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The Design Inspirationalist

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The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: brooklyn

Color in Films: Requiem for a Dream

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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addiction, beach, brooklyn, Clint Mansell, color palette, Coney Island, dark, Darren Aronofsky, drugs, fall, films, Hubert Selby Jr, hues, light, love, nature, obsession, photography, pills, requiem for a dream, seasons, shock therapy, split screen, summer, time lapse, tones, winter

Requiem for a Dream is in my top 5 favorite films of all time. I know it may not be the happiest of films but the story really got to me. Not to mention, the genius filmaking from director Darren Aronofsky. Debuting in 2000, the film captures the true essence of addiction and how it can destroy your life. I must admit there are scenes that are hard to watch but the thrilling anxiety and sadness one feels from watching each character fall apart just makes you want to see what is next. Sad but true.

The film takes place in Coney Island and focuses on four characters, Sara and her son Harry, Harry’s girlfriend Marion, and their friend Tyrone. Each of them have a dream but their personal additions and obsessiveness gets in the way and takes them down the wrong path. From drugs and prostitution to weight loss and shock therapy, the story unfolds as each character falls deeper into the hole they created, taking you on a ride of misery and beauty all at once.

Written by Aronofsky and Hubert Selby Jr., and based off of Selby’s original book, this film will take you on a ride filled with emotion and discomfort. The cinematic artistry with its various split screens, in your face close ups, and time lapse photography, helps to bring the viewer in on a personal level. You feel like you know the characters and even though your heart goes out to them, your ability to empathize slowly fades. Eventually, everything falls apart in the end.

With an amazing and talented cast, Requiem will surely throw you for a loop. The soundtrack by Clint Mansell is beautiful and haunting, one the best I have heard. The color palette is a combination of natural hues taken from the three seasons shown in the film, summer, fall, and winter, while darker, more deep tones exhibit the intense scenes. Darkness and light come into play a great deal as shadows embark each character throughout the film. This is surely a piece of work that will stand the test of time.

Color in Films- Requiem for a Dream

Inspiration Photo Friday: Suburbia

18 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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Tags

american dream, brooklyn, earth, family, long island, nature, new jersey, new york, parks, peace, queens, quiet, suburbia, trees

Growing up in New Jersey, I was surrounded by trees, grass, parks and not much industrial exposure. What we all call Suburbia. Coming from Brooklyn, there was a very big difference in the environment. I really did love it though. I am a nature girl at heart so to be surrounded by the suburban backdrop made me happy. I also stayed with Aunt in Long Island almost every summer so that only enhanced my love for this type of atmosphere.

Now, this is not to say I didn’t like the city. Having family in Queens and Brooklyn and hanging out in NYC as a teen kept it alive for sure. But as I got older, my love grew more for the open spaces and cleaner air. The city like areas just felt congested, stuffy and loud. There is a special peace suburbia has to offer and its something I fell in love with more and more. What people call the American Dream, was very much on my mind. The house, the yard, having a family of my own, I would certainly make it happen one day. I am glad to say I did.

This photo was taken in a park on the island a few years ago while working for Patch. I think the parks here are gorgeous and most have so much to offer. As I looked up from where I was standing, it seemed so picturesque. Suburbia at its best. I captured the moment and to this day, I love this shot. In a way it feels like a painting to me, surreal and beautiful. The path so inviting, the trees so lush.

I am happy I placed my family and I in a space where I feel at home. I would never feel comfortable in a city like environment and am grateful I can live where my heart truly lies. I now have my peace and quiet. It’s funny to think about how I dreamed of living in Brooklyn or Queens when I was younger when I wouldn’t even consider it today. I guess that’s what happens when people grow up and change. Even though the one thing that has never changed is my love for the Earth. And now I can experience it everyday in my own backyard.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Suburbia - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Pastime Loves

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Shopping

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80s, 90s, animals, Anne of Green Gables, Annie, arts, back in the day, bmx, brooklyn, cartoons, children, Christian Slater, christmas, dancing, dolls, eclectic, Gleaming the Cube, growing up, He-man, jem, kids, Liquid Television, Mister Softee, Monchhichis, Pinterest, prince edward island, Puff the Magic Dragon, Ren and Stimpy, she-ra, singing, Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake, Sylvanian Families, The Legend of Billie Jean, toys

When I think of the good old days, I remember all the toys and games I loved as a kid. Times were different back then. Growing up in the 80s and becoming a teen in the 90s, I can say that stuff back then was so much cooler. Not to mention, designed better. I see all the toys, dolls and games made for kids today and they just don’t compare. Because of this, I promise to share the best with my kids and make sure they know what cool really is.

