Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lecutre # 6: Critic David Walsh
David Walsh, film and art critic, social activist, and writer for the world Socialist website, http://www.wsws.org spoke to a small group of students on Thursday April 16th. The lecture was presented by the International Students for Social Equality. The advertised topic was "The Future of Art in our Crisis of Economy"
Walsh spent the majority of his time focusing on his background, the history of the great dperession, and the socialist agenda. He opened his lecture with a culture commentary, stating that "people accept the culture they encounter as a given". He went on to elaborate on the economic crisis we are in, stating lots of dark figures and numbers; 50 trillion dollars have been destroyed in the last month. Walsh claimed that the democratic activists promoted Obama as a way to forestall civil unrest, but Walsh believes that sometime in the near future, masses of people will gather to actively defend their lives and way of living.
Walsh's answer to the crisis is to make public nearly everything; health care, insurance, banks. You name it, he wants it nationalized.
Walsh finaly segued into the topic of art. He said that "tellin the truth in art is difficult", and no one is prepared for the economic situation. What of the artist? "Did any major bodyt of art point to the coming of the upheaval?" He claimed that no photo seroies, no book, play or film predicted the place where we are today. The one silver lining in his lecture was when walsh stated "The psark of Human Genius has not gone out".
Walsh spent the majority of his time focusing on his background, the history of the great dperession, and the socialist agenda. He opened his lecture with a culture commentary, stating that "people accept the culture they encounter as a given". He went on to elaborate on the economic crisis we are in, stating lots of dark figures and numbers; 50 trillion dollars have been destroyed in the last month. Walsh claimed that the democratic activists promoted Obama as a way to forestall civil unrest, but Walsh believes that sometime in the near future, masses of people will gather to actively defend their lives and way of living.
Walsh's answer to the crisis is to make public nearly everything; health care, insurance, banks. You name it, he wants it nationalized.
Walsh finaly segued into the topic of art. He said that "tellin the truth in art is difficult", and no one is prepared for the economic situation. What of the artist? "Did any major bodyt of art point to the coming of the upheaval?" He claimed that no photo seroies, no book, play or film predicted the place where we are today. The one silver lining in his lecture was when walsh stated "The psark of Human Genius has not gone out".
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Sun april 19th Nathan Harger
Nathan Harger was born and lives in Cleveland Ohio. He earned his BFA in Photography from the Cleveland University of Art and his MFA from Parsons New School of Design. Minimal information is available online, but he was another PDN featured 30 Emergiing Photographers to watch, and he is represented exclusivly by Hasted Hunt Gallery, New York City, NY.www.nathanhargerphotography.com
www.hastedhunt.com
Thurs april 16th: intersect
Intersect
verb
to cut or divide by passing through or across
I'm using the word blogs to break apart my artist statement and make sure it says what it should mean. "At the intersection of the booming oil industry and America's economic recession...."
So here I see this space, where we have passed the height of oil company growth, of multimillionaires popping up like a disease, and are facing a gloomy future. Of course we're also moving past the gas guzzling fuel wasting times towards a greener, more economically conservative way of life. we lose some, we gain some.
It's hard to say what's coming next. Some econimc forecasters are not giving us good news; many suggest things are only going to get worse, that we may even be facing times of civil unrest. (http://www.trendsresearch.com/). The only thing that is certain, is that nothing is for certain. And that is nothing new. :)
verb
to cut or divide by passing through or across
I'm using the word blogs to break apart my artist statement and make sure it says what it should mean. "At the intersection of the booming oil industry and America's economic recession...."
So here I see this space, where we have passed the height of oil company growth, of multimillionaires popping up like a disease, and are facing a gloomy future. Of course we're also moving past the gas guzzling fuel wasting times towards a greener, more economically conservative way of life. we lose some, we gain some.
