kimmo_matias_personal blog

Japan Benefit EP

2011-04-03T21:37:00.006+03:00

"March 2011, Japan was hit with a devastating earthquake and tsunami which left people in a great need of food, shelter, just about everything you can imagine. In addition the event created an ongoing dangerous nuclear problem. As I watched the horrorfying waves wash off entire towns, I felt completely helpless. So I turned to the one thing I knew I could do: writing a song and releasing a benefit EP. All proceeds coming off of "Japan" EP (including ringtones, seperate singles and any additional products that may be added) will be donated to the Red Cross to help the Japanese in this time of crisis. They need our help. So please, look into your heart and help me help them by purchasing a product. Thank you." — Kimmo, Press Release for Japan Benefit EP

JAPAN BENEFIT EP was released on March 31, 2011. Additional single "Japan (Alternate Stadium Edit)" was released on April 1, 2011.

To buy the EP, go to either of the following stores:

http://www.reverbnation.com/store/index/artist_1404110

http://kimmo.bandcamp.com/album/japan-benefit-ep

(more stores to be added soon)

Thank you to each and every one who buys the EP, or a song from it, or the alternate version of "Japan", or a ringtone. Every purchase counts in helping the Japanese, so take part in my mission. Also, I would appreciate it very much if you could spread the word through by posting a link to your FB pages, Twitter, or any other media. The more people hear about the EP, the more good we can do. Thank you!

"The Last Day"

2010-02-15T01:09:00.004+02:00

Requiem for Aurora - Original Composition

2010-02-09T00:21:00.001+02:00

In the end of January 2010, my grandmother passed away. I wrote a song "Be Set Free" as she was laying in the hospital with no hope of returning to us. Last Saturday we said our goodbyes and laid her to the ground. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust... And I felt I was not yet finished living through all my emotions, that there were parts of me that still haven't quite realized what has happened. At times it seems like I'm drifting through a surreal fog. Letting go is never easy.

The inspiration for "Requiem for Aurora" came to me from the second name of my grandmother: Aurora. The name is of Latin origin, meaning "dawn". It seemed to hold in the most precious thought, the salvation of a soul, it's journey from earth to the infinite light - and the composition wrote itself. I was just an instrument, as I always am. Music helps me deal with emotions of many sorts, and in this time of loss, it has helped me more than perhaps anything else. Music is my instrument of expressing my sorrow, my joy, my hope, my love.

Helvi Aurora, this ones for you. Rest in peace - and above all, be with God.

Thoughts About Making Music

2009-08-26T16:30:00.004+03:00

I've found out that it's always easier to do melancholic pieces than it is to do upbeat songs. Do you find it so? Why do you think that is?

I write poetry constantly but it's harder to write poetry when I am content about things. Mostly I tend to write about things that bother me in the world (personal or non-personal) and we all know there are plenty of issues you can attack. But not all of us want to face them and music means escape for many people.

For me it is about presenting the now - even if it's not a pretty picture. It is about bringing forward what I am feeling, what I am thinking right that very moment. That is why I call my songs the map of my life. I have gone through so much in life and because of this I am a person with sometimes very sharp opinions. I love to put myself in other's shoes and look at things from different perspectives. For me music is about sharing my point of view with others. They may like or hate it, it doesn't really matter.

Opinions of others used to mean very much in early stages when I was still trying to learn everything. I started from scratch. Faced with rude criticism (not constructive) I was very hurt by it. After all I was doing this from my heart alone. By no means I am claiming to be a pro now, just saying that I really didn't know anything in the beginning of my journey.

Music has always played a big part in my life, but I never knew I had songs in me. Not until when the first one came out and it really did that out of the blue. It's been a constant growing process and like everyone trying to learn something they have not done before, I too made lots of errors, tries, experiments to find who I am and what I want to say and how I want to sound like. I think I have found my sound and my own voice but it keeps evolving - as it should evolve. I embrace the changes.

What I want to represent through my music always is authenticity. I want to be true to who I am as a thinker and as a songwriter even if it means that I'm not gonna be popular. The talk about popularity seems rather funny because I feel like such an amateur at times. I write songs in my own home; play my guitar (very clumsily) or my keyboard (a bit better) or just sit in front of my t-bone microphone and play with my FL Studio Pro. And somehow songs come about. I am always surprised when I create something. I do think I have a natural gift for this even if I found it later in life. I base this statement on the thought that if I didn't, all these songs simply would not come to me one after another.

What I want to say with all of this? That I am both the student and the teacher. That I am not finished. All people out there who do music and have this gift or are just discovering it, embrace the possibility but remember to do it for YOU first, for popularity, fame, money second. Do it for YOU. Later on, if you become popular - and then much later, perhaps unpopular, you will land and stand on your own two feet.

Making music is a journey. All journeys end but don't worry about it. There's always a new beginning. For me, finding music was a new beginning. No one can take it away.

Basso - The Pug Dog

2008-06-30T03:19:00.005+03:00

Hello everyone! Here's a video I made while visiting and meeting with my pug dog puppy for the very first time on June 28, 2008. Can't wait to get him home - oh, and I named him Basso. *that means 'bass' in English - why that, simply cos it's a strong name for a boy + this fellow has a wrinkle to be proud of (on his nose). So he's no wimp, haha!

My Baby Boy!

2008-06-24T22:21:00.007+03:00

Here they are! One of those hungry pug dog puppies is mine, all mine! I reserved a baby boy today. I'm gonna go and see him next Saturday. I can't wait! Sorry for turning this blog into Pug Dog heaven, but that is really all I can think about right now. Yikes, I'm so excited!

Haha! How cute is that!

So tiny! They're eyes have opened just this week, they were born on 6th of June.

Devil Wouldn't Recognize You

2008-05-16T15:47:00.003+03:00

Watching this was so bittersweet for me... But it's one of my favorites from the new album, one of the best ballads by Madonna. It makes me quite sad though.

Okay, So I'm Growing A Goatee...

