bubble calendar

oh my, how much FUN is this?? A calendar made of bubble wrap!

thoughts on the image fulgurator

Seb and I spent some time talking about the impact of this thing. In contrast to the article I linked to yesterday, it simply shouldn't be compared to graffiti. Graffiti is art made on top something that already exists, a finished product. However, this tool doesn't allow the photographer the chance to even have a final image, stamping its presence onto the oblivious photographer's image. It's invasive, and indicative of where technology is moving. Just last night I saw a news article on TV about head-mounted cameras being piloted in Plymouth, England - the journalist noted that surveillance cameras are rampantly used throughout the UK. Protection or invasion? Will the Image Fulgurator move from stamping on another image, to collecting the image into its own camera?

just in from g4 - "Modified Camera Ruins Other People's Pictures"

Holy shite - this German fotog has figure out a way of infiltrating your camera by projecting his images into your lens when your flash goes off. He calls it the Image Fulgurator.

Watch it here:

inspired by wood marquetry to try something new

I just registered for a month-long course in Stone and Wood Carving at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. Description says: This short course focuses on direct carving in stone and wood. Students will explore abstract and objective forms while working on personally designed projects. There will be an emphasis on mastering carving techniques, including hand and power tools, and on exploring concept and composition within the subtractive context.

I've been itching to try my hand at a new medium; I feel its because I view photography as a literal art form since I mainly work in documentary or portraiture, not so much conceptual art. I became interested in woodwork because of this article in NYT about a woman who has essentially resurrected the popularity of the historical art of wood marqetry. In a nutshell, wood marquety is using wood veneers to create a scene or piece of work. The terms used for this is inlay and outlay; I don't know what they mean, but to me, I understand it as kind of a collage of wood veneer - each piece of veneer has a unique quality of grain and each piece contributes to a different section of the scene.

Take this detail of “Slab City” (2007) by Alison Elizabeth Taylor (which has been the centerpiece on my computer display for a month now). It's absolutely fascinating. Each section is a completely different piece of wood - the shadow under the van, the detail in reflection of the landscape on the car door - my untrained eye counts at least 8 different types of wood just in this part alone. It's like a sophisticated jigsaw puzzle!

I doubt my wood carving class will even broach the topic of wood marquetry, but not to worry, it's exciting to be creating something new!

Photo: Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery

stars at twilight - so lovely

found this ivy jacobsen print while scanning the internet for inspiring diy projects. it's so serene and moody and aquatic. love it!

open collective circle of artists (OCCOA)

I'm so so excited to be getting a 14x14" print of Michele de la Menardiere's Gayatri! I first met Michele through OCCOA, a local artist circle here in DC that is run by uber-talented Richard Swaine. I am honored to be the first photographer inducted into OCCOA back in 2002, and to be in the company of some very popular local artists such as Matt Sesow, Dana Ellyn, and Gregory Ferrand (who each exhibited in Artomatic 2008 as well!). It's so exciting to see the connections among the DC art community, and shows the support structure that is weaved throughout this city.

$170 Millon Park in NYC

The New York Times published an article about the highly anticipated High Line Park that will be built along the west side of the city. It's a very interesting read, but the slide show is what really caught my attention. The images are illustrative of the architects' visions of the park, but are beautiful in their own right.

What is gorgeous about them, in particular the three that I've posted here in this blog, is the use of mixed media: illustration, blueprint, computer assisted drawing (CAD), and photography.

My favourite is the first one. I love its simplicity, collage-like feel, and it's one-dimensionality (which is really cool given that most architectural specs are rendered in 3D), and how this very basic impression is elevated by the subtle yet detailed blueprint lines on the bottom and sides which requires the viewer to look closer at the image. I'm also drawn to the juxtaposition of the organic aspect of trees and soil against the rigid lines of the blueprint. The layering of the trees is also quite pretty. The colour scheme is what first drew me in - I'm very into the complementary relationship between deep pinks/purples and green right now - and the stark white background highlights the colours.

Whether or not the park will actually turn out like the images in this slide show, I'm excited for it to be built and to take a stroll down its walkways.


All images: Design by Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Courtesy of the City of New York.