Is This American Swag?

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/13/sport/us-uniform-controversy/index.html
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1254166-us-olympic-team-will-be-doused-in-ralph-lauren-for-opening-ceremony

So, this is the picture that I have selected to compose my thoughts, feelings and assignment criteria in the Usual Suspects. I'm not exactly sure what it is that compels me to select this particular Ralph Lauren photo, even after all the scrutiny and controversy regarding the Olympic uniform manufacturing [Made In China].

There is still something here that warrants investigating. It's the wardrobe, the athletes/models, the design of the clothes, the colors (uniform and skin), the podium arrangement, the sole female, and, of course, the beret! My hope is that I'll find what it is that I'm seeking from what it is that I'm searching and discovering. Although the parameters of the assignment are completely clear just yet, this will be used as my jumping off point.

Wish me luck!
*Can I just say that I'm delighted not to dwell on something that has true and obvious sexual connotations and some suspect of sexual deviation... Minimalist attributes at their best!

Loads of Interest

The more I'm searching for material for the Usual Suspects project, the more fascinating this becomes. So look at some of the magazine covers I discovered today...

http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=2001-10-29

 

 

 

 

http://www.politico.com/gallery/2012/07/10-controversial-magazine-covers/000314-004102.html

http://www.spd.org/assets_c/2012/10/TNR%202012_02-02-12_Jason%20Holley-thumb-autox550-16549.jpg

http://www.businessinsider.com/businessweek-mormon-cover-2012-7

http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/2011-12-27/taylor-lautner-fake-isnt-joining-these-awesome-coming-out-covers/

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/03/05/147982460/new-yorker-cover-puts-new-twist-on-old-romney-shaggy-dog-story

http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/05/newsweek-cover-the-first-gay-president-123283.html

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/07/29/michael-tomasky-a-candidate-with-a-serious-wimp-problem.html

Just remember, I've told you that Jesus Christ is NOT A WHITE MAN!

What Do You See?

Illustration by: Jason Holley
http://stanmed.stanford.edu/2012summer/article2.html

Illustration by: Steve Babcock

Illustration by: Steve Babcock

I'm stuck! I wanted to find poster-types of advertisement, but I found way too many. I then isolated the ones that actually "spoke" to me by virtue of having some sort of relationship to my life. Shown above are the final picks.

PHOTO/POSTER #1
We just returned from Stanford where my son is considering becoming a student. They have some of the most incredible information available that I began reading an article about Biotechnology medical advancements. When I looked at the flower of the design, along with the hand, I saw many different things. What is it that you see? Perhaps I should have left off the purpose of the ad, but then again, maybe it is something that you should see and know.

PHOTO/POSTER #2
When I look at the captivating picture of Eric jumping (as in Freestyle Aerials) it brings back a host of memories of when my daughter Chloe was involved in the sport. It actually takes my breath away not knowing if he "landed" his jump or not. For me, it was always a panic situation to watch, and moreso since my daughter sustained a couple of injuries do it. You would have to watch the summer water-ramping at the UOP to understand the message...

PHOTO/POSTER #3
The same son interested in attending Stanford also plays Rugby - and, yes, he'd like to play with Stanford also. Really this advertising piece about Utah Youth Rugby really disgusts me, enough so that I'm compelled to include it at one of my preferred choices. It is a down-n-dirty sport, but the teeth thing is bothersome! YUCK! Just so you know, it is mandated and required that the players where a mouth guard.

Each sample is different. Each attempts to establish a connection to the words that cannot be read, and each offers a response. For me, they are clean, simple and have a clear message...

WHAT IS ENCHANTING COULD NEVER BE MUNDANE

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight. 

When working on this assignment, Enchanting the Mundane, this was the message that was clearly resonated while acquiring my photo montage. Putting it together seemed daunting at first, but once I had the music I was going to use, it just became so much easier. I had the audio piece first, but then when I found the video, I began to navigate how I would  incorporate it for this project. 

All-n-all, I think it worked. I took those things that typically appear mundane to give them a sense of being and belonging - they now appeared to have a place and a life...

Watch it again, if you wish, and offer your thoughts to what you feel I could enhance...