Art: Stanka Kordic.

Some of us are on a journey to find ourselves. Others are on a journey of remembering who we are. A few have not only found or remembered, they have transcended beyond themselves to help others imagine a better journey. These people are the masters. Those who have integrated everything they are into a positive force in the world. Master artist Stanka Kordic lives this ideal. She inspires us all to follow her lead.

She paints her vision of the world while using actual paint. She has been faithfully doing so for decades. And my job was to translate this enormously talented artist’s voice on canvas into the medium of film. “Could it be done?” I asked myself. No, but maybe I could create something new and give a voice where there was none. I agreed to try.

While her art speaks for itself, for the first time, the artist herself speaks. Imagine: The Art of Stanka Kordic is a short film that introduces a beautiful person who inspires others with her art to see life differently. Our lives can transform simply by re-framing our perspective. And paintings can speak to this transformation every time we look at them. They can become close friends, as art collector Sara in the film explains.

I thoroughly enjoyed diving head first into the art of translating art. Painting with moving images and sound. Stanka even cleared music rights with shared favorite cellist and composer, Zoe Keating, whose ambient neo-classical music could not have better fit this film. How symbolic it was to create with a soundtrack as layered and progressive as Stanka’s paintings!

You will notice in the film some of my own experimental shooting techniques that Stanka welcomed openly. Because of the organic layering and experimenting in her own art, she immediately appreciated me doing the same. Working with another artist in this way became its own artistic process. She saw me painting with a different brush, recognized what I was doing, and played off that energy.

Imagine will take you on a multi-layered journey with Stanka as your guide through painting her latest masterpiece, evolving into a new art style, and stepping into the unknown. I invite you to watch and be moved.

You can watch the film in my portfolio. Be sure to look out for her latest gallery show called the The Rhythm of Stillness starting 11/11/11 at BAYarts in Bay Village, Ohio. To see her art online, visit www.alternativeportraiture.com.

Photo: Jeff Dolan.

In the film world, working solo is becoming a reality where before it was almost impossible. The indie filmmaker now has the tools and technology to act as the director, cameraman, sound guy, producer, editor, and marketing team. Himself. And in greater numbers than ever before, herself.

The affordable digital technology rivaling Hollywood is driving innovations that are rewriting the rules on what it means to produce video for audiences. Especially when that audience can be anywhere in the world online. I love that I am living during one of the largest transitions in the history of film.

But as one starting off as an indie, I am quickly realizing that there is wisdom, power, and magic in the team. There is a reason Hollywood has developed all the distinct roles for each position on a set. And when you get to work with a team of like-minded folks, however small, the excitement level bumps up a notch.

This past June, I worked with a small team that brought that inspirational spark to the production of a music video for upcoming Nashville folk artist Matthew Rineer. We had a wonderful Director, John Paul Penrod, who brought his vision for what he wanted to see happen. We had a beautiful actress and model, Bethany Dickason, who came prepared with a great attitude. And we had a band of musicians that really cared about presenting their music in the best possible light to their fans. Matthew was the perfect gentleman and encourager.

I ran the camera, or as the film industry would say, I was the Director of Photography.

As solo Swiss Army knifes, some indie filmmakers list off all the jobs they cover. I like to keep it simple and say I acted as Producer in that case, but this is so new, everyone is making it up. I heard three different filmmakers recently call themselves three different things for essentially doing the same work – videographer, cinematographer, filmmaker. When you can also take still frames out of the videos, you also become a photographer. At that point, what are you? A photographer slash videographer? A visual artist? I would love to hear your opinions in the comments.

All in all, I highly recommend working in a team on any production set if possible, whatever roles you fill. I wish Matthew and his band all the best with their music and career. They invested in a solid music video that showcases their music visually, and I hope they are proud of what they have accomplished to date. Definitely go listen to his music and show him some love. You can watch the Survive music video in my portfolio.

I can honestly say that after hearing his song on repeat all day during our shoot, I never got tired of it. It’s that easy on the ears.

Design: Zach McNair.

When was the last time you got that awkward feeling that the dream you thought you wanted — the one you may even be pursuing right now — is not it. The dream you fought for years to do. That one. Yeah. Not it.

In Blaine Hogan‘s new book, UNTITLED: Thoughts on The Creative Process, he describes this strange and extremely awkward feeling. As he drove away from wrapping season one of 20th Century Fox’s show Prison Break, where he was finally starting to take off with his acting career, an undeniable feeling swept over him. Not only was it highly uncomfortable, it was down right absurd, he says.

He felt a deep sense to give up his current path of acting to go to seminary.

