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2011-07-25T01:14:00.002-05:00

I have never seen another airplane while flying. I loved it!

3pm Disco Party

2011-07-25T01:13:00.000-05:00

My boyfriends! (group partners)

my perfected dragon dance

thriller

Our final show: Itamu

2011-07-25T01:10:00.000-05:00

Suzanne Wyss

Zack Dubuisson's Ugly Americans

Goodbye BBQ

2011-07-25T01:08:00.000-05:00

Farewell Dinner

2011-07-25T00:56:00.000-05:00

Parts of this crab have fallen on people

It breaks Zack's heart to leave Japan

James and Genki

Our favorite restaurant. All you can drink for $12 for 90 minutes.

miss good, healthy, inexpensive japanese food so much!

Yitian shared his pigs ear cartilage with us. had the same consistency of raw jellyfish

Goodbye Shinsabashi

midnight stroll with her puppies. they're a family :)

29% off

2011-07-25T00:36:00.003-05:00

Our professor James loves to wear crazy shoes.

Den Den Town

2011-07-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

Den Den town consists mainly of sex toy/porn stores, and comic/action figure stores.

For ages 5+

Pictures weren't allowed inside most the comic stores so this was the best we could do.

SLUM, a 7 story porn store.

2011-07-25T00:29:00.002-05:00

Osaka Aquarium

2011-07-25T00:19:00.000-05:00

When ready to leave, we couldn't find Kevin.

Kyoto University

2011-07-25T00:12:00.000-05:00

We presented our work to the Kyoto University photography students followed by a discussion panel.

Because of the rice paper wall, they put these wood panels over them so we could project our presentation

Introductions

Random Kyoto

2011-07-25T00:02:00.000-05:00

On our way to Kyoto riding such a fancy train. Part of this one were double decker.

These two worked at a fancy night club.

Shoes.

We rode in a taxi, which have lace covered seats

Yoshioka Sachio: Master Dyer

2011-07-24T23:57:00.003-05:00

Turning walnuts into dye

preparing the scarves for the dye

Paper used for temples

During our last trip to Kyoto, we had a tour of Yoshioka Sachio's studio; it was an enormous labyrinth with someone busy at work in every room. Sachio dyes all the paper and fabric used in the temples using all natural dyes. We watched a huge batch of silk string dyed in indigo, and he let us all dye little scarves in cochineal. I forgot how much I love working with textiles!

Miwa Yanagi

2011-07-24T23:45:00.002-05:00

Miwa Yanagi and James Nakagawa

Miwa Yanagi's Fairytale series

We had the privilege of visiting Miwa Yanagi's studio in Kyoto. Her work is mainly photographic, http://www.yanagimiwa.net/, but she is currently working on a play commenting on the lack of conceptual, Japanese artists. She is drawing a parallel with Moholy-Nagy by having him visit Japan, introduce concept art, and have it be incorporated into Japanese culture during its introduction to the art world. She is incredibly intelligent and talented--it was indeed a treat to discuss these issues with her.

Geishas

2011-07-12T16:36:00.002-05:00

Our last trip to Kyoto, we hung out in the area where most geishas are seen--the more expensive part of town holds the restaurants where their clients will wine and dine and be entertained by dance and traditional stories. We had the hardest time spotting one, but then in a matter of 15 minutes we crossed paths with 7 geishas, so lucky! They walk quickly and it is more than obvious they don't want their picture taken by tourists-- thus, most my pictures being a bit blurry, shoulda brought my flash! I felt bad following them around, but they completely fascinate me.

The second patio is similar to the beer garden in this video. It's very hard to see, but there is a geisha sitting with this huge table of people, she is right in the middle of this picture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWo7vpygd60

2011-07-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

Princess Pooch

2011-07-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

2011-07-12T15:59:00.001-05:00

Leah's Birthday Lunch

2011-07-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

Homemade candle courtesy of James.

JUST SAY NO TO PERVERTS!

2011-07-12T15:56:00.002-05:00

Kobe Beef in China Town

2011-07-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

China Town

Year of the Tiger!

Kobe beef. mmmmmm!

I ate here two times in one night. And he remembered my name when we returned a couple weeks later.