2008-01-17T15:50:00.000+02:00

Today the goatee is much more defined and longer than on this picture. This was in the really beginning (around Christmas) and it's been growing like a day or two at the maximum. I just decided to shave differently cos to some people goatee does works. For some it simply doesn't so now I'm asking your opinion on that one: does it work for me? You can say whatever you wanna say; say it's great, say it's crap, just give your full load of whatever it may be, all feedback will be published and received, so don't hold back a thing! What do you think about goatees in general? Like them, hate them, think their hot, think their not. Exercise your freedom of speech, cos you gotta right to - my opinion, hahahah! Just kidding. You have a right to your opinion, so tell it to me! *By the way, I got my camera working so will be shooting the video for my new song very soon... so keep on checking and eventually you will be rewarded! I hope to make it better than the last (the first) video I made for 'True Connection'.

Annie Lennox "Thousand Beautiful Things"

2008-01-05T00:34:00.001+02:00

Annie Lennox is one of my all time favorites. I love the whole album where this song is taken from and I sent this song a while back to my angel, Stacey. So she is really the only person I can dedicate this to. Enjoy. I love this song.

In Memoriam: Kukka

2007-12-12T22:25:00.000+02:00

Today I got some sad news. My mom's cat Kukka (Flower in Finnish) has died. She lived a long life but it's still very sad. She would always jump on my lap and stay there as long as I let her be there - she was a real cuddly cat. I am sorry to say she will never be there, never tug those claws into my chest through my shirt, never circle around my feet and talk back at me. She was a real talker. I thank God her exit to another dimension was a peaceful one, she just fell asleep and never woke up. Rest in peace, Kukka. I know you found the light, but you will be missed.

My Photography: "Self-Portraits"

2007-11-01T20:55:00.000+02:00

My Art: "The Birth"

2007-11-01T20:26:00.000+02:00

The Birth (2005). Oil on canvas.

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*this is a part of an art work with two pieces,

the whole art work is 'The Birth & The Death'.

One of the rare abstract pieces I've made.

Artist of the Week: Samira Harris

2007-11-01T19:30:00.000+02:00

Samira Harris is a UK based artist. Here are paintings from The spirit collection. It consists of meditative pieces, after over four years of doing black and white images Samira finally felt ready to move into colour last year. From her website you can also find two more collections; the body collection which presents pieces resulted from years of working with dancers and models focusing on expression and movement. The humanity collection is a reflection of Samira's feelings and thoughts about the nature of living and the more painful aspects of life. The three collections span the last ten years of Samira's artistic career.

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http://www.samiraharris.com/art.html

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Mr.Bitch's Music: Alanis Morissette "My Humps" (Cover)

2007-10-31T02:18:00.000+02:00

HI-HI-HI-HILARIOUS! HAHAHAHA! I give a BIG HAND to Alanis for exposing how stupid the lyrics of this song really are! Way to go! Brilliant and funny as hell!

Kimmo Matias Menswear Line Continues

2007-10-27T01:05:00.000+03:00

I don't usually brag about this kinds of things and not in this case either. I'm only sharing a happy moment with all of my readers, that's all! If anyone wishes to make more of it, well, then those people can just shove it down their throats. So, the story goes... Today I received a letter from Alfred Kordelin foundation. Some time ago I sent a grant application to them - and the answer to that was: yes! So this year I will start doing research and wire myself all over the place and in the beginning of next year I will start designing and producing the second edition of my menswear fashion line. I initally started the line in the beginning of this year with a small 'tester' collection.

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This weekend we are celebrating Mika's birthday (which was last week), my birthday (which was this week) and my future collection (which will see the light of day in the beginning of 2009). Three adorable creatures of course, haha - so lots to celebrate! This made my day!

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This will not mean I will be abandoning other creative arenas I love to play in. So I will still continue to do music and paint and photograph etc but next year my focus is and will have to be on this menswear collection, so that will be the main thing. But as I think I've written before, all the things I do are a natural part of me, and I love all my babies. Lot's of love and light to everyone, hope you all have a brilliant weekend! Shine your light and The Light will shine back at you... Sometimes patience is a virtue - though no way in hell would I say I possess such a virtue! I am the most impatient person I know, when my temper ignites it only takes 2 seconds to light the whole damn house on fire (figure of speech of course) so I guess I do not need to add I feel quite passionate about things?? And just in case you think I'm joking, let me tell ya, I ain't! Hahaha.

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I believe that sometimes life makes us struggle for our desires, to question our motives for doing things. It is a hard battle yet precious one, because to feel fulfilled we need to do something we love and we need to do it for the right reasons. My beliefs have been put to test many times and the rule number one is: never give up - this is where the patience is a plus. Rule number two is: never give up dreaming and your will to learn more. Rule number three: do your best and don't expect to get things for free - the reward is always sweeter when you know you have earned it. Rule number four: nobody succeeds all the time. When you're best is not good enough, then the thing you are reaching for might not be the right thing for you - or simply it's not yet time for you to have what you want. This means you need to learn something first, so you need to be honest with yourself and think about what you want, how you can reach it, are you doing it for the right reasons. Universe is an interesting place - let the energy flow through you. The minute you think you know it all and place yourself above everyone else, you will fall down from your high horse and stop growing. And I am not writing this in a way that I'm lecturing you nor am I "teaching you", I'm simply stating what I believe to be true. I've had plenty of struggles in my life and this is what I've come to learn from it. Usually when things are at their worst, something good is just around the corner. Have faith and fight agaist the dark thoughts - that is what I do, sometimes the light wins, sometimes the dark wins but ultimately there is always a reason behind things - even if we cannot see them. Kisses and hugs to everyone!

My Art: "Fall Asleep"

2007-10-22T23:56:00.000+03:00

Fall Asleep (2006). Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: David Gremard Romero

2007-10-22T23:08:00.000+03:00

This week's artist is David Gremard Romero, who I recently discovered. Instead of introducing him to you myself, I let the artist speak to you through his own artist statement.