It's hard to say what's coming next. Some econimc forecasters are not giving us good news; many suggest things are only going to get worse, that we may even be facing times of civil unrest. (http://www.trendsresearch.com/). The only thing that is certain, is that nothing is for certain. And that is nothing new. :)
sun april 12 Emma Livingston
Emma Livingston, born 1976 in Paris, France, currently resides in Beunos Aires. She received her BA in History of Art from the University of London. She has done many solo exhibtions and one group. She is featured as on of this years PDN's 30 Photographers to watch; it is her photos above, Tree Portraits, that gained the recognition. Livingson currently works as an editorial photograher, while pursing an art career in her spare time.
artist site: www.emmalivingston.com
Thursday April 9th: change
change
verb
to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone
I've finally come to realize what my current work might have in common with my other, seemingly totally different bodies of work. It all revolves around something changing, around either moving into new ideas, or leaving something behind. Both the myspace photographic sculpture & the missed connections series were about these new ideas and how they're affection social norms. What I'm doing today looks back over the shoulder of our culture moreso than the others, & I am enjoying that shift in view point.
This is also the prefect opportunity to highlight a art action group. (I'v avoided this subject in light of barrage of Obama themed work; that's not the kind of change I'm talking about). www.artforchange.org It's a non-profit org that focuses on "increasing civic participation through art programs and performances that provide equal access to information; inspiring reflection, discussion, collaboration and action. By merging art and community, AfC provides a space to explore social issues and celebrate the richness of cultural diversity". Very good stuff.
verb
to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone
I've finally come to realize what my current work might have in common with my other, seemingly totally different bodies of work. It all revolves around something changing, around either moving into new ideas, or leaving something behind. Both the myspace photographic sculpture & the missed connections series were about these new ideas and how they're affection social norms. What I'm doing today looks back over the shoulder of our culture moreso than the others, & I am enjoying that shift in view point.
This is also the prefect opportunity to highlight a art action group. (I'v avoided this subject in light of barrage of Obama themed work; that's not the kind of change I'm talking about). www.artforchange.org It's a non-profit org that focuses on "increasing civic participation through art programs and performances that provide equal access to information; inspiring reflection, discussion, collaboration and action. By merging art and community, AfC provides a space to explore social issues and celebrate the richness of cultural diversity". Very good stuff.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
sunday april 5th: Matt Siber
Matt Siber's series "Floating Logos" nails on the head some of my feelings towards my series. "References can be drawn to religious iconography, the supernatural, popular notions of extraterrestrials, or science fiction films such as Blade Runner. Each of these references refers to something that can profoundly affect our lives yet is just beyond our control and comprehension." -artist statement
Siber was born in Chicago and raised in the Boston area. He received his undergrad in History & georgraphy from the University in 94 & his MFA in Photography from the College of Columbia, Chicago. He has been published many times commercially, & has had several solo exhibitions, both stateside and internationally. He currently works as adjunct faculty at the COlumbia College Chicago. He is represetned by 3 galleries internationally.
Thursday april 2nd: commercialsim & it'seffects
commercialism
noun
-the principles, spirits, and acts of commerce
which of course begs the question......
commerce
noun
-an interchange of goods or commodities, especially on a large scale
I'm interested in the ties that the spirit of commercialism has to the economy, the money spent, and of course my project. I found a wonderful article from the Center for the Study of Commercialism in Washington DC. The Culture of Commercialism: A Critique goes in depth into the effect commercialism may have on us as individuals, as well as the culture on the whole. The majority of the criticism is, as to be expected, negative. Besides the obvious, here are some interesting observations:
-"Commercialism contributes to environmental problems by encouraging wasteful use of natural resources. Over-packaging, disposable goods, and buying things we don't really need all contribute to unnecessary use of limited resources. "
-"Commercialism has influenced our political process. Many politicians try to attract votes with an image created by advertising and media coverage."
-"Ads cost us more in taxes, too. Advertising is a fully tax-deductible business expense. Because of this, state and federal treasuries receive billions of dollars less in business taxes each year."
