taxiplasm

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED

2007-07-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

I've converted to WordPress! - if you're coming here from a blogspot address, stop. Redirect yourself to taxiplsm.net

built ford tough (installation)

2007-07-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

so first of all - I'M PISSED OFF -it's so perturbing when I come back to Texas and see countless trucks and SUVs with "my son is in the US army" on the side of their bumper. So I spent all of June building a large video sculpture installation piece for such hypocrites in their gas-guzzlers, only perpetuating our dependence on foreign oil. the words spoken by this dead soldier figure are from Conrad's Heart of Darkness; this is re-edited to see the video as is, and at the end the sculpture in its space. Click here to watch

I ))<>(( Miranda July

2007-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

THIS BOOK IS CHANGING ME LIFE!
so we all saw Me and You and Everyone We Know, and went "back and forth" for a while, she stayed in the NY art scene with her performance/installation pieces, and then she re-appeared in the New Yorker in this year's summer fiction issue with "Roy Spivey" which had me sprint to buy this book. It's got me in tears from heartbreak in stories like "The Man on the Stairs" (about a woman lost in her wants and fears) as well as laughter with "The Swim Team" (with has a woman giving swimming lessons in her living room with old people dipping their heads in bowls of water, paddling across the room). Installation artist, performance artist, filmmaker, and now sick-ass writer - Miranda is my heroine, in fact, she's inspired me to do a massive installation piece showing soon in San Antonio. Point is - buy this book, it'll change your life.

Nehedar

2007-06-28T20:49:00.001-07:00

Here's a video piece I recently did for New York musician, Nehedar and her song "Mama" about understanding the death of her mother.

Spurs riot

2007-06-20T21:57:00.001-07:00

I live in San Antonio (for the summer) and so all I hear about everywhere is the Spurs. It makes absolutely no difference to me if they win or lose, and I can't see why it would to anybody else not directly involved with the NBA, but the whole city still goes insane over it. Why? You tell me. ::"teenage riot" by Sonic Youth:: Click here to watch

What Will You Say (visage)

2007-05-29T22:33:00.001-07:00

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?! I've been making the move back to Texas from NY for the summer and trying to find some production jobs, and attempting to situate myself into an old world. But today is the 10th anniversary Jeff Buckley's death and like anyone who hears his voice, it's easy to fall in love and grow an unhealthy obsession. With particular appreciation for his song, "What Will You Say," which has lately been quite relevant being quite separated from my family, and those times when they come to see me in NY, I feel exceptionally trepidatious , intimidated, ambivalent and unsure of our ties. This song allowed me to understand those feelings a little more closely and continues to resonate as I reside in TX. May Jeff rest in peace and his message keep echoing. Click here to watch

umbrella

2007-04-13T00:11:00.001-07:00

it's funny how a little rain can pour down so many memories, (in this case, a friend's memory). ::"summer water" by Colleen:: Click here to watch

d'Antonioni

2007-04-05T23:27:00.001-07:00

just like the Godard assignment before, I'm taking the same story, ("Babe in Paradise"), but this time employing the more weighted, paced style of Antonioni. Click here to watch

d'Godard

2007-04-05T23:21:00.001-07:00

so I, as usual, am flaking on videoblogging week. I've been in Connecticut shooting a film in addition to pre-production for another while assisting on countless others - early spring is basically the 7th circle for film students. so in the meantime, I'm bringing you guys an assignment I had: taking an American short story, ("Babe in Paradise") and brought it to the (iPod) screen while employing Godard's style. Click here to watch

WanderingWestMichigan in NYC

2007-03-26T00:16:00.001-07:00

With love and inspiration from Josh Leo's new WanderingWestMichigan, I wanted to show the world what New York film students think of Michigan and its vloggers. ::"Natural's Not in It" by Gang of Four:: click here to watch

*special thanks to Nick, Devan, Justin, Ian, Josh for being themselves in this vlog*

Sundance '07 (New Year's Prayer)

2007-01-30T08:39:00.001-08:00

I'm an insecure person, let's just start with that. I poured a lot of what I felt before, during (with the anticipation of The Night Buffalo), and after the festival into this vlog, a lot of which newly motivated by watching my new box set of Six Feet Under on a loop. But it seems that the windows to what is possible, are clear, now that I know it can all end so quickly. so I better shut the fuck up, quit bitching, and just do- it is so on 2007... and even more on in 2008!
*thanks to Tina, Cedric, FYI (Film Your Issue), and Zadi -without you, my trip to Sundance wouldn't have happened! ::"New Year's Prayer" by Jeff Buckley:: Click here to watch

Carolyn (sudance prelude)

2007-01-30T02:06:00.001-08:00

carolyn
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.
so, before I post my tumultuous Sundance '07 vlog, have a laugh with Carolyn working the shuttle bus. Click here to watch

damn it feels good to be a Mexican!