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The central preoccupation unifying all my work is an engagement with the practice of the old masters, particularly those of the Baroque and Rococo periods. Their perfection of craft, their exploration of narrative modes, and their explicit connection to history and politics are a source of continuing fascination and inspiration to my work. Embedding contemporary iconography and themes in a classical figurative craft, I seek to tease out the hidden relationships and continuities between classical art and current culture. As a gay, Catholic, Mexican-American artist, the complex themes of race, sexuality, subjectivity and identity find themselves entwined within the baroque parade of Mexican wrestlers, mythic hermaphrodites, imagined superheroes, and beastly cherubs that populate my imagination, my drawings, and my paintings. -David Gremard Romero-

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You can find more David Gremard Romero paintings and other info at: http://www.gremardromero.com/home.html

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My Photography: Details IV

2007-09-25T23:03:00.000+03:00

Here is a small selection of photographs I took last weekend. I could only fit so much. This week it's details images etc. One of images is called "Beauty (You've Never Seen)" for this reason: while I was taking the picture I was ridiculed and laughed at - this goes to show that some people just cannot see what is in front of them. It also makes the point about how much of an idiot people can be. It's not always fun to take pictures - especially when you are classified as a freak doing it! But that won't stop me, even if it does irritate me. I go to any lengths to take a shot if I know the end result will be something I like. And I have the damn wounds to prove it, hahaha! So, nothing these little-minded people can say will make me stop doing this. This time I included some coloured photographs as well. I hope you like them.

*** Iron Door (Detail_1)

I Waited You A Long Time

Message For You

Reality Checks

Star Imprisonment

The F (Word) District

What Did I Tell You?

Memories of You

You Make Me Wet

Still Wishing (You'd Come Back)

Protecting Me

You Crack Me Up

Soft Spots

Beauty (You've Never Seen)

You Went With The Roses

Hold On To Me (Bridge)

Money Hunger

Poetic Death

Unhappy Happiness

Iron Door (Detail_2)

My Art: "The King"

2007-09-25T22:48:00.001+03:00

The King (2006). Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: Peter Berlin

2007-09-25T21:54:00.001+03:00

This week’s artist is Peter Berlin, the notorious gay porn star of the early 1970s. He is best known for his groundbreaking porn films. What is less known is that the countless covers and photos layouts of Peter Berlin in gay magazines through the late 1980s were all taken by Berlin who is himself a professional photographer. His assignments routinely took him to Paris, Rome and London where he photographed celebrities including Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Brigitte Bardot, Alfred Hitchcock, Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Chevalier, Richard Widmark, and the clothes designers: Pierre Cardin, Karl Lagerfeld and Valentino. When Peter turned the camera on himself, he played each of two roles on different halves of the separately exposed negatives wearing his hallmark crotch grabbing costumes (all designed and executed by Berlin). Even less known, is that Peter Berlin is a gifted graphic artist. When the handling of black and white negatives in the darkroom occasionally resulted in prints that were slightly underexposed and grayish, he used his touch up pen and brush to darken the lines and increase the contrast. Soon he was using oils, acrylics and watercolors permitting him to enhance, embellish as well as colorize his black and white prints.The next step was the complete transformation or elimination of the backgrounds. He also started cutting up his photographs and creating collages with single or multiple self-images using different backgrounds from magazines including their covers and interior street and nature scenes. Berlin's talent as a graphic artist is perhaps best shown in his detailed pencil drawings which are well represented in this first exhibition of Peter Berlin's art.The body of Peter Berlin's creative work defies easy characterization. He challenges conventional notions of art and pornography and is perhaps alone with Tom of Finland in having created iconic images of masculine drag. For Peter Berlin's official website, go to www.peter-berlin.com.

My Art: "Sitting Wind (Naked Indian)"

2007-09-17T20:09:00.000+03:00

Sitting Wind (Naked Indian), 2006. Oil on canvas.

My Photography: Details

2007-09-17T19:47:00.000+03:00

Here is another mixed set of images from two weeks ago. Hope you like them.

Get In Line

I Am Pretty (Sinking)

We Are One

Reflections_3

Reflections_4

You Are My Rock

Move Me

Still Standing

Can I Get In?

All Comes Back To You (Shine)

I'll Give You Roses

Breaking You Down I

Breaking You Down II

I'll Protect You

We Are Bound

Staircase to Heaven?

Fading On Me

Artist of the Week: Sami Lukkarinen

2007-09-17T17:19:00.001+03:00

Sami Lukkarinen is a Finnish artist who collects images from the net - different kind of images that people post in different forums, to present themselves via virtual world. From these images he does these pixel paintings (see below). He also does paintings of buildings with the same technique. I find his idea & art interesting, I think his way of creating art is unique and intriguing. I would not say all of his paintings are beautiful in a conventional way. I selected here the ones I liked, you can find more from his website. I like the freshness and originality of his concept. Share your thoughts on how you like them! Here is a link to his own website, in case you want to see more of his works: http://www.samilukkarinen.com/cv/?cat=collections

Vaahtopoika (Bubbleboy)

Eevertti

E-lovena

Juzmo

Marizi

No.7

Steel Vagina

Boze

Russian Bride 3

Laura

Penis Enlargement

Omakuva (Self-Portrait)

Church of Pirkkala

My Photography: Details II

2007-09-12T00:41:00.001+03:00

These are images I took last Sunday around Helsinki, I hope you like them!

Already Gone

Cardboard

Grave of Our Love

Hidden Belief

I Bend But I Will Not Break

I Pass You By

I'll Stand By You

I'm Staying

Infinite Weakness

Light Beyond

No Admittance

No More Steps

Pain In My Heart

Reminds Me of You I

Reminds Me of You II

Sickness

Street Lamp

What You Left Behind

Wounds Healed?

You Cast A Long Shadow

Your Love

You're In My Way

My Art: " The Connection"

2007-09-12T00:38:00.000+03:00

The connection (2006). Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: Pierre et Gilles

2007-09-11T22:19:00.000+03:00

Pierre et Gilles, Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard are gay French artistic and romantic partners. They produce highly stylized photographs, building their own sets and costumes as well as retouching the photographs. Their work often features images from popular culture, gay culture including porn (especially James Bidgood), and religion. Pierre Commoy, the photographer, was born in 1949 in La Roche-sur-Yon. Gilles Blanchard, the painter, was born in 1953 in Le Havre. After art studies, they moved to Paris in 1973 where they met in 1976, and began to work together. People photographed by Pierre et Gilles include: musicians Marie France, Marc Almond, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Erasure, Nina Hagen; and model Naomi Campbell, actress Catherine Deneuve, actor Layke Anderson and designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. Personally I don't like all of their work, but I find the mix of reality and fantasy interesting. They are very unique and masters in what they do, even if some images lack a bit substance. Here is a selection of images I find beautiful, enhanting, provoking and interesting.

