Narrative #5

Jessica Lantos
Narrative 5



I awkwardly stood there as they handed the check to, unknowingly, thw wrong person. I flashed the crowd my million dollar smile and strut offstage thinking to myself, what in the world drove me to go so far for this?

A Week Earlier

Today was one day of the thousands of days in my life. The top was down to my brand, spackin’ new convertible and I let the wind swoosh through my long blonde curls. My grin grew wider when my eyes spotted the sign two-and-a-half miles to Atlanta! I let my night before run through my mind once more to give me courage to actually go through with the audition.
My mother stood on the front of the patio and watched me play with Dexter, my precious poodle.
“What’s the matter, mum?”
She flashed the pink envelope, “Pack your bags, Jamie! I got you into the biggest beauty pageant in the U.S. You’re going to have to drive down to Atlanta tomorrow morning! I’ll meet you there after my meeting darling! Fabulous!”
My eyes welled up with tears and I hugged my mom before going upstairs to pack.

And now here I was, in front of the biggest opportunity of my life. Tyra Banks walked out the front door with her posse close behind. She greeted me and declared me the first contestant here! I couldn’t believe she was going to be one of my judges. I took my chanel glasses off and stuck them on my head to make sure this was all real! Then when Tyra commented on how pretty I was, I knew this had to be a dream. I couldn’t wait for the other girls to show up so I could meet my competition. But it was okay, they wouldn’t intimidate me! Oh no, I was determined to win the 100,000 prize and modeling contract.



I was always the small girl in that small town of Vexington, Colorado. But today was my turn to be the big shot! I couldn’t let anyone get in my way. Especially I knew I had to when I parked my old Bronco in a field of Mustangs and Lamborgunis. I knew this wouldn’t be easy, but I worked hard for this opportunity, unlike the others whore rich mum’s and dad’s probally bought their way in.
I gravitated to the crowd of long legs, high heels, strong perfume, and perfect hair. I thought, what in the world do they have that I don’t besides the bling-bling?
“Hello, you must be Emily,” Tyra smiled towards me. I casually smirked back.
“Alright our last contestant is here. Follow me to the dressing rooms where you will get changed in tomorrow for your first stage of competition girlys!”
Fake giggles and boobs bounced their way behind Tyra, and as I marched behind, I could already feel left out because I didn’t have that signature fake personality that I knew would be so popular here. I could try and fake it, or be myself. But I continued to stay behind the whole tour.
“Now that you girls have seen the place it is time to get some rest. You are going to have a hard week ahead of you,” Tyra warned us.
The next few days were the worst of my life. I could hear the whispers from all the girls saying things such as, “How did she get here?” and “Who let the rat out of the sewer.” It was horrible, and I couldn’t help but think I knew they were fake. There was one in particular that I just couldn’t wait to knock off the competition. Her name was Jamie and I could tell she was Tyra’s favorite. What would it take to beat her? I would have to make up a genius plan. The girls just left for the bars and clubs without me but I don’t mind, because tonight I can make a plot to win this competition once and for all.

Goodbye mum, dad, and loved ones,
I don’t know how I can live like this anymore. It wasn’t an accident. None of it was. It was, in my mind, the perfect plot. I just wanted to win the competition so badly, and I felt like I had no chance against her. I had been taunted and teased the whole week and I just couldn’t fit in and it felt like the end of the world to me. I just wanted to win the competition so badly, and I felt like I had no chance against her. Now I know what the end of the world truly feels like. The girls went to the bars and I followed them in my car. As soon as I was sure they were drunk, I started to let them cross the road and with Jamie as my target, sped forward. I’m so so sorry for the pain I have caused this world but none of the sorry’s will heal this wounded soul. I don’t deserve your forgivness.
Signed,
Emily

