Sunday, June 03, 2007
Week 1 Status Report
After one week of Weight Watchers and exercise, I am pleased to report that I weighed in at 282. That is a loss of 4 lbs. Stay tuned each week for a status report!
Five Reasons for Losing Ambition
I just spent the past 20 minutes looking at old designs and artwork that I created between 1998 and 2005 and the first question that came into my mind was, "what happened to my ambition?"
In that period of time I must have changed the design of my website every other month, always experimenting, trying new ideas out, seeing what worked, what didn't work. I had an unlimited amount of time, energy, ambition, and my passion was seemingly endless. But things are a lot different today. Today, I am tired. I lack energy, and the only real motivation is to get stuff done so that I don't have to worry about it anymore. The money doesn't really motivate much anymore. That is perhaps the worst thing that could happen to an artist.
Here are five initial thoughts as to why I think I am in this place of discouragement:
1) Somewhere along the journey from passionate amateur to cynical professional, I let fear enter my creative process. What if this doesn't work? What are people going to think? I began to think too much about my audience and what their expectations were. I worried too much that something wouldn't be accepted because it wasn't perfect. I believed the lie of perfectionism and anything less than that was cause for reprimand, unsatisfied clients, bad grades, and less satisfaction. No longer was I able to learn from my mistakes, because I wasn't going to put anything out that was filled with mistakes. That sentence makes me laugh, sigh, and feel sad all at the same time.
2) I lost my desire to experiment with new ideas and learn new techniques. I would tell myself, and sadly still do, that there is no time for experimenting, because time is money, and my clients need there stuff done now. But if I was to take that mindset and really analyze it, eventually I would run out of ideas, energy and passion, just from the number of projects I have done in this decade. Without experimenting and trying new things, how do I ever expect to grow not only my in my abilities, but in the collection of ideas, techniques and confidence in what I can do?
3) I would give up on an idea in the middle of pre-production if I felt that I couldn't get it right in that very same day. Lie #3: "The only worthy idea is one that can be easily created in one day, on the spot." LIES! I am one guy, not a studio of 20, 30, 5, 100, 1,000. One guy. I'm not superman. I'm not Wonder Woman, Batman, or even Spiderman. I'm not a hero or a villain, I'm just one normal guy that loves art. Why don't I live that way?
4) I gave up thinking that I had anything worthwhile to say. So, what am I doing being an artist if I believe that I have nothing worthwhile to say. That is really the best question for me to consider right now. Answer: I can't imagine what else I would do, I love art and creativity, and I have just lost my way right now.
5) I bought all the equipment that I said that I would ever need to create works of art, only to keep looking at what everyone else was doing and told myself that I would never be able to do what they do. Thus, lusting after the bigger and better equipment that would put me in the realm of being able to successfully accomplish what others were able to accomplish.
I am saying all this right now because it is all a part of my life change. I am putting my life on a slide and looking at it through a microscope. So far, what I see, is exactly what I have told myself is not there, and it is time to stop believing in the lies that have gotten me far from the truth, and the freedom that ultimately comes from truth.
The truth is that no matter how perfect I think I can be, all I am is a wretch, corrupt to the core of my being, in need of mercy and grace. Thank God for His graciousness and His faithfulness.
In the words of Delirious, "investigate my life and make me clean."
In that period of time I must have changed the design of my website every other month, always experimenting, trying new ideas out, seeing what worked, what didn't work. I had an unlimited amount of time, energy, ambition, and my passion was seemingly endless. But things are a lot different today. Today, I am tired. I lack energy, and the only real motivation is to get stuff done so that I don't have to worry about it anymore. The money doesn't really motivate much anymore. That is perhaps the worst thing that could happen to an artist.
Here are five initial thoughts as to why I think I am in this place of discouragement:
1) Somewhere along the journey from passionate amateur to cynical professional, I let fear enter my creative process. What if this doesn't work? What are people going to think? I began to think too much about my audience and what their expectations were. I worried too much that something wouldn't be accepted because it wasn't perfect. I believed the lie of perfectionism and anything less than that was cause for reprimand, unsatisfied clients, bad grades, and less satisfaction. No longer was I able to learn from my mistakes, because I wasn't going to put anything out that was filled with mistakes. That sentence makes me laugh, sigh, and feel sad all at the same time.
2) I lost my desire to experiment with new ideas and learn new techniques. I would tell myself, and sadly still do, that there is no time for experimenting, because time is money, and my clients need there stuff done now. But if I was to take that mindset and really analyze it, eventually I would run out of ideas, energy and passion, just from the number of projects I have done in this decade. Without experimenting and trying new things, how do I ever expect to grow not only my in my abilities, but in the collection of ideas, techniques and confidence in what I can do?