My Baby Boy!

2007-09-05T04:17:00.000+03:00

Oops, I almost forgot this one. I found this one too. This is my dog Ville. When he was small, he looked just like a teddybear cos he had those round ears. He was the cutest thing ever. I could never take an animal who would not have cute eyes. This dog had them, he was cute and smart and funny and annoying. All of them at the same time sometimes. I still remember how impatient I was to take him home. I would bicycle almost everyday to see him, I did that for weeks cos he was too young then... And I kept asking over and over again (probably every time I visited his native home, that "Can I take him home already?". I remember the day I finally got to take him home, he was shaking in my arms when we drove the car. Later he was the one who shook the house, haha! Today Ville is walking on a cloud, he passed away in 1998. He was thirteen years old then. I still miss him. I've been wanting to take another dog for a while but I have not yet decided on the matter. If I decide to take one, he won't be a follow up to Ville. It will be a different kind of dog. There is no replacement for this fellow here. He was a gem, one of a kind. I hope dogs get to heaven, so I can see him again someday. May he rest in peace.. xxx

Artist of the Week: Hugo Simberg

2007-09-04T23:30:00.001+03:00

Here is some works of another Finnish artist, Hugo Simberg. Hugo Simberg was born on 24th of June, 1873 in Hamina, Finland. Hugo Simberg was a brave, unique artist whose early works, some very small, were considered odd within the artist circles. His master (Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who was featured in last weeks post) supported and encouraged Hugo to stay in the path he had chosen. Hugo had his own style, which combined Finnish ugriculture with the world of symbolism. Poor devils and fates of ordinary people were a big part of Simberg's artistic imagery. Around 1910 Hugo was in crossroads: like his friend Magnus Enckell (also featured in previous posts) he got excited and turned towards brighter colours - the former symbolist became an impressionist. Hugo Simberg entered eternity on 12th of June, 1917. Later that same year (December 6th) the war against Russia ended - and Finland became an independent country. Personally I have always liked Hugo Simbergs style. My favorites paintings by him are Wounded Angel and Garden of Death. In these paintings, both of his styles are present. I especially like Garden of Death - he has managed to put so much emotion and tenderness in this painting. It's a very unique painting, I have never seen anything comparable to it. He describes death being tender and loving, he makes death human and describes him as someone you can give yourself without fear.

Rose Picker

Brothers

Wounded Angel

Fantasy

Autumn

Elf

Garden of Death

Frost

Ring Dance

Devotion

Crossroads

Death Listens

My Art: "Sleeping (Self-Portrait)"

2007-09-03T01:29:00.000+03:00

Sleeping (Self-Portrait), 2006. Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: Akseli Gallen-Kallela

2007-08-29T19:22:00.001+03:00

Akseli Gallen-Kallela (birthname Axél Waldemar Gallén) was born on 26th of April 1865 in Pori, Finland. His represented national romaticism and realism in his work. The artist who studied in Paris first painted the bohemian life, but more and more Finnish nature, landscapes, and the people started to interest him. Also the mythology, the Finnish Epic "Kalevala" started to fascinate him. He created nationalist art, through which he portrayed the vitality of our culture and Finland's right to exist as a nation when the country was fighting against Russia. After Finland got its independence, Gallen-Kallela worked for a while as the President Mannerheim's adjutant and designed uniforms and other items for the military. In 1922 he began to design the Great Kalevala. He designed ornaments, typographs and illustrations for few years, but it was not until he visited Mexico and North America (Chicago) that it became clear to him how to portray the Finnish Epic, Kaleva. It was then that he discovered how he could illustrate the spirit within the poetry, how he would portray it through paintings and typographic methods. In 1931 he travelled to Copenhagen to lecture about his work and also to meet other Nordic artists. During the return back to Finland, 7th of 1931, he died in Stockholm.

Ad Astra, 1894

The Aino Triptych

The Symposium

Démasquée, 1888

Boy And Crow

Spring, 1903

Kullervo's Curse

The Defence of the Sampo

The Fratricide, 1897

Sky (wall rug), 1900

Lemminkäinen's Mother

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This painting is quite special to me. It's illustrating the Finnish epic Kalevala. In this painting, Lemminkäinen's mother is praying at the side of her dead son. In 1999 (I think) as I was still studying fashion design, art history etc. we had to take one painting we liked and try to copy it as best as we could - this was done so we would learn about the technique of that particular artist. I decided to do a detail shot of this painting (Lemminkäinen's torso). I still think I did a pretty good copy of it. I still have that painting, so I'm adding it below.

My detail copy (1999) of Gallen-Kallela's Lemminkäinen's Mother.

Mr.Bitch Loves This!

2007-08-27T23:23:00.000+03:00

This book is hilarious. I got it from my boyfriend this past weekend. It's a comic book. The head character is a hedgehog, which are usually seen as sympathetic creatures. In this case, looks are deceiving. The title, Kiroava Siili (english translation of the name: Cursing Hedgehog), tells it all. This particular hedgehog running around in these comics is something completely different than those cute little ones that run in the backyards of our houses. This grumpy hedgehog curses to every direction, for a reason or without one. Everyone he encounters get some verbal abuse to deal with. Once in awhile he shows his soft side too. This comic series ran in one of the biggest newspapers in Finland and was such a success they made a book. The creator of Cursing Hedgehog is Milla Paloniemi. She is born close to the place where I come from - people from that area are considered to be temperamental and gutsy... haha... Anyways, I love this book. If I'm having a bad moment and I open it, it doesn't fail to make me smile! Thank you, darling!

My Art: "Autumn Forest"

2007-08-27T20:54:00.000+03:00

Autumn Forest, 2006. Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: Pierre-Yves Monnerville

2007-08-22T01:23:00.000+03:00

This week's artist is a friend of mine, photographer Pierre-Yves Monnerville. He's originally from Martinique, French Caribbian but he was born in Paris. I got to know him in the 90's. We wrote a bunch of letters (which I still have). Back then it was still fashionable to write letters instead of sending email, haha! Pierre-Yves has worked for model agencies in Paris and London and nowadays he lives in Brighton, UK. I had a bit of difficulties to select the images, so I ended up presenting almost double amount of what I usually present in this section. I really like Pierre-Yves' work, I think all images are beautiful. He really knows how to capture the moment. If you want to see full sets and/or other works, go to my links list and check them out at his website! Enjoy! Here's a link to Pierre-Yves' interview:

http://studioguyzmag.blogspot.com/2007/01/photographer-pierre-yves-monnerville_14.html

(Pierre-Yves Monnerville, selfportrait)

Order and Chaos

Fucking the System

My Art: "In Thoughts"

2007-08-20T20:16:00.000+03:00

In Thoughts (2006). Oil on canvas.

