (And I still don't use the color wheel-ssshhh!)

Eventually I learned that there is no "right" or "wrong" with art. EVER. Yet again, very early on I felt "stuck in a rut" with painting mainly because I can't draw (at all!) yet I still like to paint and create things. So I kept on painting and it just seemed to look like I kept on making the same paintings. So soon enough I became very frustrated and bored and turned to mixed media work.

So to make this long story short (too late!)...for me the biggest struggle has been trying to find what I'm good at. What I feel are my strong points as an artist. And it takes a while for some people whereas with others it may not take as long. But I think that's also the whole part of being an artist-to discover and experiment to find what you're capable of. And if you fail, why not try again or try something different? It's really all just trial and error. Examples: Some things I make and people may not like them but I do. OR some things I make and don't think I did my best and then people really like 'em. So again, there is no right or wrong. If you like something, you like it, no matter what anyone says and vice versa.

And I'm still on my artistic journey and will be for the rest of my life. Who knows...maybe I'll stop mixed media within the next year and start doing watercolor. Anything can happen. And you can't plan it. It'll happen whether you're ready or not. And I'm sure I'll still struggle in the future but maybe not as much as I did in the beginning. {Knocks on wood} Well, to be very cheesy my lil' business cards say "Eve Noir: painter, mixed media, and collage artist" and I feel like that does really represent what I do. So the struggle (and upcoming struggles) was worth it because I feel like I'm finally on the path I should be on. ;)

Eve Interview Part 3

-What's one of the worst things that has happened to you because of blogging/on Blogger?

First, I have to say one of the easiest things to do on Blogger is to make friends. Yet, one of the hardest things to do on Blogger is to KEEP friends. Unfortunately I had a 'falling out' with two friends at the same time. It was very painful. And it's both a good and bad thing when you run in "blogging circles." For example: I follow a lot of the same blogs that my followers/friends do. So we run in the same circle(s). And word spreads fast if you're not careful. And usually it's a lot quicker if you're having a big problem with someone.

This incident was with 2 friends that ALWAYS commented on my blog and one of them was a follower since I began blogging. So it was really odd trying to get used to them not being there once they stopped following me. And I stopped following them too because it was just bad news. Unfortunately, I am really really REALLY sensitive so I was sad and angry for a while. Mainly because I saw these people's true colors and just couldn't believe it. I was shocked. And one of these people I got to know really well. We talked on the phone often and knew so much personal info about one another. I even told this girl if she had money problems, she could move in with us because Mike and I were looking for a roomie at that time. So I thought we were pretty good friends.

But honestly I was glad those friendships ended when they did. And I think it taught me a lesson about people and myself at the same time. Still it was hard to realize that these people were nothing like I thought they were. So that was a tough time, and now I'm very cautious about what I say because I don't want anything like that to happen again. (Yet, sometimes things like that just happen...and strangely for the best.) Live and learn, right!??!

Eve Interview Part 2

-What are some suggestions/tips/advice you have for anyone just beginning to blog?

They always say "Write about what you know," and I think that's very true. And if you can't write about that then write about what you love...what you are passionate about. I don't claim to know everything about Alice (In Wonderland) but I do love it. I also love music, art, films, and toys. And I find myself writing about 'em often because those are the things I am very passionate about.

I don't think you should ever feel like you HAVE to blog. That you have to come up with something new every day. If you don't feel like blogging, don't blog. Be it for a day, a week, what have you. It shouldn't be treated like a chore. I think a lot of blog authors feel that and I even felt like that for a while. That's why I have that cool lil' picture up on my page (BWO-Blogging without obligation)...because you should blog for fun and for yourself above anything else.

-What kinds of blogs do you like? What kind of blog do you consider Through Eve's Looking-Glass?

I like all types of blogs from themed ones to regular journal entry types of blogs. All kinds really. Also, ones that can't really be classified so easily either. Oh and I really enjoy blogs that guys write. There's so few guys blogging (or is it just me thinking that?)...and I really like hearing a male's perspective every now and then.

When I started my blog I knew it wasn't going to be a themed blog (all about Alice). I couldn't imagine writing about that every day. (I don't think it would be possible!) I just really liked the title I chose. I think my blog is a mix of many things...kinda a journal, also about things I like, about Alice things from time to time too. So honestly I don't know how to classify it...and those are the kinds of blogs that I probably like most. Blogs where the author doesn't have just one thing or theme they blog about most the time.

-What makes a blog no-so-good?

Like I said before, if you blog like it's a chore, that's no good...and I really think people can tell. I can definitely tell at times. I also see blog authors struggle sometimes with their themed blogs. Don't get me wrong, I love lots of themed blogs but I've seen authors write that they want to talk about something else and they feel that they can't...because of their theme. It's really weird.. Like if they give in, no one will read their blog when really I think their readers would like them to step outside the box. I know I would.

Also, I know having a blog is like having your own world and that it's a very me-me-me thing in general, but I think there's some who just take it too far at times. I've stopped reading blogs because the blog author had too high of an opinion of themselves. Or when he/she seems like a know-it-all. I mean there's not many authors who do this but I have seen it before and just didn't understand it. So I try not to make it seem like I am a know-it-all (because I definitely am not) with my posts and I hope people can see that too. ;)

Any questions, comments, etc...SEND 'em on over. Also, if you'd like to ask me a question for the next interview (yes, feed my ego, ha ha), please feel free to ask in the comments.