Kai opening in Kobe

2011-07-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

Kyoto Students

Mizno's glasses wrap around the ears so they don't fall off when bowing

Mizno

Dwarf Ears

National Museum of Art, Osaka

2011-07-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

http://www.nmao.go.jp/english/b3exhibition.html

Taking a break from photography, we ventured to the National Museum of Art to see a group of installations. Many of the works were based on conceptual art, including the group, The Play. This video work showed Thai Villagers commenting on their first look at Western art. It was a humous display of multiculturalism.

Hep 5 Ferris Wheel: 7 Stories High

2011-07-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ferris Wheel located on the Hep 5 building

View from the top

everything is red in this building.

Heading home.

2011-06-26T00:13:00.001-05:00

We are waiting to board the plane and will land back in the states in about 16 hours. I hate to leave Japan, it was such a great trip. The last couple weeks have flown by. We had a full week; James was constantly lining something else up for us. As soon as I get back, I'll fill in all the gaps of the trip as I reflect on the thousands of photographs I have. See you soon my friends!

Chichu Artsite

2011-06-20T10:57:00.006-05:00

'Taking form as artists and architect bounced ideas off each other, the building in its entirety can be called a massive site-specific art work.'

Chichu Art Museum

Chichu is considered a piece of work on its own--the entire space is built into a mountain every aspect of this building has taken aesthetics into great consideration (designed by Tadao Ando). This building has thus far had the most impact on me as a viewer. I have studied all of these pieces and it was truely amazing to experience them. My art history professor, Dawna Schuld, always stressed how important it is to view these works to really grasp what the artist is saying--she was completely right. They were mind and body altering and I felt like I was apart of art history by interacting with these famous works.

Walter de Maria

This room felt like you were walking into a sci-fi movie. It was surreal. All I could think when I walked in was 'this is what it's like past the pearly gates' It made you feel so small, yet so magnificent at the same time. I was so impressed with the consideration of light--and how the piece would completely change depending on the day or weather. It was amazing. I went back to every room multiple times to experience it by myself. I really liked this museum for that reason--it wasn't packed with people or with work. You have the opportunity to really spend some quality time with the environment.

James Turrell 'Open Sky'

This piece affected me like no other art has. I have seen pictures of this (which seemed interesting, but not impressive), but when I walked into the room it literally took my breath away. It was a high I have never felt. When I finally took a seat, I looked to the sky and all I could think about was my dad and sister who both passed away about two years ago. The ceiling was a window into heaven for me, and so I said a prayer to them. I let them know that while I love and miss them very much, I couldn't mourn over them anymore because I can let it completely consume me. I will never understand why they didn't get to have a miracle, but I've realized I can't continue to sit around and maul over questions I know have no answers. I let them know I wanted them to rest in peace and figured they couldn't do that until we all made our own peace with the situation--this was me making mine. After thinking for awhile, I finished by telling them I'm not forgetting about them, but I'm not going to cry and be angry over it anymore--I want to start thinking and reflecting on their lives rather than being obsessed with their deaths. I looked up and two birds flew over the opening, and I took it as a sign that they understood and accepted my decision. I walked away feeling lighter and smiling and wondering if this wasn't the reason I came to Japan.

Claude Monet

His paintings are displayed in a room completely lit by natural light, despite being underground. I'm sure the colors were more true to his garden lit this way.

Hiroshi Sugimoto at Benesse House

2011-06-20T10:04:00.003-05:00

I've seen Sugimoto's work multiple times, but never installed like this. At the Benesse House in Naoshima, his Seascapes are installed outside on a patio. Looking at work in natural light completely changes the way it is seen, its absolutely true to the tones. His pieces were on two perpendicular walls, and at the corner there is an opening where you can look out over an inlet and see his photograph on the cliff. Contemporary art is seriously the best thing ever.

Hiroshi Sugimoto's Seascapes

Beach Bound

2011-06-20T05:47:00.002-05:00

Yes, I wear a fanny pack everyday. Sometimes two.

Beach Cottage BBQ

2011-06-20T05:42:00.001-05:00

We stayed in beach cottages in Naoshima. Boys house and girls house. They were right by the ocean, but surrounded by little gardens.

Korean BBQ. Cook your own food as you go, all night long.

James' cave flashlight.

Group shot from loft.

After party in girls' cottage.

Loved this place; sleeping on the floor has never been more comfy.

