Mirror MIrror July Challenge

Ok, here's my July photo. Ouch! Two things, I was at the Marin County Fair and happened across this mirror in the Fine Arts expo. One of the submissions was a beautiful inlaid frame for a full-length mirror. I snapped a couple of pictures of myself. I was afraid to shoot a close up because I'm having a mid-life breakdown showing up as dermatitis all over my face. Pretty gruesome. My hair is also dirty, uncombed and drying after being soaked in my early morning Bollywood dance style class I'm taking -- Ewwww!!!! But I like how the hilights show up in my hair -- they contrast nicely with the stripes of the frame. The other thing is as I was walking away from the frame one of the curators came up and said to me, "Please don't take pictures of other artists' work." I sheepishly said, "I'm just taking a picture of myself for my blog!" She replied, "Well, OK then!"

June Challenge Submission from Sheryl

"I was really inspired by your Mirror, mirror challenge and got a little creative with it, using two mirrors to see what kind of effect I would get. It is interesting to me how I look almost like i could be two different people depending on the angle in which you see a person. Thank you." -- Sheryl

Mirror, Mirror: April Fool

Scaredy Cat?

What is it about April? Balmy, springy days here in Marin County; the light is warm, coaxing, and even hints of the heat of summer. All the trees are blooming or sending out buds. The daffodils are almost gone and a few roses are showing blooms. I start feeling better about myself because I want to get outdoors again. I look in the mirror, and I think, well, I'll start looking better soon, because I'll be getting more sun on my face. I'll be drinking more water. What is it that I look in the mirror and see an older person. I am older. But whoever is looking out of my eyes hasn't aged...that's for sure. I can feel that that person is just moving, moving through this life and thinking and feeling things that has nothing to do with age or wrinkles. It just mooooves.

The initial photo I took, I didn't like and I didn't want to post. So the one above, although it does show part of me (and Angelina Beautyquina's ears) is my April Fool's Photo. My real April Photo is this one:

OK -- Here's My Real April Photo!

Take an April Fool's Photo of yourself. And because this is April Fool's month, I am giving you an extra Wild Card Photo Op to honor the Trickster in all of us. Post a comment on where to find your photos (blog, Face Book, Flicker, etc.). And tell me what you think about your photos. If you like you can answer these questions:

Who are you seeing when you look in a mirror? Is that really you? Or, are you just wearing a costume? Who is that looking out of your eyes?

Why a Mirror, Mirror Challenge?

I started a blog My Mane Blowing in the Wind a few short months ago. I had been experiencing a desire to journal again, but wanted a medium that could utilize more than the traditional, pen and paper (and art supplies). I had seen artist's blogs in the Somerset magazine, Artful Blogging, and I thought I could use my blog to showcase my jewelry as well as art I create.

I wanted to make the blog personal, so I searched for a photo I liked of myself. These, however, are far and few between, for I always see something wrong or lacking in photos of me. Finally, I came across some photos I had snapped of myself in the bathroom mirror late last summer when I was playing with my newly purchased Canon PowerShot. Not great, but not bad. I carefully studied the photo, much like I study myself in the mirror. As always, there was a litany of questions: Who is that woman? Is she pretty? She looks old. She was once pretty, maybe. No, she's pretty. But she needs more makeup on. She needs not to be frowning so. And on and on and on...

Then last week, for lack of anything to post, I posted another mirror photo. Then started thinking about this whole process -- the self-criticism, the borderline self-absorption, the yes, enjoyment, of mirror gazing. What am a seeing? What is behind that image of myself? Who is looking out of my eyes? Why do I insist on believing my perceptions. They always seem to be skewed, or distorted. AHA. I decided I wanted to explore this monthly and see what, if anything comes of it. And then I thought, maybe there are others who might like to do this.

So, I threw a gauntlet down -- for myself to pick up -- hence, The Mirror, Mirror Challenge.
However, I invite you to join me, or just can just come along for the ride by subscribing to this feed. Email me if you want to take on this challenge, otherwise just enjoy!