3) I would give up on an idea in the middle of pre-production if I felt that I couldn't get it right in that very same day. Lie #3: "The only worthy idea is one that can be easily created in one day, on the spot." LIES! I am one guy, not a studio of 20, 30, 5, 100, 1,000. One guy. I'm not superman. I'm not Wonder Woman, Batman, or even Spiderman. I'm not a hero or a villain, I'm just one normal guy that loves art. Why don't I live that way?
4) I gave up thinking that I had anything worthwhile to say. So, what am I doing being an artist if I believe that I have nothing worthwhile to say. That is really the best question for me to consider right now. Answer: I can't imagine what else I would do, I love art and creativity, and I have just lost my way right now.
5) I bought all the equipment that I said that I would ever need to create works of art, only to keep looking at what everyone else was doing and told myself that I would never be able to do what they do. Thus, lusting after the bigger and better equipment that would put me in the realm of being able to successfully accomplish what others were able to accomplish.
I am saying all this right now because it is all a part of my life change. I am putting my life on a slide and looking at it through a microscope. So far, what I see, is exactly what I have told myself is not there, and it is time to stop believing in the lies that have gotten me far from the truth, and the freedom that ultimately comes from truth.
The truth is that no matter how perfect I think I can be, all I am is a wretch, corrupt to the core of my being, in need of mercy and grace. Thank God for His graciousness and His faithfulness.
In the words of Delirious, "investigate my life and make me clean."
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Time for Change, pt. 1
I am finally ready for a change.
For the past 5 years, I have systematically eliminated all healthy activities such as exercising and eating right, all in an attempt to live a life that I thought that I had to live. A life devoted to work. A life devoted to taking care of everyone else's needs. A life devoted to doing what I thought everyone wanted me to do. But you know what? That kind of life totally sucks! I'm ready for a change.
Change #1: I joined Weight Watchers.
I never thought that I would join a diet program, but you know what, I never realized how much I was eating until I read about proper portion sizes on Weight Watchers website. Now I can track how much I am eating, the amount of exercise I am doing, my weight, and even download healthy recipes. Last night I made Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce and only came out to be 10 of my 40 points for the day. That was pretty cool, and it was really good. My goal is 165 lbs., which is very far away from my current weight of 286, but I am encouraged with the fact that I have done it before, and I will do it again. I am doing it because I want to be healthy, active and be able to wear a lot of the clothes that I have in my closet that don't fit anymore. I want to be able to feel good when I run or hike. I just want to feel better, and I am ready.
Change #2: I am learning more about the guitar.
I have played guitar for 12 years. I started to play when I was a sophomore in high school, learning all of Metallica's catalog. While I have a certain adeptness to playing guitar, I have reached a point where I need to learn more, grow more, and branch out into other genres other than rock or metal. I would love to learn more about jazz, classical, country and overall guitar playing that would fit in any genre. I bought a Modern Guitar Method book that Berklee uses at their school, it even comes with a DVD, so I am really excited about learning more guitar theory and growing in my ability to play.
Well, there are two changes, and I will post more later on, but for now, I have some things to do for work.
For the past 5 years, I have systematically eliminated all healthy activities such as exercising and eating right, all in an attempt to live a life that I thought that I had to live. A life devoted to work. A life devoted to taking care of everyone else's needs. A life devoted to doing what I thought everyone wanted me to do. But you know what? That kind of life totally sucks! I'm ready for a change.
Change #1: I joined Weight Watchers.
I never thought that I would join a diet program, but you know what, I never realized how much I was eating until I read about proper portion sizes on Weight Watchers website. Now I can track how much I am eating, the amount of exercise I am doing, my weight, and even download healthy recipes. Last night I made Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce and only came out to be 10 of my 40 points for the day. That was pretty cool, and it was really good. My goal is 165 lbs., which is very far away from my current weight of 286, but I am encouraged with the fact that I have done it before, and I will do it again. I am doing it because I want to be healthy, active and be able to wear a lot of the clothes that I have in my closet that don't fit anymore. I want to be able to feel good when I run or hike. I just want to feel better, and I am ready.
Change #2: I am learning more about the guitar.
I have played guitar for 12 years. I started to play when I was a sophomore in high school, learning all of Metallica's catalog. While I have a certain adeptness to playing guitar, I have reached a point where I need to learn more, grow more, and branch out into other genres other than rock or metal. I would love to learn more about jazz, classical, country and overall guitar playing that would fit in any genre. I bought a Modern Guitar Method book that Berklee uses at their school, it even comes with a DVD, so I am really excited about learning more guitar theory and growing in my ability to play.
