Las Vegas.

The past week has been a fast-paced, exciting week. Last weekend, I visited SLC, Utah to a few things for the salon at IKEA, and just to get away from Rexburg and spend some time with friends. It was a good trip, and it was nice to eat at some different restaurants and experience a little more culture than Rexburg is use to offering. We were also able to vist the Lunatic Fringe salon on 11th while we were there to get a tour and visit with platform artist, Dave Holland. It was my first introduction to him, and I was very impressed by his humility and kindness... he is definitely a new mentor in my eyes.


Upon returning from Utah Sunday evening, I did some laundry and packed up to head to the airport Monday, arriving at 2pm. I arrived in Las Vegas that evening for Paul Mitchell's annual CAPER and  just returned home this morning. The event was full of high energy as expected, I met some amazing people, and was inspired to the fullest. I was even able to spend some time in the sun and sightsee a little. We stayed in Caesar's Palace, which is a beautiful hotel. I am amazed by the thought put into the designs, architecture, and art in Las Vegas. 

The past few times that I have visited, I had left with a kind of sorrow for some of the negative aspects of that city. I remember catching a few glimpses of people stumbling home from nightclubs, the homeless begging for money, the exploitation and disrespect of sexuality, and all of the artificiality of the ideals of a "Sin City" that "never sleeps" and its contentment and dependency in temporary relief, instant gratification, and an animalistic desire for constant pleasure. I saw those things this trip, but I think I saw past it and was able to focus in on some of the beauty of a broken city. There is a romance to all of the lights, and to the hopes and dreams that people have for something more in their lives. There is a lot of opportunity in that city, and I think people come there to take advantage of it. 

 Brandon Flowers released an album that I think captures the intrigue and beauty of this complicated city. The album is titled, "Flamingo"... If you don't know what I mean, visit his website at http://www.brandonflowersmusic.com/index. But truly I think this music video reflects this spirit: 

The whole album is portrays the more 

positive, but complex, spirit of Las Vegas and the hope and dreams contained within it. I almost feel as if the attitude it portrays is a kind of sad, desperate, confused, lost, but hopeful perspective. I definitely see a great deal of beauty in the idea of searching for happiness. I think that is what it is that makes a sad situation still beautiful... because there is still hope. 

Beyond the new appreciation and perspective I have gained on this city from this trip, I have greatly been influenced and inspired in my trade.  One of the most influential presentations I saw was that of Robert Lobetta, who calls himself the lunatic of Hair. He has turned hairdressing into film, contemporary art, and something so much more than cosmetology alone. To put it bluntly, he has taken what he loves and done whatever the hell he wants to with it. Please, if you haven't heard of him, look him up or his video titled "Fallen" on youtube. Such an inspiring man. I have run into a new obsession inspired by this man which I think will be the topic of my next post, so be sure to check it out. 

I feel so good right now about this blog. It already has fed a thirst that I think has been burning inside of me. I needed to communicate these things, and sort them out in my head enough to write them. And I am loving having the opportunity of sharing them. I think I know what to make with this blog now, and I am excited.