Art House Project via bikes.

2011-06-20T05:30:00.002-05:00

http://www.benesse-artsite.jp/en/arthouse/

Shanti fell off her bike. And James fell off the rocks.

Backside of the Moon, James Turrell

Art house project consisted of 8 houses that were renovated by artists. My favorite was the James Turrell house, Minamider, which houses his piece, Backside of the Moon. You entered complete darkness and had to wait for your eyes to adjust before you could see the piece. I love how he physically forces you to patiently wait for the work to emerge-- it's refreshing, especially in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and instant feedback.

Yitian always wears a 'hello panda' shirt. If only he had it on for this one...

Sugimoto Shrine

Entrance below shrine

looking out, the ocean is reflected on the walls. This doesn't do it justice.

Bike Ride Home

Spontaneous Swim--Ai and Audim

2011-06-20T05:15:00.001-05:00

Suzanne and I found this broken mermaid and gave her another chance.

Naoshima Island: completely dedicated to contemporary art.

2011-06-20T05:11:00.001-05:00

On our way to Naoshima by ferry...We were greeted to the island with the sculpture pumpkins.

A photographer taking a picture of a photographer taking a picture of a photographer.

rauschenberg style.

2011-06-18T22:06:00.002-05:00

self-portrait as 'the other' in japan.

2011-06-18T04:33:00.001-05:00

collaboration final image.

2011-06-15T09:39:00.001-05:00

bah, not so final. more work to come. gonna transform it to be more rauschenberg-esque.

self portrait sketch

2011-06-14T19:28:00.000-05:00

Yitian told me an upside down bowl is a symbol of power in Chinese and Japanese culture--whatever is under the bowl is in your control.

post-crit

2011-06-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

today was the day of two critiques: personal work and collaborative project. after the end of it all I was extremely exhausted, but also filled with a bit more confidence than I had expected. My style has tended to be an ambiguous combination of 'person, place and thing' entailing extreme swings and tilts from the view camera. While I did bring my field camera along (and have already shot all the film I bought!) I've found myself for the first time, in a long time, drawn simply to the formalities of line.

Having gone really big (40x50"), I'm wanting to go in the total opposite direction and print them super small. I want the camera to really get lost and have the image initially look like a pattern or design. We decided they would look great lining the room as a border above all the other work, and upon looking up at the small images you will discover the security cameras looking down at you. I'm really excited about this idea, and hope to really start making them blend in with their atmosphere....

For our collaborative critique, all of the Shasen students joined, so James was translating everyone's input. We had an "American style" critique, which is more open and honest with the person about their work; I'm curious what my group members thought of it. Whether they thought it was too harsh or not, I was trying to explain to them that we actually had one of the better critiques--we don't have to reshoot the main image, such a relief!

miyajima

2011-06-13T05:03:00.001-05:00

beware of the deer.

ferry ride to miyajima

just married

bump in the road.

2011-06-12T10:08:00.001-05:00

our project has turned out to be like communism--works in theory, but not in practice. post production just wasn't happening. it takes lots of time to practice and perfect and reshoot and all that jazz, so we had to simplify and come up with a new plan. shinjiro and i are meeting tomorrow to photoshop some lemons into lemonade. as james always says, 'we have all the ingredients, we're just cooking it wrong'

fingers crossed....last day before critique. doh! dos darn deadlines!

collaboration work.

2011-06-10T11:38:00.003-05:00

for our piece we're working with a panorama with this as the center image. we all shot this image together and then are piecing images on each side that become more and more abstract. the group shot was smooth and painless even in a torrential downpour (but hey, that's what we wanted) my buddies are really great and speak more english than they lead me to believe. i've noticed it took some time for them to get comfortable around me and start speaking broken english. i kept insisting it was no big deal because I couldn't speak any japanese at all, so anything they said was impressive to me. we're even talking about things that aren't related to our project...Masaki ended up translating a joke to me, which was about the guy who gets a bug in his soup and the waitress tells him its no big deal because it doesn't drink much. the funniest part to me was that he prefaced it with, 'will you listen to my story?' anyway. it was a good night and the main image is done--it has to be, they work all weekend and we don't have anymore time! and to top off a successful evening, I came back to the hotel to find a dr. pepper waiting for me at the front desk! kevin found one at a coffee shop and left it for me!

correction: today is a great day in my kingdom!

for us photo geeks, this isn't edited on a calibrated screen so it may have some issues...

