Bellissimo Photography

"Surface - 02"

2012-01-16T21:55:00.001-08:00

Because it has been a real challenge making collages with new and unique concepts at such a rapid rate (although I'm sure a few collages a month doesn't seem quite rapid?), I have also been doing several variations of past collages to contribute to the "Simulations" series. See "Surface - 02"below:

The collage featured above is the second photo which I have utilized moss to create a textured "surface" around the subject. It's fascinating to see how the moss appears more like fur or even mud on my skin, where the contrasting colors on the original definitely make the moss an easier first read.

As you can tell by the snapshot above, the collage (seen here compared to my coffee cup) is actually a lot smaller than the past couple of a collages I have completed....(it is roughly 5 x 7"). It's a lot more difficult adhering the tiny pieces to the collage at this size but I actually prefer the smaller size photos to the standard sizes I usually do (typically 8 x 10"). It becomes more of an intimate experience when the viewer has to really get close to the image in order to appreciate the details in the layering and textures.

And here is an snapshot of the end result...Yep, that's a lot of left over scraps. Quite a paper massacre, right?

First 2012 Post - New Collage!

2012-01-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone! I wanted to post up my newest collage titled "Euphoria", which is my 7th collage that I have completed since November. When I eventually complete 10 collages total, (which I plan on doing so by next week) I will post them all onto my website, alexandrabellissimo.com and add them to the "Simulations" collage series. I'm looking forward to sprucing up my site for the new year!

I used my sister Madison as the model for "Euphoria". I reverted back to my old "tiling" technique for this collage because I wanted to create a juxtaposition between rigid cuts and layers with the soft subject matter in the photographs. If you can't tell by the scan above, the floating tile images are of dandelions. Lots and lots of dandelions.

I will keep everyone posted as to when the site gets updated!

New Collage, "Surface".

2011-12-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here is my newest collage that I have completed, (and look! there's color!). I have to say, this is hands down the most FRUSTRATING collage I have done to date...Shooting my self-portrait with the green backdrop in my studio was cake. When it came to physically piecing it together it was extremely challenging. I was using different photographs of moss covered boulders with different focal points in order to create the appearance that layers of moss were wrapping around my face. It's difficult to see in the scan above, but there are at least 100 separate pieces of moss to make up the entire mass of it all. The entire collage took about 5-6 full days to complete.

So how many collages did I say I wanted to finish by 2011?......20?

Yikes..

Interview with Italian CONDE NAST!

2011-11-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely thrilled to have been featured on the Italian CONDE NAST website (STYLE.it). When I was asked if I could be interviewed for the online magazine, I didn't hesitate for a moment to pounce on the opportunity!

CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW LINK

Although I am part Italian, I can not decipher a word of it (my last name aside). I tried converting the interview from Italian to English through Google Chrome, but there seemed to be several grammatical mistakes made through the translation. So I have posted the english translation of the original interview questions below:

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? WOULD YOU DEFINE YOURSELF SO?

I originally started pursuing my art career as an illustrator. When I was 17, I started experimenting with photography because, while I have always had an interest in all aspects of art, photography felt like a better fit for my creativity. As soon as I picked up a camera, I was fascinated by the challenge of creating art by working with what already exists in front of me. Since then, I’ve always tried to find creative ways of utilizing the medium to it’s full potential. Whether it’s through photo illustration or photo collaging, I enjoy the process of manipulating a photograph by constructing an image rather than simply snapping a photograph.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE AND WHY?

I was born and raised in Southern California and I am currently located in Los Angeles. Being close to family is important to me, and my familiarity with the area allows me to utilize a wide range of environments. I also find the variety of environments allow for a never ending source of inspiration.

EXPLAIN YOUR PICTURES TO A 5 YEAR OLD:

I combine the human form with nature in order to communicate a certain emotion or feeling.

WORST CRITICISM YOU EVER GOT?

Back when I was a student, an instructor told me that my work was, “almost interesting” while looking through my portfolio. It was extremely disheartening to hear at the time because I am always striving to make interesting and unique work.

WAS THERE A TIME WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER MAKE IT?

As an artist, I am constantly faced with the insecurity and doubt of creating meaningless work. Rather than let the insecurity restrain me, I use it as a motivation to push myself, and my creativity further time and time again.

BEST COMPLIMENT?

Whether I have my work displayed on the wall or inside my portfolio book, it is such a gratifying experience when a person spends more than a few moments studying a single piece. That shows me that I have created something that is not only aesthetically pleasing through use of details, but that it is also thought-provoking or even slightly confusing to the viewer. Anytime an individual feels a connection with my photography, or relates to the emotion I try to convey I feel is validation enough that I am in the right profession.

Two New Collages + More Features!

2011-11-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted everyone to be able to see the newest additions to the "Simulations" series. For those who may not be familiar with the series, "Simulations" consist of photo collages that I have constructed which marry nature and the human form together. Ideally, I would like to have at least 20 new collages completed by the end of 2011, (no pressure!).