2007-01-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

I was right there with Salma Hayek, getting all emotional announcing a vast number of Latin filmmakers as nominees, including Penelope Cruz for Volver and Adriana Barraza for Babel. It doesn't stop in front of the camera, behind it includes composer Gustavo Santaolalla and director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for Babel, screenwriter Alfonso Cuaron and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki for Children of Men, writer/director Guillermo DelToro and cinematographer Guillermo Navarro for Pan's Labyrinth. It's the Mexican New Wave, and as a Latin American filmmaker, it feels pretty damn good to know that I'm being represented at the most revered awards ceremony for film.

somniferous

2007-01-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

nyc xmas
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

there's been a brawl. film school finals are winning this battle for my sleep and more importantly, vlogging time, so much that I pretty much forgot it was christmas -even in new york city. Click here to watch
:thanks sarah for the sounds:

EVE

2006-12-22T23:19:00.000-08:00

eve
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I'm in the middle of editing a video right now but I've been interrupted by my return to San Antonio for the holidays, so I wanted to give you guys something sexy to look at for the time being, enjoy.

fraud (weekend premiere)

2006-11-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

found
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

this vlog took me longer than any other video I've done because of the emotionally precarious nature of it. While making it, there was a genuine discovery about myself and my insecurity as an artist in relation to the film that I went home to premiere, (which I DP'd), and its effects on my perception of interaction and lonliness in New York. ::"Sleep" by Azure Ray:: Click here to watch

Apes & Androids

2006-11-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

apes and androids
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

CREAM! -
Apes and Androids are my new favorite band! I saw them for the second time this past week at the Knitting Factory -they first came out with a giant papier mache ship floating through the "sea" of people -green glow balls were tossed around the crowd -then a great brass section with authentic asian percussionists circled the audience for the crescendo -AMAZING!

unearth

2006-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

mouth
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

lately I've been feeling really disconnected and even a little lonely since I've been back in NYC, and I detest myself for feeling it. I've always been independent and I know I need to get back in that mindset by unearthing myself from the city and rediscovering the now. "finding a love object is a journey of re-finding" -Freud ::"iiiiii" by Fields of Forel:: Click here to watch
*special thanks to Aurelio Laing III*

tease

2006-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

EYESstill
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I'm back in NYC, just started another year of school, trying to get myself a few freelance jobs all while finishing my film, "Eyes of a Blue Dog." I'm hoping to have it shown at festivals and many film fests prefer virgin films that haven't entirely shown anywhere else, so I'm teasing you guys the first 3mins. Click here to watch

theme music

2006-08-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

piano
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

After wrapping another feature film I DP'd on this summer, I decided to spend the ass-end of my summer by doing a passion project, an adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's short story, Eyes of a Blue Dog, while using a new rendition of Billie Holdiay's classic, "I'm a Fool to Want You." This is that new rendition. Click here to watch

singularity

2006-08-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

duality
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

to empathize with Ryanne Hodson's "sometimes I feel like this." I'm in between shoots and the moment I stop working, nothing feels right. Inexplicable. ::"Singularity" by Into the Ether:: Click here to watch

transient

2006-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

transientDancer
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

a mosaic of my last days in New York before coming back to Texas, plus a bit from the past. This is one is for my friends. ::"Glósóli" by Sigur Ros:: Click here to watch

goin' down

2006-07-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

justine+meliss
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I stumbled onto some footage of a couple of my best friends, Justin and Melissa doing another late night college karaoke, this time to "Going Down" by Mary J Blidge. enjoy. Click here to watch

winner(s)

2006-06-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

winner
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so remember Positive? well a 1min version of it, (retitled It's the Buzz) was one of the 5 winners of the FYI -film your issue- film festival! So they flew me (back) up to NYC and paid for my ritzy hotel where we had a pre-party at the penthouse -here's a slice of the party... after a few too many drinks. Click here to watch

Team Queen

2006-06-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

TQueen
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

after vlogging the hell out of the gender-bending, fire-breathing, tassel-twirling, post-punk rock 'n roll prom of century, along with 18hrs of footage, I have something to show to all of you in the vlogsphere... and it's a bit naughty, but oh so fun. Click here to watch