Well, there are two changes, and I will post more later on, but for now, I have some things to do for work.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Creative Thing To Do
So, being a creative individual, I occasionally get the urge to grab my notebook, a pen, a list of things to do, and head to the nearest Starbucks. After all, what's cooler and more inspirational then working on your next big project at a coffee shop?
I pull into my parking spot, grab all my stuff, go in and order a mocha and a donut, sit down and get started. I read some notes, starting writing a couple of lines, then stop. This sucks!! Where's the glitz, where's the glam? Just a bunch of blank pages and zero ideas. Perhaps if I had an Apple laptop and I worked on stuff with that in a coffee shop, then I would be cool. Some days I really hate the stigma and label attached to creative people.
Oh well, on to actually getting some work done.
I pull into my parking spot, grab all my stuff, go in and order a mocha and a donut, sit down and get started. I read some notes, starting writing a couple of lines, then stop. This sucks!! Where's the glitz, where's the glam? Just a bunch of blank pages and zero ideas. Perhaps if I had an Apple laptop and I worked on stuff with that in a coffee shop, then I would be cool. Some days I really hate the stigma and label attached to creative people.
Oh well, on to actually getting some work done.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Seattle / Rent
Last Wednesday, Kristina, my step-sister Katie, and myself drove to Seattle to see the musical Rent. This was my first trip back to Seattle after leaving quickly in the form of an exodus over seven years, and it's interesting to not only think about what seven years has done to me, but to think about what life was like before I left.
We left Vancouver very early because Seattle is notorious for traffic, but oddly enough there was no traffic and we arrived in Seattle 2 and a half hours early. This gave us a great opportunity to enjoy downtown Seattle. We walked down to Pike Street Market and for the first time in my life I saw in person the fish market where they throw the fish. Talk about cool! I don't know what the thrill is, but for some reason seeing giant fish fly through the air is oddly fascinating. After that, we enjoyed the many shops in Pike Street Market, and the millions of Starbucks in downtown (one on every city block)!
Now, traveling to the Paramount Theater to see Rent was interesting, because while living in Seattle I saw several rock bands there, Megadeth and Joe Satriani, so the memories of the Paramount continue on because of this trip. Moving on to Rent, this was our first time seeing the musical, as we we had only seen and heard Rent through the movie and the movie's soundtrack. We were totally blown away by how much more there was in the musical that didn't make the movie, and it further amazed us that one man, Jonathan Larson, was able to write all of the music and lyrics. AMAZING!
I thoroughly enjoyed Rent. The visual imagery, the music, the passion of every one on stage, and the musical's ability to inspire people to live for today is addicting, and it left me wanting more. After having some time to reflect upon the experience, here are several of my thoughts.
The passion of the singers, the musicians and the story is inspiring and addicting. It makes me long to be that passionate about the songs that are in my heart, about the art that I see in my mind, and the life that I am daily living. I can't help but think the question, how would our churches be transformed if we were this passionate about the music, the drama, the arts, the Bible, relationships, living life as if it were our last day?
There was a scene in the musical that wasn't in the movie and it is right before Angel dies. The scene is very visual and suggestive of the sexual lifestyle that the characters were a part of. It shows the main characters beneath a sheet trying to break through, while around them the ensemble cast are grinding one another and Angel slowly rises up from the confusion as it continues. Not expecting this scene, I was a little embarrassed at first because it is highly suggestive, but the more I think about the scene, the more I realize how insightful it is because I think it actually shows the pain that the characters fill inside and how they want to break free from the torment and pain that they are living in. It then goes on to suggest that death (Angel rising) is the only way to truly escape the pain and be released. This scene really sticks in my head, and not because of the sex, but the portrayal of the pain that people truly live with.
What I appreciate most about Rent is that it is a story about people, relationships, and living life each day. Yes, it does have various immoral elements which unfortunately pushes people away from wanting to see this musical, but there is an amazing beauty in this musical that shines a compassionate light on the pain that people are living with and the ways that their lives change as they face the struggles in life instead of running away.
Truth be told, I was blind-sided by this story and this music. I didn't expect any of it to be that good. I expected it to be a celebration of all the things that a Christian is against, but instead I feel the words of Christ come alive within me when I think about how I should respond. With love and compassion.