-"Ads take a lot of our time. The average person spends almost an hour a day reading, watching, or listening to ads through TV, radio, theaters, videotapes, newspapers, magazines, mail, or telephone. "
-"Commercialism does not just promote specific products. It promotes consumption as a way of life. "
The article goes on to summarize these effects into the conlcusion that "Commercialism has clear parallels with industrial pollution. Just as modest amounts of waste can be absorbed by the natural environment, so modest amounts of commercialism can be assimilated by our cultural environment." Interesting to note that we have to walk a fine line here; many photographers pay their pills with the bread & butter work of advertising shoots. It's a push & shove, how much is too much, how much isn't enough? Where do we cut off industrys to rescue the earth or promotoe the industry to rescue the jobs? oxymoronic indeed....
article found on: http://www.media-awareness.ca
noun
-the principles, spirits, and acts of commerce
which of course begs the question......
commerce
noun
-an interchange of goods or commodities, especially on a large scale
I'm interested in the ties that the spirit of commercialism has to the economy, the money spent, and of course my project. I found a wonderful article from the Center for the Study of Commercialism in Washington DC. The Culture of Commercialism: A Critique goes in depth into the effect commercialism may have on us as individuals, as well as the culture on the whole. The majority of the criticism is, as to be expected, negative. Besides the obvious, here are some interesting observations:
-"Commercialism contributes to environmental problems by encouraging wasteful use of natural resources. Over-packaging, disposable goods, and buying things we don't really need all contribute to unnecessary use of limited resources. "
-"Commercialism has influenced our political process. Many politicians try to attract votes with an image created by advertising and media coverage."
-"Ads cost us more in taxes, too. Advertising is a fully tax-deductible business expense. Because of this, state and federal treasuries receive billions of dollars less in business taxes each year."
-"Ads take a lot of our time. The average person spends almost an hour a day reading, watching, or listening to ads through TV, radio, theaters, videotapes, newspapers, magazines, mail, or telephone. "
-"Commercialism does not just promote specific products. It promotes consumption as a way of life. "
The article goes on to summarize these effects into the conlcusion that "Commercialism has clear parallels with industrial pollution. Just as modest amounts of waste can be absorbed by the natural environment, so modest amounts of commercialism can be assimilated by our cultural environment." Interesting to note that we have to walk a fine line here; many photographers pay their pills with the bread & butter work of advertising shoots. It's a push & shove, how much is too much, how much isn't enough? Where do we cut off industrys to rescue the earth or promotoe the industry to rescue the jobs? oxymoronic indeed....
article found on: http://www.media-awareness.ca
Sunday march 29th: Eric Smith
Eric Smith is a commercial & fine art photographer working out of Detriot michigan. He studied fine art photography at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, but doesn't appear to have a BFA or MFA. I've chosen to highlight his work for a couple reasons. First, he is working from a place where the economy is certainly rock bottom & a mjaor industry is failing. Secondly, his subject in this series is a building that is no longer functioning as they were originally intended.
These photos are created using HDR photography. Although his site doesn't explain his specific proccess, normally HDR is a compilation of 3 or more images which both over & underexpose the scene, and then together ensure all details are hyperealistic. (There are some plugins & programs which imtate the process, but I don't think Smith is using these).
His statement explains "In a series of portfolios Eric Smith photographs architecture in Detroit, using it to illustrate the city’s ongoing transformation. In his contribution to the Midwest Photographers Project Smith focuses on the abandoned Michigan Central Station, a train depot in the Beaux Arts style that was built in 1913 and closed in 1988. Although it shows years of neglect, the building’s marble walls and Doric columns are solidly intact and the space retains its majestic scale."
Smith is represented by the Monroe Gallery of Photographyin Santa Fe, New Mexico: http://www.monroegallery.com/
his personal site is: www.ericsmith.us
Friday, March 27, 2009
thur march 26th: Progress
Progress
noun
-developmental activity in science, technology, etc., esp. with reference to the
commercial opportunities created thereby or to the promotion of the material
well-being of the public through the goods, techniques, or facilities created.
