Siri, Sinuses, and the art of thesis dictation.

I've been a very serious blogger.

I lie. Blogging has never been my strongest mode of public relations. I have heard that it will help connect your potential audience to you and your work I have just never tried it.

Why type a legitimate blog today? I blame the DayQuil/ NyQuil fog that I am living in.

You see, I am trying to write the first draft of my thesis paper. In my head it is jiving and rocking and rolling but I dont have the physical/ mental fortitude to actual type it out.

I must explain. I have been sick for the past four days. Not just your mamby pamby cough and sneeze sick. I am talking chills, shakes, aches, amounts of mucus I did not know were physically possible to acquire type of sick. I'm waiting for House's team to bust in the door and rescue me from whatever tropical ailment I picked up touching the last shopping cart. (FYI: Dont ever watch the movie Contagion. It's so good it will make you paranoid)

So here I am. Morning of day four. Feeling awful but determined to get all of these glorious art theory shattering ideas out of my head and onto a paper. I decide to use the brilliance of the modern technology known as the iPhone 4s; aka Siri. (cue: angelic choir and lights)

About a month ago I asked "Siri, write my thesis". Her response, which I am sure was coupled with a disgruntle head shake, was "Ashley, I do not understand "Write my thesis". Siri will however dictate any "notes" I give her and email them to me. Brilliant!

My note to Apple: Siri should have a sinus infection filter/ translator. I said "Water". Siri types "Oliver".

There might be a slight translation curve when I start to piece it all together but for now I will settle for a splash of Oliver.

New Project

Just a preview of a project I'm working on with photographer Dan Snow. More exciting images of this collaboration to come!

Pair, Pear, Pare

I am starting to collect items for a new series I am working on. Many times things are purchased in pairs, as if one alone is not enough. I am asking for audience collaboration in this project. If you find something that is inexpensive and comes in a pair, even better if there is a discount for buying two, then buy it and ship it to me. In exchange for your contribution I will give you a small 8x10 print from the series once it is complete.

For shipping information please email me at ashleyrfeagin@aol.com

I want to thank you guys in advance for helping me with this project.

Humus, Unicorns and Excitement

The first day of any new experience is always the "honeymoon phase". Even the mildest personality has the potential to get excited and photograph the common street sign in this stage. All your senses are heightened and at this point you could possibly fly from sensory overload.

Such is the case for Day 1 in Atlanta. We pull up to a local sandwich shop for lunch and this is the first thing I see. ( see banner image below ) I am now faced with the dilemma of experiencing the majesty of unicorns, dragons, and mermaids or checking out some of David Hilliard, Sam Taylor Wood, Sarah Hobbs or a collection of the work of HCB in person (yes, I just gave the father of the decisive moment an acronym. Please feel free to use it)

I also discovered a delicious recipe for a humus wrap that my culinary skills will try to recreate in my very own kitchen soon.

Day 1: success! LaTech (with faculty and alumni included in count) brought 20 to the conference. A medal of some sort should be given. We shall dethrone you, SCAD!

Test 4 SPE

Let's see if I can get the photos to work for SPE blogging!

Jessica and John Hawkins

These two people are definitely some of my favorite characters from North Louisiana (they are actually both from Texas, maybe that's why I like 'em) Together they are a super-duo worthy of shiny capes. Plus, their dog is the most regal dog I have ever photographed.

Get to know each of them at their websites:
Jessica Hawkins: (Owner) Blue Jay Creative and visual artist.
John Hawkins: Pastor, and aspiring bloggist! (yes, I know that's not a word)

Fast, Hardesty, Reeves

Over the Thanksgiving break I photographed this family. If you have ever done anything with organizing adults and kids you know it is always an interesting time! We laughed a great deal during this shoot!