We left Vancouver very early because Seattle is notorious for traffic, but oddly enough there was no traffic and we arrived in Seattle 2 and a half hours early. This gave us a great opportunity to enjoy downtown Seattle. We walked down to Pike Street Market and for the first time in my life I saw in person the fish market where they throw the fish. Talk about cool! I don't know what the thrill is, but for some reason seeing giant fish fly through the air is oddly fascinating. After that, we enjoyed the many shops in Pike Street Market, and the millions of Starbucks in downtown (one on every city block)!
Now, traveling to the Paramount Theater to see Rent was interesting, because while living in Seattle I saw several rock bands there, Megadeth and Joe Satriani, so the memories of the Paramount continue on because of this trip. Moving on to Rent, this was our first time seeing the musical, as we we had only seen and heard Rent through the movie and the movie's soundtrack. We were totally blown away by how much more there was in the musical that didn't make the movie, and it further amazed us that one man, Jonathan Larson, was able to write all of the music and lyrics. AMAZING!
I thoroughly enjoyed Rent. The visual imagery, the music, the passion of every one on stage, and the musical's ability to inspire people to live for today is addicting, and it left me wanting more. After having some time to reflect upon the experience, here are several of my thoughts.
The passion of the singers, the musicians and the story is inspiring and addicting. It makes me long to be that passionate about the songs that are in my heart, about the art that I see in my mind, and the life that I am daily living. I can't help but think the question, how would our churches be transformed if we were this passionate about the music, the drama, the arts, the Bible, relationships, living life as if it were our last day?
There was a scene in the musical that wasn't in the movie and it is right before Angel dies. The scene is very visual and suggestive of the sexual lifestyle that the characters were a part of. It shows the main characters beneath a sheet trying to break through, while around them the ensemble cast are grinding one another and Angel slowly rises up from the confusion as it continues. Not expecting this scene, I was a little embarrassed at first because it is highly suggestive, but the more I think about the scene, the more I realize how insightful it is because I think it actually shows the pain that the characters fill inside and how they want to break free from the torment and pain that they are living in. It then goes on to suggest that death (Angel rising) is the only way to truly escape the pain and be released. This scene really sticks in my head, and not because of the sex, but the portrayal of the pain that people truly live with.
What I appreciate most about Rent is that it is a story about people, relationships, and living life each day. Yes, it does have various immoral elements which unfortunately pushes people away from wanting to see this musical, but there is an amazing beauty in this musical that shines a compassionate light on the pain that people are living with and the ways that their lives change as they face the struggles in life instead of running away.
Truth be told, I was blind-sided by this story and this music. I didn't expect any of it to be that good. I expected it to be a celebration of all the things that a Christian is against, but instead I feel the words of Christ come alive within me when I think about how I should respond. With love and compassion.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Worship and the Art of Healing
I'm having one of those days where I am not only distracted by the abundance of websites at my fingertips, but distracted by the thoughts in my mind and the music playing in iTunes. I can't help but think about the future, the possibilities of the things to come, the promise of renewed hope, and the healing power of God's grace. On top of all of those thoughts, I am thinking about how my attitude towards worship music is daily changing from a selfish "how could anyone like this garbage" to a God-honoring view of "if it pleases the Lord, how can I not sing?"
When I first became a Christian, I thought Christian music was amazing and refreshing. My formative years were spent listening to a lot of hard rock, heavy metal, eventually getting into death metal and some really dark music. So, it was quite a leap to go into the synthesizer/acoustic guitar sappy sounds of Christianity, but there was something audibly refreshing. I found that I related to the messages of the songs in my heart a lot more than the other music. But over the years, my heart hardened to Christian music, specifically the songs that were sung every weekend in church. The week after week pounding of songs by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and the local flavors just got too much and I really got apathetic and cynical, shunning a lot of artists that write the majority of worship songs.
But it's amazing what God can do with time, my love for music, and His desire for His creation to worship Him. And it all started with a Worship in the Pacific Northwest conference, a local worship leader named Mike Hohnholz (www.mikehohnholz.com), my friend Tony Johnson, and a growing church in Camas, WA, Grace Foursquare (www.gracefoursquare.org).
I have been a musician for most of my life, so I really admire musicians that not only write their own music, but also their own lyrics. So, I was really surprised when I entered the church scene and started looking at the copyrights of songs and saw that a lot of the songs were not written by the people playing the songs, but they were covering these songs. I first experienced cover songs on Metallica's Garage Days Revisited, where they cover a lot of New Wave of British Heavy Metal songs, so cover songs to me were more about a fun escape from the seriousness of the creative process. So, is the church a cover song culture? Something that is a fun escape from the seriousness of worshiping God with the gifts that He has placed within the heart of a worship leader? Is there any difference between a worship leader and a worship songwriter? Should there be a difference?