The Team Queen video release party!
at Galapagos Art Space
hosted by Murray Hill
"Team Queen" performed by Triple Creme
directed by acclaimed filmmaker Leah Meyerhoff

iAM

2006-05-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

liberal
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so for the FYI film festival (film your issue) -where the films cant be longer than 1min, I made this video after I saw an actual ad in Times Sq that read "I am AIM" which was too tragic to take -and I realized that America is cultivating itself to be distracted from the world -with those who can see what the hell is really going on, are kept silent from those who can speak but are blinded by distracting forces. The film is now a semi-finalist in the festival and you can vote for it here ::"Ny Batteri" by Sigur Rós:: Click here to watch

thanks Zadi for introducing me to the festival!

validation for celibacy (On the Asphalt)

2006-04-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

requiem
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

Yet another short film I DP'd on this year at SVA - On the Asphalt by Devan Mulvaney is a story that commemorates the death of his good friend, the legendary Gandro. Click here to watch

stop

2006-04-20T01:14:00.000-07:00

cityPPL
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

as I approach the end of my first year in art school and I finish my finals, the air seems more open and world seems wider. I realized how frightening and cathartic it would be if we all just stopped and opened our eyes. But it's a brave task to stop moving and slow down, but oh how it's worth it. ::"laserbeam" by Low:: Click here to watch

validation for celibacy (Touching the Balance)

2006-04-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

theBalance
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I've been out of the vlogging loop for a while because I've been shooting many films for school, and I finally have something to show for it. Touching the Balance, inspired by the short story What I Saw From Where I Stood by Marisa Silver (included in her collection Babe in Paradise). Starring the talented Lauren Currie Lewis, soon to be seen in the Sundance smash, Salvage and Riah Bourne. For more in-depth criticisms, email me at taxiplasm@gmail.com Click here to watch

validation for celibacy (Hello, My Name is "Fabulous")

2006-04-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

meliss
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

He's witty, he's not afraid of a night of alcohol and don't get him started on RENT -yes, Justin Rice returns with his hilarious short film, Hello, My Name is "Fabulous" which I DP'd on. Plus, a nice introduction for the fabulous Melissa Medina. Click here to watch

bon voyage Jay and Ryanne

2006-03-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

goodbye
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I, like many, were sad to see Jay and Ryanne leave, knowing that they're not just a subway away anymore. I already miss them. ::"Með Blóðnasir" by Sigur Rós:: Click here to watch
special thanks to Adam Quirk, Randy Wicker, Johnny Goldstein, Gabriel Duquette and Marta

just like christmas (oscar night)

2006-03-11T00:16:00.000-08:00

oscar
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so this essentially documents the biggest night of the year for my family, and since I'm away from my family this year -in college, my sister came up, not to mention her 30th birthday fell on the same day. ::"twist" by underworld:: Click here to watch

root

2006-03-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

playground
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

It was in my acting class last week that I remembered something that I had chosen to forget. But I think I have now found the root for my infinite insecurity. ::"yasmin the light" by explosions in the sky:: Click here to watch

art school at midnight (drunk as krunk)

2006-02-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

drunk
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

yet again the fabulous Justin Oliver Rice -this time he gives us a taste of his flo -this one's for you Josh* Click here to watch

birthday vertigo

2006-02-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

brain
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

Monday was my 19th birthday but I was unable to truly kick up my celebratory heels because I was diagnosed with vertigo three days before. This is what it felt like. Click here to watch

::"Mr. Self Destruct" by Nine Inch Nails::
::"Sleep" by Godspeed You Black Emperor!::
::"Optimism" by Radiohead::

waitlist

2006-02-15T18:41:00.000-08:00

waitlisting
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

ten minutes of what one goes through waiting hours and hours for a chance to see a movie your life depends on. ::"Taboo" by Dorothy Ashby:: Click here to watch

prologue (optimistic)

2006-02-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

optimistic
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

this is just a glimpse of the mindset that an average movie-goer at Sundance has waiting in the waitlist line. Click here to watch

SUNDANCE

2006-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

sundance
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

after being the DP on the debut feature by Pablo Veliz, (La Tragedia De Macario), we were invited to have the film play at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival! ::"Relative Ways" by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead:: Click here to watch

the smell of (liberal) OSCAR

2006-01-16T21:46:00.000-08:00

BM
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

As a film student, I get giddy over award shows even though we all pontifficate that they don't mean anything -it's like a midwestern bureaucrat shouting over a football game. But I was particularly elated with tonight's 63rd Annual Golden Globes because of such undeniable diversity that was present tonight. Not only was it MLK today and everyone was very conscious of celebrating black America, but that the two lead actors in a drama won for playing gay/transgender characters (Felicity Huffman in Transamerica and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote) -not to mention Brokeback Mountain taking Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Director -Ang Lee. Matt Dillon was nominated for Crash, reminding us that bigotry has yet to dissipate. Mary Louise Parker won for dealing Weeds. Geena Davis won for playing the first female president in Commander In Chief. George Clooney won in Syriana, which dares to ask some intimidating questions about our government; a similar cry for peace came from Palestine with Paradise Now, winner of Best Foreign Film. My point being that it makes me feel really great to know that America is becoming more comfortable with difference and the unusual. This country is so dysfunctional but people are finally accepting it -and it makes me proud to live in this country, even for just a moment -before I remember Bush is still in office.