Thought of the Day

2007-08-18T10:01:00.001+03:00

Be patient and try to see the meaning behind things that happen to you. Sometimes the path you want to walk, isn't the path you were chosen to walk. It doesn't mean you will not get there. It doesn't mean you will not reach your dreams - the path just may have a twist or two, so you learn to appreciate the journey instead of the result.

My Art: "The Burning"

2007-08-15T15:43:00.001+03:00

The Burning (2005). Oil on canvas.

Artist of the Week: Photographer Steven Klein

2007-08-15T15:27:00.000+03:00

Steven Klein has become the fashion world’s current superstar by understanding how to be transgressive and commercial at the same time. Beyond multitasking with Pitt and Madonna, Klein is, arguably, the most influential (and busy) fashion photographer in the world right now, even while his career seems to be all about flouting the rules of fashion photography.

A Steven Klein image is typically a place with a dark, foreboding aura. Sometimes the mood of his photographs is so emotionally isolating that it can seem like he conducts all his shoots in airtight bunkers buried under a desert floor somewhere. The paradox of Klein’s status as a superstar photographer of superstars—he’s created risqué, iconic images of not just Pitt and Madonna but Justin Timberlake, Ethan Hawke, Naomi Campbell, and others—is that he’s successfully selling a darker version of celebrity at a particularly idiotic, giddy juncture in pop culture, just as US Weekly is flying off newsstands and the American Idol is topping the ratings.

Here is some images I found that I personally like. He’s shoot Madonna many times and every time the result is beautiful. I also liked his version of The Valley of the Dolls as well as the Men’s Vogue issue with magnificent images of Brad Pitt.

My Art: "Man In A Red Shirt"

2007-08-08T00:53:00.001+03:00

Another painting of mine:

Man in a red shirt (2006). Oil on canvas.

My Photography: Auroar Collection

2007-08-08T00:19:00.000+03:00

This week's My Photography post is connected with my work. I took these images in 2001, when I was still studying fashion. We had a big EU-funded design project in our school called "Snowcastle". I entered with this women's winter collection.

The cape is one of the central pieces of the collection (though unfortunately from these images you can't see it properly): it is one-shoulder, assymmetrical cape with a silver jewellery closing. All the jewellery was made by students of the jewellery design course corresponding to my original ideas and sketches.

The outfits were inspired by the finnish ugriculture and the nature. In the collection I wanted to portray the strength and the fragility of an ancient Nordic woman. There is eight outfits total, here is only a portion of the collection. This collection was the biggest single designer collection done within the design project (consisting of over 20 pieces) and it won second prize in Italian fashion design competition and was ranked in the top ten at young designer's competition in St.Petersburgh, Russia. This is also the collection I have to thank for a lot that has happened in my life - this was the ticket to Milan and all the other wonderful things that followed that experience.

In all the dresses either a portion or the whole dress was made of handmade felted material, which I produced myself. Over 20 meters of fabric - it was a hard task but very rewarding after I saw my creations come to life.

I took these photographs myself during my photography course and I am really happy with them. I think they capture the spirit of my collection very well. I hope you enjoy them!

Artist of the Week: Tom of Finland

2007-08-07T20:16:00.000+03:00

Tom of Finland (born as Touko Laaksonen, 8th of May 1920 in Kaarina, Finland) was a Finnish artist who became known for his homoerotic and explicit art as well as his influence on the gay culture. Tom of Finland’s utterly masculine characters of sea men, motorcyclists, rough Nordic males as well as men in leather created a sort of stereotype. His best known work is the cartoon “Kake” - a straight-forward, humorous character on his sexual adventure. I have the honour of owning one original issue of “Kake”. Lucky me =)

Tom of Finland depicted different styles and attitudes in his art, from gentle gay portraits to explicit sexual interaction. He was also intrigued by sadomasochism, boots/leather and military men. In his earlier days, he tried to draw women too - but like many artist he failed to bring them to life and they seemed like male bodies with breasts. Even the great Michelangelo had the same problems – his female figures are rather masculine and manly & the anatomy of a woman is not there. Tom of Finland’s passions laid in the male body and at it, he did his best work.

Tom of Finland himself has admitted in a documentary “Daddy and the Muscle Academy” that he didn’t have the passion for drawing women and that what he drew he also found interesting and/or arousing to himself. The documentary was released in 1991, directed by Ilppo Pohjola.

When Tom of Finland started to draw images for Physique Pictorial Magazine, everything had to be hidden in the poses or in the eyes, in the gestures. Things had to be tidy as the society was not yet ready to embrace the homoerotic art.

Tom of Finland also lived during the time when nude photography and photographing techniques in general were taking big leaps forward, so he found himself in a new position - he had to compete with photographs taken of real nude men. This enhanced his drawing skills and technique, the drawings became almost like photographs.

The proportions of Tom’s men were always exaggerated. The men would have very strong chin line, big muscles, big nipples, wide shoulders and very thin waist – not to mention the size of his male characters penis which grew bigger and bigger. This was not a reflection of his own taste or a reflection of gay culture, it was also a competition tactic. He had polished his drawing skills to the limit: the next step was to make everything “bigger and better” than in real life.

Tom of Finland used both live models and photographs of models to create his art. Many gay men went to him, to get their own portraits done in the Tom of Finland style. I personally tried to imitate Tom's way of drawing at one time. I tried to find the technique. It was very hard to do it and I can honestly say, I didn't even come close to the original. But it was educational. I can't say enough about this man's drawing skills: he is simply one of the best artist I have ever encountered. I have nothing but admiration for him.

Tom of Finland is one of the most internationally known Finnish artist to date. Tom of Finland died on November 7th, 1991.

P.S. I left the most provocative art work out of this post, but if you are not familiar with Tom of Finland’s work, just Google and you’ll find them.