Here are the scanned images of the newest collages with their size measurements,

Dismember,8.5"(L) x 7"(W).

Emerge, 10.5"(L) x 6.5"(W).

I'm also thrilled to announce my photography has been feature on two more sites! The first site is a fantastic art blog from Panama, called Machincandao.com!

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

The second site is Trendland.net, which is a great website where you can see some of the most inspiring work to browse through.

LINK HERE

Interview with "My Modern Met"

2011-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

This post is a bit delayed...but I wanted to share it with everyone regardless! I was featured on, "My Modern Met" last week. Along with my photography, they also featured my interview with website contributor, Alice Yoo. So please check it out!!

CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW

I should be posting a few new collages within a day or so!

Another feature! "This Isn't Happiness"

2011-10-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Wow this has been an exciting day...I found out I was featured on two sites today! The second blog is called, "this isn't happiness" and it's got all different kinds of awesome work featured on the site..

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Feature on Art-Sponge!

2011-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, Just woke up this morning to see the great news that I have been featured on Art-Sponge.com for their "Monochrome Monday" weekly post! The site features a few of my photo illustration work as well as a few collage pieces.

CLICK FOR LINK

New Collage!

2011-07-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

So I just finished up a new collage for my, Simulations series!...(see below)

The original version of this collage is roughly around 5 x 7 inches. I used my brother Max as the model who I photographed in my studio and the shots of all the rocks were taken separately at Vasquez Rocks, CA. It seems like the general reaction I have gotten from people who have seen this pieces is that it is, "disturbing", which I'm assuming that reaction is related to the visual of the rocks splitting from the male's chest. I will be displaying my original collages from the Simulations series for the Summer 2011, Art Center Grad show this August so I will continue to create more collage from now until then. I have about 5 collage that I will definitely display and I will strive to have 5 to 7 more by August.

Basically, July will be my month of hell...

Galeria Obscura Show May 2011!

2011-05-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!...two of my original collage photos have been featured in the gallery show, "Things To Come...LENS!", at the Galeria Obscura. (The flyer for the show is shown below.)

Above are the original photos featured in the show that are available for purchase. (LEFT IMAGE) "Male Tree Collage". (RIGHT IMAGE) "Female Tree Collage". To find out more information about the show or the gallery itself, you can visit the Galeria Obscura website here.

New to Twitter!

2011-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Good news, I am now on Twitter! Follow me @Alex_Bellissimo !
Twitter Page Link

You can also find me on Facebook now that I have a page dedicated solely to my photography.
Facebook Page Link

VEINS Opening Show!

2011-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to everyone who made it out to the "VEINS" gallery opening last Monday (April 11th). Everyone who had work in the show appreciated all the support immensely. To those who couldn't make it, you were there in spirit...The opening night went better than expected considering we had around 100 people show up! Below are some pictures from the opening night!

Me next to my wall of photos. Photograph above taken by Suzanne Valles-Chaves.

Me and my boyfriend, Mike.

My parents and me.

Artist's group shot. (Left to Right) Adam Bordow, Ryan Young, Natalie Embrey, Edward Cushenberry, Damon Casarez, Me, (Instructor) Pato Hebert. Photograph above taken by Suzanne Valles-Chaves.

For anyone who did not get the chance to make it to opening night, the group exhibition will remain up in gallery until Monday, May 16th. For more info on the show and artists shown, check out the official website at http://veins.viewbook.com/.

Photos Featured!

2011-04-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my work has been featured on two websites this March and April! The first website is one titled, The Focus Project 2011. The Focus Project is a yearly competition, "seeking compelling photography." CLICK HERE for the link.

The second site is Share Mag,a nonprofit website that presents authors and artistic projects. To view my individual page, CLICK HERE.

A huge thank you to both sites for considering my work worthy enough to be displayed on their pages!

-A

New Year. Fresh Start.

2011-01-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011 everyone! As you can tell, my website is finally up and running (thanks to Mikey!), and I am ecstatic that my portfolio is now accessible on the web!

So firstly, thank you for visiting my recently renewed blog, "Bellissimo Photography". I realize it's been about two years since I have last posted a blog entry, so allow me to play catch-up...

I am currently finishing up my last year at Art Center College of Design where I will be earning my BFA in Photography when I graduate this August. This Spring I'm excited to be enrolled in a studio class titled, Page Wall and Screen Seen. Students enrolled in this class, (including myself), will work together on a group exhibition that will feature all of our work in a gallery at the end of the term. I feel this class will be a great opportunity to continue my new series of photo collages, (including the self portrait above.) I have tons of new sketches and ideas for collage images that I'll post here soon! For those of you who may already be familiar with my work, you may have noticed that I did not include any of my still lifes in my portfolio. I have decided to keep those images separate from my portfolio until I can have a more cohesive and substantial amount to include with the others. For now, I'll continue with the collaging series as I try to develop another conceptual series.

Be sure to check on this blog from time to time and I will make sure to update it with sketches, photo shoots, and other news!

-A