2006 Academy Awards

2006 Independent Spirit Awards

home

2006-01-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

icicles
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

it seems I'm incomplete in both San Antonio as well as New York -I feel homesick, but I'm not sure where home is. ::"home" by explosions in the sky:: Click here to watch

strike!

2006-01-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Brklnbridge
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

although it's a couple weeks later, and it may seem irrelevant now -I got myself up at 4:30 in the morning and walked about 60 blocks to the Brooklyn Bridge to film people commuting to Manhattan during the first morning of the TWU/MTA strike. -see if you can spot mayor Mike Bloomberg!- ::"pilgrimage" by nine inch nails:: Click here to watch

MERRY CHRISTMAS (Rockefeller)

2005-12-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

rockefeller tree
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

THIS FILE IS HUGE -now I know you're thinking "WTF Taxiplasm? your vlogs are too damn long!" and I know it's very Erich Von Stroheim of me to be stubborn about it, but I think you should experience this tumultuous night in Rockefeller Center as closely as possible to the actual experience. Click here to watch ::"better days" by goo goo dolls::

*MERRY CHRISTMAS to all those in the vlogsphere*

RENT (according to Justin Oliver Rice)

2005-12-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

justin
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so, while waiting for the Rockefeller Tree to be lit (video of that coming soon) -Justin share's his thoughts on seasons of love. I kind of liked RENT (yes, I said it) -besides, that song is too damn catchy. Click here to watch

A Hedwig Miracle! (snow)

2005-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

snow
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

this first weekend in December has been the best weekend of my life! -after being in a performace/screening of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at the IFC center it began to snow -for the first time in my life! ::"Midnight Radio" (from Hedwig and the Angry Inch) music/lyrics by Stephen Trask:: Click here to watch

scooter

2005-11-29T00:59:00.000-08:00

scooter still
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

as a teacher's assistant you're asked to do some pretty basic tasks -but this wasn't in the job description -and I think I enjoyed it way too much. ::"Diamond" by Klint:: Click here to watch

*thanks David for filming*

ready for another? (casualty)

2005-11-21T20:42:00.000-08:00

casualty
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so here's another student film that I need your feedback on! -it's probably not as effective as "Posi+ive" but hopefully it comes close. Email me with your suggestions at taxiplasm@gmail.com ::"Embrace" by Low:: Click here to watch

Joaquin The Line

2005-11-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

Picture 2
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I smell an OSCAR!!! so I've frequented the movie theaters in NY every week, sometimes several times a week- and dammit I'm freaking out about this year's Best Actor! -I was sure it was going to be Philip Seymour Hoffman for CAPOTE, then I changed my mind when I saw David Strathairn in GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK. But I'm almost emphatic now that I've seen WALK THE LINE -Joaquin... it's in the bag!

-thanks Matt for the pun!

patriot

2005-11-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

Picture 1
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

NOTICE- THIS FILE IS HUGE (72mb) -so I skipped class last week - that's right - because I had to be a part of the massive world-wide protest against Bush on the 1st anniversary of his re-election. I realized I was part of something much bigger than I could've imagined. ::"Amazing Grace" by Ani Difranco:: Click here to watch

16mm (posi+ive)

2005-11-01T01:20:00.000-08:00

positive still
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

okay so here it is! -my first student film! -now I know the beginning is dark, I'm working on that -BUT PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM! DO NOT COMMENT -EMAIL ME INSTEAD at taxiplasm@gmail.com Click here to watch

central park (wheels)

2005-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

roller skates
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

a few weeks ago I walked nearly 100 blocks to central park for the hell of it... and of course I brought my camera -I just happened to find a group of roller skaters who are apparently skating there every weekend. Click here to watch

Close Encounters II: bombarding Joan Allen

2005-10-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

joan allen
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

another celeb indeed, this time it's the absolutely wonderful, academy award nominated actress Joan Allen! -after a Q&A at SVA she was ready to dodge but I couldn't allow her to just get away! -so I... well you'll see. Click here to watch

precipice

2005-09-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

precipice
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

"...I am on the edge, and that's where it happens." -Pi, dir. Darren Aronofsky

I've been emotionally and artistically pushed onto an edge where the rest of the world seems so distant, but I just might be reaching the point of creative impact. Perhaps I needed to be pushed to an emotional and creative hell before I could pull myself out. This is only the beginning. ::"Mílanó" by Sigur Rós::

