Il viaggio di vita

My film has been released!

2010-12-28T19:00:00.004-05:00

After screening this piece on the film festival circuit for the past few months, and taking home an accolade award, we have finally released Bay Rizz: The Man For You on the web. Check out the film short and the making of film below. For more information visit BayRizz.com

Rachele Richards, filmmaker.
Contact: rachel.lee.richards@gmail.com

New artwork for the new year

2010-03-03T13:37:00.007-05:00

2010 has been off to a lightening paced start. Three months in and I’m overwhelmed with news and new projects, so much so that it’s difficult to write about it. With everything going on it’s been a challenge to update my site and keep things moving here. In attempt to not let December roll around without a new post, I’ve mustered up some time to upload a few recent pieces.

Three new abstract illustrations

Locomotora en la meva ment

Musica Astratta

En vol

These new abstracts are permanently house on my site here: Abstracts
You can see better resolution images here: Doc Rocket on Flickr
Leave some comments and love on my Facebook page too!

Bay Rizz: The Rescue wins the Audience Choice Award at the Zero Film Festival!!

2009-12-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

Galapagos Art Space, DUMBO Brooklyn - The jury and audience award-winners of the 2009 Zero Film Festival were announced tonight at the Festival’s closing Awards Ceremony hosted by Rich Hooban, Steven Strauss and Joanna Lai - festival directors. In the audience choice category, Bay Rizz: The Rescue took home the award.

Festival director Rich Hooban presented the award saying, “Every time I see The Rescue I get something else out of it”. Filmmaker Mike Rizzo (aka Mayor Bay Rizz) excitedly accepted saying, “It’s an honor to have been selected in this festival and an even greater honor to win this award having screened amongst such brilliant films”. The Rescue’s audience popularity beat out Polar Bears and Signal from Shore, the winner in Zero’s Los Angeles festival. Both are great films and taking a lead over them is truly something to write home about.

The Zero Film Festival is a unique showcase as it only accepts entries from filmmakers who do

not receive studio backing or funding. Their mission is clear, “Zero Film Festival is dedicated to screening self financed films from filmmakers all over the world. In the age where the majority of festivals are Hollywood marketing campaigns, and even "indie" and "underground" festivals screen financed films, we are here to offer something different. We recognize authentically independent films and filmmakers who take risks and fight the odds to see their visions through.”

I had an opportunity to talk with Mike Rizzo after the ceremony. He was so pleased with his award. “Winning audience choice in a festival like this holds a lot of weight. I guess it’s the recognition of the fact that all of us here made these films out of passion and love for our art. It’s a huge risk to keep swiping that credit card, one that I couldn’t be happier for taking on a night like this!”

Major Kudos to the awesome people at Zero. They get an A+ for supporting Independent filmmakers & giving them a platform to launch their art. And congratulations to Mike Rizzo and the entire cast and crew of Bay Rizz: The Rescue! Keep following your dreams, keep creating films...we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Photos of the Zero Film Festival coming soon!

Contact: Doc Rocket - info@mikerizzoedit.com

www.bayrizz.com ::: www.mikerizzoedit.com

Zero Film Fest Pics

2009-12-12T17:08:00.003-05:00

Check out some pics from the zero film festival here.

The week of excellent film screening was very inspiring.

Tim Burton at MOMA

2009-11-21T17:21:00.004-05:00

I really can't say enough about how excited I am to see Tim Burton's artwork at the NYC Museum of Modern Art. The show is simply titled, "Tim Burton". The curators pulled all sorts of items out of Burton's creepish bag of works and I can't wait to have a look inside. I'll be sure to blog all about it but for now, enjoy this sweet TV spot to get your eyes wet.

New Gallery upload

2009-11-20T20:00:00.005-05:00

I finally compiled a bunch of street art photos I took during the summer and early fall of this year. Most of these images were taken in and around the SoHo area of Manhattan. I've always been inspired by the unstructured, grungy, free spirited elements of urban expressions. Visit the gallery here: NYC Street Art

Networking!

