Rice Candy Magazine Issue 1 UPDATE!

I have news about the first issue of Rice Candy magazine. As you can tell I have not posted anything here on the blog for a few days now, and that is due to the time the creation of the magazine has absorbed. I also wish you could see the finished cover-art ... I love it! It is simple and goes well with the theme of the first issue!

As I was laying-out the magazine a few questions and slight problems surfaced. One being the deadline of the magazine.

I want to be clear to let everyone know that I am not stating that this magazine will not be completed. But just simply want to let everyone know that it will take longer then expected. I am basically expressing the fact that, the whole process in making Rice Candy Issue 01- will be done in s l o w - m o t i o n.

I can write here and tell you, bore you, with every itty bitty detail why the magazine is taking a long time ... but that would be pointless. But I do want to share with you some of my concerns.

1. I can finish the magazine in about a week and have it ready to be printed right after. But I am not satisfied with what I have so far. Meaning, I need more content that will flow smoothly with the concept of Rice Candy. I like what I have so far but I need MORE. I want the magazine to come out just like how I envisioned the final outcome to be like. Rather then make what I have so far dictate the outcome. It might be a stubborn move but... no matter what; this just doesn't sit right in my stomach. I am not saying I am a "perfectionist", but I can't settle with what I have just for the sake of finishing the magazine. It would not be fair to me or to any of you.


2. There's this push-and-pull precaution signal going on-and-off in my head about printing the magazine (influence largely by the economy). I know that once I finish the first one I am committed to continue bringing the rest of the issues. I am honestly scared at times and I think “should I just save the money and not print this". But there is also the other side of the coin that reflects the image of something uncompleted. And I really don't want to go the route of: starting something and not finishing it.


3. And just to add to my uncertainties I have been hearing this lately: “print is dead" and that online magazines is where it's at. To tell you the truth that is not very encouraging. And no I don't want my magazine to be one of those FREE magazines at your local record store or the ones given away when you walk out from a venue after a show. Or the ones you see outside supermarkets and art galleries in a small side-rack by the door.

I am not here to get rich by this at all. I do want to make sure that I have enough to print the next issue. Anyone who is involved in self periodical publications knows that there is no money there, just love for the project!

I do plan to get this distributed to large bookstore chains and as many newsstands as possible in the later issues. I do truly want this magazine to be mainly generated by YOU the reader. I want more of the content I have received so far and have more people involved and included as much as possible in the next issues. And that means in every area of the magazine.

I know I didn't have to tell you all this but I felt that you needed an explanation if any of you were wondering about WHEN the magazine was going to be finished and printed. This will get done... but just bare with me as far as the time of completion.

Also... something else I want to express and mention is MY THANKS. Thanks to all of you who have contributed and have offered to help. All the emails I get from people giving me tips and ideas and support with your kind words. When I see the images that I am including in this magazine it fires me up and makes me want to finish it as soon as possible. All the creative content and submissions is what I love to look at and share. All of this is what fuels me. I apologize if I don't email you back right away, or if I miss mailing you back but I do appreciate your input and ideas for the magazine and you can keep sending them.

Please leave a comment on this post, your point-of- view, thoughts, and ideas are valueable to me!

Out of the Kiln

From the world of Etsy- here are a few pottery/ceramic pieces that incinerated my interest this week.

The first picture you see is a minimalist stoneware set by artist/crafter: Sara Paloma. Not only are her pieces wonderful to look at but she has an eye for presentation (and you can see an example of this from the shapes of her designs- all the way to the display arrangement in the photo). The simple photograph of her bowls create the appearance of a ceramic ripple made by an invisible drop (which was another factor that caught my attention).

Another pick-of-interest that stood out from the rest, are the necklace pieces by MyLittleChipmunks designs. The simplicity in their design, combined with stamp art, and an effective packaging (that is cohesive to the pendant design) makes for a complete and delightful product that anyone can be tempted to buy (for yourself or as a gift).

To continue the brief exploration I have displayed here, please check the rest of their pieces and images provided in their Etsy shops.

List of links starting from top:

Bowls- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17988124

Teapot- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15578887

Earings- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19293210

Dish- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19571386

Pendant- http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19233668

Omega Code

Omega Code- graphic design by: Antony Kitson.

Unleashing a symmetrical code with an interaction of triangular shape designs, Antony Kitson definitely gets the -visual energy- message across.

Combined with a purplish sky and a display of frozen synergy, I almost believe that there is a sequel (or prequel) to this art piece.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE!

A diversity of his masterpieces at: http://www.oneteneleven.com/

Vivid Simplicity- Dillon Hinson

B&W, and color photography for your viewing pleasure by: Dillon Hinson.

Capturing imagery from his surroundings with an eye for the minimal beauty.

Dillon Hinson has injected a combination of: distinction with a slight touch of elegance, in the images he captures. I also sense the presence of modern style influence in his approach.

And while his photos are dazzling enough for the color-blind as well. Dillon's photographic eyes make the most out of igniting a simply object and scenery, to a full-flame-of-vivid-visuals.

The rest of his photography at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhinson/

Mark Lawrence

7 art pieces from the imagination of Mark Lawrence.

From the morphing of the colors- to the pulling of the forms. Mark's art pieces are to be explored patiently. And while they are visually dazzling (with raw effects and organic shapes) nothing is in excess for the eyes not-to-like.