--thanks Jan for pushing me tell the world to go screw itself. Click here to watch

Close Encounters I -meeting Matthew Modine -part 2

2005-09-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

MattModine2
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so continuing from part 1 of meeting Matthew Modine; more funny stories about Kubrick, plus the part where I actually meet the guy and he signs my copy of his latest book FULL METAL JACKET DIARIES -in book stores this October. Click here to watch

Close Encounters I -meeting Matthew Modine -part 1

2005-09-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

MattModine1
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

it was 2am on a tuesday that I just happened to read that Matthew Modine was speaking at the apple store in soho on FULL METAL JACKET for new york's Independent Film Week. so I went - of course. (of or relating to Kubrick means I'm there). so this first part is a collection of several humourous and insightful stories of working with my idol, Stanley KUBRICK.Click here to watch

like a lost clownfish (blind)

2005-09-17T16:56:00.001-07:00

blind
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

of course I am in love with NYC, however in art school when one demands creativity and commands art, it seems to erase the intuition that I believe is at the core of creation. I'm not trying to degrade my wonderful college, but for me, I am seem to be at a loss of in-class creativity. ::"Sæglópur" by Sigur Rós:: Click here to watch>

Sigur Rós

2005-09-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

ticket
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

THAT'S RIGHT! I saw one of my all time favorite bands -Sigur Rós LIVE in concert on monday and it was like God was on stage. and be sure to check out their latest album Takk... available in stores now - it will leave you breathless.

I don't want to leave 2046

2005-09-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

2046
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

now I've heard a lot of talk about how the new Wong Kar Wai film, 2046 is just repeating its predecessor, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE and that IN THE MOOD... far exceeds his latest. -WRONG! -I couldn't even breathe coming out of this film. Wong Kar Wai is not repeating but evolving himself and 2046 is a film that should not be looked over by any means whatsoever. It is a film about emotional repression, the naivety of love and personal growth - certainly one of my most memorable movie-going experiences to date.

VERDI HAS DONE IT AGAIN

2005-09-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

thief
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

okay - so even though everyone knows and loves Verdi and his vlogs, but for those who for some reason haven't seen his latest - GO NOW -NOTHING ELSE MATTERS FOR THE NEXT FEW MINUTES -GO WATCH THIS VLOG. Click here to watch

3am

2005-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

3am
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so when driving cross-country it's always story time and my mother happened to mention an incident of her bragging ignorantly about videoblogging and I couldn't resist letting vlogsphere here how she's spreading the word about us. Click here to watch

NEW YORK FUCKIN CITY (consternation)

2005-08-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

consternation
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I have finally arrived! there is much worry and excitement in my blood artisically and academically, but the students I have met could not be more welcoming. ::"tarnation" by max avery lichtenstein; "baby captain" by xiu xiu:: Click here to watch>

feliz cumpleanos (nostalgia)

2005-08-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

nostalgia
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

It was my mother's birthday today and I was clueless on gift ideas so I made a video for her. It may seem kind of cheesy or even ineffective unless you're her, but she's having some difficulties about letting me go off into the world, so this video is for her to remember me and know that I can only grow. ::"transatlantacism" by death cab for the cutie:: Click here to watch

returning to abscond (ecotone)

2005-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

ecotoneMOV
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I'm feeling somewhat conflicted only 2 weeks before I leave for NYC. I despise this lingering anticipation which just leaves me in between two overlapping worlds, (SA/NYC). ::"The Day the Whole World Went Away" by Nine Inch Nails:: Click here to watch

me and you and everyvlogger we know

2005-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

miranda july
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

okay, so I'm in between computers so I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like to, BUT - I just saw the directorial debut by performance artist Miranda July, ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW and it's the best film I've seen all year!!
Almost in the daring and unconventional spirit of Todd Solondz, director Miranda July poignantly exposes all of our insecurities, fears, flaws, hopes and natural demand for human connection.
Winner at every imaginable film festival, ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW should be put at the top of everyone's cinematic must-see list.