Could the recession be having progressive impact on the american lifestyle? Several social critics & trend forecasters say yes. Information gathered from several articles suggest the following
1. We're slowing down.
"Nightlife and the restaurant business have slowed down considerably, which is rough on everyone in the industry, but makes city life quieter. " (www.savvysugar.com)
2. Increased FDIC insurance
"Recent legislation increased the limit of FDIC insurance on all of our bank accounts from $100,000 to a pretty snazzy $250,000." (www.kirbyonfinance.com)
3. Reusing, recycling, making it last"Tony Framlkin, Anderson ford's general managing partner says...'Right now, people are more likely to repair a belt or something minor right away rather than wait because they plan on trading it in' " (cars are just one example: www.stjoenews.net )
noun
-developmental activity in science, technology, etc., esp. with reference to the
commercial opportunities created thereby or to the promotion of the material
well-being of the public through the goods, techniques, or facilities created.
| -advancement in general. |
| -growth or development; continuous improvement: He shows progress in his muscular coordination. |
1. We're slowing down.
"Nightlife and the restaurant business have slowed down considerably, which is rough on everyone in the industry, but makes city life quieter. " (www.savvysugar.com)
2. Increased FDIC insurance
"Recent legislation increased the limit of FDIC insurance on all of our bank accounts from $100,000 to a pretty snazzy $250,000." (www.kirbyonfinance.com)
3. Reusing, recycling, making it last"Tony Framlkin, Anderson ford's general managing partner says...'Right now, people are more likely to repair a belt or something minor right away rather than wait because they plan on trading it in' " (cars are just one example: www.stjoenews.net )
I'd be interested to hear of other upsides you're seeing in your own lives....
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sun March 22: Brian Ulrich
*Paul recommended this artist during a meeting & I feel in love with his work.
An exerp from Ulrich's artist statement:
In 2001 citizens were encouraged to take to the malls to boost the U.S. economy through shopping, thereby equating consumerism with patriotism. The Copia project, a direct response to that advice, is a long-term photographic examination of the peculiarities and complexities of the consumer-dominated culture in which we live. Through large scale photographs taken within both the big-box retail stores and the thrift shops that house our recycled goods, Copia explores not only the everyday activities of shopping, but the economic, cultural, social, and political implications of commercialism and the roles we play in self-destruction, over-consumption, and as targets of marketing and advertising.
Photographer Brian Ulrich received his BFA from the University of Akron and his MFA in photography from the Columbia College, Chicago n 2004. He has had several solo exhibitions, including at the Institute of Art in Chicago. He currently lives & teaches in Chicago, IL at both Columbia College and SAIC. He is represented by three galleries; the Robert Koch Gallery, the Rhona Hoffman Gallery, & the Julie Saul Gallery.
artist site: www.notifbutwhen.com
gallery: kochgallery.com
thur march 19th : Consumerism
Consumerism:
noun
the fact or practice of an increasing consumption of goods
As I delve further into my series, the work is becoming less about the physical subject (gas stations) and more about the idea upon which that subject is built off; the supply and demand, the economic market, the consumerism and it's aura today.
A lengthy report published by online journal Nutraceuticals World aproaches the topic of ethical consumerism: that is consumers taking a social responsibility for their purchases. Here is an exerp from their data:
noun
the fact or practice of an increasing consumption of goods
As I delve further into my series, the work is becoming less about the physical subject (gas stations) and more about the idea upon which that subject is built off; the supply and demand, the economic market, the consumerism and it's aura today.
A lengthy report published by online journal Nutraceuticals World aproaches the topic of ethical consumerism: that is consumers taking a social responsibility for their purchases. Here is an exerp from their data:
"NATURALITES (19% of U.S. adults) make most purchase decisions based on benefits to their personal health. While they are interested in protecting the environment--an interest mostly driven by personal health reasons--they are not as involved in planetary health."
"At 25% of the general population, the largest segment is the DRIFTERS. Motivated by the latest trends, their commitment to any issue, including sustainability, is constantly shifting. As the youngest segment, DRIFTERS are more likely to view price as a barrier to green living."