2011-06-10T02:58:00.002-05:00

today has been such a computer day. I'm so happy I'm almost caught up with my road journal.

our group is shooting tonight for our collaboration. we only have 4 days before it is due. and we need time to edit and merge photos for our abstract panorama. tonight is the only night we had to shoot our main image, and we really wanted/needed rain. its an hour before scheduled shooting, and it just started pouring. today is a good day in my kingdom. thanks big guy.

another fancy night

2011-06-10T02:16:00.000-05:00

After a long day of museum/gallery visits in Hiroshima, we headed towards Miyajima. We were all tired and cranky but were welcomed late to the hotel with a buffet waiting for us. It was amazing how generous they were to keep it open just for our group. Steak was served! Wow, I missed a big fat juicy steak. And fresh sushi. I ate more following dessert...

Roomie's for the night. Sake advertisement.

Every hotel offers a house kimono. This was by far the best getup we had encountered. And, the balcony connected all the rooms so we could wander around. Photo shoot was a must.

Kevin came out to tell us to all be quite, but instead joined the ladies picture.

Saucy

Kimonos are made for leg cleavage.

from the other side

2011-06-09T22:31:00.004-05:00

Seeing the destruction through a photograph or TV causes a barrier that removes me from the reality of devestation. It was incredibly eerie walking into the a-bomb preserved section of the school and hearing the children laughing and screaming outside in the schoolyard. Honkawa Elementary School holds the Peace Museum, located in the middle of the still functioning school. The background noise of the kids who showed up for another normal day at school broke my heart as I imagined the same sounds coming from the 400 children who died that morning in the same spot.

Preserved part of the elementary school turned into a museum.

On our way to the museum

Melted glass from the elementary school

We could all touch artifacts from the school, elsewhere this is all behind class in museums.

Hiroshima after the bomb. Located in the basement of the closest elementary school to epicenter of the bomb.

melted bottles

Recreation in the museum

Watch stopped exactly at 8:15 on August 6, 1945

A-bomb survivor

I initially felt very awkward being an American in Hiroshima, however, she expressed such gratitude for us coming because it means we care about what happened here. Because she lived in the mountains, she didn't feel much of the physical effects of the bomb, but she deals with the memories of everyone who fled to the first aid station by her house. She was only eight when she went around giving water to those who had burning mouths from the explosion.

Hiroshima

2011-06-09T22:24:00.002-05:00

Ota River runs through Hiroshima. People fled to this river to cool their burning bodies: a reminder of death in Hiroshima.

A-bomb survivor and sculptor. He helped design Peace Park and showed us around Hiroshima.

We took a boat ride down the river closests to ground zero. Many people fled to the river to cool their burning bodies. The tree to the left is an a-bomb tree. All trees that survived the bomb have a tag on them.

A-bomb dome

ground zero.

Largest bronze Buddha housed in largest wooden structure in the world.

2011-06-09T19:34:00.001-05:00

One of the pillars inside has a hole cut through it the size of Buddha's nostril. If you can climb through, it is said you'll find enlightenment. The hole seems soooo small once you get down to it, but with some pushing and pulling and twisting my body sideways, I was able to pass through.

James loves his Birthday Present from Zach.

2011-06-09T11:16:00.002-05:00

and I used my flash correctly :)

2011-06-09T11:13:00.001-05:00

2011-06-09T11:10:00.002-05:00

2011-06-09T11:04:00.001-05:00

In Nara, deer are like squirrels. And it's the best.

2011-06-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

where did that come from?

Snuck a card or two in...

2011-06-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

Umbrellas Held Captive

2011-06-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

After leaving the museum, Angela grabbed my and James' umbrellas. This man came running and screaming after Angela, procceeded to grab the umbrella out of her hand and place it back in the stand. After James talked to him, we found out he was 100%, not a doubt in his mind sure that the umbrellas in question belonged to his wife and friend visiting from Tokyo. They were in the museum and he was patiently waiting for them outside because he didn't want to pay to see it again (as he lived in Nara).

Standing guard over us to ensure we didn't take the umbrellas. So cranky...