))<>(( forever.

l'avventura (Euro-series XI-final)

2005-07-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

lavventura
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so here's a final collection of video and still photos - and again, the video is shot with a still camera so excuse the mild pixelation. Click here to watch

cafe de paris (Euro-series X)

2005-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

cafe
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

wine and coffee at the cafe is so habitual in Paris that no one seems to notice the voyueristic camera. Click here to watch

eiffel (Euro-series IX)

2005-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

eiffeltower
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

there's nothing more thrilling than elevating to the top of the Eiffel tower! Click here to watch

soundz (Euro-series VIII)

2005-07-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

soundtrack
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I couldn't help being drawn to all the vagrant musicians on the street, so here's a healthy taste of a few. Click here to watach

flamenco (Euro-series VII)

2005-07-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

flemenco
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so in Barcelona, before drinks at club Fellini, there was an awesome flamenco show that made some abnoxious American shout "whoa they're tearin' it up!" Click here to watch

baptistry de Pisa (Euro-series VI)

2005-07-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

baptistry
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

in Pisa, everyone rushes to photograph the infamous leaning tower, but I went to this baptistry that has some killer acoustics. Click here to watch

dreamer (Euro-series V)

2005-07-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

dreamer
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

while entering Carcasone, I was struck when I heard this street musician performing Jeff Buckley's "Lover, You should have come over" with such strong fervence. Click here to watch

band of outsiders (Euro-series IV)

2005-07-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

bande
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I traveled to Europe alongside two very good friends of mine, Kevin and Sarah. Two young guys and a girl between them, and throughout Europe their spontaneous fervence is all that dominates - sounds like a sypnosis for a Godard film; and being the Nouvelle Vague nerd that I am, I made this video dedicated to Kevin and Sarah and to thank them for opening their minds alongside mine. ::"strange powers" by Magnetic Fields:: Click here to watch

boardwalk capades (Euro-series III)

2005-07-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

skaters
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so just when I almost believed my preconceived notion that all French people were assholes and just wanted to hurry up and get the hell out of France and back to Italy, I meet these two wannabe figure skaters that happily perform for probable American cameras. ::"music for 18 musicians section A" by Steve Reich:: Click here to watch

urban square (Euro-series II)

2005-07-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

barcelona
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

after an afternoon of hefty shopping in Barcelona, I vagrantly walked through the city square to see what the Spanish would impetuously offer to the camera. Click here to watch

bloodshot (Euro-series I)

2005-07-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

bloodshotvlog
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

indeed I have returned to the states and I feel like a different person. much of my habitual self has been altered. when I woke up in my bed for the first time in a month, my eyes were bloodshot and my skin felt new. but my world in America is now very much understood now that I have seen it from the outside. I of course am not trying to degrade the US at all, let's just say that one cannot see the world unless one has left it. stay tuned for more of the Euro-series. ::"Embrace" by Low:: Click here to watch

segue (hiatus)

2005-06-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

segue
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so as promised, this is my vlog that is my personal ode to all my high school companions, as I remember them during this segue of my life: graduation; Europe; NYC for college. This video is for my friends. ::"Breathe Me" by Sia:: Click here to watch
NOTE:THIS IS MY LAST VLOG UNTIL LATE JUNE BECAUSE I WILL BE IN EUROPE, BUT I WILL HAVE PLENTY OF VIDEO FOR ALL OF YOU WHEN I RETURN!

Saturated (the ultimate cream)

2005-05-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

cinderella man
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

So when I saw CRASH,

and thought that this is the best mainstream film I've seen in a while and probably the best film of the year, or at least the summer. WRONG. Then I saw PALINDROMES

and was consumed with gratitude that filmmakers like Todd Solondz are still experimenting; and that was one of the best films of the year, and that was as far as my cinematic interest would peak for the summer. WRONG AGAIN. I just saw the sneak preview of CINDERELLA MAN

and I left the theater exhausted and weak. No, not because the film was ridiculously tedious, but because I felt as if I was being punched around in addition to having my heart experience one of the most tumultuous cinematic rollercoasters ever. I had to sit down and breathe for about ten minutes after I saw the film just to allow my popcorn heart to nestle itself back in its place. I didn't feel a physical relief with my graduation, but I think Ron Howard gave me that catharsis I had been needing.
It's the best movie ever! (sofar) and I was saturated, not only from creaming myself to the point of needing new pants, but my face was like a spounge from the tears. Thank God for Ron Howard! But who knows, I might be singing a different tune after I see the much anticipated EROS,

which just came to my local theater.

iPod commercial (not my usual)

2005-05-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

iPod
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so while I was editing this other video that I will post later this week, I found this footage that I thought was just too amusing to pass up. this is my good friend Chris Diaz's rendition of his own iPod commercial on our last day of English 4APdual ...and this is what happens. ::"Jerk it out" by the Caesers:: Click here to watch

ephemeral immutability

2005-05-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

immutable
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

as a young American, my emotions are everywhere and somewhat transient, but before I abscond to NYC, I'm thinking I should tame that constant changing of moods. It's probably because I have been reared around middle-aged woman and the rhythm of menapausal mood-swings rubbed off. I'm going to have to practice mind over matter. ::"Beside You In Time" by Nine Inch Nails:: Click here to watch

breathe

2005-05-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

drowning
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

remember when I made 14:59 and I felt like crap because I felt rejected for not being part of a film that I really wanted to? well I feel like it's being rubbed in my face every day I'm at that media studio and being the obsessive film geek I am, I am actually experiencing physical pain every time I'm reminded I have not attained the goal I wanted so much for too long. ::"Right Where It Belongs" by Nine Inch Nails:: Click here to watch