Random Self-Portrait

2007-08-02T10:30:00.002+03:00

Kimmo Matias - Fashion Designer, Menswear

2007-08-01T20:18:00.001+03:00

Here is a short clip of a fashion show I took part with my debut menswear collection. This took place in March 2007, so this post comes "a bit" late! The quality of the video isn't exactly excellent but I wanted to share it here anyways since so much of my posts are about other things than fashion and after all, my real profession is a Fashion Designer. The rest is just creative madness, haha! My official website is still under construction - sorry about that, these things just take their time.

My Art: Paintings

2007-08-01T18:48:00.000+03:00

Just to give you something to compare to after sending those old paintings. This I made in 2005. I am really happy with this painting. It turned out well. I hope you enjoy it too.

Cutting Softness (2005). Oil on canvas.

My Photography: The Duomo of Milano

2007-07-30T22:22:00.001+03:00

In the first post I had some images I had taken while living in Milan, Italy. This post is dedicated to the Duomo of Milan which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful old buildings I have ever seen and visited. All the images were taken during 2004. I hope you enjoy them. Next time something completely different.

Artist of the Week: Helene Schjerfbeck

2007-07-30T20:59:00.000+03:00

This weeks artist is a Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck (1862-1945). From the photographs and portraits that she painted of herself looks out a fragile, but serious and decisive woman. Her art also reflects that - in them her personal tenderness and strength are combined. Often the artist is focused on describing the most central character in the painting, leaving the background almost empty.

Helene Schjerfbeck's life was shadowed by an accident at the age of four, effecting her ability to walk. When growing up she often had to watch while others played their lively games. Later in life she was no stranger to loneliness, withdrawal or even becoming a hermit. In her art you can also see the same things, and her independent and personal style has often been described as being detached from the Finnish art of the time.

Schjerfbeck had excellent drawing skills and she was taken into drawing school when she was only 11 years old. As a young artist she proved to be capable of producing works that were demanding in size, subject matter and that she could also do paintings about historic events - just as the male artists of her time. When she started to portray children and women, the critics said she painted things that were not significant. Schjerfbeck, however, did not go back to the "masculine" subjects - and later on, her numerous child portraits have become the jewels of her production. For example, today one of her most beloved works is a painting portraying a child healing from an illness.

From that particular painting you can find a lot of the painter herself. Like the child, Helene healed from her own illnes and later on from the pain inflicted by a broken engagement and the criticism towards her art. As early as 1902 she left the artist life in the capital city and moved to live with her mother in Hyvinkää. She lived the rest of her life without contacts to the outside world - this also meant giving up her connections to other artists, only few female artists remained as a part of her life.

Schjerfbeck chose loneliness and she interacted almost only with her own art. After she withdrew herself, her paintings took a more fragile and thoughtful tone. The artist was rarely satisfied with her own work: she painted them again and again, even after many years she came back to paint the same subject again, she played with them and even destroyed some of them. When she was painting, she also brushed and wiped off the extra colour from them, which gave them the unique, easily recognizable fragile glimmer.

Through her life she painted selfportraits, in which she portrayed amazingly bravely her aging process and revealed herself and her mind for others to see. While the years passed on, her rosy cheeks changed more and more simpler in shape.

Finally, just before she died, she painted herself only with a few careful strokes but so that you could still recognize her face. Through her long life, Schjerfbeck had succeeded in taking her skill of simplyfying and focusing into her grand finale.

My Photography: Details

2007-07-25T17:52:00.000+03:00

I promised to start this feature in my blog, so here is the first My Photography post. These are mixed images: details and/or objects that I have found intriguing, beautiful, funny or they have moved in some level. Many of these photographs have been taken during 2004. I was living in Milan then and I saw lots of things I wanted to photograph and still many was left unphotographed. Milan became my second home, and it would be great to go back just to concentrate on taking beautiful pictures (even if I hate feeling like a tourist - but I wouldn't be, 'cos I've lived there and I know my way around it). Naturally I could not got to Milan without seeing my dear friend Sara who I miss a lot.. But back to these photographs! The images not taken during 2004 in Milan, have been taken in Finland the year after. I hope you enjoy them. I will be adding more images - which will varie from detail images such as these to male/female portraits, self-portraits, tasteful nudes and whatever I can find from my archives. So make sure to keep looking for more posts under the title My Photography.Layers, 2004

Plastic flowers, 2005

In Traffic, 2004

Electric Box, 2004

The Beauty of Broken, 2004

Peace, 2004

Figures on a wall, 2005

Iron fly, 2004

Funny Car, 2005

Hardcore, 2004

Artist of the Week: Controversial Robert Mapplethorpe

2007-07-22T00:22:00.000+03:00

Robert Mapplethorpe (November 4, 1946 – March 9, 1989) was an American photographer, known for his large-scale, highly stylized black & white portraits, photos of flowers and male nudes. The frank, erotic nature of some of the work of his middle period triggered a more general controversy about the public funding of artworks.

Nude portrait of Patti Smith, who was also her girlfriend.

Mapplethorpe is best known for his Portfolio X series, which sparked national attention because of its explicit content and the funding of the effort by the NEA, including a self-portrait with a bullwhip inserted in his anus.

One of Mapplethorpe's most controversial works, Self-Portrait with A Wip.

Mapplethorpe made most of his photographs in the studio. Common themes were flowers, especially orchids; portraits of famous individuals, including Andy Warhol, Deborah Harry, Richard Gere, Peter Gabriel, Grace Jones, Patti Smith and nude works that include homoerotic imagery from classic nudes to sadistic and masochistic acts.

"Let's face it, most photographers are living their lives vicariously by taking pictures."

ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE

Calla Lily, 1984

Thomas, 1979

Mapplethorpe also played with sexual identities, fading out the line between the sexes.
Self-Portrait, 1981

The cover of Patti Smith's first album, Horses, featured a Robert Mapplethorpe photo.

Ken and Tyler

Bob Love, 1979

His photographs of black men have been criticized as exploitive.

Black Man in a Polyester Suit

In the mid-1970s, he began taking photographs of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, including artists, composers, socialites, but it wasn't until he met Benjamin Green the pornographic film star, that he truly became inspired to push the envelope of sexuality and photographing the human body.