2009-10-17T18:00:00.006-04:00

To further promote my artwork, I've set up a fan page on Facebook. Swing by and become a fan for updates on exhibitions and new work!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Richards/153825153430?ref=ts

ch ch ch ch Changes

2009-01-01T13:35:00.004-05:00

I started looking into blogger and realized that I can customize my blog a whole lot.

I've started playing around with it...this is the latest result. Not sure if I like it but the spring colors are putting me in a great mood.

After hours of fluorescent lights this week at the office, I am enjoying the comforts of my apartment on this lovely first day of the New Year. Photo: My Cube @ work

Back on track

2008-12-18T22:22:00.009-05:00

Tracking back a bit, I had fine trip to Europe and the photos can be seen here: Eurotrip 2008

I've been in a rather creative mode since we returned and I am convinced that traveling during the late fall just might be the remedy for (usually) melancholy winters.

I'm in the process of planning a website that I hope to launch in the spring. This is a long overdue project as I haven't displayed any of my work online for years. The site will serve as a digital portfolio of my paintings, illustrations, print design, brand identity, interiors, and some music.

I am also going to include a section for “work in progress” projects. This will house any new or spontaneous work that falls outside of my comfort zone medium-wise. In other words: a craft I haven’t mastered and may ever master. Experimentation in multiple fields of expression is essential to the artist. We have to drive off the road once in a while, take risks and be care free about it...

For the past week or so I have been working on a self portrait

(photograph) project. I should actually call it an exercise more than anything...a work in progress...I am learning and evolving each session I shoot. I am especially interested in the communication of self, the translation of physical spaces and how I react with them...it’s an interrogation, an exploration of perception; it is an analog performance, and a digital archive.

I have one decent camera that I hardly know how to operate, no professional equipment, no remote control trigger, no lights and no studio. This is where my journey begins. It is my aim to grow and mature...to one day produce something sincere...come along for the ride if you’d like.

So far I have been shooting a little every day. I select the images I like best and upload them to this Photo Set.

Reflection: The Self Portraits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/docrocket/sets/72157610957276837/

Keep checking back for updates regularly

In loving memory

2008-12-09T07:03:00.006-05:00

I really wanted to honor Anita by writing something about her here...but I am unable to do it right now. Every time I sit down and try, I just . So I am leaving you with this beautiful obituary written by her family.

Rest in peace Anita. I miss you so much already...

ANITA CONTE-LANGFORD, 50
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Anita Conte-Langford of Silver Lake, a published psychologist who worked at the College of Staten Island, died Saturday in New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Manhattan, after a courageous battle with scleroderma. She was 50.

Born in West Brighton, she also lived in Grymes Hill before settling in Silver Lake with her husband, Robert Langford, in 1991. The couple met as teenagers at Conte's Supermarket, her father's New Dorp grocery store.

A graduate of St. John Villa Academy and St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, she attended Hunter College and received her bachelor of arts in psychology in 1992 and her master's degree in liberal arts in 1994 from the College of Staten Island.

Mrs. Conte worked as a counselor for disadvantaged youth at the state Division of Youth Start Five in Willowbrook from 1980 to 1985.

After her graduate studies, she began working in CSI's psychology department and became facilities manager for its biology and psychology departments.

Her research focused on the well-being of animals, especially those used in laboratory testing. Mrs. Conte's goal was to effect national standards, including respite care for lab animals. She was the recipient of grants for her work, and was a respected lecturer at conferences.

Mrs. Conte was a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the Institute for Basic Research in Willowbrook. She was also well-known for her animal rescue work and skilled reintroduction of animals to their habitats following injuries.

Described as a tireless advocate for the underdog, she worked until the Friday before her death.

Mrs. Conte was known for her quiet intellect and sassy personality, including a quick wit and a unique sense of humor.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband, counting London, Barbados and Provincetown, Mass., among favorite destinations. They also spent time on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, Spain, with longtime friends Chris Squire and Alan White, the bass guitarist and drummer for the English rock band Yes. The day she died, the band opened its Milwaukee concert with "Onward," dedicating it to her memory.

