Jemmasdad.blogspot.com

Brody Turns Two

2011-10-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Brody Turns One

2010-10-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

2010-06-30T16:52:00.001-07:00

Jemma Swinging

2009-02-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Get out and Vote

2008-11-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

If not for you, then for the little ones that are the future.

It has been a while -- Halloween 08

2008-11-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Jemma is maturing into a little girl and losing her baby features. To match this maturity, she has progressed from a bumblebee to a monkey to a Roman Goddess.

OK!

2008-08-16T12:29:00.001-07:00

The Wii....

2008-07-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

is such a marvelous invention. It has Tennis, it has Guitar Hero, it now has Wii Fit. Soon they will be announcing a new add-on to the controller that will give 360-degree control. What is next? THe Wii Grill?

Jemma is Two

2008-06-04T08:36:00.001-07:00

New Art

2008-05-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

I used some pictures that my friends took while on a safari in South Africa. I blew out the colors, cropped to a 4x4 square and mounted them on stained wood. Looks pretty good.

Tunnel

2008-05-26T15:16:00.001-07:00

Jemma Sings her ABCs

2008-05-26T15:15:00.001-07:00

Head of the class

2007-11-06T09:00:00.001-08:00

We just received Jemma's first of many class photos that we'll receive over the next 14 years. I can't believe how much she looks like a little girl. Her teeth are coming in slowly and she loves to say her own name. At this point she seems to love her mommy more, since I rejected her by going back to work -- but I think that will change when I say 'yes' to a pony.

Jemma-Cube

2007-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Rubik's Cube has nothing on Jemma

A Day At The Zoo

2007-09-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jemma Clare is Such a Big Girl

2007-09-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe how big Jemma is getting. She is just such a sassy little girl, having moved beyond the baby stage. Though not able to communicate, she can certainly understand, and can complete a number of 'complicated' tasks. To not bore you with the details, we (her parents) think she is just brilliant.

Outsourced Childcare

2007-09-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

Report: Many U.S. Parents Outsourcing Child Care Overseas

Miss Teen South Carolina

2007-08-27T14:08:00.001-07:00

What we strive for Jemma not to be.

She works hard for her mommie

2007-08-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

As Jemma now walks, it is time for her to make the decision on what sort of career she'd like. We decided to try a few out.

This is also Jord's first attempt as the camera operator.

New art

2007-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Since I am here, I figure I should also post the new art that I created this past week. The first is a brown painted canvas with rectangle felt glued to it. As with most my art, I lean towards geometric patterns.

The second piece was borrowed from an artist's work I saw this weekend. I took nine photographs, printed them on card stock and mounted them to 4x4 plastic squares that I spray painted black. The colors are more vibrant than this photo depicts, but who knows if I would have had time tomorrow to take a picture under better lighting circumstances.

Oh, how the Internet has missed you

2007-08-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

So working a full-time job can suck up your time. Not like staying home with Jemma wasn't tiring, but at least I knew I had naps to look forward to when wanting to do my own thing. Here are some recent photos of the little one. Sorry for blog neglect

A Walk In The Park

2007-07-14T14:13:00.001-07:00

On a recent walk through the park, you never know what you'll find

Happy Birthday America

2007-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th celebrating America's independence down at the lake. Our friends' were nice enough to invite us to BBQ and watch fireworks -- I saw it as a great photo opportunity.

Good Bye Stay-At-Home Dad

2007-07-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

You all may have noticed that the banner has changed from Stay-At-Home to working. Well, tomorrow re-starts my career in the land of the working. I wasn't fired from being with Jemma, but felt it was time for her to socialize with kids her own age. I have taught her everything I know, and now it is time for her to spread her wings. I'll still be updating this blog, but probably not as frequently. Thanks for the readership, all three of you, and I'll catch you on the flip-side.

Zoo Bomb

2007-07-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

For the four years that we have lived in Portland, we have always noticed these bikes locked to same bike rack every time we drove by. Thinking it was some sort of art, we never questioned it further until our friend Juan told us they were Zoo Bombers. What the hell is a Zoo Bomber, we asked? Well, there are a group of 'hipsters' that store these bikes and unlock them when it is time to Zoo Bomb. They drive to the top of a hill and ride these small children's bikes down as fast as they can.

If I was any more cooler, I'd say sign me up.