And the amazing thing is, he listened. He decided to stop running. His confession came out. And his life, as he shares in vivid emotional prose, was freed to become a better version.

I couldn’t help but identify with his story because I have been there as well. Many of us have. The creative life takes so many turns, paints with so many colors, that we start to chase our favorites without asking the hard questions. We simply do not think. We do not commit to contemplate, as Blaine says.

We do not do the inner work that needs to be done first. We let the medium come before the message.

We determine we like music or photography, film or acting, and we do not first consider why those mediums work for our story. Or in what capacity we should engage and express our story. We may like music and try to be a singer, ignoring our heart to serve behind the scenes instead of on the stage. We may like photography and blindly pursue it, ignoring our heart to use words to build others up.

As Blaine shares in his philosophy as an artist:

1. Content must come before the medium.
2. Don’t set out to prove a point. Set out to tell a great story.

We can waste years chasing something that will never free us to become who we truly can become. But the good news is that it is all part of our journey. And that journey is what Blaine points to as the deepest well for our creativity.

If we are willing to do the work to find the parts that move us, and that give us the lump in our throats, we can take others into a truer more powerful art that deeply moves them as well.

To move and be moved. To love and be loved. Isn’t that why art captures us in the first place?

Photo: Jeff Dolan.

Building 429 and I have been trying to find ways to work together for years now, so I was delighted when I got the green light from Provident to film the guys making their latest album, Listen To The Sound. The series of nine videos, entitled Listen To The Sounds From the Studio, gave fans a unique behind the scenes look into the creative process of recording.

They released one video every week leading up to the album launch date and generated over 15,000 views. The album shot straight to #1 in the Christian & Gospel store on iTunes. Congrats again to a job well done guys!

Jason Roy, Michael Anderson, Jesse Garcia, and Aaron Branch created what many are saying is their best album to date, after a solid four albums under their belt and thousands of shows around the world. Award-winning co-producers Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, along with rock producer Rob Hawkins, crafted a mature, memorable album.

The key impression I got after seeing the guys on this record versus past records is that they were just having fun. They were not anxious, under pressure, super intense, or even jaded as many artists can be in the studio. They had clearly hit their stride in their career, and I could tell they were producing something special they were proud to share with the world.

It was an honor working with their management team at Thomas Vasquez, the folks at Provident Music Group, their worship team who sang on the album’s opening track “Made for You” and “Where I Belong,” as well as special guest Dawn Michele, Fireflight’s frontwoman, who sang a duet on “I’ll Be With You.” Everyone was open to working with me and sharing ideas on what would make the series more compelling.

One thing you will probably notice is that there are nine videos in the series but only eight were released. The ninth video covered a hilarious prank they pulled on one of their musicians. They messed with the tuning on his parts when he listened back to them just to mess with him, and the reaction was priceless. To protect the innocent, they were probably wise to keep that one private, but I think it speaks to how much fun they were having creating together.

I love artists. I love music. And I love artists that make music.

My work on this project was incredibly rewarding, and visually documenting this period in their lives was a blast. Their story is one of love, hope, and grace conquering all, even when life throws everything negative your way.

Check out the videos in my portfolio and visit Building 429′s website to listen and buy the record if you like it. I hope this video series conveys their heart behind these songs, and gives you a greater appreciation into how they were created.

Photo: Jeff Dolan.

In February, I was asked if I would shoot a promo video of Beka Panepinto playing her ePro Live Pearl drum kit. Pearl was preparing for a big event and wanted to feature her playing this unique electronic/acoustic drum kit.

All I had to work with was about 30 minutes right before she had to play, with only available light and no time to do any pre-production. No lights. No make-up. No sound. Just me and a camera. I knew the edit was where all the work had to be done as long as I got some good shots. I had a lot of fun and it really paid off for everyone involved.

Pearl loved it. They featured her on the big screen at their annual conference and created some buzz around their new kit. They then sponsored Beka shortly afterward. Congrats to you Beka!

She is truly amazing to watch. Let alone the fact that female drummers are rare in the music industry, she is only 19 and has over six years under her belt already. Her professional edge on the kit mixes pleasantly with her down-to-earth, open personality.

She is a role model for girls and anyone who desires to shed all the confines of convention to chase their dreams.

As a creative, I enjoy meeting people like Beka. She represents the new breed of upcoming Nashville talent that is not afraid to work hard, dream big, and cut their own path. She will undoubtedly be very successful.

Check out my portfolio to watch the video and definitely follow Beka on Facebook or Twitter.

Photo: Jeff Dolan.

Back in January, I kicked off the year right. My lovely and talented new bride plus my camera equaled magic.