We had to sit and wait for them to finish walking through the exhibit so he could show us that the umbrellas belonged to them--as we're thinking, sure, we'll wait here and prove to you the umbrellas are ours. Forty-five minutes later they come and are holding umbrellas that don't even look remotely close to ours. We decided that he was color blind and suffering from dementia. Anyway, he apologized and we moved on laughing about the incredibly strange situation...

The $1 umbrellas we were fighting over.

Fantastic Dinner Featuring: Raw Horse Meat

2011-06-09T10:31:00.000-05:00

Just some great lightin' n great people.

2011-06-09T10:28:00.001-05:00

Ninja Audim

Miss Suzanne

James San

Miss Sarah

Mom, I promise I'm learning...

2011-06-09T10:11:00.001-05:00

After looking at my 'tourist photos' from Kyoto, I was slightly disappointed with how carelessly I documented the trip. I wanted to focus on taking a better snap shot! This included the wretched flash, which I struggle with so much. However, the amazing and talented Kevin O. Mooney helped me all trip. A couple of quick flash lessons from a pro and I was on my way to perfecting this skill; mind you it is much trickier than you'd think. I may have needed a couple more lessons on our Hiroshima trip. But practice makes perfect, and I'm all over it now...no more dreading low lighting situations!

http://www.kevinomooney.com/

Commercial photographer gone educator, Kevin O. is one of my favorite resources and great friends!

Nara Excursion: Spoiled us with 5 star hotel

2011-06-09T09:53:00.002-05:00

I'm obviously insanely happy to be here...Nara girls' night out.

We walked into the bar and upon seeing five foreign girls they put some Madonna on and we danced with some insane Japanese boys. After dancing for three hours I ended up in a sweat bath resulting with the wet-gutter-rat look I'm always going for....unfortunately, pictures are on Leah's camera.

Side note: My bangs are totally making an M here. And that makes me really happy.

Nikko Hotel

Website Changes

2011-06-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.elainemillerphoto.com/

Tim Goth has been working super hard to get changes done for me! Take a look and tell me what you think. It's still a work in progress, so suggestions are always considered valuable. Thanks friends and family.

So, here's the deal.

2011-06-09T09:32:00.003-05:00

I'm super far behind on blogging due to continual, amazing excursions with lack of time and interest in the internet. Honestly, who wants to look at a computer screen when you could be riding a bike around an island dedicated to contemporary art and losing yourself in James Turrell's work? Not this girl...

For your viewing pleasure, I'm going to upload as much as I can tonight and add text as I have time. You all know I'm way better at taking pictures than I with writing anyway... So check back in if you want the subtitles. Just got back from the most amazing experience I've ever had, and I want to tell you all about it-- but I haven't even uploaded Nara yet!

Cityscapes

2011-06-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

School children practicing their English with me!

2011-06-05T05:57:00.000-05:00

Ikebana: Japanese 'Flower Arrangement'

2011-06-04T23:23:00.002-05:00

Ikebana focuses on giving the now dying flower (freshly cut) a new, beautiful life. I was inspired to start incorporating this symbolism into my work, as I tend to explore death through my photography.

When Atsunobu Katagiri (atsunobukatagiri.com) came out to address the class, he was decked out in traditional clothing and talking about his traditional Japanese house. His house was awesome; it had mud walls, rice paper sliding doors, and a great garden. James was translating everything for the class as he introduced ikebana to us. After about ten minutes of speaking, he looks at us and says 'So are you all following me? Yea, I lived in Seattle for 5 years, I'm fluent in English.' He totally had me fooled.

Tsuda Nao showing us his work: www.tsudanao.com. These two are great friends and are often together while they make their work. Tsuda Nao is a successful fine art photographer and Atsunobu Katagiri is what I consider to be a 'sculptor' in a way. He sculpts flowers :) It is truly an art form, he made his way better than the class, but he did it backwards so we could see what was going on. Very impressive.

My very own ikebana! I forgot how important it is to bring the outside in. My mom has a huge, colorful garden and a house full of plants. I need to bring them back in my life at home.

After making our ikebana, we photographed them in Atsunobu Katagiri's traditional Japanese home and garden.

