A look into - "Organic"
It's funny how one idea tends to inspire another almost by accident. Touching on similar themes to that of my previous series "Flowerchild" (being a child of the planet) I came up with a more light hearted version. Fruit of the planet/children of the earth is the literal theme/life and death and our limited time as "ripe" fruit is the subject matter. I wanted to incorporate pop art/vibrant fun colors. . I just started finished part of this series about a month ago in April. I started this project back in 2015 , so like most of my art, it's unfinished and will be revisited when I can afford some more fruit to be photographed... All of the elements are real just photographed separately and layered/blended in photoshop.
We are only on this earth for a limited time and I think it is important to remind ourselves of that thought, however morbid that may sound, because there are so many opportunities and experiences that life has to offer. We just have to be willing to answer the call. I don't think that dwelling on our own mortality should be depressing, rather it should spark in us the drive and desire to actually LIVE! Thank you for reading, I believe life is a beautiful gift and we should live it to the fullest.
-Antonio
A look into - "Flowerchild" - Self Portraits
Once again I found myself deep in thought staring out into nothing. Strange ideas and the stress of finding the next job, money and the lack of it weighing heavy on my mind. I began to feel very existential and emotional over the fact that in the end, "for dust you are and to dust you will return". It got me thinking that we (as humans) constantly pride ourselves on the fact that we are different than anything else on the earth; we are special/unique/gifted. We have inherited the earth and we treat it like we can just up and move whenever we please once we are done using it. We forget (myself included) that we were born of the earth and to it we shall return, taking with us only what we came with and leaving behind the consequences of our actions for other generations to deal with. I was reminded of another quote, "When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will man realize that it cannot eat money."
It's all somber and slightly depressive I know, but it got me wondering what we as humans look like from an outsiders' perspective. Bear with me on this, but what if other beings, not of earth, had a Discovery channel/Animal Planet show that featured humans; what would the show say about us? I imagined then, us being a product of the earth in a more literal sense, a flower. A flower that tries desperately to not be a flower and worries and stresses about only itself and getting a job, in exchange for "money" and giving nothing in return. A flower that must rely only on itself to make itself grow.
This is how I came up with "Flowerchild" and ongoing photo series about Human/Flower creatures. I will probably revisit the series at a later time when I am less "stressed". Thank you for reading.
From Dive Bars To Michelin Stars
I have been lucky enough to work with Dan Kim on a few projects for his Food Blog. Dan Kim is a freelance food writer who highlights restaurants from San Diego to all over Los Angeles. Not only does he cover the best, well-known restaurants, but he also features the top venues for local hangouts to help you feel at home.
You don't need to be a foody to enjoy his blog, Dan's quick wit and detailed writing will make you feel like you are right there with him enjoying every bite. So next time the inevitable question of "what are we going to eat?" comes along, hop on over the The Danimal Eats for a few ideas near and far...from dive bars to michelin stars.
Helpful links to all restaurants above!