Take care & enjoy your day.~

Interview: Let the self indulgence BEGIN! Part 1

Hi there.

I previously posted that I wanted to do something really self indulgent soon. And that time has now arrived. Yay! Though my ONE YEAR Blogoversary is still 3 more months away (today, the 2nd of September, marks my 9 month anniversary though-woo hoo!), I wanted to do this INTERVIEW. So, who is being interviewed? It's...it's...me. ;) I know it's self indulgent (there's a reason Mindless Self Indulgence is one of my fave bands!)...but I think it will show you some good info about my blog...you know the beginning, now, and beyond too.

Also I'm doing this because YOU (my dear friend/follower) may want to interview yourself about your blog too. I recommend it...and I wouldn't think it's self indulgent...it's info I'm curious about. And I'm sure your friends/followers feel the same too!

So...I am using a work computer. It's better than the laptop right now. And I am hoping there will be paragraphs so it's not one huge mass of words. (Forgive me if it happens!) Sometimes the laptop gets wonky with that stuff so here I am. And I am going to do this interview in parts because...I think my blogging life can't be summed up in one post. And I won't...well, I'll try my best to not write a lot at once. Well, you see, there has to be several parts so I can savor the indulgence myself....mu ha ha. Just kidding. OK. Let's get down to blogging business. Here I go...ready EVE?...Ready!

1-What made you want to start blogging?

I wrote blogs before on MySpace and then later on a Hello Kitty message board (yes, there are places for us Kitty junkies). MySpace people weren't really writing or reading blogs much...atleast not the people I chatted with. BUT it was much different on the HK message board. At that time, there wasn't a lot of people on the site itself, so everyone kinda knew everyone. I started blogging....and it didn't HAVE to be Hello Kitty related of course, so I wrote about concerts I went to, how my day/week was, etc... And I got a good response and felt pretty happy there. And it was just really nice to write (ugh, I mean BLOG-which I've never been fond of the word)...in general.

Of course having people read my blog is a GREAT benefit to writing about stuff you enjoy or stuff you find interesting. But I have also kept a journal (yes-hand written) since I was 15 or 16...then slacking a bit more in my twenties until I went on MySpace, etc... So really I have always enjoyed writing. Feels good to just get it out there...if it's in a paper journal or online in some form, in my opinion. This goes from the not-so-happy stuff in my life to stuff I enjoy to stuff I'm curious about, and so on.

So to make a long story short (too late!), a girl on that HK site said she was on BLOGGER and said to me, you should blog there too. I told her that I wasn't very sure about that. That I'm TOO wordy...and that I really liked writing on the HK site at that time. But one night, really late...when I couldn't fall asleep, I checked out Blogger and said "Heck, I'll give it a try." And that's how it all began. (OK, I think that will be the longest answer for this interview...but I guess we'll see.)

2-What made you come up with the name, Through Eve's Looking-Glass? What does it mean?

First, it's an Alice In Wonderland reference. Which many people know about, and some don't. So either way, I'll explain it a bit. For me it simply means my world...through my eyes. And mirrors aka: looking-glasses show your world...well, everyone's world really. So the name of my blog just means you are looking into my "mirror."

The whole title to the second ALICE novel is Through the Looking-Glass...and what Alice found there. So these (my posts) are about what I have found...you know, going through my looking-glass aka:...my life...my little world. I hope that makes sense. I think most people are smart enough to figure it out. :) And this idea of a looking-glass/mirror is how I see all blogs. I'm looking into your mirror/world and you can look into mine too.

3-What is your favorite thing to blog/write about? What makes you blog?

I don't think I have just one favorite thing but I do like my random cellphone pics posts a lot. And they are so easy for me to do because I think both beautiful things and crazy things are everywhere. And also because I love to share my findings.

As far as why I blog, I write because I love to. I truly can't help myself! Again, I kept a journal for a long time. It was a great outlet for me. And with blogging/writing online (which is a lot different of course), I especially like sharing things with people that they may not be so familiar with. Growing up (and to this day) I love to find out about new stuff ranging from art to films to music (and everything inbetween).

I am very curious, if you couldn't tell! :) And I just love learning and discovering many things. So the very best part for me is sharing what I find...even if the person doesn't feel the same way I do. I just want to say "Hey, look." Because I feel that's a HUGE part of life...sharing new things...sharing the experience or experiences you have with others.

Also I hope people can see that I try to include my readers into a lot of what I'm writing about. Of course I love writing for myself (and everyone who blogs will probably say "I do it for myself first") but I truly love to interract with my readers. I always like to hear others viewpoints (as my lil' sign says: "your comments feed my blog"). And I especially like meeting people. I have met some of the coolest people through blogging. It's really the icing on the (blogging) cake.

(I am hitting SEND in one moment. I have this problem of editing editing editing things to death...so I'm not even gonna read it for the 10th time, or it'll never get sent. Anyways, if you have any questions/comments, feel free to leave them. Yet, I know with an interview like this, there may not be a whole lot for you, my readers & followers, to say. So it's all cool!)

To Be Continued...sometime...maybe soon...maybe later...Take care~