Royanji Temple

2011-06-04T22:50:00.003-05:00

This zen rock garden has 15 stones, but only 14 can be seen all at once; if you find a way to see all 15, you are said to have found enlightenment. I think they made it impossible, at least from the angles they allowed for visitors to gaze from. Surrounding the rock garden was a beautiful 'tea room' with rice paper walls. This building had a wrap around porch which was surrounded by more green gardens. I want my house to look like this one day. Very simple and open, letting the outside in.

Women's bathroom sign. Awesome.

2011-06-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

I feel like people are afraid of everything; really, they're afraid of 'nothing'.

Rokuon-ji Temple: The Golden Pavilion

2011-06-03T02:38:00.000-05:00

Kyoto Train Station

2011-06-03T02:04:00.001-05:00

James and Kevin art directing our group shot.

Jus some weallly cute cats being total buds.

2011-05-31T10:53:00.000-05:00

Green Tea Ice Cream.

2011-05-31T10:48:00.002-05:00

It's everywhere in Kyoto, and it's soooo yummmmy.

How many out of focus pictures did I take? How embarrassing....

Mouf fullll.

Kiyomizu Temple

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

Wash bin before touching Buddha.

Temple Stamp

This temple was spread out with lots of little 'stations' for us to visit. It really felt like an adult theme park to the outsider; there was a lot to experience here with little surprises around every corner. When we first arrived, we went through an underground tunnel (completely dark) symbolizing entering and leaving the womb. It was very disorienting (at one time I found myself standing still for way too long thinking there was someone right in front of me when in fact half the maze was completely clear). After shuffling your way through the dark, you came to a dimly lit room with a turning stone. Following previously given direction, I made a wish and put my hand on the stone to help turn it. It was kinda like finding a huge penny heads-up!

2011-05-31T10:20:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to have this experience.

Sanjusangen-do: 1001 statues of Kannon

2011-05-31T10:18:00.001-05:00

Before entering temple.

Japanese student's practiced their English with us! Redheads (leah) were totally favored for this. And given gifts for talking and taking pictures.

The long hall.

Temple grounds.

This temple is known for it's long temple hall (120 meters) which is filled with 1001 statues of Kannon (Buddhist deity). Pictures inside the hall weren't allowed, so click here to see what I'm talking about. This was the first place we stopped at while in Kyoto, and it really set the mood of what was to come. Many of us bought a temple book here, which is much like a passport. At every temple we pay 300 yen for a 'temple stamp' which is hand painted. The book folds out so each stamp is side by side in an accordion style. It is turning out to be quite an expensive gift for myself (and probably the only one now) but the memories/stories it holds are totally worth it. Plus, it hold bragging rights :) Have you been to this many temples? Didn't think so....Poor James forgot his temple book on our second day, but I have a feeling he'll be back.....

Resting @ Zen Temple

2011-05-31T07:56:00.000-05:00

Leah, me, Shanti.

Zack and Yitian

Kyoto Excursions: Ginkakuji Temple

2011-05-31T07:52:00.000-05:00

This temple, also known as the 'Silver Temple', is a huge maze through immaculate gardens. These gardens were designed to adapt to each season and are meant to encompass the spiritual world. Walking through the gardens brought me back to a total appreciation of mother nature. I'm so used to rushing around Bloomington I often forget to just look and listen.

*I really wish we had moss instead of grass; it's pretty awesome.

late night shootings: round 1.

2011-05-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

Osaka Castle

2011-05-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

Making fwiends.

The American Tourists

While I found the exterior and the grounds of Osaka Castle to be epic, I was really disappointed the inside had been gutted and transformed into a museum. Why ruin the original only to fill it with a diorama of itself? Why couldn't the museum be built right next to it where they put vending machines galore instead? I would have loved to see what the inside looked like during it's prime. Despite this complaint, the view from the top was amazing. New and old Osaka....

Tsuda Nao: Visiting Artist Tomorrow

2011-05-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

http://www.tsudanao.com/works/

playing around with diptychs for group project

2011-05-29T06:50:00.004-05:00

Hanshin Tiger Self Portrait

2011-05-29T04:26:00.000-05:00

newly uploaded. not edited.

2011-05-28T08:38:00.003-05:00

i want to make the cameras start to disappear in the design. sometimes I wonder if their purpose is to be obviously noticed or totally overlooked...

our communication isn't perfect, but it works!

