White Balance Images

Portland artist James Allen carves old books into incredible 3D works of art

Working at Woodlawn Coffee one day, I chanced to encounter James working on an exquisite art project: he carves books into 3D works of art, exposing layers like an archaeologist to juxtapose imagery in new ways, giving new meaning and insights into old works.

The “book excavation” James was working on was an old world history book from the late 19th century. We talked for nearly an hour about his method, approaches, and themes in his work. The effect up close is quite remarkable, especially considering the detail in these old etchings and lithographs. I pictured him browsing old bookstores, like a DJ hunting through stacks of vinyl for their creations. It’s an interesting take on remix culture.

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey in the house!

Apparently the husband-and-wife team Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Voice) and Roma Downey (you know, from Touched By An Angel) have been secreted in the Moroccan desert making an absolutely incredible series: The Bible. Tonight, they showed our Alliance gathering exclusive clips! So exclusive we can’t show you.

I’ve just wrapping the blizzard of producing & shooting an event on Atlanta, absorbing a firehose of amazing and profound speakers, musicians, artists, and tiring cross-country travel. I’m telling myself I’m not tired, and only half believing it!

“Field of Light” Music Video - FaithQuest 2011

Every Summer, Kristi and I participate in a faith-based youth event called FaithQuest in the Coast Range of Oregon. We provide media support and create visual worship experiences. We had the honor of working with some incredible musicians and artists over the weekend. Guitarist Rob Wells wrote this song after a particularly moving evening, and I directed, shot, and edited this video to highlight it, with Boone Langston on lead vocals, and his wife Dani and Adam Wolfgang on background vocals.

Photographically, I chose a shaded area for nice, even light; the weather was perfect. I got to work with two Canon XA-10 cams and edited the piece with the new Final Cut Pro X (both fun and a bit frustrating – a great opportunity to learn new software though). The baptism shots were by Brent Albrecht and David McCarter Jr. Part of the challenge is the the creative constraint of time pressure – everything was visualized, scouted, setup, blocked, rigged, shot, captured, edited and mastered in less than 12 hours. So, while it’s probably not my best possible work (learning FCP X along the way slowed things considerably), it is, I believe, my best possible work with these constraints. And, the kids loved it! As an artist, FaithQuest has become a wonderful and inspiring weekend of art, visuals, singing, laughing, collaborating, and dreaming. It’s become our “creative getaway” that refuels us.