Mapplethorpe was once quoted as saying, "Of all the men and women that I had the pleasure of photographing, Ben Green was the apple of my eye, my unicorn if you will. I could shoot him for hours and hours and no matter the position, each print captured the complete essence of human perfection" (New York Times). It was this relationship that inspired him during the 1980s, to refine his photographs with an emphasis on formal beauty. He concentrated on statuesque male and female nudes, delicate flower still lifes, and formal portraits of artists and celebrities.

Self-Portrait, 1988

When it became known that Mapplethorpe was infected with HIV, the prices for his photos increased dramatically. In December 1988 his photos collected $500,000 each. Mapplethorpe died on the morning of March 9, 1989, in a Boston, Massachusetts hospital from complications arising from AIDS; he was 42 years old. His ashes were buried in Queens, New York.

Artist of the Week: Gus Bozzetti

2007-07-12T16:40:00.000+03:00

This week's artist is Gus Bozzetti, very talented graphic designer from Brazil. He does amazing illustrations! He is the same guy who was brave enough to enter the "Co-Write A Song With Me" contest that is still open until the end of July. Here is some of Gus's illustrations, if you want to see more go to my links - his websites are listed there!

George Michael - Freeek

2007-07-04T01:48:00.001+03:00

Great song and a very visual video! This song will always remind me of Milan.. While I lived there in 2004, I did a project proposal for Costume National. I used this song in the presentation where the fashion figures appeared to be walking down the catwalk. The head designer of Costume National, Ennio Capasa, ranked my project in the Top 5. It was an excellent feeling, because the project had a very personal inspiration. So I am posting this just to memorize that occasion since I came across it!

Artist of the Week: Magnus Enckell

2007-07-03T23:51:00.000+03:00

Magnus Enckell (1870 - 1925) was a finnish painter. In the works of his youth, he used a colour palette that was very narrow and ascetic: grey, black and brown. The young Enckell is considered one of the most important symbolistic painters in Finland.

In Enckell's art there is often a young man on the verge of adulthood, intrigued by the secrets of life and death. The artist portrayed the pain of growing up and the questions which were provoked by life full of possibilities.

Many feelings he portrayed might have also been autobiographical and have a connection to his current experiences - after all he was a young painter in the 1890s, searching for his own way and expression and living passionately at the pulse of the times - insticts open to adjust to new things.

On the other hand he wanted to capture moments that often pass quickly; person's powerful emotional reactions or when one is confronted to make a decision.

"I do not want to let the nature enchant me... it is like loving the running water, that is already dried or drifted away. -- Personality, that shines from within and does not change in every weather, that is what I am searching for."

Magnus Enckell, 1891

Thought Of The Day

2007-07-02T00:36:00.000+03:00

Don't observe other people's faults,

instead look at your own,

because if you think about other peoples faults,

your own faults get stronger.

Faults, verses 252 & 253

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-28T12:16:00.000+03:00

Happiness can be found

only through right actions.

Attanagaluvimsa

----

Painting: Helene Schjerfbeck, Elämänpuun tyttö.

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-27T12:52:00.000+03:00

Don't lead a bad life, choose wisely what you believe

and always think of others.

Don't let the world lead you into a trap.

World, verse 167

My Art: "At Your Feet"

2007-06-26T15:37:00.001+03:00

At Your Feet (2005) by Kimmo Matias. Oil on canvas.

---

I haven't yet decided whether this painting is for sale or not.

If you are interested in purchasing it, do contact and ask for more information.

I may be persuaded to sell it, if you are eager enough.

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-26T10:49:00.001+03:00

If you dwell in bad thoughts,
your life is full of negativity.
If you don't let the bad thoughts
conquer your mind,
you are free from all negativity.
Opposites, verses 3 & 4

The painting on the left: Vanishing (2005) by Kimmo Matias.

My Art: Paintings

2007-06-26T01:44:00.001+03:00

On Water (2005), oil on canvas.

Selfportait I (2005), oil on canvas.

Dream That Died (2005), oil on canvas.

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-20T11:03:00.001+03:00

Realize your good deeds
with a decisive heart,
and you will be happy, content
and without suffering.

Noviisi, säe 68

Inspiration Frida, Designs by Kimmo Matias

2007-06-19T22:06:00.000+03:00

In 2003, I designed a small collection called "Sendido" which was inspired by Frida's persona, life and art. Here is some of the sketches.

Artist of the Week: Frida Kahlo

2007-06-19T20:43:00.000+03:00

I love Frida Kahlo. She turned her painful and unique persona and life into brilliant works of art. She was not a surrealist, she painted her own reality. Sometimes her portraits are very polished and sometimes they are the complete opposite: very provocative, sensual and raw. Always intense. Frida Kahlo expresses her thoughts with innuendos, symbols or bold gestures. She paints open her whole life; her desires, her pain, her loneliness, her health, her marriage, and her miscarriages. "All access allowed, I dare you", she seems to say. If you describe her - through her work and what is written of her - she was brutally honest to herself and to others. She was a magnificient painter. Her art was overlooked to some extend because she was married to another great artist, Diego Rivera. The value of her contribution to Mexican art was acknowledged only after her death. But then she became a worldwide fenomenon. While I was living in Milan (in 2004) I had the great privilige to see her exhibition & study the dance of her brush. Perfection. The paintings were amazing, so detailed - they were more than just paintings, they were real. Previously, in 2003, I designed a small collection called "Sendido" which was inspired by Frida's persona, life and art. If I find some of the drawings, I'll post them here.

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-19T10:45:00.000+03:00

There are those, who think right is wrong and wrong is right.

These people have taken the wrong path.

Hell, verse 318

Happy Anniversary: Relationship Tips!

2007-06-17T15:11:00.000+03:00

Tarja and Hannu had their anniversary 16th of June but unfortunately I did not have time to post anything yesterday! So now I am posting these 15 message cards with several excellent ideas how to keep a marriage fresh and long-lasting (he he he). I had so much fun doing them and I made them tongue-in-cheek. Nevertheless in all of the cards there is a profound truth to be found. Happy Anniversary! May you have many many more!

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-15T09:56:00.000+03:00

The same thing goes for today: I am busy designing - so only some words to start the day with.