"CONVENTIONALS make up 19% of the population. Driven by practicality and frugality rather than pure environmental benefits, these consumers are not particularly environmentally conscious. "
"The portion of the population that exhibits no sense of environmental responsibility is considered to be the UNCON-CERNEDS (17%)"
What interests me most about the info, and relates to my project, is that consumerism is so multi-faceted. I don't feel its possible, especially in accordance with the numbers, to represent one view in my images. Depressing, these abandoned buildings? maybe. or maybe we're moving on to better things. This is not just about what you see. It's about what was before, what got us here, & where we're going.
citation: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb223/is_8_11/ai_n28582082
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Artist Lecture: Amy Stein
On March 4th, young photographer Amy Stein spoke to a group of students at Virginia Commonwealth. She is very well spoken and her lecture style is easy to listen to. She was by far the best speaker the photo department has hosted.
Stein received her MFA in photography from the School of Visual Arts in 2006, and currently resides in New York City as faculty at SVA.
Stein came into photography after a career in webdesign, when the internet bubble burstin '01 and she found herself out of work. She started studying at IOP .
Her "Women & Guns" series is profound work, and she explained she came into it photographing a community she knew absolutely nothing about. In this group of photographs, Stein explores the relationships women have with teheir guns and goes into theirenviroments to capture the images.
This series eventually led her to her next work, "Domesticated". For this series, Stein worked with a taxidermist, who she strongly tauts as very much a true artist, to reenact stories and legends of animal encounters in a small town. Though Stien was living and studying in New York City at the time, she was "not intersted in the urban", but pursued instead stories in an agressive way. "This work had to me made, and I was desperate to make it", she explained. (This really struck a note with me, because that is how I felt when I began my series, which is a complete 180 from anything I've ever done.)
Sunday March 8th: Robert Voit
"In New Trees, Robert Voit employs delicate irony to demonstrate that the background noise of verbal communication, so to speak, has long since reached the visual domain.
His pictorial inventory, a work-in-progress since 2003, of mobile phone masts in the guise of artificial trees erected in real space in the U.S., Great Britain, South Africa, Korea, Italy and Portugal pays superficial tribute to a diffuse creative will driven by a basic desire for conciliation....
Robert Voit, who studied at the academies in Munich and Dusseldorf, satirizes the strict typological corset which has become the trademark of the so-called Becher School of photography. Classified thus as unique objects, formally these fake trees take on an absurd dynamism which creates a need for natural artificiality. In New Trees, the tree, a traditional carrier of meaning, mutates into a grotesque foil for longing."
-Christoph Schaden (the accompanying text from Voit's website)
His typology feels honest and therefore extremely successful. I think Schaden has reiterated was I was thinking when viewing Voit's work, and while I won't be using humor in my series, I hope it can hold up beside the images of Voit because I have alot of respect for his work.
artists website: http://www.robertvoit.com
Artists Lecture: Jared Kames
Jared Kames, VCU graduate and former Photography & Film major (he changed his concentration to independant studies), spoke to a medium sized group of students in the Business Building of Virginia Commonwealth. Kames it the founder and owner of OneTribe, a company which designs, creates and distributes original, organic body modifcation jewelry. Kames lecutured on both the artistic and commercial aspects of his ownership.
Kames discussed how contrary to todays culural climate, body modification is nothing new; it holds roots in ancient traditions, religions and cultures. He feels a connection to the myan and aztec artists, and is strongly influenced by anthropoligists. Kames became interested in creating his own jewelry as he bgan to realize that existing jewlery was totally uninspired. "These are things we do to make ourselves aesthetically pleasing", he explained, going on to say "You can find inspiration in anything."