I (heart) NIN -another teen moment

2005-05-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

with_teeth
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I am so loving the new NIN album WITH TEETH!!! -and I'm still dying over the fact that I didn't get tickets to their sold-out concert!! but I have been on a loop with it since Tuesday and the loop continues. THANK GOD FOR TRENT REZNOR!!! ...ending teenage moment.

sobrino (nephew)

2005-05-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

nephew
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I was staying with my sister for a while and I couldn't help filming my adorable nephew, Tate (whom I've nicknamed "little man tate"). And because I'm going to be leaving for college soon, I won't be seeing him as much I'd like to, so I made this video as sort of a love letter for my hopes para mi sobrino (for my nephew). Click here to watch

TRANSPARENT (the extended cut)

2005-04-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

transstill
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

"I become a transparent eyeball; I am nothing. I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
okay, remember that film I was tweaking a while back? well it's done but I don't have the original score I was hoping for (yet). But I am showing it for a school presentation on 4/30/05 and I promised all of you in the vlogsphere that I would post it here. It's an enigmatic film about the details in life that awaken personal revelations, (inspired by the Emerson poem "The Transparent Eyeball"). So here it is. FINALLY! ::"Untitled 1" by Sigur Ros:: Click here to watch

Vlogger Fairy Tale

2005-04-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

tale
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

As if we all haven't been stressing the infinite possibilities of video blogging, I have found a story that shows its awesome power.
::: vlogger Modernsingledad posted a video with his son, Jordan, crying for his mother (who left their family apparently) and another vlogger, Amanda, posted a video in response to it, consoling Jordan that there are people out there (on the net) that care about him and are watching; encouraging him to make more videos to express himself because we (in the vlogsphere) care. Modernsingledad had Jordan respond with his spirits lifted and now he is preparing his own vlog! OH THE POWER OF VLOGGING!!!

check out the videos: Jordan's initial cry

Amanda's response

Jordan's reply

--all available on http://www.modernsingledad.com

Woody Resurrected

2005-04-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

melinda
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I just saw the new Woody Allen film, MELINDA AND MELINDA and it's the best WA film since HANNAH AND HER SISTERS!! Will Farrell gives a fantastic performance that is unlike his usual moronic characters. Come to think of it, if this film were made a couple of decades ago, I guarantee that Allen would have played Farrell's role. However, the film is wonderfully comical and clever with Allen's usual wit and one-liners that still prove he's got it.

14:59

2005-04-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

14.59
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

BEFORE YOU WATCH - know that the media group that I am a part of is making a film this summer that I really really wanted to direct but I'm going to be in Europe for a couple of weeks and they don't want to compromise their schedules - so just when I felt that my filmmaking life was going okay for a teen- I get rejected - so I felt like shit - like I already had my 15 minutes without the fame. ::"Untitled 8" by Sigur Ros:: Click here to watch

DON'T ABANDON THIS VLOG!

2005-04-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

okay - so I'm tweaking a film for a school presentation this week and maybe next week -so I can't post a vlog this week - BUT DON'T LEAVE! I'm aching for more viewers! (it could be that I'm just comparing my comments and feedburners to vlog celebs like Michael Verdi and Ryanne Hodson) so please return soon!

lover

2005-04-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Picture 2
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so I'm home for one day and everything that's on tv is some bullshit pseudo-romantic crap that obligates everyone to feel like shit longing to be in some obsequious relationship. tsk tsk. Click here to watch

plague

2005-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Picture 1
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

maybe it's because I'm a teenager or maybe it's because I'm just a walking cliche, but it's like my mind is a burden from all the worrying I do, like Little Man Tate, but I'm 12yrs older than he was. Click here to watch

crash

2005-03-31T12:58:00.001-08:00

crash video
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so after I got side-swiped on the highway and had my first sort-of accident, I was freakin out and decided to channel my frazzled self into a therapeutic vlog. oh and by the way - the voice says "CRASH," not "crap." ::"A Warm Place" by Nine Inch Nails :: "Safe as Milk" by Hopewell:: Click here to watch

side swipe

2005-03-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

so Saturday Transparent (vol.1) showed at the Alamo Drafthouse part of the Short Ends Project film fest - I left early because after the first two I couldn't take anymore bad shorts and then I got side swiped on the highway -OUCH -there goes my mirror! accompanied with staccato dents on my car -my first sort-of accident- everybody has their first and mine is over- I was FREAKIN OUT but then I got inspired for another vlog! -it was such an Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu experience where one is liberated from tragedy - okay I'm imbelishing but anyway, check back here soon for my CRASH vlog.