2011-05-28T02:22:00.000-05:00

Email from my adorable group on changing our meeting place for tonight's scouting.

Good evening I'm sorry at night late. We are Urahira and Yamamoto of
the same team as Elaine Miller. There is asking today. We cannot
report with Elaine Miller. Therefore, I want you to pass on the
content of mail to Elaine Miller. My best regards though an impudent
asking it.

Masaki decreases, and there is business since eight o'clock and the
time of the discussion will have decreased to the school Mr. Elaine
Miller and tomorrow though it was a set at PM 5:00. We go to the hotel
of Elaine Miller to increase [nanode and time. Therefore, please wait
for Elaine Miller in the lobby at PM 5:00 hotel. I'm sorry for
changing the schedule suddenly. My best regards. My best regards.

Deparrure time: There is no change.
Departure point: school →Elaine Miller of hotel.

Please continue your favors toward telling because it is good tomorrow
morning. Asking does suitably though it is a really mpolite thing.

Koalas are my favorite!

2011-05-28T01:18:00.000-05:00

Hanshin Tiger Baseball game

2011-05-28T01:11:00.002-05:00

A new Tiger fan was born this day. Decked out in Tiger gear, people wanted pictures with this American fan! I felt famous, and I loved it. Despite losing, the game was a blast. The Asahi beer girls were too cute to say no to, so I hold them responsible for having a few too many this night. Favorite part of the game: blowing up balloons in the 7th inning to give the team some extra love and rally 'em back. Wish I had known not to tie them though, I had to bite a hole in mine in hopes they would fly in the air. Most fell a seat or two pathetically in front of me, but hey, it's the thought that counts.

from my balcony

2011-05-27T23:03:00.001-05:00

2011-05-27T22:59:00.001-05:00

it's been cloudy and rainy most the time. but i dont mind. it's like a big softbox over the sun. perfect for shooting.

Personal Works:

2011-05-27T22:27:00.007-05:00

My personal work is taking a very drastic turn from my usual style: http://www.elainemillerphoto.com/ Without thinking about it, I started photographing all the surveillance cameras I saw; they are everywhere! It immediately reminded me of Kenneth Anger's 'I'll be watching you' short film. I started taking my collection of these images seriously and will continue shooting them the entire time I am here. I'm not sure where this is going just yet, but I think I could be on to something...these need a lot of work and editing, but here's a peek.

I've started to really give my visual attention to the environment they are in. The past couple days I've been more interested in the line work around the cameras, rather than the camera itself.

I took some video following Audim (assistant sensei) around in a crowd after the baseball game. I was thinking about Vito Acconci, who did a series of following strangers around until they went into a personal space. I'd really like to find a way to successfully use my photographs and video in once piece.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi

2011-05-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

The Osaka Art Museum is having a Kuniyoshi exhibition right now. We had very limited time to view his work (which is a massive collection) but I am confident I can find it on my own for another visit on a free day. His attention to detail was amazing, especially considering he produces his images with woodblock.

It's always refreshing for me to look at other mediums; I often get stuck on only looking to photographs for inspiration.

http://kuniyoshi.exhn.jp/

respect.

2011-05-27T21:17:00.004-05:00

Osaka is one of the safest cities in Japan. Geographically, it is protected from tsunamis because of its placement behind a group of smaller islands. Walking around the city I noticed no one locks their bikes up. They leave them unlocked next to the bus station all day and know no one will steal them because of the respect factor. It's amazing. I have never, ever left my camera laying around unattended, but here I didn't think twice about doing it.

We saw some young children getting on the subway and I thought they had lost their class. As I'm pointing out a large crowd of classmates to the 'lost' students, Kevin informs me they are on their way home from school. No big deal riding the subway by themselves so young.

really lost in translation

2011-05-27T08:49:00.003-05:00

in school we have to do a collaborative project with the japanese students. i'm the only girl in a group of japanese boys. most the japanese class was making big joke of it (mainly directed by james teasing me in japanese), it was funny. i only wish i had known what they were saying so i could have been laughing with reason. after joining the boys I realized neither of them speaks a lick of english. and i know like 5 words of japanese, make that 4...so this is obviously going to be insanely complicated to make some art with them (due june 14). our theme is "regarding the pain of others." they showed images from a girl who photographed her sister going through the burial process: from wrapping her in her room, to being surrounded by flowers at the funeral. it was really amazing to see how she photographically dealt with it. i looked at the series and could immediately tell what it was about.