Narrative #3

Narrative #3

It was the greatest gift in the world! Her hands gripped the bright, shiny handle bars of her new Schwinn. It was another step up from her old, rusty tricycle. When it was brought out with the big red bow on it, she got the biggest smile on her young, carefree face.
As she climbed on, a big gust of wind blew through her thick curly hair. The young, high voice screeched out with a happy shout as she sped down the long, gravel driveway. Untied and frayed, her shoelaces bounced against the side of the riding device. The dark, deep opening in the gravel was coming up faster than she expected. As I saw her hit it, I instinctively reached out as if I could stop it, but I saw the bike’s tires fly and in mid-air, she fell off. Mother’s instinct kicked in again and I sprinted to help my beautiful, baby Kit to her feet.
“Mommy, I’m ok! Lemme try again! I am sure I’ll get it,” she said in her angelic tone.
“Ok, sweetie. But let me clean up this scrape up first though.”
“Mmmmmmooooooom,” she moaned as if she turned from 5 to 15 in a matter of seconds.
As she got back on, I frowned at the few scratches already painted across the birthday present. But I looked up and I couldn’t help but smile when all I saw in my daughter’s eyes was determination and a wide grin stretched across her rosy race.
The bike wobbled and swayed, but I helped her find her center of gravity and off she went! Her little legs meshed down on the shiny metal pedals and I saw in her face the joy of freedom.
“Mommy, I’m flying! Look mommy! I’m biking like a maniac!”
“I see, oh my goodness! You are quite a biker.”
She whizzed past the pothole and skidded to a stop at the end of the driveway.
Satisfied and accomplished she ran back up and into my arms.
“Thanks Mommy, you are the best! I couldn’t have done it without you!”
I wiped away the beads of sweat from her tomato-red face and smiled at my greatest gift in the world!

Community Proposal

Describe a situation in which you had to stay determined to succeed!

Self Portrait Poem

I am a babysitter
But I am a kid at heart

I love to cook
But I will never be a Chef

I am a swimmer
But I don't like wet hair

I love music
But I can't keep a beat

I am gullible
But I can catch a lie

I love summer
But I can't stand the heat

working on narratives

The protagonist is Kit and she is determined to learn to ride her bike. Her desire to ride like her older brother Mike and be as big and as cool as him is what drives her. She is afraid of failing and never being able to ride without her training wheels. She is also afraid of being made fun of!

“Her hands gripped the bright, shiny handle bars of his new Schwinn. It was another step up from her old, rusty tricycle. When it was brought out with the big red bow on it she got the biggest smile on her young, carefree face. As she climbed on, a big gust of wind blew through her thick curly hair. The young, high voice screeched out with a happy shout as she sped down the long, gravel driveway. Untied and frayed, her shoelaces bounced against the side of the riding device.”

Declaration

For my theme I chose determination. Determination is firmness of purpose or resolve. I believe the reason anyone succeeds is because of this simple theme. You may ask yourself sometimes, why am I doing this? What is the point? The way to turn that around is by staying determined and that is the only way you will ever reach your goals. Determination is such a broad theme and I was excited to weave it into my work. Also, this theme has a lot interesting art work to use and play with in my concept portfolio. When looking at pictures for my possible subjects, I found the one’s for determination much more interesting as well as superfluous.

