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Laura D'Alessandro

[ website | Art Blog ]
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saltwater room [24 Nov 2009|04:28pm]
[ mood | productive ]
[ music | Owl City ]

Philippe, Carolina, and I recently ate at the infamous Blanche Neiges diner. Whilst waiting for our meals, we decided to try out our weaker hands at illustrating a classic kid style drawing formula on the back of our paper place mats.


Phil's is by far the messiest. I think it's in balance with how incredible he is with his right hand.


Carolina's is better. Clean and legible, though I'm not a fan of the balding. :P


Is it cheating if you're ambidextrous?
I'm not fully ambidextrous, but I definitely have a lot of control with my right hand.

Exciting News )
11 explosions| burst my bubble

Suburban Motel [18 Nov 2009|11:08am]
[ mood | accomplished ]

Working on Suburban Motel in so many different capacities has been overwhelmingly awesome. I've been fortunate enough to work with the entire cast and crew, whether it be for makeup, for blood effects, for photography, or for stage managing. When the photo above was taken I felt so lost, and knew only a couple people involved. Now all these folk seem like an extended family to me. It really is all about making contacts, but I had no idea how attached I would become to all of them.

Last night was the opening night for the play I've been stage managing, Featuring Loretta. After so many months of rehearsals, it was a joy to hear a crowd of people reacting to this very funny and very touching play. The actors were brimming with energy and worked beautifully together. Claudia, the assistant stage manager, and I were nervous to be working the light and sound boards, but it went well without any screw ups, and we'll only get better at it as the week progresses. This show, as well as End of Civilization, will run until Sunday night. After these shows, the last two in the series will run: Criminal Genius and Risk Everything. Both are rumored to be extremely funny and entertaining, and I can't wait to see them/work on them for makeup, blood and photography. For more info, please check the Tableau d'Hote website. It would mean a lot to me to see some familiar faces in the crowd. :)

Once my stage managing duties are finished it'll be such an incredible relief, and I'll be able to focus so much more on my portfolio for makeup, which is really starting to press down on me. I haven't received my line of credit yet, and therefore haven't been able to buy the photo equipment I need, but my co-signer signed her part of the contract yesterday so hopefully it should be wrapped up soon. I'm really excited to work on my portfolio. I have a lot of great ideas and a lot of beautiful models to work with. I also have a very talented friend in hairdressing who will be my hairstylist for some of the looks.

Today we are learning 80's makeup in class. Rad. Have a **insert 80's slang word for awesome here** day!

jack of all trades, master of none. [29 Oct 2009|02:00am]
[ mood | anxious ]

As I was sewing a part of my Halloween costume this evening I realized the full spectrum of all the skills and knowledge I've learned over the years. They are mainly connected to art in some form, and there are many. Drawing, painting, photography, design, theatre, digital work, ceramics, sewing, knitting, and most currently makeup and music. Far from feeling good about this, it only made me depressed. Sure, I know a lot in all these fields, but I can only say I've excelled in a couple, and even in those I am constantly second guessing myself. I can't help but wonder if I've spread myself too thinly over the arts, if I should have been more focused.

Now that I am studying makeup, I am trying to give it as great an effort as I can. I've become hyper conscious of people's makeup in life, films, tv, photography, theatre. To be honest, a lot of it is bad. I practice daily on all types of skins. I make many mistakes myself and I get frustrated often, but I am dedicated to it. Being a special effects makeup artist for a career will be the opposite of glamorous, but at least it will keep my creativity and hands busy. Not to mention, it'll keep me out of a cubicle, and constantly meeting new people and going to different places. And along the way, perhaps some of my other skills will come in handy.

But in the meantime, some photos )
13 explosions| burst my bubble

Possibly as far as my music career will go. [08 Oct 2009|10:46pm]
[ mood | giddy ]




Premiere of Sorts )
22 explosions| burst my bubble

empty reflections [01 Oct 2009|10:55am]
[ mood | worried ]
[ music | The Radio Dept. - Pulling our Weight ]

I had an incredibly difficult time falling asleep last night even though my body was exhausted. I finally probably managed it by 2am. At 4am I woke myself up by dreaming of all the things I have to do, or get in order. At 4:30am I gave up trying to sleep altogether and got up. I was incredibly productive to my great surprise. I responded to a bunch of e-mails that were piling in my inbox, asked two people to be makeup models for my course for specific classes (one of them already confirmed), and asked a bunch of people to help me out with the two specific skin types of models that I cannot find on my own for two other classes. I've already got some positive responses for potential models, so that is a little stress relieving. I also scanned and photographed a new painting and posted it on my Etsy. I also finally got an answer that I was waiting for from my aunt. She has agreed to be my co-signer for a student line of credit, thank goodness. All this before breakfast! Amazing!