for our collaborative project, we had to sit around and brainstorm aka discuss ideas. initially, there was no discussing. there was lots of hand motions and shaking of heads and frowns and laughter.

i'm really excited for the challenge. i realized i'm paired with two good photographers. and they shoot film. so we're kinda a great match; it shouldn't be hard for our styles to mesh into one piece.

tomorrow, we're going out together to scout for locations!

lost in translation

2011-05-27T08:40:00.002-05:00

the japanese student's sensei doesn't speak much english and he's nothing short of adorable and so funny. we totally bonded with him the first night by sitting with him during our welcome dinner. he was all about us reading the funny phrases out of leah's translation book (mind you, our first attempt at speaking their language would be about inappropriate things). for instance, under the sex phrases: 'just let me do this myself'.

so we're all drunk/30 hours sleepless, straight off the plane, speaking ing horrible japanese, and eating dish after dish of unknown amazing food. it was the best way to start our trip.

i'm not turning any food down. you'd be proud. i ate octopus balls today. i know what you're thinking. not testicles. but deep fried balls with octopus in them. yummmm!

want.

2011-05-27T08:20:00.001-05:00

it was pouring down rain here. so instead of seeing the osaka temple, we walked around all the shopping areas in namba (neighborhood in osaka). it reminds me a lot of the old las vegas strip, where there is a lot of outdoor shopping, but the road is covered by a huge canopy.

we stumbled upon a gourmet doggie treat shop. there was this adorable dachshund with the fluffiest light fur. her ears were dyed pink and her nails were gold. it, for obvious reasons, was awesome. so i obviously took a picture.

sushi, sushi

2011-05-27T08:12:00.001-05:00

On our first day of school, we went to a restaurant for lunch where sushi went around on a conveyer belt and every plate is a dollar. or you can special order what you want and it comes on a plate with your table number on it so other people know not to take it. when youre done, they come to your table, count your plates, and give you a ticket. simple. amazing.

$1 sushi here tastes waaaaaay better than $6 sushi rolls in indiana.

Culture Lessons:

2011-05-27T07:51:00.001-05:00

School work consists of Japanese language and culture lessons from the great Scotto. He has been living here 20+ years and tells us all these great stories about Japan. He went on a mountain used for Buddhist training (men only, hmmmph). The small slits in the mountain represent the womb. They will move in and out of them to symbolize rebirth. Death is symbolized by literally feeling like you are going to die. Scott put his arms through a butterfly tied rope and was suspended face first over a cliff. The ONLY thing holding him was a man who would enhance this feeling by letting him slip further down the cliff before pulling him back up. We decided at some point someone has probably been dropped, adios amigos.

On this same mountain, there is a rock ball that is light and easy to pick up, but only after rubbing it. If you hit the rock it becomes almost too heavy to lift. True story, watched a video. And I totally love believing in them.

The Toilet Situation

2011-05-27T07:44:00.003-05:00

When we arrived the first thing I checked out was the toilet situation in my room. I had heard way too much about the hole in the ground for a toilet here and was not sure how to handle it. I was overjoyed when I saw it was a western toilet, complete with a remote control. The seat is warmed, water sprays away all the 'residue' and air blow-dries you off! In public restrooms there are even buttons for 'powerful deodorizer' and 'toilet noise' to cover those sometimes (in my case most always) slightly embarrassing noises. I want one installed asap back home. Here, everything seems designed to be as efficient as possible. When you flush, there is an option for big flush or little flush, and upon flushing you'll find a little sink atop the toilet using water that will then go into the back of the toilet to use.

Filling you in from Day 1.

2011-05-27T07:09:00.003-05:00

Four days into my trip and I am finally finding the time to start my road journal. It has been non-stop since we arrived, and any spare time has been spent recovering from jet lag.

Osamu James Nakagawa (http://www.osamujamesnakagawa.com/), one of our sensei(s), has arranged for the Indiana University Photography program students to study with the Shasen students. James has built a great relationship with their sensei, allowing us to study there for an amazing price. This allows James some extra funds for some entertainment I wouldn't have done on my own. Perfect example, the Hanshin Tiger's baseball game!