Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is coming out March 5th and I couldn't be more excited :). There aren't nearly enough fantasy movies and I'm certain this one will be filled with magic. Tim Burton's films always have amazing costume and scenic design, and from the previews, I know this one will as well. I have always been a fantasy lover and as a result, seen the original Disney Alice in Wonderland enough to quote it line by line. Inspired by this fantastic tale, I just painted a piece which is a blend of the film, book and Van Gogh's Irises. It was such a fun piece to paint and I finished it with a ornate, neon pink frame. Below is my piece titled, "Curious and Curiouser."  I know as soon as I see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland on March 5th, I wont be able to stop myself from doing a Alice in Wonderland themed photo shoot. My mind is already racing with ideas of rabbit holes I can fall down, camera in hand.

Curious and Curiouser:

Artists Wanted

I just found out about this art competition called "Artists Wanted". The competition is based on self-portraiture and sounds like an amazing opportunity. The two main prizes are the grand prize (with a choice of either $7,000 or 6 months free living in a fabulous New York City apartment building) and a peoples choice award. Because I found out about it last minute I'm scrabbling to get everything together. Below is my artist statement and the piece I submitted. Or check out the link to my page, http://www.artistswanted.org/RachelEstrada. Tell me what you think! :)

Rachel Estrada was born into a family of talented artists and quickly became mesmerized by everything creative. As a result, becoming an artist herself was more natural than breathing. Worlds of make believe and ludicrous have always captivated Estrada and these ideals are always incorporated into her art. She is fascinated with the imagery of morphing. Rachel Estrada finds that people are always changing and she loves amplifying that process. In “Midnight Bloom”, she utilizes her love of nature. She is expanding upon her desire to become ever closer to the nature she loves. Estrada illustrates herself becoming what she loves. In this piece, she is so close to nature that she is part of is, and it is part of her. “Midnight Bloom” is a snapshot of a process that has no end, and no beginning. She is constantly changing, constantly re-discovering not only who she is but also what she is. In this piece she is glowing, radiating with positive energy. She is calm, and optimistic, exactly what the artist herself strives for.

Midnight Bloom:

The Waterfalls

A few days ago I discovered these beautiful waterfalls on a hike with some friends and instantly thought, I have to do a photoshoot here. So, today my friend Kathleen and I got made up and hiked to the falls, whilst trying to keep our makeup intact :). When we got there after about an hour on the trails, it was just as amazing as when we left it. The ice cold water was encased in granite and bright green ferns clung to the cliff walls. I was able to convince Kat to wear nothing but a sheet in the middle of the Santa Monica mountains and get in freezing water, for the sake of art! She's such an amazing model you could never tell how loud her teeth were chattering. Just when we were getting into the shoot, we heard other hikers. Thankfully, they happened to be friends from school. It's always exciting shooting in public areas! For the pictures of Kat, my muse was Michelangelo's Venus. I'm in love with the ghostly effect her sheet had under the dark water and the blue glow in all the shots. I also had Kat incorporate the persona of a native. The kind of person who has become more animal then human, and would be quick to growl. Finally, it was my turn to get in the shots and leave my warm, safe spot. I channeled the wild human persona in my shots as well. Once I was shaking too much from the cold water to be still for the camera, we got in our dry clothes happily and started hiking back. I can't believe I live within walking distance to such a beautiful spot! I hope these pictures are as inspiring as they were to shoot, Enjoy!

The Indians

Everyday on my way to school, I pass by this open field before I make my decent down the canyon. Mount Boney is in full view and you can see the entire city below. I'm always tempted to jump out of my car and run through the tall golden grass. It looks untouched by society. As if, an Indian could ride by on a painted pony, completely unaware of electricity and MTV. Finally, after months of mere glimpses of this amazing spot while driving late to class, I finally got to run in the fields. My goal for this shoot was to capture the Indian in the field, projected by my wild imagination. After, decorating my sister, Roxanne, and friend, Courtney, in an assortment of beads and feathers we drove to our location. As we walked through the field, I instantly regretted wearing flip-flops. In all the frolicking I imagined, I never pictured pricklers or the possibility of curious snakes. Its quite funny how unrealistic artists can be, too lost in day dreams for practicality. Besides the minor inconveniences, it was perfect. The sun was just beginning to set and a golden light was cast across the field. It was amazing to be able see my vision before me. We used my grandmothers authentic Talking Stick and their faces were painted with tribal designs. I love how Courtney's paint matches her bright blue eyes. The look was so exquisite I'm nearly tempted to duplicate it in daily use. It was a fantastic shoot, I can't wait to go back again. Maybe next time, we won't be the only Indians in the field.