One reality that is hitting me hard lately is that fashion and beauty makeup is a lot more difficult than I fathomed. One of my main issues is getting foundations to match skin tones. It's one thing when it's your own skin tone, but when you are dealing with a different tone to match with a different mix of foundations everyday it gets tricky. Also, applying makeup on others is a very different experience than applying it on oneself. Curling someone else's lashes makes me nervous, so I am doing it super wimpily at the moment (to be fair I had never curled anyones lashes including my own until yesterday). I'm not discouraged by these challenges, though. They only spur me on. I am fairly certain that with practice, matching foundations and everything else will become more natural and I'll improve and become more time efficient.

Aside from all the school, work, and money related stress issues I've been feeling troubled by my lack of comprehension on the human condition. Or, how and why people can be so quick to be critical, cruel, angry, defensive, and irrational towards others when there is no true reason to warrant such ill feelings. Do they feel threatened, or like they are a better individual? I'm not saying I'm above these qualities, as I often unjustly judge others based on very little. Hell, my first impressions for most of my closest friends (including Philippe) were really harsh. I am grateful that my perception is flexible, at least. I guess I've just never understood why people seem to set their opinions one way about someone they don't know, and never give them a true chance.

This entry took way too long to write. Shower time!

17 explosions| burst my bubble

sleep for rent. [21 Sep 2009|01:28am]
[ music | Passion Pit - Sleepyhead ]

By far I think what I love most about the makeup course I am in is how every day brings new knowledge. At Concordia I learnt a lot too, but it was a more gradual process. Here, there is a new topic to focus on daily, which is incredibly stimulating and refreshing. I also have two jobs now. I am stage-manager for the play Featuring Loretta, which is one play of six in the series titled Suburban Motel. I am also the makeup artist for all six plays. Sadly I am not getting paid for either of these time consuming positions, but it has been a great learning experience, and I am so grateful for these awesome job opportunities.

Now I must say a few words about my eventful weekend. Friday night brought together many a good friend in my home, and a fun time was had, hopefully by all. Saturday brought an incredible surprise. Philippe early christmas + birthday gifted me with a beautiful acoustic guitar! It's this one to be precise, quite sexy. It has been almost six months since I began practicing, and even though it is a frustratingly slow instrument to learn, I have no intentions of giving up. It gives me a lot of joy and satisfaction to be able to play even simple tunes. Instruments are wonderful like that. Saturday also brought an urge to get rid of my side-swept bangs. I now have straighter blunter bangs, a hairstyle I have not sported since the tender age of nine. As for today, a lot of stage-managing work was done, I learned how to re-string my guitar (thanks Evan!), and made granola for the first time, as well as more brownies to satiate menstrual cravings.

Gosh I am exhausted. Goodnight!

13 explosions| burst my bubble

Ticking & Talking [27 Aug 2009|08:15pm]
[ mood | nostalgic ]
[ music | St. Vincent - The Party ]



Birthday party with the cousins and brothers! Christian and Alex are too cute in this photo. That pink sweater is rad, and I think I have pizza sauce on my face.
I guess some things don't change, after all.

nostalgia attack )
9 explosions| burst my bubble

nothing for you but this bed [15 Aug 2009|11:51am]
[ music | Everything All the Time - Lazy Days ]


Too often I feel like the one on the right. But I think it's dissipating gradually.
That, or I'm getting better at fooling everyone, including myself.

I need a project to keep myself distracted and content. I've been itching to do a photo project where I document one person's day to day life, capturing little moments. Something sincere, probably banal, but beautiful. This is by no means an original idea, but no two people are alike, so the results should be interesting. I was wondering if anyone in Montreal would be interested in allowing me to frequently visit them at various hours of the day to do so. I would be coming into your home, accompanying you on errands, et cetera. It would be interesting to stretch it out through the seasons, too. Though during the school year my visits would probably be a lot less frequent.

So if any of you are interested or may know someone who would be, please let me know. Male or female, young or not, I'm open to photograph anyone.

16 explosions| burst my bubble

My bird period [05 Aug 2009|12:20am]
[ music | Muse - Blackout ]



I can't stop painting birds. It soothes me.

My Birds )
34 explosions| burst my bubble

saying that my cooking's great, while you try to hide a stomach ache [06 Jul 2009|03:45pm]
[ music | Pomplamoose - Little Things ]

I've begun purchasing National Geographic magazines from thrift stores for 50 cents a piece. I scour through them for interesting images that I may be able to use for references in my art. When I come across a potential reference I extract it with an exacto blade and add it to a folder I've started. So far I have the following categories: Adults, Children, Animals, Landscapes, Architecture, Objects. It's good motivation to begin painting again. Yesterday I painted for almost six hours straight for the first time in months. It was a slow process with rusty results, which is incredibly frustrating. But with the substandard outcome came a grim satisfaction. Making art is not like riding a bicycle, and my skills go dormant if not practiced regularly. Onward I will trudge.