Black and White; Spooky

2007-06-28T13:34:00.001-07:00

Still having fun with the camera!

Barry 1 - Mole 0

2007-06-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has come to dance for joy. For the past two months Genus Scapanus (Aka Western Mole) has been tearing up my lawn, and I was starting to take it personally. I tried poison smoke bombs, repellents, and poisoned pellets to no avail. But finally the furry little bastard has succumbed to a good old fashioned trap. As catching these creatures is next to impossible, tonight I shall play the lottery.

Some new photos..

2007-06-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here a couple more photos taken while walking through the Pearl this past weekend.

Loop -- Nike Product Placement

2007-06-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

We saw this on t.v. the other day and Jordie thought it would be perfect for a presentation she's doing. I copied off the show and edited it for her and everyone else's viewing pleasure

Jemma's Greatest Hits

2007-06-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Althougth there are no new movies here, I did figure out a way to showcase all the movies that I made with Jemma through out her first year of life. I hope you re-enjoy your favorite movie.

Jemma and the SLR

2007-06-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is Jemma's turn at being the subject. She and I had a fun time when she wasn't trying to take the camera from me.

Entering the big leagues

2007-06-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

In the past, all the photographs seen here have been taken using a trusty point-n-shoot Casio. Don't get me wrong, the little camera takes great pictures, but not to the quality I like. So after years of begging, I was finally able to get my very own SLR camera! Here are a couple pictures that I have taken so far.

Not really anything to do with Jemma or Art...

2007-06-21T11:18:00.001-07:00

but a week ago while watching the televsion show "So You Think You Can Dance," Jordie chimed in that she wished she had a friend like Mary Murphy. Looking at her as if she was crazy, I asked "why?" Jordie then laughed, and I could see that birds of a feather do flock together. So by default, does that make me a fan as well?

Swinging Babies

2007-06-20T16:50:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest Jemma video her fans have been waiting for. Co-staring her boy Jacob, the two had a fantastic time. Unsupervised dating is still a few years away. So Jacob, keep your hands to yourself.

Latest Abstract

2007-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest picture to be created. Hope you all like.

Hockney

2007-06-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

David Hockney, a famed British artist, invented this technique. I simply copied it using a web-tool that does it all for you. Not inventive on my part, but Mr. Hockney's original pictures are genuis.

Prêt-à-Porter

2007-06-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

To mother, to aunt, to Jemma --- This shirt has made its way around the family. Jemma is modeling it today with a pair of brown Old Navy cargo pants and accessorizing it with a dog toy. Strut your stuff you sassy little girl.

Our friend Eric....

2007-06-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

has always been such a good sport. From the earliest days of playing with Photoshop, I have altered pictures of Eric the most. Call it boredom, or call it the urge of trying to generate a few laughs. While looking through past pictures, this was one of the better ones. What makes it funnier is that Eric loves these inspirational pictures, and was the reason the stores that sold them became successful. Alright, he might have only bought one or two of them, but that is enough for life-long ribbing.

New Picture

2007-06-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with Jemma, her birthday, and everything else that I haven't had time to sit down and 'paint' a new picture. Here is the latest piece I've finished.

America's Next Top Lucha Libre

2007-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

In America we have countless television shows trying to find America's next big thing. So here is my idea -- America's Next Top Lucha Libre. If you do not know, Lucha Libra is a form of wrestling where most participants masquerade themselves in colorful costumes. The participants can go undected to family and co-workers. Here are a few volunteers for season one.

Aspiring....

2007-06-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since I am already an aspiring painter, photographer, and blogger -- why not become an aspiring inventor too. I guess I can't really be called an inventor since the crib had been around for centuries, but how about multi-purposing it for added functionality? OK, call me an aspiring multi-purposer (new word?). For my first task, I've created the self-functioning crib. It provides entertainment,free cleanings, and plenty of warmth. Although the kinks aren't quite worked out because the bigger one always seems to get catch the Cheerios I toss in.

You Say It's Your Birthday...

2007-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

JEMMA IS ONE

How quickly a year flies by. Jemma has gone from needing 100 percent of our attention, to still needing 100 percent of our attention -- but now she'll clap on command. I still think the dog is much more advanced, but his days as the smartest are numbered.

Jemma's First Year Slideshow

2007-06-04T10:26:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we celebrated Jemma's first birthday with all our friends. I made this slideshow to round-up her first year of life.