These are the kind of art pieces that you can sit in a room alone and just stare to take mental notes about the wondrous creativity in these paintings.

But aside from the hints of dimensions, textures, and forms. Mark's compositions allow the colorful components to define the final outcome.

More of his art at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marketseq/

Lara Alegre

Small photo collection display of Lara Alegre's photography.

By now it is safe to say that I have become a believer of Black & White photography. And this is all due to the recent photography I have come across in the past few weeks.

But it was not always like this in the past. It is either because there is better photography out there, or more-and-more individuals are experimenting, expressing and plugging into their creative outlets to world of photography. Therefore expanding my options when I search for creative photography.

Today I was fortunate to find Lara's work that includes a great visual-depth in her style. Her photography is simply a translation of the imaginative spark that comes from behind the camera.

Lara's website portfolio : http://www.laraalegre.com/

I'm pretty sure I like you alot

Just a few weeks in advance before Valentines Day, Nick Schmitz completes a wonderful typography poster called: " Pretty sure "

The curvaceous linear typography is hinting heart-shape forms everywhere, and is apparent, it is something you just can't ignore. Coincidentally this past week I have found a lot of LOVE themed designs all over the Internet, but this one takes the cake.

In any creative endeavor, it always helps to start with a good foundation. And In this case I am glad that the main foundation and theme in this design is something positive (that also contains a an overall playful touch). I look forward to finding a lot more delightful treasures like this poster, and more lovegraphy designs.

"Pretty sure" poster for sale at: http://www.00one.com/shop.html

David Newton

Wonderful vector illustrations by artist David Newton.

David's vector art immediately jumped out at me for all the right reasons. Most of his designs start with a relevant color theme which sets the backdrop for the whole idea. And therefore it is visually presented in a organized fashion.

His dynamic compositions and style mixed with the subtle shift in tones make for a perfect recipe. Then you have shapes that fade into other forms, plants and shadows, that ideally suits the ending result.

The illustrations are further complimented by images of women, to be the center of attention in each piece. Which in return adds a soft feminine undertone to it all.

The rest of his portfolio at: http://www.debutart.com/artist/david-newton/work/4705

7 F.F.T.M

Covering the diverse styles of photography this week. Here are 7 of my favorites for this month so far.

Today is also a good time to express a few words that are related to the content and context here at R C.

Ever since starting Rice Candy I have become more-and-more addicted to creative photography. Rice Candy has been a good outlet to display many inspirational sources.

For me photography and imagination elevates my inspiration. And through the tough of: what is real and artificial (in images) keeps my creativity in focus.

But there is always that question, and opinion. And that question, and opinion, is always up for debate. When it comes down to: determining whether it's actually good photography or not, and it often results with the conclusion, "It depends."

Is it a matter of taste? concept? composition?. While the idea can float along with the perception, I try to enjoy what my visual buds have-here-now, and share them with the ones who are interested, and leave the boring elements behind for the ones who enjoy that.

In the meantime... while most of us let the opportunity fade. I am glad we have individuals out there with a creative eye and a good trigger finger to take the shots and seize the opportunity.

NOTE: How effective do you find the first image?

From top to bottom. Links to the above photographs are listed as follows :

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25461406@N03/3180255646/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29925382@N06/3106761234/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilanagy/3153151986/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/everef/3200723571/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/az_chia/3039248161/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/solercat/3109638313/

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seannt/3174485638/

3 things you identify the square shape with

I have always generalized the square shape with something simple and minimal. Sometimes I thought about it as: boring and empty. But it has also given me the impression of something organized.

A square shape can have perfect straight edges, or it can have curved smooth edges. The look of a basic square can also be simple. And for the fact that it's simple, it is also less challenging when you use it in a design or in a normal everyday task.

If you look around your room, 70% to 80% of your surrounding is squared or in a cubic/rectangular shape.

But at the end... the identity of the shape is different for everyone. Therefore I would like for you to share 3 immediate things that you identify the square shape with (the first 3 things that you think of)

The 3 things I identify the square shape with is:

1. Napkins

2. Picture frames/Window frames

3. Dice

Now is your turn to share your thoughts. I look forward to receiving your comments.

Liquid Crash

3 beautiful liquid driven photographs from: Corinna Virginia de Marchi.

Just before gravity gets the best out of these beautiful situations, Corinna captures these 3 images and saves the drops- before, and after, the moment of impact.

At the speed that most of us dream of seeing things with our eyes, nature is willing to share to those who can trap this very moment and forget about time (for our vision to indulge).

If only I could make a treaty with gravity to let go of the drop on the first picture (for me to see it float upwards for just a brief moment). But for now I atleast have these photographs to look at... why ask for more.

Corinna catalyzing beauty with her lens at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cvdm/

Jeremy Beckman

Entering a Black & White world with photos from Jeremy Beckman.

I am not the biggest fan of B&W photography. But Jeremy's work can easily turn my interest to this style of photography. And that is due to the fact that he seeks to create the image, rather then just relying on the Black-and-White effect

Understanding the composition values that motivate illusion, is what makes Jeremy's photography very soothing and refreshing to the eyes (without making Black-and-Whites boring)


Allow your vision to participate : http://www.flickr.com/photos/belleshaw/