Ray Demski: Action Addict

A Tribute to Photographer Ray Demski

Ray Demski Self-Portrait

Ray Demski, a Canadian born, lived the life of an adventure junkie early on. Ray spent his days during the winters in the western Canadian Rocky Mountains skiing and playing ice hockey, while receiving a home schooled education. In 2000 at the young age of 15, Demski and his family moved onto a sail boat and embarked on a seven year world voyage for which Ray was navigator. It was during the events and experiences gained on this 40 country travel that Demski discovered his love and passion for photography. Many of his talented pieces come from his endeavors abroad.

Photo by Ray Demski

Furthermore, Demski was able to expand his thrills for adventure and action by pursuing diving, martial arts, kitesurfing, boxing and a number of other sports on his travels. While making memories himself, Demski captured priceless moments of others along the way. He originally specialized in low-light action photography but has begun to expand his work into more stage production pieces. Venturing into photographing the hip-hop scene in 2005, Demski had the opportunity to photograph a number of break dance world championship extravaganzas. This endeavor opened up a number of possibilites for Demski including assignments for MTV France.

Break Dancing Photo by Ray Demski

Dance Photography by Ray Demski

Dancers and athletes are Demski's primary inspirations. He attended the EPSE Dance university to train in classical, modern jazz and contemporary dance forms. You will find his best work is capturing the human form in the great outdoors. His skill and artistic potential is boundless. Demski's work has been featured and published in magazines such as National Geographic Adventure and some of his current clients include: BMW, Red Bull, Bogner, Adidas, Black Diamond, National Geographic Adventure, Sea to Summit, Sandisk, SportScheck, MTV, BrAun, Mens Health, and Evolv. He is currently based in Munich, Germany. 

Photo by Ray Demski

Demski is one artist of many that truly inspires me not only in the artistic form of photography but in pushing the boundaries in thrill and adventure sports. I share many characteristics with Demski including thrill seeking, a passion for photography and travel, as well as sporting and extracurricular pursuits. His love for capturing the human passion and emotion is untouchable.

Portrait Photography by Ray Demski

A First Time Voter

   Yes that's right, I have completed my first presidential ballot. There is now one more voice in the nation seeking positive change. Attending TCU has not only fostered and enriched my knowledge and education, college has also taught me the importance of many fundamental aspects of the freedoms we are privy to as American citizens. Until recently, politics has been far from my scope of priorities, let alone interests. However, in reality, everyone able should be tuned into the state of the economy and where our political leaders are guiding this nation.

   The values of our founding fathers encompassed a nation as a democracy, established by the people and for the people. Over the years, the government seems to have strayed from that universal idea and positive approach. The opposing groups representing our nation seem to be hung up on the competitive spirit leading to unethical and amoral actions. Instead of focusing on the issues at hand and following through with positive plans for the people of the nation, to stimulate an affluent economy and be the people's advocate, politicians have become more about defamation of the opposing group. This is apparent in the recent political debate moderated by Bob Schieffer. President Obama repeatedly attacked Romney with multiple allegations in a manner that was inappropriate. He seemed to be trying to pick a fight and arouse reactions from Romney. Despite his ill-mannered and immature verbal prodding, Romney avoided the argument. According to reviews after the debate, Romney did a great job and deferring to the question at hand instead of appeasing Obama's accusations and verbal quarrels.

   Furthermore, a more critical current problem is the rigged voting system. An article surfaced recently concerning voting machines auto selecting Obama despite voters choosing Romney. This is a scary problem that needs to be addressed. If there is illegitimate voting and voting complications occurring, then our nation has a much greater obstacle to overcome. I worry that the people are no longer the deciding factor as to the presidential campaign results. Click here to read the article.

   I urge everyone to explore and investigate the presidential plans and understand differing tactics and strategy plans presented. It is vital that every voice able act by voting to determine our country's future leader. Our nation's stability and future prospects are dependent on the decisions made now for the next election. I am proud to say I have participated in a monumental decision for the nation.

"Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are 

prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard 

of democracy, therefore, is education."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Austin City Limits 2012

Day 1

   Friday August 12, day 1 of ACL, was a great start to the memorable music festival. Alabama Shakes, Tegan and Sara, Florence + The Machine, Aviici, M83 and the Black Keys were the high points of the evening. It was a beautiful day in Austin, sun was shining, and thousands of music fans crowded into the infamous Zilker Park to watch some amazing performances. 

   Of the aforementioned highlighted bands, my favorite performance according to music style was Tegan and Sara. I enjoyed their songs because I was highly anticipating watching them perform. It was great to see the dynamic duo up on stage in person. Concerning stage presence and interaction with the audience, my favorite performance was Florence + The Machine. The English Indie rock band, with Florence Welsh as the lead singer, took the audience by surprise. Dressed in a dark green gown, Florence was jumping around and getting absolutely wild on stage. Her innate and stunning vocal talents were unmasked during the live performance.  A committed and lively performer, Florence used the entire stage as well as engaging the audience up close, to awe the crowd. She was truly one of the best stage performers I have ever seen. The day ended with the Black Keys. The Black Keys brought a varied age audience and truly owned up to their reputation. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable melodious day.

Day 2

   Day 2 at ACL seemed less promising, as there were less performances I was determined to see. With daunting clouds in the forecast, I expected less from the concerts. Regardless of this doubtful outlook for day 2, I was dumbstruck when I discovered one of my new favorite bands. Big Gigantic was one of the most incredible concerts I have experienced. The instrumental, livetronica, hip-hop and jazz musical group based out of Boulder, Colorado, combined electronic beats with the saxophone. The lead performer on the saxophone was incredible, his skills surpassed any preconceived notions I could have imagined. During the climax of their performance, the   rain started to come down in torrents. This just made the crowd more excited and pumped. Everyone was going wild! I will never forget the Big Gigantic adventures at ACL 2012. 