Dandelion

2007-05-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here are two different images I manipulated. The first one was colorized and distorted. The second one was made black and white and given a grainy texture.

If It's Good For Britney...

2007-05-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

The family had a great Memorial day weekend. After spending the last two weekends away, it was nice to be back in our own city. Since Jemma will soon be one, we felt it was time to upgrade her to a big girl seat.

But seeing how expensive these infant seats are, and that we did buy an SUV to have more space, we felt it was safe for her to ride in the back with her doggie.

After completing our hike, Jemma was in no mood for a nap, so we put her to work re-organizing the cupboards.

My Own Ferris Bueller Moment

2007-05-26T10:47:00.001-07:00

While the title might not make sense. It will if you are a fan of the movie. I made this animation using a new program called Pulpmotion. Though none of the pieces shown are new, I think it is a cool way to showcase the pictures I've made.

Vacation

2007-05-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took took a trip to the Bay Area to see family and to finally have a customary baby naming that had not happened. We had a great time, and Jemma's grandparents loved her to death. The only problem is that Jemma only cares to sleep in her own crib. The lack of sleep began to wear on us all, but that aside, the return warranty has expired so we are stuck for a while longer.... I knew we should have purchased the extended warranty. In any case, thanks Bubbe and Poppy for the great party you had in honor of Jemma. She might not always show it, but she loves you a lot.

Whimsical

2007-05-17T21:10:00.001-07:00

I was playing around with Painter today and drew this with chalk and background done with a sponge. Since it was all done digitally, it really didn't use any of the above substances... so let's just pretend.

Put Another Coin In The Jukebox Baby

2007-05-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Playing around with Photoshop, I've created coinage for what I think is the cutest baby. My views can't be take too seriously because she is a product of me.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2007-05-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we headed to Seattle to catch a Mariner/Yankee game at Safeco Field. It was a great time. We ate unhealthy food, drank some beers, and enjoyed the Mariners shutting out the Yanks. The sad note of the trip is that Jemma got sick -- who in turn got Jord sick -- which has left me to clean up a lot of snotty tissue.

Down by the lake shore

2007-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another great day here in Portland. Not because it was my birthday (thanks to my peeps for the shout outs), but because the weather has been gorgeous. Jemma and I took a walk along Lake Oswego and enjoyed spending some time with the ducks. Also added is a photograph I took while out on the walk.

Cartoony Fun

2007-05-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today I found a tutorial on how to make images based on an English artist named Julian Opie. Below are images that I created.

A Walk In The Park

2007-05-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, little Jemma and I paid a visit to Jamison Park in Portland, Oregon. If you've been there, you know how kid friendly and fun it is. If you are reading this from some far off destination, imagine lots of kids playing on concrete that is slightly sloped and fills with water every 10 minutes or so. I like it for the hot dog stand, as Jemma ponders below why she only gets a few morsels of bun.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2007-05-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

In honor of the nicest day yet in the city of Portland, Jemma is sporting an ensemble in honor of America's favorite past time. One day I hope she'll swing some real lumber (aluminum), but for today this miniature bat, made for a miniature person, will just have to do.

Peppermint Patty

2007-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with shapes and colors the other day, when this image arrived. I think it looks like one of those peppermints that comes after your dinner at any local Mexican food joint.

I want to rock and roll all night, and party everyday...

2007-04-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

I guess I should lay off the Kiss and start playing some Raffi.

New Art

2007-04-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a new picture I just completed. One of these days I'll try to paint on real canvas, but there is something about having an 'undo' button that makes computer-assited art much more enjoyable.

For you viewers out there who are missing Jemma videos. Good news. We are currently in talks with her agent on a 3 picture deal. More to come later, or after she learns to do something new.

New Piece

2007-04-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a new picture I completed. What do you think?

Ottoman

2007-04-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Since Jordie and I like modern furniture, we found this great new ottoman for the family room.

Raining Cats and Dogs

2007-04-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

I guess folks have liked what I have done with my Warhol-themed art, as the requests keep rolling in. Here is puppy Otto, may latest muse.

And Leo the kitty...

Who let the dog out....

2007-04-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Back to the the Warhol-esque art I've done in the past, here is a new one featuring Isabelle (Izzy) the English Bulldog. Jemma has not yet met this newest puppy, but I am sure they will get along great.

