AUG. 20, 2008: “BOOKER THE SURF DOG FROM CALI”

Photographed Fresh Daily
Starting With Miami, Alissa Christine Just Might Document the World — One Day at A Time

By Eleanor McCulloch

Although Brazilian-American photographer and visual artist Alissa Christine can handily win a First Place award for a days work in, say, the one-day Fotomission 2008 South Beach Photomarathon competition, it is the body of her one-day endeavors that are most impressive.

In fact, each day for 366 days (yes, she even chose the leap year of 2008 for the project), Christine shot at least one amazing representation of South Florida, and captioned each with personal commentary. And from beaches to fire breathing, the artist managed to capture much of what it means to live and work in paradise — images both puckish and moving; simply reminiscent and newly resplendent.

As she describes her mission, her collection of images were purposed towards “weaving together thoughts and inspirations, cultures and diversions, friends and strangers, locations and vibrations — including visions not typically seen in the mass media. Some shoots were planned, some were guerilla encounters, and some days were serendipitous surprises.”

In addition to sharing her images in 944 Magazine, Ocean Drive, Florida Inside Out, Miami Modern Luxury, and other publications, as well as in exhibitions throughout South Florida, it is just those 365-plus-one images that Christine now focuses on getting onto our coffee tables in hardbound book form — and we’ll be so glad to have it.

EM: You shot at least one impressive new photo each day for a year for your ‘I Love Miami 365’ project without ‘cheating.’ Were there ever days when you just were not getting something up to your standards, had equipment failure, a cold, or some other hindrance, and how did you overcome it?

AC: This project was a daily meditative exercise of gratitude and celebration, utilizing the art of photography as a method to capture the essence of joy, which is present at every moment. Each day was an opportunity to exercise acceptance, flexibility and gratitude for every situation that life offers, regardless if it was according to plan or not. The challenge was to maintain open channels of perception, to creatively conceptualize any moment as a masterpiece.

EM: How has the response been to the project?

AC: People love the project for several reasons. My intention was to interweave and include as many dimensions of Miami as possible; 
I get overwhelming responses about how they relate to the essence of the image, whether it be a person, place, thing, happening, feeling, lifestyle, etc. In addition to appreciating the artwork, many also connect to the meditative process behind the photography.

EM: How is the publishing process going?

AC: The project is still in progress, and no release date has been set yet. Updates will be posted on the website and you can also get on the mailing list. The next step involves finding the right publisher to help me produce the coffee table book. I would also like to create an animated photo DVD, a calendar, posters, etc. which would be a compilation of the images, captions, blogs and experiences from my project.

EM: What were the things about Miami that the project made you appreciate the most?

The element of surprise... and recognizing the possibility that anything can happen in this Magic City of ours.

EM: What have you been working on since completing the year of shooting the project?

AC: Live photo shoots with simultaneous 
projection [find links at theleadmiamibeach.com], as well as editorial shots for 944 Magazine, and private commissions. I also photographed the Hands Across the Sand [coastal protection campaign] from a chopper, and I’ve been working with 3D photography and visionary art. I am also a resident artist member at the CANDO Arts Co-op, and have been participating in group shows since December 2009.

EM: What’s next for you?

AC: ‘I Love the World 365?’

Alissa Christine is currently researching publishing options, sponsors and investors. She will exhibit in a group show at the CANDO Arts Co-op, 309 23rd St., Miami Beach, in a show entitled ‘WET,’ which opens Dec 1. The show runs through Jan. 10. Call 305-772-5665 for more information. The artist will also show at the Moksha Visionary Art Fair at 7th Circuit Studios, 228 N.E. 59 St., in Miami, on Dec. 4. Visit mokshafamily.org.

For more information on the artist, and to see images from Christine’s I Love Miami 365 project, visit Ilovemiami365.com or call 305-772-5130.

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