Narrative #2

I let the book slip from my fingers and fall onto the nightstand beside me. Romeo and Juliet. Anyone who knew me could have guess this would be the way I prepare for the far most important day of my life. Cheesy, yes, but everyone needs a little cheesy in their life.
Sleep passed over me quickly, which was not as I expected, but as I wished. Maybe it way to dream something I wished for in reality. Or maybe it was to help my mind prepare for a possible nightmare tomorrow. It was another good preparation for tomorrow, anyways.
Refreshed, prepared I woke up in the morning on the right side of the bed, literally. The right side is where my cat’s food and water lay. My absent-minded self often lets me forget this when I swing my bare legs over the bed still in the daze of sleep.
I showered, lukewarm, just as I liked it. The Pantene pro-v was magically still in stock as well as my favorite Old Spice aftershave. And today I was blessed with no razor burn! I could feel today was going to be a goddamn good day.
For the hair, do I go gel or wax? That is the question!
And as for the perfectly modest shirt, striped or plain?
My thoughts were interrupted by the mood-changing chime of the doorbell. My heart raced rapidly as I stumbled and fumbled my way to the door and could hear a mumble from outside. I should’ve known, Chuck from postal service delivering the flowers. Where did I put those chill pills!?
I ran upstairs and finished my appearance preparations. I fumbled with the bow tie, and hey maybe it was a little much…but nothing screams “I’m determined!” more than a bowtie.
Yeah, not gonna lie, I worked with the charisma. “I am the man. Twenty and I still got it,” I told myself in the crystal clear mirror.
By the ringing of the doorbell twice, I knew it was actually time now. Slowly, cautiously I walked down the hall and turned into the stairs. Each step felt like Lars Olrich was beating an oversized drum inside of my body. Was that sweat on my temple? I don’t think my hands naturally shake this much. When I put my hand on the door for that one second, it felt like twelve hours and I noticed every detail on the door I never cared to notice before. I turned the crystal knob and quickly opened it. I didn’t plan it this way, but I could not hesitate a moment longer. I got on my knees and those four words spilled out.
“Meg, will you marry me?” I begged more than asked.
To describe that moment, it was like the Shot Heard Around the World was just fired to mark the start of the Revolutionary War. Well to me, it was The Question Heard Around the World to mark the possible start of a new life.
I knew today was my last chance, for tomorrow she left this small town of N-town for her internship in Australia but I wished to accompany her. I was determined to.
My best friend of 12 years, I could tell was baffled. Speechless, shocked, she came in and sat down in the chair in my kitchen where we once drew each other’s current favorite rock star. We never dated, and kissed only when dared by our friends, but I still knew she was the one. She was the only one that could put up with my geeky style for this long.
Finally, her pink, plump lips started to form words and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them.
“I am…”
I am determined to make this answer yes, I thought.
“Honey, you ready to go? The plane leaves in two hours…and we need time to…” a voice rang out from outsides. But not any other voice, my best friend Andy’s voice.
“I am engaged…I love you, I always have…but you’re my best friend and,” she paused as our best friend walked into my kitchen,” well you know Andy…from high school.”
“Hey Scott, good to see you pal! You’re invited to the wedding!” he chuckled, “it is going to be great. On the beaches of Australia…”
His voice faded away, like my dreams, and my heart might have well literally exploded out of my chest and into her hands.

Self Portraits

Jessica Lantos
Self-Portraits


1.
Rembrandt van Rijn Paul Gauguin
“Self-portrait as a Young Man” “Self Portrait Dedicated to Carriere”
Completed between 1629-31 Completed 1888 or 1889
Amsterdam Peru











Vincent Van Gogh Gregory Gillespie
“Self portrait 1889” "Life as Art: Paintings by Gregory Gillespie
Completed 1889 and Frances Cohen Gillespie"
Holand Completed 1977
New York









Kathe Kollwitz Pablo Picasso
“Self-portrait with Hand On Brow” “Self Portrait 1907”
Completed 1910 Completed 1907
East Prussia Czech Republic





Paul Cezanne
“Self Portrait with Rose Background”
Completed 1875
France













Susanna Coffey
“Self Portrait”
Completed 2002
America








Brett Gamache
“Self Portrait in civil war hat”
2003
America










2. The painting’s by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Gauguin all have the same view of the face with it slightly facing the right. Also, Gauguin and Rembrandt incorporate the same colors and their facial expressions are very similar. All three have darker colors that are rich and expressive of each painter’s originality.

3. I believe the strongest self portrait is Vincent Van Goghs. It is a very strong image of himself. The unique and colorful field is creative but does not take away from the main focus of himself. There is also a sharpness in the lines of the picture that is eye-catching.