Well, when I heard Mike Hohnholz's music and his heart, I was amazed that there was a local worship leader that could not only lead worship, but also write music from his heart that reflected his love for Christ and the passion within his heart for others to worship with him. So, I visited the church he was leading worship for, and immediately found a place that valued the use of the unique gifts that God had given the people in the church. Thus, a chain-reaction was started that would bring me to the place where I am at today.
Upon leaving my position at a local megachurch in November of 2005, my wife and I visited several churches before deciding that we wanted to call Grace Foursquare our home church. During that time of visiting other churches, Mike Hohnholz moved out to Beaverton Foursquare to lead worship there and a new worship pastor named Loren Craft came to Grace, along with Joshua Son. And again, God astonished me with the talent and passion for worshiping the Lord that He placed in their hearts. But nothing would change me more than finally getting the opportunity to be a part of the worship team, filling in on bass when no one else could be found.
The first time playing bass on stage at this new place was interesting, mainly due to the song choices. Two of my least favorite songs were picked, and after playing them several times during the week in practice and rehearsal, it was in the last service of the weekend that I really sensed God telling me, "Chris, I don't care if you don't like these songs, I like them, it's not about you." And with that, my heart began to change towards worshiping the Lord.
Playing bass several times now, I have had the opportunity to see a unique perspective that not many get to see and that is of the multitude worshiping the Lord. Sometimes the eyes of the people are upon you and you can't help but examine your heart to make sure that you are truly worshiping, and not just going through the motions.
It continues to be a process and it will always be, but it helps to have truly passionate people around you who could get the rocks and every inanimate object to sing out loud.
Thanks Tony, Loren, Josh and Mike.
When I first became a Christian, I thought Christian music was amazing and refreshing. My formative years were spent listening to a lot of hard rock, heavy metal, eventually getting into death metal and some really dark music. So, it was quite a leap to go into the synthesizer/acoustic guitar sappy sounds of Christianity, but there was something audibly refreshing. I found that I related to the messages of the songs in my heart a lot more than the other music. But over the years, my heart hardened to Christian music, specifically the songs that were sung every weekend in church. The week after week pounding of songs by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and the local flavors just got too much and I really got apathetic and cynical, shunning a lot of artists that write the majority of worship songs.
But it's amazing what God can do with time, my love for music, and His desire for His creation to worship Him. And it all started with a Worship in the Pacific Northwest conference, a local worship leader named Mike Hohnholz (www.mikehohnholz.com), my friend Tony Johnson, and a growing church in Camas, WA, Grace Foursquare (www.gracefoursquare.org).
I have been a musician for most of my life, so I really admire musicians that not only write their own music, but also their own lyrics. So, I was really surprised when I entered the church scene and started looking at the copyrights of songs and saw that a lot of the songs were not written by the people playing the songs, but they were covering these songs. I first experienced cover songs on Metallica's Garage Days Revisited, where they cover a lot of New Wave of British Heavy Metal songs, so cover songs to me were more about a fun escape from the seriousness of the creative process. So, is the church a cover song culture? Something that is a fun escape from the seriousness of worshiping God with the gifts that He has placed within the heart of a worship leader? Is there any difference between a worship leader and a worship songwriter? Should there be a difference?
Well, when I heard Mike Hohnholz's music and his heart, I was amazed that there was a local worship leader that could not only lead worship, but also write music from his heart that reflected his love for Christ and the passion within his heart for others to worship with him. So, I visited the church he was leading worship for, and immediately found a place that valued the use of the unique gifts that God had given the people in the church. Thus, a chain-reaction was started that would bring me to the place where I am at today.
Upon leaving my position at a local megachurch in November of 2005, my wife and I visited several churches before deciding that we wanted to call Grace Foursquare our home church. During that time of visiting other churches, Mike Hohnholz moved out to Beaverton Foursquare to lead worship there and a new worship pastor named Loren Craft came to Grace, along with Joshua Son. And again, God astonished me with the talent and passion for worshiping the Lord that He placed in their hearts. But nothing would change me more than finally getting the opportunity to be a part of the worship team, filling in on bass when no one else could be found.
The first time playing bass on stage at this new place was interesting, mainly due to the song choices. Two of my least favorite songs were picked, and after playing them several times during the week in practice and rehearsal, it was in the last service of the weekend that I really sensed God telling me, "Chris, I don't care if you don't like these songs, I like them, it's not about you." And with that, my heart began to change towards worshiping the Lord.