catharsis

2005-03-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

catharsis
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

I love taking those cathartic showers -like Marion Crane (without getting murdered by Norman Bates). ::"starfuckers inc. (remix)" by Nine Inch Nails:: Click here to watch

mi Mar Adentro

2005-03-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

The Sea Inside
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

CREAM! - I just saw the new Alejandro Amenabar film, MAR ADENTRO or THE SEA INSIDE and it's the best movie ever!!! (of this week). I cried like 4 times and I couldn't let go of the illuminating power of the film. Javier Bardem gives an outstanding performance; beautifully shot!; Amenabar's triumphant music -and that lanscape/seascape flying sequence!!! - I needed a new pair of pants after watching it because I creamed all over mine!
winner of the oscar/indie spirit/golden globe for best foreign film - and well deserved.

extended cut

2005-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

transparent (extended cut)
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

whew! - so I've spent about 25hrs in the past week editing the extended cut of TRANSPARENT (all 14mins of it)- it's on its way to score artist prodigies Nicholas Thacker and Josh White for it to premire at the end of April. (it will be posted here mid-April)

teenage moment

2005-03-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

trent-4
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

MY LIFE IS OVER!!!
I did not make it in time to get tickets to go see the greatest deity of music TRENT REZNOR of NINE INCH NAILS and I believe this is his last tour - I will now die without ever seeing NIN live! and even though I feel like such an overdramatic, pathetic teen saying this but it is as if MY LIFE IS OVER!

self

2005-03-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

self
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

so the other night I felt like shit and if Sylvia Plath can make art out of her misery and self-doubt, dammit so can I! ::"the frail" by Nine Inch Nails:: Click here to watch

praise preceedes profanity (raging oscar)

2005-02-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

raging oscar
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

check out my vlog with my thoughts on the 77th annual academy awards and my pontifical angst against the AMPAS for not giving Scorsese the oscar ...again! Click here to watch

Cream and a half!

2005-02-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

koyaanisqatsiStill
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

thank god for sundance channel. I just saw the most remarkable film ever! (aside from TARNATION) [note:"...ever!" is subject to change by the week] called KOYAANISQATSI, part of Godfrey Reggio's QATSI trilogy about the modern habitat for human beings; done just the way I like my movies: no dialogue or story but images. I invite you all to come and basque in the warm glow of the TV screen as we all watch and discuss KOYAANISQATSI!!! (best movie ever! ...for this week) check it out at: http://www.koyaanisqatsi.org/films/koyaanisqatsi.php

trans1

2005-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

trans1
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

still from my film TRANSPARENT -about the influences that govern the choices we make (takes a few minutes to download ...but sooo worth it)Transparent (vol.1) music by Sigur Ros Click here to watch

ValenTired

2005-02-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

ANSWER ME THIS - why is it that people actually waste their time attempting to commit to one another only to have it tested annually? WTF -i'm not going to point out the obvious cliche that valentine's day is created by hallmark and that it's stupid because we already know that. BUT if we already know that why does one continue to go through with such a tiresome ordeal?
dating=sex.
marriage=sex.
romance=sex.
NO---
sex=sex. if one really gave a shit about another person the last thing they would do is date him/her or marry him/her. why does one feel that it is necessary to have the ridiculous verbal agreement that we're "together" -he's my "boyfriend" ;she's my "girlfriend"?? -all such an agreement does is start the test of stress levels where a girl constantly asks herself "does he still like me?; does he love me?; does he STILL love me?; where is this going?; does he like her more than me? - and have the unsatisfied male asking himself "when are we gonna fuck?; who's that guy talking to her?; do i have to go to that chick movie?" - minds conform to one another and flirtation quickly evolves into arguments and silence. WHY WOULD ONE WANT SUCH A THING?
all of which would be avoided if a knowingly transient agreement was not made. what happened to simple FRIENDSHIP? that's right-friendship -an entity that does not require a damn thing except acceptance and presence. where one does not find themselves becoming what he/she despises. you do not need a relationship and all the stress that accompanies it, to have sex. there are MANY other ways to satisfy that.
---so on this Valentine's Day -DUMP YOUR LOVE AND GET A LOVER.

censorship

2005-02-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

censorshipstill
Originally uploaded by symbiopsychotaxiplasm.

dante has a circle in hell for jack velenti! Click here to watch