An accomplished cook specializing in Italian dishes, her kitchen is now stocked with jars of olives she cured from scratch, meant to be used for holiday cooking and gifts.

Meals with friends often turned into festivals of song, complete with guitars and three-part harmonies.

Mrs. Conte's dog, Lola, and cats, Ozzy and Cody, provided daily comfort, and she was completing a children's book, "My Coco," about the relationship between a woman and her dog.

Along with Robert, her husband of 30 years, surviving are her brother, Joseph Conte and her sister, Lisa Conte.

Eurotrip Day 2!

2008-11-10T08:20:00.004-05:00

Good Morning World!

We’re having a lovely time this morning...working through the jet lag and taking full advantage of our time together in this amazing setting. Right now we’re a few miles off the coast of Sardinia, cruising through the turquoise Mediterranean en route to Malta.

We had a smooth flight into Madrid on Saturday night/Sunday morning and an even better flight to Barcelona where we were picked up and taxied to our ship. The Norwegian Gem is a beautiful ship outfitted with everything one could possibly need or want. It takes some getting used to...the movement of the ship is certainy a bit jarring at first but today I think I am getting my sea legs. we ran into a few bumps along the way but I’m in such a positive mood right now, I can’t do our little quips any justice...another time.

This morning we woke up and hit the gym. The cardio machines are all positioned on the port side, facing the water. It’s an amazing view...so much so that I jogged for a full hour and barely noticed. We showered up afterwards and ate a lovely late breakfast outside on the rear deck...more stunning views and even a show of dolphins! Today we’re going to take advante of the 70 degree weather and sit by the pool, take some sun & relax in the whirlpool.

It’s 2:00 in the afternoon now (I think, we keep sailing through time zones) which is really 8:00 am NYC time. I am debating whether or not I should take a nap or fight through my sleepy cloud and battle the day, head on.

Tomorrow we port in Malta and we’re spending the day exploring Valleta and one other city that I can’t remember right now. This is the only place we are stopping that I have never seen so I am really excited. Unfortunately there is a storm heading over the Mediterranean that is due to hit us (or follow us) to each port...no biggie. :)

I am having a problem uploading my pics to my flickr for some reason. I was only able to upload around 14 pics yesterday. I was however, able to upload almost all of the one’s I took to my facebook account. Check the pics here: Eurotrip 2008

Hasta Manana!

Made it!

2008-11-09T20:29:00.007-05:00

In Spain now...it has been quite a journey! It's 3:30 am right now and I am completely burnt out...so no blogging for me. But I promise to get some trip details flowing some time tomorrow.

For now, check my trusted flickr for some evidence and stay tuned!!!

Nos Vemos!

Come on in fall!!!

2008-10-03T22:25:00.004-04:00

So the leaves really haven't changed much in the city yet but it is clear by the shift in temperature that fall is on her way in! This is the most beautiful time of year...the color palette, the crisp weather, the produce and best of all; HALLOWEEN!

This fall will also be a critical time for our country. We will elect a President to office and begin a new era. Equally as important are the congressional seats that must be filled (we vote on these November 4th as well). There are 32 seats up for grabs in the house and 35 in the Senate. Voting for the right people to fill these seats is just as important as your vote for the president...Congress is tasked with "Checking and Balancing" the actions of the administration that is leading the country. Keep this in mind and do your home work ;) Check out this site to find your representatives: Congress.org You can put your zip code into their finder and get your house and senate electeds. Or check out Electoral Vote for the current status in each state (it's updated every day).

Stay informed, assume nothing, and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

Check out my flickr for some current pics...I've been roaming around, snapping shots of just about everything ;)

Some new photo albums:

Ferry Views

Debate party

My Neighborhood - Saturday walk

Autumn Walking

Biden vs. Palin

2008-10-03T07:16:00.006-04:00

I have so much to say bt I have to run to work. For now check out some snippits...I'll get my gears going a it later ;)

Some reactions to last night’s debate:

Bob Schneider, CNN:
Palin’s answers do not lack confidence, they lack coherence.