Playing bass several times now, I have had the opportunity to see a unique perspective that not many get to see and that is of the multitude worshiping the Lord. Sometimes the eyes of the people are upon you and you can't help but examine your heart to make sure that you are truly worshiping, and not just going through the motions.
It continues to be a process and it will always be, but it helps to have truly passionate people around you who could get the rocks and every inanimate object to sing out loud.
Thanks Tony, Loren, Josh and Mike.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Paralytic
I had the opportunity to do the cinematography for my friend's fan-made music video for the song "Paralytic." Check it out today!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Over 25 New Items Added to ChrisMartinStudios.com
Hey, I finally got around to adding the latest work completed by Chris Martin Studios to the "Our Work" section of www.ChrisMartinStudios.com. I have even added several video productions, including the latest videos for First Class Homeschool Ministries. Check out all the hard work today!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Looking for a Great Mechanic and Tire Shop?
I have had the joy and privilege (sarcasm) of getting some repairs done on my 1992 Dodge Shadow. The shocks and struts were shot, I needed four new tires, and I have an oil leak of unknown origin. For the shocks and struts and the diagnosing of the oil leak, I took the car to Just Right Auto, 13106 NE Fourth Plain in Vancouver, 360-260-2260 and they did a fantastic job. Dropped the car off Thursday morning, and got it back Friday morning. The shocks and struts are replaced, and they put a dye kit in the oil to trace where the leak is. Great service, fast, and they appreciate their customers!
To further my experience today, I took the car to Richey's Tire Factory on Mill Plain, right off the 205 by Wal-Mart. I told them I wanted four new tires, they helped me to get the ones that were in my price range, and then put them on. I was out of there in about 15-20 minutes. Great service, they love what they do, and they have HD TV with Comcast in the waiting area. How cool is that!!!
I highly recommend both places!
To further my experience today, I took the car to Richey's Tire Factory on Mill Plain, right off the 205 by Wal-Mart. I told them I wanted four new tires, they helped me to get the ones that were in my price range, and then put them on. I was out of there in about 15-20 minutes. Great service, they love what they do, and they have HD TV with Comcast in the waiting area. How cool is that!!!
I highly recommend both places!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Speeding Towards the New Year!
With my 28th birthday and Christmas behind me, I have a new stack of DVDs to enjoy this week! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law got me the Limited Edition 2-Disc version of "V for Vendetta," which comes complete with the graphic novel that the movie was based on, pretty cool! My wife's parents surprised me with "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and the special edition of "Batman Begins," my mom got me U2's "Zoo TV" concert, and I have greatly enjoyed that DVD, very innovative, creative and, perhaps, crazy. In the vein of music, my wife got me the Metallica Videos DVD, awesome! With the rest of the money I got for my birthday, I bought Dream Theater's "Score" DVD, Coldplay's "Live 2003" and U2's "U218 Videos." I am a music buff and thoroughly enjoy all of those DVDs! Not to mention the Greatest Hits Jimi Hendrix CD and the book "U2byU2!!!"
It was a great Christmas, and now I prepare myself for the end of the business year! Here is to year one of Chris Martin Studios!
It was a great Christmas, and now I prepare myself for the end of the business year! Here is to year one of Chris Martin Studios!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Birthday Approaching
On Friday, I will be celebrating my 28th birthday, which means several things, mainly that I am getting really close to being 30, my high school reunion is this summer, and the past seems further away than it did even a year ago. In an email to a friend this morning, I mentioned that it felt like I have lived two, maybe even three, lifetimes in the past ten years. So, here are some of my highlights of my life in the past ten years:
As I write this, I am remembering what I wrote in the senior edition of the school paper ten years ago about what I would be doing today: "I will be making $80,000 a year working at Microsoft and playing racquetball with Bill Gates." While I didn't even come close to either of those things, I am truly grateful that my life is far richer and deeper than I ever imagined it would be.
Have a Merry Christmas!
- Graduated high school.
- Attended the University of Washington for 2 and a half years.
- Dropped out of college to be in a rock band playing bass.
- Had the opportunity to go to Israel and Jordan for two weeks, seeing everything from Jerusalem, Petra, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, and Tel-Aviv.
- Became a Christian after 14 years of walking away from God.
- Went to art school and eventually graduated with a bachelor's degree in Media Arts and Animation.
- Interned in a video department being able to work alongside a good friend.
- Ran a video/design department for a couple of years before burning out.
- Got to hear and meet some amazing songwriters, speakers, pastors and artists in my time running the video/design department.
- Traveled to Mexico and videotaped a mission trip for one week.
- Got married in 2004.
- Started my own design/photography/video business.
