Smile

This guy is smiling! I really couldn't resist taking this pic, I mean, look at em!

Smile

((Tezuka Exhibit @ the Edo Tokyo Museum))

Shot 14: Smile

Smile though your heart is aching;
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Misfortune

Some people who eat cake are very unfortunate : (

Misfortune

((Because what better way to celebrate the 13th day with something ominous that typically represents misfortune and death))

Shot 13: Misfortune

Misfortune is a feeling that enjoys haunting humanity, to say nothing of the world altogether. Whenever we reach a high, fortune’s opposite always seems to come along to lay the chips down. From bankruptcy to the toast landing buttered side down, ill will always be there to test our will. We also tend to exaggerate both misfortune and happiness alike. We are never as bad off or as happy as we say we are. So with all sympathy still in mind, exploit a bit of misfortune.

Insanity

My dresser IS insanity... And annoyingly bright colors help XD

Insanity

((Bar Muse in Roppongi))

Shot 12: Insanity

We are lead to believe that insanity is a dangerous disease; that our lives are at risk by being in the company of those subject to it. In some cases this is true, but then again, there has never been any great genius without a pinch of insanity.

Memory

some of the best memories are made right in the kitchen...

Memory

Remember the time when shoes looked like this? ((Edo Tokyo Museum))

Shot 11: Memory

We seem to be the only species that relies on memory for romantic and emotional purpose. It forms our past, which we reflect back on so much, that without it, much of our future would be far less exciting. Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose. It’s also surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time. So today, capture a little something to remember.

Breathe

When the clouds dissipate, we take a breathe of fresh air, welcoming the sunshine.

Breathe

A breath of fresh air for me and Karasu- sama! ((Cosplay Bridge))

Shot 10: Breathe

Take a breath. In with the good, out with the bad. Refresh. First air, first life. Take it in and let it take you away. Just Breathe.

Cut

Everything bleeds, one way or another. These poor poor carrots.

Cut

Intersecting lines cutting through an image. ((Edo Tokyo Museum))

Shot 9: Cut

Cutting ties. Cut the cards. Cut me down. Cut to the chase. Cut and print. Cut my hair. Cut my finger. Cut in line. Square cut gems. Cut the cheese. Cut of your sails. Short in spelling and sound, it’s action feels executed just as quickly. See what cuts you off today.

Away

To be missing someone is to be away from them. Away...

Away

((Sumo Competition)) [XD... a fight between two lovers?]

Shot 8: Away

I haven’t much to say about this aside from my own opinion on the word. Even the sound of the word has a melancholy tone to it. To me, a bittersweet romance comes to mind. Two lovers separated by the world, connected by letters and the stars. Silly I know, but that’s how I roll. So, bring your own sense of Away here.

Heaven

It was a great sunset.

Heaven

((Random park near sumo competition))

Shot 7: Heaven

Oh yes, there is a Heaven, particularly for those who look for it. And it’s usually what they make of it, mainly because all we manage to catch are glimpses. Heaven comes just as different and unique to us as we are individuals. It seems to be a goal that we long to achieve be it now or in an after life… or even in that last piece of cheesecake. Wherever or whatever, find your little slice of Heaven.

Break Away

Just breaking away from it all. Sometimes you just have to.

Break Away

((Cosplay Bridge in Harajuku))

Shot 6: Break Away

A potential prelude to Seeking Solace. Things are always breaking away. A college student leaving home, waves on the beach, or snapping the tab off a soda can. It’s an action defining liberation and independence. So, break away today.

Seeking Solace

A grizzly at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids MI. Is he relaxed or seeking solace? I pondered over this, but I still went with it.

Seeking Solace

((Taken somewhere near Ebisu...))

Shot 5: Seeking Solace

Ah… To get away from it all. Just a little comfort and alleviation from the world, be it with a book, some music, or falling asleep on that breeze swept hillside. Find a bit of peace of mind.