I photographed her for her new EP To My Feet that released recently. It’s not every day you get to combine so many things you love into one amazing burst of creativity.

It has been a long, long journey for the both us of to finally cut through and knock down all the layers of resistance and creative blockades in front of us, be they mental, financial, physical, spiritual, or emotional. Getting married was the best thing in the world for our creativity!

She encouraged me to finally get the photo and video gear I needed to actually express what ached to rush out of my heart for the past seven years. I encouraged her to finally write and record the music that she had always wanted to make. This album brought us together in new ways and helped us understand each other on a level that I think only artists can appreciate.

I acted as executive producer on her record, ensuring everything was moving along smoothly from the business end and creating as much space as possible for her to focus completely on her music. Tackling the things I enjoy like her photography, videography, CD design, poster design, and web design was extremely rewarding. I also enjoyed seeing firsthand how the legal, publishing, and licensing side of the business has changed. Even the U.S. Copyright Office now lets you submit your music online.

David Spencer did an incredible job as producer, and his emerging talent in Nashville is becoming more and more evident with each new band he produces. One band he worked with, Elenowen, a Nashville-based duo and married couple, went on to sing in front of millions of viewers on NBC’s The Voice. The entire team who contributed to Chelly’s record made us proud and humbled to work with them.

And while we know every band’s journey is different, we count each little creative victory because we know how difficult it can be to simply create something worthwhile.

Check out my portfolio for more pictures and definitely go support Chelly. She is an amazing talent, but don’t take my word for it.

Never give up on your art, and find someone to cheer on toward success. You never know what potential you may have just waiting to be freed.

Photo: rjones0856.

I recently wrote my first guest post on Jeff Goins’ blog called Heroes and Their Tragic Flaws: Achilles to Bethany Hamilton.

I met Jeff at PodCamp Nashville 2011 and found that we have a lot more than our first name in common.

He loves writing, speaking, social media, and encouraging creatives, so I know you will get a lot out of his blog. He’s super focused on building his platform right now and it shows. His drive and consistency are inspiring. Keep your eye on him. He’s a thought leader and has a lot to share.

Read the article: Heroes and Their Tragic Flaws: Achilles to Bethany Hamilton

Photo: Walker Carpenter.

Have you given up on your art already? You did all that you could. You had your shot. You tried. But. But.

There are too many people who are more talented, more disciplined, more beautiful, produce more, younger, smarter, whatever.

As I talk to more artists that come to Nashville, one recurring theme is evident. These artists need rehab! Artist rehab.

One artist came to town with big dreams. He hit the scene hard with incredible talent, a coffee job and sweat equity for a bit — to see what happens. You know where this is going. Nowhere. Very very slowly. Until one day, my dear friend realizes that he’s in the same place he was when he arrived, and he’s watching the slow hand on the clock.

So he hangs it up, looks for a responsible career path, and looks to other pursuits in life. “I tried,” he says to himself. But.

Every time he goes to hear others play, his friends tell him he is better than 99% of them. And it kills him.

Another artist came to town in the same fashion. Co-wrote with everyone. Played all the popular joints. Heard all the praise from people who told her she has talent. And then it became a grind. She didn’t get into the magical world of “Something Happening.”

So she turns her back on her music, and she gets a day job pushing paper working with artists. And when she hears them play, it kills her.

Their stories could be so much better. So much richer. And yours can too. But.

Sand Castles

If I told you that you were born to build sand castles and that you had the rest of your life to build them, how would you live? Would you quickly build a hand-sized mound, pat it down and declare yourself done? Would you try to build a grand castle and then give up when the waves washed it away? Would you start planning all the towers it would have one day when you saved up the money to hire trucks and cranes? What expectations would you have? How long out would you look?

If you saw yourself as a sand castle builder and recognized that you would build sand castles for the rest of your life because that is what you were born to do, then why would you need other people to give you permission to start or stop building? Why would something like waves prevent you from learning how to build moats and walls if you had the rest of your life to figure it out? Why would you ever fail at being yourself?

To take it further, if God Himself put the desire in you to build sand castles, why on earth would you tell Him He messed up? That you really were made to dig ditches. Or comb the beach for buried treasure?

Automobiles

I hear a lot of artists, myself included, use the excuse that they just need that special thing to get started. That fancy journal to start writing. That camera to start shooting. That website to start blogging. But we would be wrong. What we need is to get moving. Start creating. Start being who we are. Start doing what we do.

Without movement, we sit in the driveway. Our view out of the windows doesn’t change. We don’t get momentum cruising down hills or inspired by the sights and smells of the landscape. We grow stale, waiting for that elusive thing. The thing that will start our engines, put gas in our car, and drive us somewhere. Probably to the place called Something Happening. But.