David Brooks, PBS:
When he talked about his family and the death of his wife, that is a moment people remember, what they remember about the debates is the moment when you think you see the person and that was a moment where I thought you saw Joe Biden.

Bob Schieffer, CBS:
I must say, I found it a little disconcerting, time and again, Governor Palin would just choose not to answer the question and launch into some dissertation, sometimes talking points, and not really address what Gwen Ifill had asked her.

Chris Matthews, MSNBC:
Not only did she say I'm not going to do any more interviews, it seemed, but she was saying, I'm not going to listen to uh Gwen Ifill tonight. She said I'm not going to uh give the answers the moderator wants to ask for. What an extraordinary statement. I'm not going to play by the rules and when I get elected I want more power in the office than it's had before. Hmm. Not too much humility here.

Eugene Robinson, Washington Post:
Exactly an hour into the debate, Joe Biden began an answer by saying, "Facts matter, Gwen."
To him, maybe. To Sarah Palin, maybe not. The pattern, so far, has been one of Biden presenting facts and Palin countering with… saying stuff. Sometimes she throws in a fact, but mostly she seems to be offering a string of approximate policy positions, encomiums to the American spirit, disputed interpretations of Barack Obama's record and anecdotes from Alaska.

Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist:
By a knockout, Joe Biden was the more effective, better-informed vice presidential candidate Thursday night.
Granted, Sarah Palin did not look like she was channeling a duncy Tina Fey. Palin looked far more confident than many people had expected. Her folksy approach to answering questions did get old rather quickly, though.

My favorite moment in tonight's debate came when Joe Biden told the truth about Dick Cheney:

“Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history. The idea he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that.
And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit.

The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote. He has no authority relative to the Congress. The idea he's part of the Legislative Branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney to aggrandize the power of a unitary executive and look where it has gotten us. It has been very dangerous.”

My second favorite moment of the debate is when Senator Biden got choked up talking about the tragedy of losing his wife and child. Palin seemed to not have any clue about his history and his struggles. Watch the polling graph as he speaks about his loss...and watch her “I’m not sure how to answer this” tasteless response afterwards.

Umm...How about that Sara? Don't try playing your "I have experience raising a family" bit. People have struggles in life...and Senator Biden does have family experience...so keep that whole titbit to yourself and focus on policy issues! I was thrilled to hear him outshine her in terms of personal, familiar hurdles. I feel it cleverly put her whole schtick to rest.

CNN vote of debate watchers:

Biden 51, Palin 36  

CBS poll of undecideds:

Biden 46, Palin 21

Hilarious

2008-09-30T06:39:00.007-04:00

I saw this on the D aily Kos had to repost it.
See original post here: Open Thread

You might not get the humor here if you didn't see Palin's interview on Katie Couric. Take a look at an excerpt here:

Seriously unbelievable. Just shocking in fact. She's an embarrassment and a poor choice for a running mate on McCain's part. A move that will (I am hoping) usher more votes Obama's way.

So Long Burritoville...

2008-09-29T18:22:00.008-04:00

It official. And it's a sad, sad day for all vegetarian, cheap food lovin' folk all around the city. I was bummed when I saw the gates down on the two locations close to my office...and now according the NY times post I read it appears to be official. Burritoville is no more. :(

I'm not saying it was authentic Mexican food, or that is was gourmet by any means. I did, however, greatly enjoy their border burrito (with guac and lettuce added). They also had an awsome selection for vegetarians & vegans with tempeh, tofu, faken bacon, tofu sour cream and cheese...it's going to be difficult to top those selections.

Anyway, there is a blockheads in the World Financial Center and there is also a new Whole Foods in the area which has a decent selection of tex mex stuff in their buffet (plus they have some great guacamole in the produce area).