Launched in 2003, Onetribe is now doing quite well financially. They have one retail spac, two jewelry workshops (one here in Richmond and the other in Bali). Current undertakings include the perfect reproduction of original myan/aztec jewelry, something that has never been done before. He described his company as "an art kid and four of his friends." He feels that Onetribe bridges for all societies and races, that "we're all connected". His enthusiasim is evident and his creations are very earnest, so that each piece of jewelry becomes like a little treasure.
http://onetribe.nu/
Thur March 5th: appraisal
ap⋅prais⋅al
noun-the act of judging or estimating the value of something or someone
-the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth
"It is important that an aim never be defined in terms of activity or methods. . . . . The aim of the system must be clear to everyone in the system. The aim must include plans for the future. The aim is a value judgment."
The end of the semester is closing in...a light at the end of the tunnel or a train on a fast collision course? It's time to start pulling the series together with a serious endgame in mind. The method has been well established, almost become routine. Locate station, photograph in said manner, edit & print.
The final goals are dependent upon how I expect my final series to interact with the viewer. In the general frame of contemporary mind, it would seem bigger is better. But it seems to me that such a mentality is what got America to this predicament in the first place and no matter how I try to finagle around it, the reason that "more people will like it" does not silence my other concerns. I think the size will combat the message, & the message is what spoke to me in the first place. I am not interested in making pretty pictures.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday March 1st: Simom Roberts
Simon Roberts, a photographer born 1974 in the U.K., Received his BA Honors degree in Human Geography from The University of Sheffield in 1996 and a a Distinction in Photography from the National Council for the Training of Journalists in 1997. The majority of his exhibitions and publications have been in overseas .He also has work residing in the permanent collections of the Museum of Contemporary Photography (Chicago) and MOMA.
The photos shown above are from Roberts "Motherland" series. To capture the images, Roberts spent nearly a year visiting some 200 locations in Russia.The group does include portraits, but I chose these images which I felt related better to my work. According to Robert's artist statement, "Motherland is a bold visual statement about the nature of contemporary Russia, fifteen years after the collapse of the Soviet Union."
artists website: http://www.simoncroberts.com
blog: http://we-english.co.uk/blog
Thursday, February 26, 2009
thursday Feb 26th: Anthropology
an⋅thro⋅pol⋅o⋅gy
θrəˈpɒl
| 1. | the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind. |
| 2. | the study of human beings' similarity to and divergence from other animals. |
| 3. | the science of humans and their works. Accodring to http://www.cyberpursuits.com/anthro/ : "Anthropology is a science of humankind. It studies all facets of society and culture. It studies tools, techniques, traditions, language, beliefs, kinships, values, social institutions, economic mechanisms, cravings for beauty and art, struggles for prestige. It describes the impact of humans on other humans. With the exception of the Physicial Anthropology discipline, Anthropology focuses on human characteristics generated and propogated by humans themselves." In several ways, I feel as if my project is anthropological. Here we have a behavior that is part of mainstream human lifestyle, at least in the wealthier countries, and it is certainly shifting. For better or for worse, for reasons we may not understand yet. It makes me wonder who anthropologists hundreds of years from now will look back on today, and what they will say. I think, in trying to capture the details, I'm going to have to drop the tight, somewhat emotional POV and keep it straight/documentary. You know, make it look like something the anthropologists could use. |
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sumday Feb 22nd: Julie Blackmon, Domestic Vacations
I've always admired the work of Julie Blackmon, and when I saw two of her prints in person at Photo Miami, they took my breath away. Her innate attention to detail coupled with her touch for light create these incredible narratives. My current work is far from narrative, but Blackmon is still one of my photo idols, if you will.
Blackmon has been published in Vogue, London Times, Milk and National Geographic's Digitial Photography. She has had over 10 solo exhibitions and is represented by 4 galleries, as well as a commercial photography agent. She has won several photography awards, most notably American Photos Emergin Photographer of 2008. There is no information regarding Blackmons education available, which is curious.