As I write this, I am remembering what I wrote in the senior edition of the school paper ten years ago about what I would be doing today: "I will be making $80,000 a year working at Microsoft and playing racquetball with Bill Gates." While I didn't even come close to either of those things, I am truly grateful that my life is far richer and deeper than I ever imagined it would be.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 08, 2006
A Hodge Podge of Information
Well, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and a lot of strange and wonderful things have occurred. But the first thing on my mind is the latest "American Photo" magazine, which showed up a couple days ago in the mail. It has to be the best photography magazine, just for the sheer quality of the photographers that are showcased. This month's issue is on the Images of the Year, and there are some amazing images. My favorite image is from the Wonderbra advertisement, shot by Vincent Dixon. You never see the Wonderbra, but you see everyone's reaction in the restaurant, stunning, well lit, and very funny.
I recently bought Quickbooks Pro for my business, Chris Martin Studios Inc., and now get to go through the laborious task of setting it up! I'm sure there is someone that I could pay to do that, but after 9 months of receipts and invoices, it's probably better if I do it. I'm excited though, there are some neat features that I will definitely use, especially the time sheets. No more Excel, and no more math calculations by hand! Oh, how exciting life can truly be!
The other night, my friend Rod showed me "G3- Live in Denver," starring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Very good performances on all three parts, and what cracked me up the most was how Malmsteen would shred a little, throw the guitar around his neck, and then continue shredding. Seamlessly! Amazing, well worth the cost of buying the DVD.
Today, I received "The DVX Book," Magic Bullet Editors, and InstantHD in the mail, as part of the rebate for my Panasonic DVX100B. So far, I have only read part of "The DVX Book," but already it has helped me in how I use the DVX. While the camera is not an HD camera, it's a great camera!
Wow, should I keep going? I think I shall.
I am planning on 7 one-minute short films using the DVX and the lav mics that I bought for it. I'm not really going to do anything traditional in the sense, I just want to have fun, so stay tuned to ChrisMartin.com, because I will post the videos there.
Here, here to Lloyd's Grill in Battle Ground, WA. A very great place to eat lunch!
Well, that's about it for now. I hope you enjoy the latest from my mind.
I recently bought Quickbooks Pro for my business, Chris Martin Studios Inc., and now get to go through the laborious task of setting it up! I'm sure there is someone that I could pay to do that, but after 9 months of receipts and invoices, it's probably better if I do it. I'm excited though, there are some neat features that I will definitely use, especially the time sheets. No more Excel, and no more math calculations by hand! Oh, how exciting life can truly be!
The other night, my friend Rod showed me "G3- Live in Denver," starring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Very good performances on all three parts, and what cracked me up the most was how Malmsteen would shred a little, throw the guitar around his neck, and then continue shredding. Seamlessly! Amazing, well worth the cost of buying the DVD.
Today, I received "The DVX Book," Magic Bullet Editors, and InstantHD in the mail, as part of the rebate for my Panasonic DVX100B. So far, I have only read part of "The DVX Book," but already it has helped me in how I use the DVX. While the camera is not an HD camera, it's a great camera!
Wow, should I keep going? I think I shall.
I am planning on 7 one-minute short films using the DVX and the lav mics that I bought for it. I'm not really going to do anything traditional in the sense, I just want to have fun, so stay tuned to ChrisMartin.com, because I will post the videos there.
Here, here to Lloyd's Grill in Battle Ground, WA. A very great place to eat lunch!
Well, that's about it for now. I hope you enjoy the latest from my mind.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Casino Royale
Our third movie to see in theaters this week was the new James Bond flick, "Casino Royale." This was a pretty decent film, it was a little long, and there were some really stagnant parts, but all in all, this was the best Bond film in a good while.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Office: Reprise
Well, after enjoying the last four episodes of The Office, I am officially letting you all know that it is a great season. I am rather enjoying the new characters now, and just needed time to adjust to the change.
Would Could Be Stranger Than Fiction? The Fountain?
On Sunday, I received a gift certificate to Cinetopia from our church, a thank you gift for doing a lot of work on their 40 Days of Community campaign. So, after church, my wife and I watched Will Ferrell in "Stranger Than Fiction," an interesting film about a character whose life is narrated by a woman, with a better vocabulary than his own. I rather enjoyed that film, but I also enjoyed the experience of watching it in HD in Cinetopia's Living Room theater. Leather ottomans to put your feet up, servers to take your order and bring you the food and drinks, totally awesome!!
Today, we went and saw "The Fountain," a sci-fi movie starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. What an interesting, unique, beautiful, strange film that defies description. We were so captivated, that we sat through the ending credits, enchanted by the beautiful piano score that ended the film. I will definitely be seeing the film, because it was very, very different. And that is a good thing!