You cannot steer a parked car. Automobiles were born to drive. Mobile is part of their name. Create is part of yours. And if you have given up on your art already, and you are not dead yet, then you already know where to take your But.

Keep driving and keep building, no matter how many dead ends you take or how many waves wash your sand castles down. Why? Because it is part of who you are, and no one can stop that.

Photo: fearlessRich.

My friends and family have enjoyed a little quip I have been using lately when talking about our expectations of people.

I hear something like, “Then they lied right to my face! Can you believe that? The nerve!”

To which I reply, “If a snake bit you, would you be surprised?”

It’s what they do! You mess with them, they bite you. You hang around with people long enough, they hurt you. Everyone likes to say how he is not perfect, and how he is just like everyone else. And we nod and sympathize, saying we are not perfect either. That feels good in the moment, but what we are really saying is that when he hurts us, we are prepared for it and even expect it. We will love him anyway despite his imperfection.

That rarely happens because we are also imperfect. We get offended. Easily. All the time. The mean person making life hell keeps doing the most shocking things. Acting like a person! The nerve!

Now, this isn’t an excuse for bad behavior or for hurting others, but I truly believe that if we are going to progress as people and grow in love, we need to end the drama at the offense, not perpetuate it.

By extending someone grace in this way, you will not only find a better friend, you will tap into one of the most powerful antidotes to evil in the world.

Photo: beau-foto.

Every now and then you reach a place creatively that you cannot quite explain or express. Any one medium doesn’t do it justice. So you struggle with it until it finds its way out of you. This creative writing piece was such an expression. I hope you put on some deeply moving music, leave wherever you are right now, and enter into an age old story that only your heart knows. I’d be interested to hear your interpretations.

You watched me cry along with my mother for the first time in the delivery room. I was so tiny then, so full of potential. You smiled at the hands that would do great things one day, the feet that would take me to you, and the heart that sang in the key of you.

I was immediately tainted. The instant I was born, I started to die. He smiled along with you, for he was hungry. He named me something different than you would have chosen. He began to befriend me.

You and I were always together. I knew no closer friend. I listened to you, and the world melted away at the resulting light. You danced through the halls of my heart and blew into my life as a wind fills a sail. I wasn’t ashamed of you. Together, the adventure was ours. And the first few chapters were beautiful.

We changed lives for the better. We sparked miracles. You taught me to swallow fear and death and Hades and hang on tight through it all.

He told me to pursue you in practical ways. Logical ways. Ways that drove us apart. Ways that made me forget. Ways that encouraged me to replace you with impostors.

Somewhere along the way I lost you. I thought I saw you many times. I fought hard to pursue you but something was wrong. I couldn’t hear anymore. I couldn’t feel anymore. Everything was so – mechanical. The grinding was deafening.

And before I forgot your touch, before the last warm ember of your memory blew out, before I went numb and walked to his drum, I heard a whisper.

It was you. You were singing. It was a familiar song. I had almost forgotten the melody. It was the only way to save me. You were too powerful and I too weak for you to shout. I would never believe the truth if given to me straight anyway. I was too smart to believe anything straight.

I surveyed my life. The impostors looked up, smiled and raised their glasses to toast me. I was in the belly of fear. Death crouched over me, and Hades lied beneath me. What happened?

I struggled to break free. Tables turned. Glasses spilled. Smiles turned to panic. People ran to my aid. “Are you okay? What are you doing?” they exclaimed. Their faces looked like his in my periphery. I tried to scream, but my throat was swollen.

I managed, “Please forgive me.”

The tables started shaking. With rushing wind and light you came to my rescue. Legions of childhood memories flooded my mind. I could hear my heart beat again. I took a deep breath as I brushed my hand through the water. I could smell your sweet fragrance.

He just laughed. He made fun of you. He made me feel embarrassed to call out to you. They shook their heads and lent a hand back to him. With lightning already starting to pulse through my body, I hung in the balance.

You waited patiently for my response. You have always waited patiently for me. Your power comes alive when I pursue you. When I listen to you. When I run with you. Never when I am scared of you. Never when I am listening to his voice.

Floating in the balance, my splitting headache mirroring my splitting allegiance, I reached out to you. He grabbed my hand and pulled me away. I began to cry. Helpless.

I caught a reflection off the water. It was the twinkle in your eye. Within an instant, your pause was no more. In a fury of emotion, you swept me into your story. We were together again. Sailing. Laughing. Singing. Lightning.

I rose well above everything I had ever imagined. I was flying. With you. My head fell back to take it all in. With you. I was now – with you.

Where I belong.

–Jeff Dolan