I have registered for an intensive nine month make-up artist course at a college here in Montreal. The first semester covers the foundations (har har). Make-up through the decades, fashion, wedding make-up, and a shit-ton of theory. The second semester covers special effects make-up for film, television, theatre, circus, parades. I'm very excited about the second half. We will work with prosthetics, airbrushing, blood and gore, and so much more. I will be the photographer for all my make-up artistry, which will save money as well as be quite the learning experience. I may already have a job lined up in the field for November as my friend Mat is co-founder for Tableau D'Hote Theatre, and offered the position to me. Though to be fair, the make-up for that play seems like it will be me having a lot of fun making the actors grungy and dirty looking. It's an encouraging start nonetheless. It's a competitive field, but I feel as though I have certain advantages that come from all the courses and work I've completed to receive my BFA. It's a field I can keep using my creativity and skills in, while making money. I won't be stuck in a cubicle, but travelling and constantly meeting new people and making contacts. It's contractual, so I may have free periods to continue with fine arts. And, if it doesn't happen to work out I at least didn't invest years of education into it. This is what I am currently looking forward to.

The downside is my current situation. I am having money troubles. I cannot find a job, which is worrisome. If I lived two hours away in Ontario I wouldn't have a problem getting something temporary. But to even acquire the simplest jobs in Montreal one has to be bilingual or French first. Most frustrating part is that I understand French well, and can read it. But when it comes to structuring sentences I draw a blank.

I am also intensely isolated and lonely. I miss everyone I used to see on a regular basis when I had classes. I miss having a routine. Part of me wants to go out and be social, and simultaneously I am anxious thinking about it. I miss my family too, though I did get to see my dad, step mom, and brothers recently. My dad needed to renew his passport, so off to Ottawa we went.

In Reverse Order )
11 explosions| burst my bubble

Curiosity. [26 Jun 2009|04:15pm]
[ mood | curious ]
[ music | Neko Case - The Tigers Have Spoken ]




What's the dealio with older folk and wallpaper? I have theories, but I am curious to hear yours.
6 explosions| burst my bubble

Hee. [18 Jun 2009|10:30pm]
[ mood | nostalgic ]
[ music | Coeur de pirate - Intermission ]



according to six year olds... )
4 explosions| burst my bubble

[29 May 2009|12:31am]
[ music | P:ano - Dinosaurs ]


I've been listening to a lot of CBC Radio One lately. During an interview, a photographer said that things/people in New York that are 'pretty' are generally associated with dumbness, and 'ugly' with intelligence. In California, 'pretty' is associated with goodness, and 'ugly' with badness.

Ha. Most of the time I feel that I am too pretty for New York, too ugly for California.

+2 )
9 explosions| burst my bubble

darling don't give me shit, 'cause I know that you're full of it. [25 May 2009|05:05pm]
[ music | Kate Nash - Shit Song ]

I purchased the Blackbird, Fly toy camera two days ago. I didn't have high expectations for it, but I've wanted a twin lens reflex camera for ages (even though this one doesn't take 120 film, only 35). And I still want the Lubitel 166+, which takes both film formats and is a much better quality camera. Therefore, in order to placate my guilt I told myself that I would return it once I was disappointed by the results. Problem is, I fell in love with the results. Now I am in a pickle. A pickle of delight and concern.

results )
14 explosions| burst my bubble

mile after mile [13 May 2009|10:08pm]
[ music | The Shins - Kissing the Lipless ]



I miss you. All of you. It's too quiet over here in my corner.
And I want to make cake. Cake party?
8 explosions| burst my bubble

there's a boy across the river, but alas, I cannot swim [27 Apr 2009|06:45pm]
[ mood | hopeful ]
[ music | Laura Marling - Crawled out of the Sea ]



Segments of my April )
25 explosions| burst my bubble

I could wait around for the dust to still, but I don't believe it ever will [01 Apr 2009|12:27am]
[ mood | sleepy ]
[ music | The Hush Sound - Hurricane ]


Today was awesomely productive, stimulating, slightly sad, and a little creepy at times.
Oh! And one of our best friends, Evan, is temporarily staying with us for a while!
But right now I am going to talk about the new litter box I purchased, and our newly organized studio.

either really lame or really awesome )
10 explosions| burst my bubble

In Transit [12 Mar 2009|12:36am]
[ mood | exhausted ]
[ music | Born Ruffians - I Need a Life ]

For the last week of February (reading week) I traveled to Florida with my brothers to visit some of my family. I love traveling by plane, and the whole process still fascinates and excites me even though I am no stranger to it. A lot of people feel as though flying is an incredibly stressful ordeal, but there are really so many quiet moments. I documented both ways with my slr, and tried to capture some of those still periods.

Just head North South )
12 explosions| burst my bubble

uhoh. [17 Feb 2009|12:00am]
[ mood | busy ]
[ music | The X Files ]




I currently feel as though all corners of my life are in disarray.
I missed a week of classes and schoolwork. I leave for Florida on Saturday.
I think it's safe to say I am in a panic; I've got so much to do, no time to fit it all in before I leave.

fotos )
6 explosions| burst my bubble

I've been sleeping with a stain over my head. [11 Feb 2009|10:05pm]
[ mood | fever ]
[ music | Vampire Weekend - Walcott ]


I am so fucking sick. Going to curl up and die. Brb.
9 explosions| burst my bubble

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