A mind without education is your worst enemy,
educated mind is your best friend.
Thoughts, verses 42 & 43

Artist of the Week: Rui Zhao

2007-06-15T00:50:00.000+03:00

These are works of Rui Zhao, a very talented friend of mine. Fantastic!

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-14T11:18:00.001+03:00

Envy, hate and disillusions

are the beginning of evil.

To free yourself from them

is the beginning of goodness.

Majjhima Nikaya

Finland: Land of the Midnight Sun

2007-06-14T00:43:00.000+03:00

Here's a proof to everyone who has not witnessed the Finnish midnight sun! During summer it doesn't get dark at all. This year I have some troubles adjusting to the light. Or maybe my sleeping schedule is just gone bullocks recently? Anyways, last night I couldn't sleep and I was still up at five in the morning. When I saw this unbelievably beautiful sky, I just had to take a picture of it. The sleeping part succeeded finally - courtesy of Air France, haha! I stole these from the aeroplane last summer when I was in Brazil, eh he he! They came handy now, so all I want to say is merci beaucoup!

Color Me Kimmo

2007-06-14T00:36:00.000+03:00

Ok, so I decided to try on blue eyes. I think I like the original brown eyes better! This looks strange on me. Hmm. And how many times did I want to have blue or green eyes while I was growing up - just because almost everyone in my family had brown eyes. Well, I got over that hang-up now, eh he he!

Portrait

2007-06-14T00:00:00.000+03:00

I found this old picture of my father while going through stuff. I think I resemble him quite a lot, don't you think? I always find it funny and charming how they used to colour images back in the days. In some images, my father's eyes are bright blue - in real life, they were grey. I guess it reflects the ideals of beauty during that particular time. I wonder how I would look if I had blue eyes?

Kimmo Matias Menswear: Catwalk Images

2007-06-13T01:11:00.000+03:00

Here is some images from my debut menswear collection.

Photos taken by (from top to btm): 1 - Kristina Lampinen/ 2,3,4 - Jacek Walczak

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-12T11:19:00.000+03:00

I am still tired. I guess I stayed up too late last night with the business plan. Since I do not have any real brain function yet, I will only select the thought for this day.

Lack of humility corrupts people.
Lack of generosity destroys a gift.
No respect is shown towards evil deeds.
All of these exist because of ignorance.
Remember this and shine in purity.
(Faults, verses 242 & 243)

Good Mood, Bad Mood

2007-06-11T09:49:00.000+03:00

Thought Of The Day

2007-06-09T11:45:00.000+03:00

Words can be beautiful,

but like a flower without a scent

they are not necessarily sincere.

A flower with a scent offers

what its beauty promises.

Your words should be convincing

in the same way.

Flowers, verses 51 and 52

Re-Inventing Myself - The New Look!

2007-06-05T13:29:00.000+03:00

Okay darlings! Here is my new look with both, before and after pictures. I really like what Teemu did with my hair this time, so big hand to him! Somehow life doesn't seem so gloomy anymore - funny (but nice) how changing a hairstyle can make or break the day, not to mention lifting ones spirit up!

Thought of the day

2007-06-05T10:57:00.000+03:00

It's been a long time, so here it comes:

Vain sinä itse pystyt hallitsemaan itsesi.
Mutta kun sen olet tehnyt,
se on harvinainen siunaus.
Itse, säe 160
---
Only you can govern yourself.
But once you have done it,
it is a rare blessing.
Self, verse 160

The Inevitable & The strange

2007-06-04T00:40:00.000+03:00

So, the task to go through all of these boxes has begun! Wish me luck! I haven't actually managed to throw much of the stuff away...which is kind of worrying me since that was the task! While I was going through these boxes full of memories, I noticed this one box with a strange etiquette. It's quite bizarre! First of all, there is a pig with a hand print on his ass - pig that likes to get spanked, eh? - and then the second thing... why is the sun looking at the pig's ass and smiling while doing so???!!! Ok, so maybe I have a very dirty mind but it felt very strange. I guess the box is some meat company's box - but still what is the purpose of this image? What it tries to communicate? S&M? Just thought it was really funny, so had to post it here!!!

Artist's Word Play!

2007-06-01T14:13:00.000+03:00

I just found this! I drew this when I was five. I remember I embarrased my parents when I did it. You see there is two words that are almost the same but have a completely different meaning: kypärä (helmet) and kyrpä (slang word for penis). So imagine a little five-year old boy who runs to the living room - of course while we have guests - all excited he holds up a drawing in his hand and screams from the top of his lounges "Look! He has a kyrpä on his head!!!". Later I lost my interest in the helmets and cars, and discovered something completely different, hahaha!

About Being Stupid!

2007-05-28T21:31:00.000+03:00

The Only Thing More Stupid Than Vain Pride,

Is Being Stupid In Itself.

KIMMO MATIAS

---

Turhaa Ylpeyttä Tyhmempää,

On Vain Tyhmyys Itsessään.

KIMMO MATIAS

Image: Kimmo Matias (2006)

Thought of the Day

2007-05-25T10:39:00.000+03:00

Be your worst critic,

but recognize your successes too.

Protect and educate yourself,

this way you will truly live happily.

Sacret Human, verses 379 & 380

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Ole pahin arvostelijasi,

mutta tunnusta myös onnistumisesi.

Suojele ja kouluta itseäsi,

näin elät todella onnellisena.

Pyhä Ihminen, säkeet 379 & 380

Coffeeeeee!

2007-05-24T13:29:00.000+03:00

"The best way to go through life pleasantly is to drink good coffee. And if you can´t get it, then you should at least try to behave as cheerful as if you just had one."

-JONATHAN SWIFT-

Image of the Day

2007-05-24T11:42:00.001+03:00

Oh, this is still funny. I just had to send it here!

Something To Remember

2007-05-23T23:01:00.000+03:00

A Day Without Laughing, Is A Day That Is Wasted.
NICOLAS-SÉBASTIEN DE CHAMFORT

True Freedom

2007-05-21T22:03:00.000+03:00

Here we stand
wanting more
when in fact
we have it all

Here we stand
while others are denied
all the things
we simply take for granted

Here we stand
in the luxury of being free
while others still fight
to express what they need

Here we stand
without being able to fully understand
what its like
to be controlled by someone else

We are the children
Of true freedom?

Written by Kimmo Matias (2002). All right reserved.