Thanks Randy

I played at the 31st annual Groundhog Prom in Omaha last night. It is a costume/freakers ball that's a big annual event in Omaha. I was able to take pictures of the event thanks to my friend Randy, he gave me a new camera after hearing about the death of my Fuji. I love taking pictures and just capturing moments. Randy sayed the day just in time for my trip to Europe. You can bet I intend to take a bunch while there.

Record Collection

My latest audio work

Recently I was contacted by German artist Kommissar Hjuler (http://www.asylum-lunaticum.de/) to collaborate on a piece. Kommissar's visual work is fascinating and disturbing at the same time, and I have been told that some of my sound work has the same effect. I agreed to receive a cd-r of text spoken by the artist and his wife/artist Mamabaer to incorporate into a sound work. The audio is finished and I have uploaded it to my Soundclick player. The name of the piece is "Anticipation of the Generalized Other". Scroll through the titles on the player until you see it and have a listen. Kommissar Huler will release the collaboration in Germany on his label SHMF in a limited edition with original artwork made for each copy. I am also making the work available on cd-r with cover artwork by K. The two covers I have chosen to use are displayed above. If you are interested in purchasing a copy send me an e-mail. dvhiggins@cox.net

thoughts

Now that I have set up this blog I have become aware that I am very much a baby boomer. By that I mean that I am more guarded about my privacy than younger folks, like most people my age (mid-50's). I work with a lot of people young enough to be my children and have noted the ease they have about what they do and say online. I find myself thinking and perhaps overthinking what to say before I post. There are so many sides to one's personality, so many aspects to your true self, how deeply can one share his personal truths without fear of reprisal? For example, I am a respectful and accepting person but in reality hold back my thoughts on the way some people live out their religious beliefs. Primarily in regards to how those practices directly affect the quality of my life. I sometimes want to write and rant about it, express my anger. Even after just writing that much my mind is saying "don't get started now". I suppose the reason I self censor is that I know that people cannot help being who they are and my thoughts are merely that. Thoughts. Most of the time there would be no positive gain by engaging others with my opinion, especially if my opinion would likely create conflict or perception of something negative beyond my right to say what I'm thinking. And yet, my blog is my soapbox and here I want to get used to the idea that I can speak my mind, within reason of course. Besides, most likely the only person that reads these posts is myself and maybe my big sister.

Lovely Still clips

I recently got started working in film in the wardrobe department. Here are two clips from the first film I worked on, "Lovely, Still". It should be in theaters around Christmas time this year. I really learned a lot working with Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn.

Working in film

Tomorrow I go to North Sea Films to do some more work on the upcoming film Lovely Still. As much as I love this work (wardrobe) it still kind of freaks me out to think about. I recently watched the current cut of the movie with Nik (Fackler, the director and screenwriter) and the movie blows me away even as it is. I looked in wonderment at the culmination of my work along with the rest of the crew and it amazed me. Right now I'm deciding to get psyched up to do a good job rather than be concerned that I can get it right again.
That brings to mind the other films I've worked on, all yet to be released. April Showers will be out first and I am excited for the future of this movie, even with the economy being as it is. I look forward to people seeing it and realizing there is no exploitation going on here. I am very proud to have worked on this film. In case I need to say, the movie is based on true events that happened at Columbine.
I also worked as wardrobe assistant on an independent science fiction film called The Scientist. This was quite different from the other films with a very small cast. many days were spent with just the main actor, Bill Sage. I quite enjoyed this filmmaking experience as well. I think this movie will be released in Novemeber, Lovely Still close to Christmas time.

Last night's show

My band played at the Barley Street tavern last night. We were one of the opening acts. Although I broke a string and didn't feel real comfortable it was a very good night. It was real cool that people were already there when I arrived to setup. I tend to fret to myself about my music and whether or not it is relevant or passe. I know how the music makes me feel but I admit to deep codependency, a desire to be all right with everyone else. It is always so encouraging when people let you know that they feel the music. Many people let me know with sincerity last night. Paper Owls was the main act and they are quite good. Sometimes reminding me of Massive Attack and Portishead. I'm thrilled that the band asked us to play and look forward to more shows with them.