The rest of the week is devoted to food, family, friends, and some great movies that we rented.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today, we went and saw "The Fountain," a sci-fi movie starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. What an interesting, unique, beautiful, strange film that defies description. We were so captivated, that we sat through the ending credits, enchanted by the beautiful piano score that ended the film. I will definitely be seeing the film, because it was very, very different. And that is a good thing!
The rest of the week is devoted to food, family, friends, and some great movies that we rented.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Photoshop for Photographers
About a month ago, I received a brochure for a "Photoshop for Photographers" seminar that was coming to the Portland Convention Center. I looked it over, and signed up thinking that it wouldn't hurt to go learn about the software that I use on a consistent and daily basis.
Yesterday was the day, and it was a great seminar! It started with a look at Digital Photography workflow. Being new to digital photography, it was great to learn how Photoshop's Camera Raw plug-in actually works, and how to get great looking files right out of the gate. From there, the speaker covered tonal detail using Curves, color correction, image retouching and vanishing point. All in all, it was an excellent seminar, well worth the $99 admission price. Check out Ben Willmore's site, Digital Mastery, where you can read free articles, buy his books and DVDs and learn more about Photoshop.
Yesterday was the day, and it was a great seminar! It started with a look at Digital Photography workflow. Being new to digital photography, it was great to learn how Photoshop's Camera Raw plug-in actually works, and how to get great looking files right out of the gate. From there, the speaker covered tonal detail using Curves, color correction, image retouching and vanishing point. All in all, it was an excellent seminar, well worth the $99 admission price. Check out Ben Willmore's site, Digital Mastery, where you can read free articles, buy his books and DVDs and learn more about Photoshop.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
We Interrupt This Broadcast
The unfortunate thing about living in Southwest Washington is that we share broadcasting with Portland. This means that quality television shows, such as House M.D., are interrupted at critical and crucial plot points to tell us who won the Oregon governor race.
Friday, November 03, 2006
A New Toy!
Well, I finally bought a nice mini-DV video camera, a Panasonic DVX100B, and I must say that it is AWESOME! I used today on a shoot, and it really does a great job! It was much better than I expected.
Now to learn how to use it!
Now to learn how to use it!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Morning Fog
I'm not a fan of getting up early, especially on a Saturday for that matter. But the other day, a good friend asked if I wanted to get up early today and catch the sunrise by the I-5 bridge on the Columbia River, and I agreed to do it, because it sounded like a great idea.
This morning, I crawled out of bed at 5:30, prepped my photo gear (tripod and D70s) and picked up my friend. We hung out at Starbucks for a while, then drove down to the pier by Joe's Crab Shack. Encased in fog and darkness, we began to take pictures of the I-5 bridge. A surreal moment, and truly enjoyable. It was quite the adventure, and I am grateful for going.
For the first time since buying my camera, I was able to take some long exposures, and I really enjoy the colors that are the result.
This morning, I crawled out of bed at 5:30, prepped my photo gear (tripod and D70s) and picked up my friend. We hung out at Starbucks for a while, then drove down to the pier by Joe's Crab Shack. Encased in fog and darkness, we began to take pictures of the I-5 bridge. A surreal moment, and truly enjoyable. It was quite the adventure, and I am grateful for going.
For the first time since buying my camera, I was able to take some long exposures, and I really enjoy the colors that are the result.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
It's Been A Long Time...
Well, it's been a long time since my last post, and here is what happened:
- My wife and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary.
- We received our new car, a 2001 Ford Taurus, with enough money to pay the excise tax.
- I bought the legend of Johnny Cash on CD.
- Watched House Season 1 and 4 discs of Season 2.
- The Office Season started, and disappointed every step of the way.
- The Lost Season started, and satisfied every step of the way.
- My business, Chris Martin Studios, continues to grow, I continue finishing projects, and more projects are coming in.
- My wife and I went to Powell's Books, Portland Music and Art Media yesterday.
And so are the days of our lives...
- My wife and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary.
- We received our new car, a 2001 Ford Taurus, with enough money to pay the excise tax.
- I bought the legend of Johnny Cash on CD.
- Watched House Season 1 and 4 discs of Season 2.
- The Office Season started, and disappointed every step of the way.
- The Lost Season started, and satisfied every step of the way.
- My business, Chris Martin Studios, continues to grow, I continue finishing projects, and more projects are coming in.
- My wife and I went to Powell's Books, Portland Music and Art Media yesterday.
And so are the days of our lives...
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