Dark

This just caught my eye. It's a pretty simple image, yet beautiful to me. It can be quite wonderful how light and dark can offer each other such moments.

Dark

((Outside my window in Jiyugaoka. long exposure))

Shot 4: Dark

Shadow, obscurity, evil, worries that keep us awake at night. Though we are a world that thrives on light, there is a side of us that is drawn to the dark. Creation is born in darkness whether or not it comes to light, or is light itself. While the dark can be a place of peace for one, it can be maddening for another. Light and dark, two sides of a coin that exists as a whole. Where did dark reveal itself this day?

Light

He was enjoying the light for sure. Nothing like a good sunbathe.

Light

Shot 3: Light

Illumination, clarity, good, a burden lifted. These are just a few examples of the highly versatile word, light. The majority of life thrives in light. For many, light equals life, while a still few cringe at its mention. Regardless, light gives freely and fills all spaces. Shed a little light this way.

Love

This pic was not taken by me, but I ask for the permission to use it, and was there in the magical moment this happened. I think that really is true love right there! In this pic: Tiff Bogus XD

Love

Shot 2: Love

Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love. A little bit of love, little bit of love. Yes love.
Since as far back as we can remember it’s been an emotion that has shaped humanity in body, mind, soul, song, verse, art, and the list goes on and on. Love heals and hurts, grows and dies, comes and goes. It’s always around us, whether or not we are aware of it. Where will you find love today?

A Momentary Hold

Due to an unexpected delay in Kelly's flight to Japan, the project will be put on hold until the 19th. Just letting everyone know. Thank you. = )

Introduction

Introduction

Shot 1: Introduction

They say the beginning is a very good place to start, and what better way to start than with an introduction? People shaking hands, opening credits for a movie, or a 70 piece orchestrated overture. Most introductions will capture with a spark and proceed to leave one with intrigue for more. So without further adieu, Jack and Kelly, introductions please.

Checkin' In

Well, things have been a mix of dull and grim since I got back home to Michigan. The only time I’m not staring at the wall drooling is when I’m hanging out with my brother, Stephen, or out in Jenison with my friends. This doesn’t come often enough since my mother is clingy and lonely and desires my company every chance she can get, and Stephen is away half the time with rehearsals. To top it all off, I haven’t even been home a week and my Grandpa passed away this morning. So it’s been a bumpy road, but I’m still geared for doing this project.

Jack and Kelly. I’m going to be giving you your first assignment on the 16th, which is a Saturday. Think of it as a warm up, but still part of the project. I will then leave the 17th be so Kelly can take her flight, and we will resume on the 18th. I just want to remind everyone that these pictures are to be taken on a daily basis, one a day, and there will be 100 images. Good luck, my little snappers.

On my end...

From my end of things, life is hectic. I'm currently staying at a friends house until my flight takes off at 6:00 AM Sarasota time on the 17th of May. Tomorrow I'm doing some yard work to repay her for the last minute favor. I've been able to relax and fully plan out my trip to Japan in the mean time. I intend to visit the places in Tokyo I missed last time I was there (such as the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Hama Rikyu Garden, etc.) and some other cities as well (such as Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama).

All in all it should be an interesting trip. I can't wait to the other large Buddha statue in Japan and finally climb Mt. Fuji!

Also, in other news our friend Tiff has joined in on the project and will be helping Sara come up with themes for all of the days. ^_^

Welcome

This blog is an experiment to connect 3 friends during a summer vacation. Jack Koetje, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Sara Joy all attended (or are still attending) the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. Jack graduated 1 years ago from the school as an Illustration major while Kelly and Sara are still attending. Sara is majoring in Illustration with a focus on Visual Development, and Kelly is majoring in Illustration with a minor in Photography.

The idea behind this blog was started by Jack. He thought it would be a cool idea to start a summer project. He would take pictures from Michigan, while I would take pictures in Japan. Sara would be the one to come up with the concepts and we would base our pictures on that every day.

Needless to say, this should be an interesting project (assuming we can all post daily) considering the time difference, etc.