Day 3

   The final day at ACL was marked by new found lyrical obsessions and extraordinary shows by some of the best. I discovered a new passion for a band called NEEDTOBREATHE, whom I had never previously heard of. Other sensational performances included Two Door Cinema Club, The Lumineers, The Civil Wars, The Avett Brothers, and Childish Gambino. The music fest concluded with a performance by the infamous Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” 

~ Plato

Wined and Dined

   Fall break was a relaxing and fun-filled long weekend full of TCU football, family reunion and date nights with the best of the best. I was surprised by the best boyfriend in the world on a date night to Mercury Chophouse in downtown Fort Worth. It is so special to get all dressed up and enjoy an evening with great wine, great food and great company.

   Mercury Chophouse is located in the heart of Sundance Square and offers some of the finest food in Fort Worth. We started off with a sampler appetizer that included crab cakes, scallops and calamari. Having never been privy to scallops, my whole perspective was transformed after trying the perfectly seared appetizer. We then enjoyed dinner which consisted of the most exquisite and mouthwatering filet mignon and swordfish. The Mercury Chophouse truly owns up to their reputation by offering world-class food and flawless service.

   While pampering ourselves by indulging in a bottle of sauvignon blanc, Brandon and I had the most incredible 2 hours. A much anticipated and needed date allowed us to forget our busy schedules for the night and enjoy each other. Brandon and I have been together nearly a year and a half, being some of the most memorable and happy months I can remember. There are still so many experiences that we have yet to take advantage of with each other and I look forward to many more adventures with him.

   In terms of food delicacies, discovering the Chophouse was a great find. It is truly one of the best restaurants we have ever been to. I recommend this venue for anyone who is looking for a high class and unique restaurant experience. It also offers the perfect location to continue your evening and explore the thriving Sundance Square night life.

"Life is a journey, not a destination."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Tribute to the Beatles

Come Together- Abbey Road Album
October 6, 1969

Spiritual Therapy

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts human beings plan their course,
 but the Lord establishes their steps.

   Finding an activity that has acted as personal spiritual growth has been a positive influence on my weekly schedule. Recently, I accompanied my friends Cassie and Grecia to the Wednesday night service at Crossroads Church on West Berry. The service was far superior to what I had expected. Not only did I find the people to be very welcoming and passionate, the message the pastor relayed was extremely influential. I felt as if the sermon was targeted specifically towards me and the pastor illustrated his points on an engaging platform. At the conclusion of the service, I felt rejuvenated with the proclivity to further my biblical knowledge and spiritual health.

   As a child, my family and I attended church regularly. I accepted Christ into my life when I was in fifth grade and for many years lived by faith and Christ's love. However, during high school I found my involvement in Christian based activities to drastically decline. At this time, I suffered the loss of 2 family members and a dear friend. I did not understand why I was dealing with so much pain and over time I became detached from my faith. Beyond this struggle, I was going through a time in my life when I was discovering my identity. Facing troubling situations with my family, I began to lose my faith and become angry with God.

   At the start of my college experience, I came to reason with my past issues and turned back to my faith. It is indescribable the immeasurable differences between a life without Christ and one with. I have turned to God to give me strength in so many situations and without him I don't know where I would be today. He works through me on a daily basis and I have learned that putting my faith in him has given me so much relief during hard times and in contrast, exponential happiness and direction in life.

   Due to an extremely busy college schedule, I admit to a loss in my religious attentiveness. I have struggled with prioritizing a schedule that gives more time to practicing my faith. When Cassie invited me to Crossroads, I was excited to have the opportunity to change my habits and begin to devote more time to God. Crossroads is surprisingly one of the most enjoyable services I have attended. I plan to commit at least one hour every Wednesday night to the services at Crossroads. Not only is it a great time for a college student to worship, the experience offers revitalization and staying power to undertake the remainder of the school week.

Proverbs 3:5 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

 and lean not on your own understanding.

Medicine of the Mind

   As a music junkie, I find great pleasure in attending concerts, music festivals, and learning new instruments. Music has become part of my life on a day to day basis. I find it is an avenue of escape and stress relief when I exercise. Furthermore, music tends to improve my study habits and minimize stress. Being from Colorado, I have been influenced by and introduced to a wide variety of music. Music ranging from artists like John Mayer, The Lumineers, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Avicci and Childish Gambino, as well as country like Keith Urban and Josh Turner, have been a significant influence on my music appeal. 

   I have always been taken back by artists whose lyrical expression and unique music form go beyond the norm and truly tap into the audience’s emotions. I believe that music can be one of the best forms of personal therapy and self expression. I can’t even imagine a world without the art of music.

   The next few weeks are going to be bubbling with excitement and anticipation as the infamous Austin City Limits arrives. This year will be my first experience at ACL and I am thrilled for the line up. There are so many amazing bands that will be uniting in one place to spread their talent and love. “It is going to be one for the books,” as Danielle and I always say. 

   College has blessed me with some of the best friends I could ever imagine. I am ecstatic that I will be able to share this experience at the upcoming ACL music festival with my best friend, Danielle. Only having met two years ago, Danielle has acted as a true confidante and has been there for me through thick and thin. We have already shared so many grand and priceless memories together, and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.

   As senior year races by, it is important that I take every opportunity and experience that comes my way. Danielle shares the same joy and passion in music that I do, and the music festival will be a truly unforgettable time. Thank goodness for Texas; good food, good music, and great friends.

"A painter paints pictures on a canvas.

But musicians paint their pictures on silence."

Leopold Stokowski