Rest in peace burritoville.

You'll be missed.

Rest in Peace Old Blue Eyes

2008-09-28T23:26:00.003-04:00

On Friday, Paul Newman passed away. Unlike many of his Hollywood contemporaries, Paul was a philanthropist of great generosity. Shine on Paul...your legacy of compassion and love lives on!

Read his obituary here

What Wiki says about his philanthropy:

With writer A.E. Hotchner, Newman founded Newman's Own, a line of food products, in 1982. The brand started with salad dressing, and has expanded to include pasta sauce, lemonade, popcorn, and salsa, and wine among other things. Newman established a policy that all proceeds from the sale of Newman's Own products, after taxes, would be donated to charity. As of early 2006, the franchise has resulted in excess of $200 million in donations.

He co-wrote a memoir about the subject with Hotchner, Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good. Among other awards, Newman's Own co-sponsors the PEN/Newman's Own First Amendment Award, a $25,000 reward designed to recognize those who protect the First Amendment as it applies to the written word.

One beneficiary of his philanthropy is the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a residential summer camp for seriously ill children, which is located in Ashford, Connecticut. Newman cofounded the camp in 1988; it was named after the gang in his film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). Newman's college fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, adopted "Hole in the Wall" as their "national philanthropy" in 1995. One camp has expanded to become several Hole in the Wall Camps in the U.S., Ireland, France and Israel. The camp serves 13,000 children every year, free of charge.

In June 1999 Newman donated $250,000 to Catholic Relief Services in aid refugees in Kosovo.

On June 1, 2007, Kenyon College announced that Newman had donated $10 million to the school to establish a scholarship fund as part of the college's current $230 million fund-raising campaign. Newman and Woodward were honorary co-chairs of a previous campaign.

Paul Newman was one of the founders of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP), a membership organization of CEOs and corporate chairpersons committed to raising the level and quality of global corporate philanthropy. Founded in 1999 by Newman and a few leading CEOs, CECP has grown to include more than 175 members and through annual executive convenings, extensive benchmarking research, and best practice publications, leads the business community in developing sustainable and strategic community partnerships through philanthropy.

Time flies like an arrow...

2008-09-28T22:59:00.005-04:00

...but fruit flies like a banana.

It has been two months since I last posted anything here. I admit that though I have been busy the real reason for the dry spell is that I just haven't felt like writing. I often think up clever things to post, sit at my computer and just stare at the screen. I am attempting to break out of this rut by posting this little tibit...get my feet wet again.

OK, I'm satisfied.

While you're here, go check some of my recent photo uploads:

Happy Hour with work friends

BBQ & Jam Session

Weekend Chillout

Drunken Ladies Classy Brunch

Tori's 30th Birthday

September in NYC

Sunday BBQ with the Family

2008-07-20T11:46:00.001-04:00

It is late and I want to get to bed so I am only posting pictures of our fabulous BBQ & Pool party this evening. Fun in the Sun!

Check my Flickr for the complete photo tour

Counting

2008-07-19T23:14:00.002-04:00

Today was a bit stressful. I don't want to focus on the negative here so I am going to just talk about the positive stuff.

Skip today.

Tonight we went over Bobby & Anita's house for a scrumptious dinner. We have such a great time with them...laughing, jamming out & singing...seriously good times.

Playing guitar and singing with Bobby is great. We have a good sound together. And I was so inspired to play a bit more, which is always a good thing. Thank goodness for friends like them.

New post on its way

2008-07-18T23:56:00.003-04:00

Just to recap for a minute, Thursday night I had dinner with Gabby at 101. It was so fulfilling to catch up...and long overdue! We had a awesome time and we vowed to make efforts to get together more often. :)

Tonight was another fun filled evening. After work I headed over to Danielle's house for a bit and then we shot in to Park Slope to see our friend Brian's band Umami. I was really impressed by them...not at all what I expected...they rocked the place!

A long weekend is ahead...