The Devil Inside

2007-04-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Jemma wanted to showcase another new outfit of hers. As she is getting bigger, clothes that stood dormant in her closet for the first ten months are now starting to fit. Today's number is a pretty cool t-shirt with a devil print on it. The significance is that Jemma was born on 6-6-6. So far her horns are still at bay, but she can't be that perfect kid forever, right?

Another hobby that Jemma has started is being an official shoe tester of Nike. She evaluates footwear for fit, wear ability, and closeness to size. As a reward, she was given these cool new kicks. When she is not trying to eat them, they look cool on her tiny feet.

Keepon Dancing to Spoon

2007-04-12T17:16:00.001-07:00

Although not a Jemma video. I thought this was pretty amusing.

Elephant

2007-04-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest picture I've completed. Jord thought it looked like an elephant, but I guess art is open to interpretation.

Lions and TIgers and Bears Oh My

2007-04-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Althought I hope Jemma becomes a Michigan Wolverines fan like her daddy. I will allow Cal to become her second favorite. Thanks for the t-shirt poppy and GO Cal.

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

2007-04-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from an amazing day at our little own Oregon Tulip Festival. This was our first time going, and I'd have to say that it was very beautiful. Oregon is on the same latitude as Denmark, so bulbs, such as tulips, enjoy our local soil. Who knew there were so many varieties and colors to choose from.

New Abstract

2007-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a new picture I just finished.

More Photoshop Work

2007-04-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Jordie. I used Photoshop to blur the background as if she was in a fast moving car. I then played around with the color saturation to make the picture look older. I like the results.

A star is born...

2007-04-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Not wanting to be left out of the family fame that is beginning to shape with Jemma and I, Jordie has decided to star in her own videos. Jemma and I are very proud.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid713448051/bclid686944112/bctid686975522?src=rss

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid713448051/bclid686944112/bctid686989519?src=rss

Walking Baby

2007-03-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest Jemma movie. She is a fun little helper.

Blended Circles

2007-03-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest 'painting.' I tried to blend swirls of color together.

Halfway to Potty Training

2007-03-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend we discovered that Jemma is very interested in potty training. Every time we took our eyes off of her, she would make her way to the bathroom. Although it was just to play with the toilet paper, we think that is half the battle.

Chairs

2007-03-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

I love to collect these great miniature chairs by Vitra, but they are just so expensive. Since I once had a disposable income, I was able to acquire three of them over the years. The other day I thought it would be interesting if I was able to photograph them close-up to give the illusion that they were full-scale. This was the end result.

I guess it could be called art

2007-03-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

I found some colors that I thought went well together and then tried to blend them together. Very splotchy was the result.

I call this Tentacles...

2007-03-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

You can call it whatever you'd like.

Media for the masses

2007-03-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

It is so interesting how everything on the internet can be connected. Through links and tags, your photos can be posted to Flickr, or videos to Youtube, then attached in Blogger, then sold through CafePress as T-shirts or as art through Etsy. For someone who knows what they are doing, a viable business could be had. For me however, I just like to figure out how all this new media works so that I can stay on top of it.

Oh, here is a new image...

Back to Painter

2007-03-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

After spending some time working in Photoshop. I have once again gone back to Painter for some new pieces.

SOD

2007-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today we had sod installed onto our front yard. It is an amazing concept -- muddy yard then instant lawn. There was no need to wait for all the seeds to germinate and then have to re-seed all the spots where the grass did not take. All in all, a process that can take several weeks before it starts to look right. So this is when I had my fabulous idea. They already have fake teeth and Davinci Veneers for adults, so why not have instant teeth for kids? Jemma is still waiting for teeth to come in after nine months...it would sure be nice to give her some choppers so that she can partake in some ribs with dad.

Debate Settled

2007-03-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

When you have a child, you can't stop all the unsolicited comments you'll receive on who the kid looks like. Is it the mom or is it the dad? One eye is the mom's and the other the dad's... the nostrils look a lot like the mom's.... In any case, the debate has come to the end and I'll tip my hat and say that Jemma does indeed look like her mother.

Photoshop Art Continued

2007-03-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Here are two more pictures done entirely in Photoshop. In the past I have only used Photoshop to digitally alter photographs, while trying to use Illustrator for drawing. It is nice to know that Photoshop can be just as powerful, if not more.