Because I have so much love for many things in my past, I created a Pinterest board to collect all of these memorable favorites. From toys and dolls to awesome films, I continue to collect the best of the best. Here, I share some of these goodies with you guys and maybe, if you are part of my generation, it will take you back to the good old days too. And since the holidays are knocking at our door, there is no better time than now to share them with your children.

Mister Softee takes me back to Brooklyn, where I as born. I lived there till I was about 5 or so and one thing I remember so well is hearing Mister Softee down the block. It would get me so excited! I would jump up and down and run out to his truck for ice cream. And it always was the same, soft vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. To this day, I still get excited to hear his tune and its still the best ice cream out there. I love you Mister Softee!
Pastime Loves

As a child, I was always into the arts. Dancing, singing and drawing were major loves and entertaining everyone with my talents was so much fun. It was no surprise I would love Jem. What girl didn’t? She rocked!
Pastime Loves

The toys and dolls for girls back in the day were so rad. However, I will always have a place in my heart for Strawberry Shortcake. From all the characters to the beautiful little world they all lived in, this was one I couldn’t resist. I hate how the company recreated their look because it just isnt the same. The original is always better.
Pastime Loves

Oh, how I loved Sylvanian Families. Since I have always adored animals, how can I not want to play with all these wonderful and sweet characters. All kinds of animals were introduced from dogs and cats to bunnies and lambs. I used to have the little log house and various dolls. It was so much fun to play in animals heavan.
Pastime Loves

Monchhichis! That’s all I have to say about that.
Pastime Loves

Was there anyone who didn’t like the Smurfs? I had the toys, I watched the cartoon and even ate the cereal. Smurf’s rule!
Pastime Loves

When my mother got remarried, I moved to Elizabeth, NJ. My father in law had 3 sons so you can imagine how happy I was to have brothers. Although I played with girl toys, I did love the boy toys as well. They always have cool shit! The one thing my brothers and I could play with together was He-Man and She-Ra. I loved this so much. I always thought She-Ra was a bad ass.
Pastime Loves

The first time I saw Puff the Magic Dragon, I was in love. What a unique and awesome story. I guess it’s no surprise I grew up into a pot head, haha. I will always have love for Puff. I can’t wait to show my kids this film. Just the music alone is incredible.
Pastime Loves

Oh my God, did I love Annie. I even had the Annie mansion with all the dolls and little details. The movie just made me want to sing more!
Pastime Loves

As I got older, I appreciated the eclectic, weird and unique. Nothing says this more than Ren and Stimpy. It explored a different dimension of comedy and animation and I loved every minute of it. You can bet I was a big fan of Liquid Television as well.
Pastime Loves

And how could I forgot about Anne of Green Gables. Anne will always have a place in my heart. I used to watch it with my cousin Diana and we will both never forget sitting in front of the tv watching Anne’s stories unfold. I was so lucky to have visited Prince Edward Island this past October for our honeymoon. I saw everything Anne I could see!
Pastime Loves

I am sure many people out there loved Christian Slater. Not only did I love him, I bowed down to one of his best films ever, Gleaming the Cube. I was in awe of the art of skating and bmxing after watching it. So much that I even asked for a bmx bike for Christmas that year so I could start practicing my tricks. Well, I still have that wish. It turns out I never got the bike and so didn’t get the chance to be a famous bmx rider. Instead, my mother bought me a Sea Princess bike that was pink and purple with seashells painted all over it, haha. I just couldn’t win.
Pastime Loves

Another film that really inspired me was The Legend of Billie Jean. I loved how she took a stand and didn’t give up. The story of my teen years for sure.
Pastime Loves

There are many more things I adore from my past and you can check some of them out on my Pinterest board, which I am always updating with more faves.

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

01 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Shop of the Month

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artists, brooklyn, designers, garden, gifts, jewelry, ladybug house, new york, pillow, servingware, shopping, uncommon goods, unique gifts

Based in New York, Uncommon Goods is a unique shop that carries various items which are creatively designed. I love how most of the items are by artists and designers and are beautifully constructed as well as affordable. You can find the coolest things in this shop but I warn you, you will want to buy tons!

This year they redesigned their website so its easier and more fun to navigate. I have gotten plenty of gifts for friends and family as well as myself and I recommend you check it out. Their catalogs are impressively designed too. From jewelry to home items, Uncommon Goods offers a wide range of different products. Here are some of my favorites.

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

Shop of the Month: Uncommon Goods

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