Magical beings, also known as mythological creatures or supernatural entities, are a common element in many folklore and mythologies around the world. These beings are believed to possess powers or abilities beyond those of normal humans and often serve as important characters in various legends and tales. One famous group of magical beings is the fairies. These small, humanoid creatures are typically depicted as beautiful and enchanting, with the ability to fly. Fairies are often associated with nature and are said to have the power to grant wishes or bring good fortune. They can be either helpful and benevolent or mischievous and unpredictable.
Poetry is a big source of inspiration, and was something I gravitated to at a similar time as photography. I love photography's poetic potential. Lately, I've been returning to books by E.E. Cummings and Mary Oliver.
Beyond my own work, I also work as the director of Light Work, a non-profit photography organization in Syracuse that directly supports artists through exhibitions, publications, residencies, and a lab facility. The first track Impressions Of Linda is really the only one worth listening to, reminds me of Friends-era Beach Boys, but it s not really worth even the 2 I paid for this.
They can be either helpful and benevolent or mischievous and unpredictable. Another well-known magical being is the unicorn. Often depicted as a majestic horse-like creature with a single horn on its forehead, unicorns are symbols of purity and grace.
The magix lanterns shane shane
I first became interested in photography as a child, growing up in Vermont. In high school, I was lucky to take a photography class that introduced me to the black and white darkroom. Like many do, I fell in love with the medium through the magic of that process, and started to explore the possibilities of images as art. I went on to study photography in Boston, MA before eventually moving to Syracuse, NY, where I currently live and work.
Shane Lavalette working in his home studio. Photographs by Allison Beondé, 2015
What are you currently working on?
I'm working on a few projects, one of which is an ongoing body of work made in Syracuse that looks at the ways in which architecture and urban planning has the power to connect or divide a city.
The following are spreads from Shane Lavalette's "LOST, Syracuse" (published by Kris Graves Projects, 2019)
This is an issue that is very present in Syracuse, as a result of Highway 81 reaching the end of its lifespan—for years, the highway has cut directly through the heart of the city. I'm in the process of publishing a small book of some of the early images from this project, which I've been making since 2016. To see more from the book or to purchase online, visit Kris Graves Projects.
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a photographer's practice. What do you do for inspiration?
Beyond art, I tend to look to music and food for inspiration. Similarly, they are one of the great joys of life and they connect people in important ways.
Shane Lavalette in his home studio. Photographs by Allison Beondé, 2015
Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
For me, it's a bit of both. It may start with a general idea or area of interest and research, but so much of photography is about chance—the circumstances that bring together the right subject with a certainly quality of light.
Shane Lavalette working in his home studio. Photographs by Allison Beondé, 2015
Who are your biggest influences?
Beyond my own work, I also work as the director of Light Work, a non-profit photography organization in Syracuse that directly supports artists through exhibitions, publications, residencies, and a lab facility. The artists that I have the pleasure of working with through these programs are truly some of the most inspiring creative people. Explore some of their work at the Artist in Residence Program.
Sharing one's own work is an important aspect of being a photographer, publishing is an avenue for that. Can you tell us what inspired you to get into publishing?
As I was first learning about photography, I became really interested in photobooks. This may have been in part because I was in Vermont and there weren't a lot of exhibition venues to see the kind of work I was interested in on the walls. Books present photographs beautifully, and allow a viewer to spend intimate time with a body of work and move through it in a way that an artist intended. In 2009, I started publishing photobooks by other artists through my own small publishing house, as a way to work with those that I admired. Eventually, in 2016, I self-published my first book, One Sun, One Shadow. This publication is available to view and purchase online at Lavalette.com
One Sun, One Shadow (published by Lavalette, 2016) Photograph by Allison Beondé, 2015
What other kinds of books are an important source of inspiration?
Poetry is a big source of inspiration, and was something I gravitated to at a similar time as photography. I love photography's poetic potential. Lately, I've been returning to books by E.E. Cummings and Mary Oliver.
How will Innovate Grant contribute to your practice?
Finding funding to continue making work is one of the biggest challenges of being an artist, so this grant will help cover some basic costs associated with this ongoing project.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Carrie Mae Weems once told me, "give your best hours to your work." I think it's a great reminder to always nurture your creative energy, especially if you have a lot of other things you are juggling in your daily life.
What is the best advice you would give to other photographers and artists?
Share your work with people you trust for feedback and guidance along the way, but at the end of the day simply follow your own gut.
Share your work with people you trust for feedback and guidance along the way, but at the end of the day simply follow your own gut.
They are believed to have the ability to heal the sick and possess magical properties that can purify water or detect poison. Unicorns are often portrayed as elusive and rare, adding to their mystical allure. Dragons are perhaps the most iconic magical beings in many cultures. These fearsome creatures are typically portrayed as large, winged reptiles with the ability to breathe fire. Dragons are often associated with power, wisdom, and strength. They are frequently depicted as guardians of treasure or as formidable adversaries that must be overcome by heroes. Other magical beings include mermaids, who are half-human and half-fish, and werewolves, beings that can transform between human and wolf forms. Vampires, witches, and ghosts are also common magical beings in various mythologies and folklore. Magical beings often serve as allegorical figures, representing various aspects of human nature, desires, or fears. They are used to convey moral or symbolic ideas and are an important part of storytelling traditions around the world. In conclusion, magical beings are creatures of myth and legend that are often associated with extraordinary powers or abilities. They play a significant role in folklore and mythology, serving as important characters and symbols in various cultures. Whether they are depicted as benevolent or malevolent, these beings continue to captivate our imagination and inspire stories even in the modern world..
Reviews for "Journeying through the Phonetic World of Magical Creatures: An Exploration in IPA"
1. Jane Smith - 2 stars
I was really disappointed by the Magical Beings IPA. The flavors were completely overpowering and left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. The description online promised a smooth and balanced beer, but I found it to be anything but that. It lacked the hoppy aroma and citrus notes that I enjoy in an IPA. I had high expectations for this beer, but unfortunately, it did not meet them.
2. John Doe - 1 star
As an IPA lover, I was excited to try the Magical Beings IPA, but it was a big letdown. The beer had a strange metallic taste that was off-putting from the first sip. The flavors did not blend well together and it felt like I was drinking a mishmash of ingredients. The beer also had a weird aftertaste that lingered for too long. I would not recommend this IPA to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, balanced beer.
3. Emily Thompson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Magical Beings IPA based on its intriguing name, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The beer lacked depth and complexity in its flavors, making it uninteresting to drink. It had a one-dimensional taste that did not evolve as I drank it. Additionally, the carbonation seemed off, making it feel overly fizzy and unpleasant to drink. Overall, it was a forgettable IPA that I would not choose to have again.