Photoshop and then endless things it can do

2007-03-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I was looking around on the internet yesterday and stumbled upon a website that teaches cool new techniques to someone with my skill levels. I learned how to bend objects to appear 3D, when used with proper lighter. The first image was made to look like a curved film strip, while the other gives an effect of a bent photograph.

Blobs

2007-03-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Playing around with blobs of ink/paint/digital substances I ended up with this diddy

A new piece

2007-03-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Playing around with PopArt type images

Hunting Baby

2007-03-09T17:55:00.001-08:00

Well, we were at it again with yet another video. Jemma was having so much fun in the tub that I could not resist making a little something. I must admit that I am running out of ideas for my next project. Any ideas?

Cityscape

2007-03-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

Playing around with lines, I thought this ended up looking like a downtown.

Photoshop Art

2007-03-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Today I felt like using Photoshop to manipulate some older photographs that I had taken. The first image has a sort of pop-art (almost cartoony) effect to it. I really tried to bring out the greens and yellows. The photo of the tree was distorted then covered with a fim emulsion to give it a worn look.

Swing Baby Swing

2007-03-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

Here is Jemma's latest video. She has fun starring, while I get to showcase my editing skills with iMovie. Aren't Macintoshs' just he best?

Trying out a new art program

2007-03-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

I heard of this program called Zbrush that allows a talented artist to fully sculpt a 3D picture. I downloaded the trial version and was able to play around with some very cool tools. My assumption is that when your work in 3D, the pictures end up looking futuristic.

Jemma's Stair Climb

2007-03-03T15:56:00.001-08:00

It took so long to crawl, now in a matter of a few short weeks, she has taken to climbing stairs! This video was shot while on vacation in Sunriver, Oregon. My art making paused for the week, but I was able to snowboard on the most amazing powder day I've ever seen. Thanks Bubbe and Poppy for watching Jem.

Jemma and her boy

2007-02-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I dropped Jemma off for a playdate with her boy Jacob. From what I heard, and saw of photos, the two had a fantastic time playing and crawling around the house. Jemma eventually wore him out and needed to be picked up to wreak terror somewhere else.

At it again...

2007-02-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

Groovy Baby -- Fun With Video

2007-02-21T16:34:00.001-08:00

Here is a quick movie I did to showcase the little girl's jumping abilities

I figured out how to frame

2007-02-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

To give my pictures a sense of realism, I am going to start 'framing' them with a mat so that the true sense of the image can come out. I do admit they look a lot more professional.

Fletch Warhol

2007-02-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Trying to refine the technique of the Andy Warhol project, I took a picture of the family dog and tried to use a more adult color palette.

A couple new pieces....

2007-02-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

Abstract...

2007-02-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Here are two new paintings I did. Trying to keep them abstract, one is dots, and the other is lines.

Urban Fixtures

2007-02-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a new picture that I did. I tried to incorporate real images with paint. I think it looks interesting.

Oscar worthy? No... but fun nonetheless

2007-02-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the dog's birthday and we forgot -- not like we don't have a real kid to take care of. So like Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles, Fletch went all of Valentine's Day without a pet, a cuddle, or a pat to the head. I think we even forgot to feed him. So in honor of his fourth birthday, Jemma and I decided to incorporate him into our latest video creation. Here's to you our tri-colored mutt. We still love you.

My artisic view on landscapes

2007-02-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

So I know that I have no real artistic talent when it comes to painting an actual image. I came to this conclusion many years ago when my talent to draw topped out at about the first grade. I had all the aspirations to succeed, but it was not in the cards. I equate my drawing skills to someone trying to throw a ball with the wrong arm, but in my case the wrong arm is always the one that draws. When I should have had pencil and paper in hand, I had an Atari joystick.

So a description of the pictures. The first is my attempt at water color and painting a grassy field with mountains in the distance. The second image is more abstract, and depicts a lone askewed pine.

Family Portrait

2007-02-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

So here is one more piece that I did a few months ago. I was looking through fonts and saw this cool one of stick figure people in various poses. I thought it would be fun to construct a 'family portrait' using Illustrator and features that allow you to turn fonts into alterable images. The only image missing was one of a dog, so I drew him myself. Maybe a little quirky in the whole scheme of things, but fun nonetheless.