4. An artist might choose to focus on self portraits to depict them selves as an individual. Whether they want to show how modest they are but exhibiting and exploring their flaws, or draw them in a way that makes them god-like and beautiful. Either way, they want to show what they think of themselves and how they want the world to view them. Apperance is the first thing people notice, but this way they can show people how they want people to view them.

My first narrative that I have had done for awhile but forgot to put up here finally up!

Jessica Lantos
Narrative

“Paddles!”
“Right here doctor!”
“Charging...clear!”
There was still no sign of life. I closed my eyes.
“Charging…clear!”
Steadily, the monitor started its beeping once again.
“We’ve got him back guys!”



One, two, three, four…

Today is the day, today is the perfect day. I knew no other racer could stand the hot, humid weather and that smoky scent of Boston that hung in the air. I on the other hand, didn’t mind. I mean how could I, growing up in such a fine city.

Five, Six, Seven, Eight…

Eight people I have passed, the gold medal is so near! The first placer I knew personally. Tricky, conniving, 16 year old Charles Winkum’s sweat poured down his body. I could spot his greasy mop head and small head on his oddly large body from miles away. His annual victories are coming to an end today. I can feel it in my veins, this year is different then any other year. I’m stronger, more prepared, and determined.

Joe, my best friend of 8 years, was leaning against the old rusty fence that keeps the rowdy spectators afar. Hearing my name shouted from Joe’s direction, made me crack a little grin, but I disappointingly searched the faces for the old, gray one but whose features slightly resembled my own. Year after year it was the same routine. Year after year I knew I wouldn’t see its warm, blue eyes contradicting its cold heart.

It did not matter anyways, anymore. I meshed hard down on the pedals and kept my focus on Winkum. I couldn’t let my thoughts wonder anymore, not when I was this close. I wanted this more than anything. It is hard for many people to understand how winning a bike race could mean so much, but look at it in the perspective of a kid wanting desert. He knows he will have to eat his veggies, but that warm chocolate cake is so rewarding, a kid will do anything for it.
I want this more than anything; I want this more than anything. I want this more than you; I want this more than you. I am strong, I am not weak. I am strong, I am not weak. Pain builds character, pain builds character.

Pain shot through my left arm, so I kept rethinking my last though. Pain builds character, pain builds...

“OW”

Its ok, its ok…keep going. I pulled something lifting earlier, that is all. I didn’t stretch. You are so close, don’t pussy out now stupid. Keep going.

I felt like I could hear my heart pounding inside my head, like it had jumped in there and was clawing to get out. Why can’t I see? Everything is so blurry, that is just how fast I am going. Oh my chest, something is squeezing it, crushing it. It won’t let me breathe. Blackness.




I dialed 911 but someone had already beaten me to it. I could hear the ambulances sad tune and see its lights flashing. I watched them separate him from the mangled bike. Bloody, bruised, broken they wheeled him into the ambulance and it sped away. I didn’t hesitate to jump in my car and follow it with my sad blue eyes.




“18 year old male athlete Mike Callahan with sudden heart attack and possible concussion. Fractured arm from impact into the tree. Fighting for his life at this point.”

“We need to stitch, and bandage his head STAT”



At his lowest points, and his high points of his life he always thought he was alone. I could never suck up my pride and let him know I was watching him. How could I? I walked out. But today I walked in next to his bedside. His eyes opened, like a newborn baby’s would. He eyed the room, but then his eyes settled on mine. I grasped his hand in mine; he held on, he always does.

The monitor’s started beeping rapidly and like a scene out of one of my soap’s, a mob of nurses flooded into the room and pushed me out. Our grasp loosened. I winked at him. It was a strange thing to do at that moment, but it came almost automatically. It is all my brain would let me do as I was shoved and tossed out of the room.

I watched from the window as the monitor flat lined. I felt it was me who should be in there. How could a father even consider outliving his son?

