Light as a feather, stiff as a board

............t.........................a.............................. r..................................o.......................... t.....................

My best friend's grandma always told me that Ouija boards opened a portal to evil spirits and playing with Tarot cards would summon demons... She also thought Firbys were the devil.

However, her fear only furthered my curiosity. I've been playing with the Ouija board, obsessed with horoscopes, and shuffling Tarot ever since I saw The Craft and The Witches...ill admit I desperately tried to cast spells on my babysitter as well.

It wasn't until I actually studied these "crafts" this summer that I understood how these things are meant to be used, especially Tarot. While taking the bazaar class "COLT 101: Intro to Fortune Telling" I learned the rationals behind the folklorist traditions.

Ultimately, it comes down to intuitive story telling and some good ol' studying. Each of the Tarot cards is packed full of unique symbolism. Once you memorize what the cards stand for, it is easy to make up stories within the random combination in which your subject arranges them.
Example:


The "devil" represents a foreseen lack of power and control of your situation due to ignorance and lack of self-awareness in your actions.

The "fool" represents a childish perception; pure and innocent, trusting and fearless. A new begging and potential. The fool is on the edge of the cliff, this signifies confrontation with risk and change.

When you put the two together, although they can be interpreted countless ways, they tell a story. If you were doing a reading you could say something like this, "You have hit a turning point in your life in which you must regain your power and awareness in order to take the risks that will lead you on a new path of success."

Fortune telling using Tarot can be entertaining but I have found that the cards are best used for brainstorming. When you think of the cards as characters, plot, conflict and setting it is fun to try out a number of combination and let the imagination take over.

Use this technique to jump start the creative process. Whether it be a story, project or half-baked idea, I guarantee it will push you to think in a new way and help to create surprising outcomes.

FICKNISH

*I used Nick Fisher's original work to curate this personality piece.

Nick Fisher and I have some weird things in common, perhaps the most is that we are both truly kids at heart. A few years ago, we were in figure drawing class together with a nude model who was posing in the gnarliest position. She was on all fours with one leg lifted up, her #&@*$ staring straight at us. Of course, we instantly look at each other with comical excitement and struggle to keep our smirks from turning into outbursts of immature laughter.

Not many adults are able to tap into their inner child at a moments notice. But it takes a intuitively free imagination to see things differently. Fisher's raw confidence and talent compliments his rowdy optimistic attitude that doesn't allow for a dull moment. This kid is always on the go, making, doing, biking, brewing, designing, rapping and blogging. Recipe to success if you ask me...

One of my favorite endeavors of his was the Fisher beer taste test this spring. He had become a brewing fanatic and had saved 1 bottle from each batch, 19 total, he had brewed during his time in Eugene. A group of friends gathered around while he would explain the type of beer we could try next, my favorite was the coffee stout. He lives back in Marin County, CA now but his regularly updated blog has kept me connected to his world of inventions, creations and inspirations.

Like Nick and my Uncle always say, "only boring people get bored." When you really live up to that statement you'll find yourself getting a lot more out of life.

that half nausious, half beautiful feeling

The guy that told me I would love Miranda July was spot on. This woman's philosophy sings straight to what inspires me. She even brakes a heel—Katie-typical.

Miranda July - Pretty Cool People Interviews from SubmarineChannel on Vimeo.

Miranda creates with purpose and genuine curiosity that I adore. Her projects have been meaningful, influential and most importantly real.

"My favorite thing in the world is when I look at a piece of art, read a story or watch a movie where I walk away feeling like I have to do something, I have to make something or talk to someone... things are not the same anymore."

She bases her work on this propelling feeling that deeply inspires an audience.

"What I like best is the complicated messed up truth, the one that's so imperfect you know it's true."

Some expedition that I love by Miranda:

"The Hallway"

"How to make buttons"

I want to hang out with this chick.

VIDEO: MAKE MORE NOISE

Da Book Club from katie freedle on Vimeo.

Starring: Jamie Slade, Katie Freedle, Teddy Black, Alex Bertoni, Carla Arriaza and Marisa Ruef.

Special Thanks to Brian McAndrew.

I don't wanna grow up but camp academia is coming to an end...

I am graduating tomorrow...I have the real-world jitters. My best plan is to not have one.

Here is what needs to happen:
I need to explore ways to extend my hobbies.



...that's it.


PDX, SF, NY or Spain, Argentina, Japan...no idea really a new environment in general is just so appealing.

I get overwhelmed by the fact that such small desiccants in your life and lead to unexpected rewards. This is why I am leaving the UO with an "empty brain", ready to take on whatever opportunity crosses my path.One decision leads you down a unexpected turn of events that dictates the weaving directions of your future.

The University of Oregon was a last-minute, spontaneous fuck-I-guess-I-should-go-to-college decision. Eugene was the last place on earth I wanted to end up. So many kids from my high school had been accepted and anxiously awaiting dorm move in day from hell which made me even more hesitant. I applied significantly after the deadline and walked up to Bean Moore,the dorm designed after a jail cell plan, arms crossed with much doubt in my mind. I knew I needed to get far away from home, meet new types of people and feel inspired but I was so convinced that UO was not the place for me-I was quite the stubborn teen. I initially wanted to move straight to New York, even though my application for NYU was quickly denied, to live spontaneously. I had lived, on my own, in Brooklyn Heights for a few months when I was 16 and fell in love with the upbeat, ever-jumbled rhythm of the smelly, people-packed streets of the big city.

The UO journey has been unforgettable. Each term has been completely different from the next and so have I. I have felt at a constant growth throughout my time here. I continuity feel inspired, optimistic, loved and challenged.....

The social dynamic that makes up such a unique community of diversity, warmth and unique sense of "place" makes the University so special. I have made valuable connections with the professors, students and Eugenians that are irreplaceable.

221 credits and about 38 pair of Eugene-weathered boots later, here I am. Ready to embark on my next serendipitous endeavor.


Wish me luck!

Gals 'n Black

Open publication - Free publishing - More steamer

This shoot taught me how difficult it is to light a group without a soft box and only 2 lights. I enjoyed the challenge.

EDITING IS EVERYTHING

The choppy way fashion filmmaker, Ruth Hogben, splices the frames juxtaposed with the slow feminine movements makes for a uniquely interesting piece.

"Einstein's Desk Was Famously Messy..."

Desk - Music and Sound Design from Aaron Trinder Film:Motion:Music on Vimeo.

An earlier post examines the way your desktop reflects your personality, this video explores the same idea by examining the real-life desks of creative people. Your personal workspace is an intimate sanction of creative flow. Everyone's juices work in different ways which is reflected by what they choose to surround themselves with. Einstein's desk was a messy clutter of sporadic ideas, designer, Massimo Vignelli's is "strong", simple and clean.

Photographs of friend's desks to come!

H&M Takes Over Saks Portland

High-end retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue, had some killer sales but I am thrilled that it has retired to the mercy of H&M's great deals, fresh trends and inspiring atmosphere. People are camping outside the store as we speak , waiting in anticipation for the grand opening...kinda weird.

This promotional video for designer, Lanvin's debut at H&M is playful, sleek, feminine and raw just like his clothing and H&M's collective vibe. A brilliant collaboration.