Art of Preparedness » What’s He Doing?

á la Bruschetta

Rob Clement — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:58:26 +0000

I had the opportunity to photograph one of the new dishes at Yia-Yia’s. Upon approval the image will be utilized as lead art in some new marketing materials. Though food photography is not my focus, I am certainly glad for the opportunity. Now, if I could just find a way to replicate smell via the web…hmmm. Grilled Crostini, warm mozzarella, oven roasted tomatoes, basil pesto and warm balsamic drizzle, oh so good!

Chef Aaron Whitcomb’s Bruschetta

Return to the Heavens

Rob Clement — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:17:05 +0000

Nearly seven years on the west coast, moons spent in intimate union with tides of destiny, left me bereft one life wonder; the Rocky Mountains. Exactly one month after I quit smoking I challenged Torreys Peak with Coda, Mia and some friends from work. The experience was electrifying. Home have I returned!

[[Show as slideshow]]

Party in Perigee

Rob Clement — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:37:48 +0000

On December 12, 2008 the Moon was in perigee, meaning it was at its closest point to earth in a 15 year cycle. It also meant it was 6% closer than average, and so 11% brighter! It was also the night of a certain Christmas Party for a certain bunch of news hounds on a certain boat in a certain harbor in Ventura. And like all full moons, it certainly brought about the wilder side of the night.

This plucky photog was on the scene, and though names are being withheld for the protection of those captured here, their stories will none the less shock and amaze you.

Join the FSCEPE (Family Style Clothing & Extras Potluck & Exchange) team!

Rob Clement — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:05:47 +0000

Perhaps a new tradition: the “Family Style Clothing & Extras Potluck & Exchange.” The idea was to exercise detachment and generosity by going through closets, holding only favorite items and bagging the rest. This was also encouraged for any “extras” one might have. Sort of a “white-elephant” centered more around truly useful items, not garbage.

Though no plastic gag gifts were present to set the atmosphere to “party”, good times ensued simply from the joy of trade, good food and the discovery of the perfect outfit combination!

70 mile trip to Farmer’s Market.

Rob Clement — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:23:46 +0000

Ryan in Market

“Hmmm, Any apples I wonder..?”

“Must expend energy…must run up hill…get to stop light…must not stop…must not sit in car any longer! Must run, run RUN!!!”

“Hmmm, someone has been here. but who? “

Dinner with the Keenans

Rob Clement — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:49:27 +0000

To see in a child the discovery of the most basic principles of our reality, the “laws” that comprise our universe, is simply God’s greatest gift. Even better, these moments serve as gateways to our truest selves. “Good times” depend on the way you spend time and whom you spend it with; this of course is an obvious point. Best, I think by way of a huge realm of experimentation myself, are the times where in focus is present moment, where number is small, not large, where food is prepared, not bought.

Recently we spent the evening with the Keenans. Barbara prepared macaroni-&-cheese made with pureéd cauliflower. It was incredible. Nestled deep within every bite was a feeling I can only describe as mirth. During the course of the evening Kiya discovered a stuffed penguin, or rather a penguin discovered her…

“A penguin!?! Really? Here, in this room? No way!”

“Yep! Penguin wants to go home with you!”

“Yeah! Take me home!”

Dinner with close friends, especially those who have children is true delight.

The Waiting, in other words, Welcome CJ!!!

Rob Clement — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:07:36 +0000

Its been a while since my last post, and with good reason. Steph, Kiya and I traveled to Corvallis, Oregon to help my little sister, Jennie and her wonderful husband Geoff with the approach of their first son…Caleb James! Two weeks spent with them in their waiting, possibly the longest pre-labor ever recorded (just kidding) and we had to return the day before he arrived. Such is life and so it goes. Rather then break the days into seperate posts, as was my plan before leaving, I’ll simply post the whole take. Enjoy!!!

We arrive in Portland and Kiya is stoked!

Leaving the airport, the wonder of it all

Walk like an Egyptian

Kiya gets a new pair of rain boots!

Toy store…a child’s paradise

Frisbee!

The rocken-ist coffee shop in Corvallis, the “Purple Moon”

Kika plays in the park

Jennie through Steph’s eyes

Aunt Jennie and Kiya envision holiday sparkle

Corvallis gains a Chipotle, nice…

Toy stores are cool, but a whole Jolly Jump playland, OMG!

Uncle Geoff is just as excited!

THE PLUNGE!!!

Held with Hands of Love

Kiya brings a laugh

Three

Fingers

Common Scene

Wind in her hair

What’s This?

You mean this comes in packets?!? By the spoonful? Yummm

Tie knot where? What? You’ve got to be kidding

Kite at the Beach

BEADS!!!

Closer now

Closer still…keep it up sister, you’re doing great!

Kiya wants to help her aunt Jennie too…fishies?

A visit from Missy: “You’re doing great, babie’s strong. Hang in there!”

When?

Monkey See…

At the airport again…Not here, not yet!

On a plane again.

And as we departed from Corvallis, leaving Jennie and Geoff to their greatest task, marveling to myself at the amazing thing we call birth, I overhear the stuartess talking to an elderly women one row in front of us. She’s 90 years old and this is her first plane trip, her second flight in her entire life!!!

I asked her about her trip and she stated plainly that it was time to see her great-grandkids, it was Thanksgiving weekend after all. From cradle to grave, thank you for this wonderful trip called life! And thank you Jennie and Geoff for blessing this world with the seed of your love, and for giving Kiya a cousin. God bless you three!

Santa Monica

Rob Clement — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:24:57 +0000

Paul Myers of Brooks Institute of Photography is preparing to travel to India for five weeks with a group of students setting forth on a life changing adventure. As part of their training for the journey, Paul had the students meet at the Santa Monica peer to sharpen (or discover as the case was often) their skills at capturing in-field audio coupled with story telling imagery.

Steph, Kiya and I trailed the pack, soaking in Santa Monica on our first trip to the busy city. It is always with a sense of open engagement and jittery enthusiasm the first steps in a new place find me. My camera opens wide to those prime inhalations. A landmark for the photographer is when the common takes this role. Still, there is nothing wrong with finding inspiration in the new. Take on the eyes of a child…

Kiya Breeze

One of the very first sights

Maybe this guys?

El Guru

Paul looks on

Camera Wars

Tree by the Peer

Yellow

Kite

Thrill Ride

Sugar

Hmmm

Attraction

Debrief

Paul’s View

Loosening the Knot

Rob Clement — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:37:57 +0000

Further now each day I rediscover more of the world around me

The one which calls me through dreams,

that which trundels forth mastigic principals.

Now I come to know you for certain, the unending source.

Birth

Untitled

To That Corner!

Ojai Celebrates Art! update…

Rob Clement — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:03:09 +0000

What a show! 70 artist’s work was selected for the Ojai Museum’s first art central exhibit; diversity on Ojai’s terms. I didn’t win any judges awards, but I did learn a lot. First, photography, in context to other art forms outside of the photographic world, needs to incorporate some other media to be considered ‘art’. All of the photos were relegated to the entrance of the show. This was neither a rub or a bonus, just simply a fact. Second, in this type of show, my work was overpriced. Also a good thing to know. Really the true award was simply to be chosen to participate in the event, and to exhibit my craft in another venue.

In other news however, I was voted Best Photographer in Ojai this year!!! Actually, the official note is that I tied with fellow light hunter Attaslina Dews, but I was put on line one as my vote was discounted (due to my affiliation with the local paper) and so was tied. Regardless, very cool. Now I can put the coveted “Best of” ribbon on all of my ads for this year. Yahoo!!! Thanks for all of your support everybody!