“Paddles!”
“Right here doctor!”
“Charging...clear!”
There was still no sign of life. I closed my eyes.
“Charging…clear!”
Steadily, the monitor started its beeping once again.
“We’ve got him back guys!”
I

“I did it,” I thought, “I stayed alive! Can I see my dad?”

Critique 2

Jessica Lantos
Critique 2
The water color painting “Determination” was created by a wonderful artist, Kenneth Gatewood. He grew up in LA with a large family, and memorable childhood. Gatewood works on positive images that reflects an evolution of continuous growth and is well known for his water color paintings. Also, he is praised for his “baby sport” paintings of infants as superstar athletes. His work “Determination” is unique and simple; simply spectacular. This painting contributes to youth at play, and determination to learn something new. The focal point of the young, innocent boy in his bare feet playing golf is very simple, but very deep. The field of a simple, washed out blue sky and green golf field are very appealing and original. The beautiful shades of blue and purple splashed on the page add to the bright piece. The soft texture in the different greens of the grass stands out. The sharpness of the outline of the boy shows his importance in the painting but then the softer colors of his skin and shirt show his innocence. His concentrated stance, but in a child like manner, shows the boys determination and growth, “Determination” by Kenneth Gatewood is an enjoyable, cute piece that ties together the simplicity of youth, and determination to grow and learn new things.

"Still-life" Critique

Jessica Lantos
“Still-Life” Critique

The acrylic painting “Still-Life” was one created Norton High School’s talented English teacher, Todd Kefor. He is well educated in fine art and enjoys painting and viewing paintings in various museums in his spare time. The composition consists of a medium size square canvas with dark images. Dark cylinder blocks and skeletons are centered in the middle, with a dirty wall that seems to lurk in the background. The content gives uneasy feelings because of the way it seems to be dealing with dark things, such as death because of the different kinds of skeletons. It is also gives off a mysterious feeling, as if it could be some sort of crime scene or a secret could be hidden in the chest on top of the cylinder block. The colors are very dark, such as the deep red, and warm. The field is very plain, dark and an eerie looking wall. The grainy, hard texture adds to the creepy feelings of this interesting painting. The subject of skeletons are not exaggerated at all or sugar coated, which adds to the realistic feel of the painting. The whole picture seems to create allegory of death, darkness, evil, and secrets. Just as all the themes in the picture work together, the harmony of the dark objects all mesh together along with the shades being very close in color and appealing to the eyes. The focal point of this piece is the large cylinders and skeletons all closely nestled together that seem to be sticking out at you because of their eeriness. A subtle narrative of this painting may be a mystery story or detective scene. It could also be symbolism for a story of secrets because of the chest, or hard times because of all the darkness. The only thing that could potentially make this a weak piece, was if the viewer were someone who doesn’t like dark, depressing settings.

Determination Critque

Jessica Lantos
Visual Critique


The photograph “Determination” is one of a determined dandelion holding onto its last seed. This photograph was taken by Larry Richardson who is well known for his fine art photography. He was born in Pennsylvania where he acquired a love for nature. He did not go through any formal art training but attended several seminars and workshops of notable nature photographers. This photograph contributes to nature but is a symbol of one’s will to not let go of something, such as a goal or a dre am.
The focal point is just the flower holding onto that last seed and the field is blurry. This strategy is very creative and really gets the focus on the flower’s point of determination across. By focusing on that flower and seed, is like someone focusing on their goal which makes this a really great photograph to get people thinking about their goals. The allegory of the dandelion is very strong and one that everyone knows and can easily be interpreted. The sharpness of the lines in the seeds white part is eye-catching and enjoyable to study and look at. Also, the straightforward composition of the subject that is centered and focused on is exquisite. The bright, naturey colors and shades of green are simple but striking and beautiful also. All in all, Larry Richardson’s simple but exquisite “Determination” photograph is professional and can be easily enjoyed by many.