Starting off 2010 with a new "toy"!

"Holga cameras are medium-format toy film cameras that are cheaply made and known for light leaks, overexposure, vignetting and vivid colors. [see photo above] The Holga would be considered by many people a cheap clunker. But the Holga has recently made a comeback with a cult following of those who feel its imperfections make the camera mysterious and every image unique."---from "How to Use a Holga Camera" on ehow.com.

I am not a photographer, yet. I am an artist. As an artist, I like direct results and total control. So this little camera, where anything may happen and I can't even see WHAT HAS HAPPENED until the film develops [and that film and processing is only available in limited places...that is NOT at Walmart or Walgreens (yeah!!!)] will be a step into unchartered territory for me! I am excited about the new direction, and will keep you posted!
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BTW, it is all my daughter's fault that I find myself in this situation. A week ago, I didn't have a clue about the existence of this toy.
Laura told me that she is waiting for hers to arrive. It had been ordered as a Christmas gift.
Then she showed me photos on-line and blogs which featured the camera's output. Hmmm, a new toy and it can be used for blogging???? There was no way to resist placing that order! [and wonder what I was getting myself "into"!]
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Today, I was browsing through shops in quaint, downtown Siloam Springs, AR with my friend, Sally. We had finished a fine lunch at the English Tea Room and went into an art gallery/retro/vintage shop. There on the shelf was a HOLGA! I could show her what I was talking about. [I visit Sally "once in a blue moon" which of course, is today, LOL!....the art gallery had a landscape entitled, "Once in a blue moon".]
On my way home, I phoned our house. "Dear Mr. Pear" told me that I had a package waiting...so I confessed that I had ordered the Holga and told him I will share...[he has been a photographer for years....we'll see if he uses it.?]
Next year (next week) I will get some 120 film (a friend has some rolls he has offered to me) and get started...just point and shoot, right?
BUT, tomorrow, NEW YEARS DAY, I plan to have a day of working in the type of art I am used to, watercolor, collage and acrylic...that is my idea of a "Happy New Year".
How are you planning to spend the holiday????

Starting the new year with a new "cut and paste" art journal....

I was able to get a memory book in a nice red cover, and have pasted the front torn from a birthday card I received ....I still want to add some gold glitter glue around the edges. I usually like to keep the cover rather simple compared to the pages inside!

My first page has a doorway and Janus (with 2 faces....I am wondering if that means twice a much sinus headache?????) The eye to see into the future (with new glasses I am ordering today) and the eggs to hatch new ideas! MORE.

First Night on the square......

Mr. Pear with 4-yr. old Reese on his back! We braved the cold night to attend the puppet parade and enjoy Lights of the Ozarks around our town square!


A large puppet of Janus, a Roman god with 2 faces, appeared early on in our town's First Night parade. He is the god of portals or gateways, looking forward and backward at the same time!

The puppets are larger than life , they are the colaborative creations of JoAnn Kaminsky, a local artist. Usually they are made by groups studying and working with her. The unicorn was fabulous and a favorite of Reese!

Other puppets include Mother Earth, The Wild Thing, Harry Potter, Leonardo Da Vinci, A wonderful King and Queen of First Night, several Dragons, and the newest, the large Blue Fairy with her butterfly friends!

Happy New Year to one and all!!!!!!

(BTW, my latest collages are here!)