Blackmon expounds on the above work in her artist statement:
"The paintings of Steen, along with those of other Dutch and Flemish genre painters, helped inspire this body of work. I am the oldest of nine children and now the mother of three. As Steen’s personal narratives of family life depicted nearly 400 yrs. ago, the conflation of art and life is an area I have explored in photographing the everyday life of my family and the lives of my sisters and their families at home. These images are both fictional and auto-biographical, and reflect not only our lives today and as children growing up in a large family, but also move beyond the documentary to explore the fantastic elements of our everyday lives, both imagined and real.
The stress, the chaos, and the need to simultaneously escape and connect are issue that I investigate in this body of work. We live in a culture where we are both “child centered” and “self-obsessed.” The struggle between living in the moment versus escaping to another reality is intense since these two opposites strive to dominate."
Artists Website: http://julieblackmon.com
represented by: http://www.claireoliver.com
www.edelmangallery.com
www.ggibsongallery.com
www.photoeye.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thur Feb 19th: Unity
Unity noun
-a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one
- the state or face of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.
or, according to the art dictionary on line:
-a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one
- the state or face of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.
or, according to the art dictionary on line:
Glossary Term: Unity
Unity is one of the principles of art. Unity is the feeling that everything in the work of art works together and looks like it fits.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday Feb 15th: Taro Hirano
While I was shopping in Venice Beach on Sunday afternoon, I think the photo gods were directing my attention to this artist. His book was on a coffee table in a furniture store. The book, entitled "Pool", is a photographic series of empty swimming pools in California. Each pool is represented in a basic typology (very similar to my first round of photographs), and then detail shots ensue. The detail shots differ from pool to pool, depending on what takes importance for each location.
The timing in finding this book was perfect; right before leaving on my trip I went out to shoot a station & ended up taking about 100 detail shots. I got totally swept away, feeling what I haven't felt in far too long- enjoying the shoot.
According to his website (you have to search for the english version), After studying Photography as Contemporary Art at Musashino Art University, Hirano worked as photographer's assistant at Kodansha Publishing. Hirano also opened a gallery in Tokyo, "Number 12 Gallery".
Check out the project in it's entirety, alongside some other work a http://www.tarohirano.com/pool/
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thur Feb 12th
Enamor:
To inspire with love; captivate
Since it's valentines day weekend I'm going to be cheesy and talk about loveeee. oh yes. Paul, you can deduct points for this if you want. but I've been feeling down about my work for the last several months...maybe since the beginning of summer, even. You know when you see some an excellent project and your heart skips a beat? and then you're feeling those pangs of envy......why doesn't my project feel like that? ok maybe I'm taking this whole metaphor a little overboard, but the thing about my work is.....I want to put the rommance back in it. I want to rush out the door with my camera the way I used too. and it's not that I don't love photography any more- I could talk/read/learn about it all day.
So it's not as if they offer counselors so you and your art can work out your problems. But there is a great website,: I give you my secret weapon. http://blogs.photopreneur.com/ . The blogs are the best, with tons of stuff regarding commercial/proffessional photography as well as inspiration and techie talk. My personal favorite when I'm feeling extra low is 60 Sources of Inspiration for Photographers. http://blogs.photopreneur.com/60-sources-of-inspiration-for-photography. If anyone else feels the way I do, check 'em out.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sunday Feb 8th: Yiogros Kordakis
Very little information is available concerning the work of Yiogros Kordakis; I'm not even sure of his/her gender. I do know that Kordakis is an amazing Greek photographer whom exhibited at Photo Miami several images from the above series, "Global Summer". Large scale, crisp where they need to be and vibrant beyond belief, these photos are not done justice on the computer screen.
Kordakis' website, www.yiorgoskordakis.com , shows a diverse range of shots. A substantial commercial portfolio shows fashions and interiors, while art and books are dedicated to the more conceptual. Discounting the subject matter, all the images are pulled together by the same techniques that solidify the photographs above.
This work really pushes me to continue developing a "style". I'm struggling yet with linking together a mixed-bag of a portfolio , and if an objective viewer can tell that I shot all my images just by glancing through, then I'll feel a little more successful.
http://www.yiorgoskordakis.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)