Creative Ashes » Blog

Between The Folds

Chip Cain — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:00:33 +0000

Those who follow my haphazard blogging should know my fascination with paper. Recently I streamed a documentary through Netflix. Between The Folds is a documentary about origami. Simple enough you might say, but not really. As with most things I see that are creative I am always amazed at the workings of we humans. Here is the trailer for the documentary: I strongly urge you to watch the full documentary if possible.

It’s A Book . . .

Chip Cain — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:47:26 +0000

Although this short 1 minute video is a promo for a book it’s embedded truth is worth sharing.

Snow in Wellington New Zealand

Chip Cain — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:11:04 +0000

Apparently it almost never snows in Wellington and someone had the foresight to capture the moment by focusing on the people’s faces as they took in this special event. For those of us who see snow more often, like myself, it helps to reignite the wonder of seeing snow for the first time. Thank you Roy Tierny!

Yes, Spring Is Here

Chip Cain — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:19:54 +0000

I know for many of us spring feels so far away. The gardens are still brown and the although the air is not biting it certainly is not warm. Not even warm enough to feel like stepping outside to work in the gardens. No, Spring doesn’t feel like it’s here. But feelings are subjective. We all know Spring, according to the passing pages in our calender, is here. Last Sunday a friend of mine gave me a bag full of hellebores to plant. For a week they say in the back since every time I thought about going outside I would get the shivers. Well today, a day colder than yesterday when I should have gone out, I mustered up the courage to go outside and plant these wonderful plants.

If you don’t know, they stay green all year, even through Pennsylvania winters which is where I live. I had a few already planted. also given to me by my friend, that were an encouragement to me as they reach up beyond the snow letting me know not everything is dead or in hibernation. Well back to my going outside when I thought it was too cold to go outside. First I found the fresh air invigorating, then the work of digging the needed holes, warming, and the completion of the job satisfying to no end. It was like getting the jump on spring. so I also planted onions, which should have been done a couple of weeks ago. And that felt good too. Now I am looking around for the next thing. I have a lot of next things and they may finaly get done.

The main point of all this is for me to encourage you to go outside. Take a walk if you have no gardens to work in or donated plants to plant. but by all means go out!

This Is Where We Live

Chip Cain — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:10:59 +0000

It’s been a while since I posted anything to do with paper. I guess I am long overdue. This is as much a celebration of a book publisher (another form of paper art that I enjoy) as it is a marvel in stop motion video, but with paper. Enjoy.

This Is Where We Live, posted with vodpod

And As If The Rain

Chip Cain — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:38:39 +0000

Occasionally I rummage around my favorites saved in my browser: today was one of those times. Rummage might not be exactly the case since I was specifically clicking on links to people I know. This is a video I hadn’t yet seen from a friend who’s presence and influence in the church we shared I miss. At the same time I am sure his presence and influence are greatly enjoyed where he fellowships now. I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I do.

The Candy Shop

Chip Cain — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 03:23:58 +0000

I ran across this while looking for something altogether unrelated but could not, not show this.

The candy Shop, posted with vodpod

What’s Your Body Image

Chip Cain — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:16:59 +0000

We want many things for ourselves, new music, new cars and new houses, but often we also wish for new bodies; or at the very least changed bodies. Recently I came across some videos related to this issue. They appeared reminiscent of the 50 People One Question videos; some of which I have posted here previously. It didn’t take long to find that they are indeed from the Crush + Lovely crew. I am posting three videos related to The Body Image Project. The first one introduces the project and is followed by two I found particularly interesting. There are more, and you may want to find your own favorites. If there is one you like better feel free to let us know by leaving your comments and a link. If you’re comfortable enough feel free to share with us your own thoughts on body image.

Personally,I wonder what the percentage of people who are comfortable with their bodies versus those who are not: I suspect it’s low. If you believe we are created by God does that make a difference in how you view yourself? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Something Deeply Spiritual

Chip Cain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:37:10 +0000

There is something deeply spiritual about this video. Please watch the video before reading further.

There is something deeply spiritual about the feeling I get when watching this video, but that being said, I am not prepared to provide an explanation of what I am feeling. Mostly because I have no words that will describe either the feeling or why I believe it’s a spiritual feeling. What I can say is that “ it’s very cool!” Or I could use words like “Awesome” or “Spectacular” but if i did you wouldn’t understand the haunting I feel when it ends. Or the consideration that the drummer boy could be Jesus. Is that going too far? I think there are many many images within this video as to why it’s possible it is an allegory of the Christian story. Now if you’re not confused already or perhaps you just disagree let me add that the lead singer and leader of the band Sigur Rós is openly gay. To some that won’t mean a thing, but to others like myself it challenges the thought that this video is a Christian allegory. But even so I do. Perhaps “out of the mouth of babes . . . .” Or maybe, what was meant for evil (which I don’t believe) is used for good.

It’s possible I am rambling but that’s the kind of thoughts my mind races to whenever i watch this video, and I have watched it several times. And will several more times. I hope you will leave your own thoughts (if you can articulate them) in the comment section. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sometimes we have to pause . . .

Chip Cain — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:00:41 +0000

When you look at an abstract piece of art, what do you see? Perhaps seeing is the wrong approach and you think your feelings might be a better set of eyes. But I would suggest that your head and heart together would be a perfectly tuned set of eyes. Do not let the head think it has value alone and do not let your heart rule without consulting the head. Yes I realize this is not said in the video but the truth is there within it.

Do not discard art too quickly. Or each other.