Check my Flickr sets for more pics!

Dinner With Gabby

Umami Show

So much to say...no time to blog

2008-07-05T23:44:00.001-04:00

Limited time makes for a boring blog.

I am going to make efforts to post something here...tomorrow...

Ciao!

Doc

Blueish Sunday

2008-06-29T20:59:00.005-04:00

It's tough going back to work when you've been out for some time...and I am feeling the blues as we speak. I was all excited to get back earlier today but as the hours creep closer I am having a change of heart.

I've had a great week...beach bumbing, dining, spa treatments, shopping, parklife and lots of quality time with the husband. I can't complain. Still gearing up for the grind feels a little bitter-sweet.

Today was another nice day. Andrew and I spent some time with Casey in the park, we made delicious yam, quinoa, wild rice pancakes, shopped a bit, cuddled and just feasted on some spelt pizza with zucchini-roni (vegetarian pepperoni alternative made out of zucchini). Putting all this extra time in together has been lovely. I wish we could do this more often.

I am off to go savor my last few hours of cuddling with Andy & Casey...can't imagine wasting any more time blogging...

A domani!

Check out a few pictures from the park

Dinner @ Pure Food & Wine - 3 Year Anniversary Celebration continues...

2008-06-27T21:53:00.008-04:00

Today was another perfect day. We meant to celebrate our anniversary from Tuesday to Friday but Andrew got stuck with a tour on Thursday so we had a split in the middle. He worked a 24 yesterday and came home this morning.

We ran some errands, booked our vacation (a two week cruise of the Mediterranean this fall, yippee!) relaxed for bit on the couch and then headed into the big city for some delicious Pure Food and Wine.

Dinner was amazing...that place never disappoints. I tried the Saag Paneer for my secornd course this time and I was completely blown away. If you aren’t familiar with Pure Food and Wine, it is a raw food restaurant. Everything is organic and nothing is cooked...but, most importantly, you don’t ever miss the “cooking”. Everyone I have ever recommended the place to has thoroughly enjoyed it. Vegetarians, meat eaters, macros, vegans and fast food addicts as well. Try it. Trust me.

Check out my flickr for pics of our romantic dinner ;)

Just to back track a bit, yesterday was a pretty crazy day. I woke up early and took Casey out for a two hour walk in Silver Lake Park. I came home and went into the kitchen to give her fresh water...and suddenly the whole room went black. The next thing I knew, my head was pounding and the dog was barking in my face, scratching me and howling. I was laying on the floor in my kitchen and I could barely see...my head felt like someone was crushing it in a vice. I kind of knew that I had fainted and I knew in the back of my mind that it was because I hadn’t eaten & my glucose had dropped so I pushed myself with every ounce of energy left in my body up towards the hutch where we keep nuts and dried fruit. I grabbed every bag I could and fell to the floor again...rummaging through each one for something that resembled food. Luckily I had medjool dates in my hand and I laid there eating them, waiting for the glucose from the dates to hit my blood.

I was shaking and sweating...and my vision was almost completely blacked out...it was so scary. It took me a good thirty minutes to get back to normal and when I started to feel a bit better my head and the left side of my body began to throb uncontrollably. I discovered a big lump on the back of my head...I must have taken quite a fall when I fainted. Thank the universe my dog was there to bark and claw at me...if not for her I might have died. I probably would not have woken up...

For the rest of the day I was all mushy and sentimental...I couldn’t stop loving my dog...she’s my little angel. :)

Anniversary Getaway

2008-06-25T23:32:00.000-04:00

I had another one of those incidents...I spent an hour writing a blog post and it was erased for some unknown reason. Now I really want to say all of the things that I just put so much energy into saying but I can't seem to muster up the will.

The short is this: Andrew and I had an amazing anniversary. We spent a lovely time down at the shore relaxing, laughing and talking about lots of positive things.

I think for now, I am going to leave this post...hopefully I'll feel up to recapping some more details tomorrow...

Check out the pictures from our trip on my flickr