Monday, December 27, 2010

The Best is Yet to Come!

Hello Foto Fans!

Well, we have made it through the Christmas season and what is awaiting us- 2011! In just a few days, we will be moving forward in a new decade. WOW, seems like just yesterday everyone was running around in prep for Y2K.

And so, what am I thinking for the new year, well there are a few things to be on the look out for...
A new website will launch this spring! I am really excited for the new look this site will hold. It will include a combination of both my fine art photographic works and my commercial work, similar to the current site, but DIFFERENT with new faces, new work and much more fresh! I can't wait for you to see it Fans!!

Speaking of commercial work, I have also made some decisions with regards to the commercial branch of my offerings. After a long contemplation, I will simply offer: Graduates, Head-shots, Family and Maternity portraiture. This is what I really enjoy capturing; which I think is most important, don't you?

And finally, I am growing roots. Believe it or not, I am blooming where I am planted. Seems like Wisconsin will be home (again). When it is all said and done, I am not sure how long, but I do know, the best is yet to come! Until 2011 and beyond Fans, Stay posted on Twitter@FotoFans!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all! May God Bless us everyone!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Just a Little Fun!

Hello Foto Fans and Merry Christmas!

So with basically five shopping days left, are you ready for the big day!? Like so many of you I am almost ready, the tree's been up since the day after Thanksgiving and the stockings hung with care.

But of course, creativity does not stop for the 12 Days of Christmas. That being said, take a peek at these fun antics that found their way into artist, Justin Cooper's photo shoot for head shots taken late last week.
 
I'm off to wrap the last of the gifts and I am about ready for some Hot Chocolate! See you on Twitter @Foto Fans and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

My Favorite...

Hello Foto Fans,
If you take the time to speak with any photographer (artist) each will tell you they have a favorite shot (image) that they love. Be it from a recent photo session or a pattern they start with and build from or favorite image by a colleague past or present...

Photo by Laci Coppins
For me, its my love of the black and white image! Often described as classic, traditional or timeless it is all of these things and might I add... PURE. And yes, while I have my digital cameras which can do a whole lot of fancy things, I still find myself, going back to my analogue friend. Unwrapping a new roll of film, placing into my camera with the internal knowing of careful image selection, because your options are limited to 36 exposures; make them count!

I recently mailed my holiday post cards to past collectors, galleries and patrons. I ensured the image used had no detailing, so it can remain long after the holidays should they choose...  Believe it or not, I used two different images, because I couldn't quite decide. Nevertheless, one is color and one black and white, my favorite... what do you think!? Would you like to receive a post card for your wall? Follow me on Twitter@FotoFans and we can go from there.

Friday, December 10, 2010

All About the Process...

Greetings Foto Fans!

When I was living in Italy I had a mentor who would often remind me, "It's all about the process, not just the product." It took a little bit for it to sink in, which may explain why he felt the need to remind me multiple times (chuckle), but I continue to apply this lesson back on American soil.

This summer I had a "Happyy Accident," as one of my current mentors calls it, with a can of spray paint, and came across a new idea for a self-portrait. Well, I often make smaller "samples" or "proofs" of my work so I can play with textures, put pieces together, help me simply better understand if I "like" how each image complements one another or is it strong enough to stand alone. Within this process, I am also adding text by my own hand.

Well it was suggested I try screen printing the text, sure I thought... but did I mention I am not, repeat NOT a print maker! lol But after I was dusted with a little Warhol dust by the Print Maker Fairy, I attempted the process. Coat the screen... wait, Burn the screen... wait, Rinse the screen... wait,  Coat the screen... wait, and here folks think it takes a long time to print a picture in the dark room. PLEASE, give me my chemistry set and red light any day! But funny, once I put my sample piece together, guess what... I did NOT like it!

It was something about the printed text, not being in my specific hand, but recreated, that disappointed me.  But I thought wait, post it in my studio, give it a moment, it may grow on you, but alas, nope! And so now Fans, I begin this graffiti style, self-portrait again, because, in the end... It's about the process! And once the process is correct, the product will be phenomenal (if I say so myself). I haven't totally given up on screenprinting and continue to spend time in the printmaking studio, but just not for this project. I know you are wondering about a few pictures, well, you'll have to come to the exhibition, "Pulp Possibilities" at REDLine Milwaukee in March. Hopefully this piece will make the cut and give you a chance to see what this process is really all about. Until then, you can always follow me on Twitter@FotoFans

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Growing a Tree...

Greetings Foto Fans!

This morning I was able to have another volunteer for my "hair series," which I have decided to stop calling it this, since it really isn't about the hair (which I realize with these samples probably doesn't help my argument), but more or less capturing the internal perspective of the model, as reflected by the external perceptions of the viewer. So, from here forward it will be referred to as my Perspective Series. (Please make a note!) Since we got that out the way... Let me tell you about today's shoot!

I met this young man at the Milwaukee Art Museum! While making my way through the space, I spotted him, with locs flowing literally to his hind parts. I said to myself, "I have to have him for my series!" Mind you, I just was talking with my mentor earlier in the week about a person with super long locs, that I can create my own "tree" with! Being a fellow artist, he happily agreed to help me out. YES!

As always, I include a few images from the shoot, but to see the final selections, including my "trees...," you must come to my solo exhibition at the Jazz Gallery, opening in February, called.... That's Right ...Perspective. In the mean time... You can always follow me on Twitter @FotoFans

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Point of Reflection

Greetings Foto Fans!
Well, it has been a long week and that is an understatement! I once heard it said or read somewhere, "Life is too short to learn from your own mistakes." Well, here is one of mine to learn from.

On Friday I had an initial meeting with a new gallery. Prior to, I worked diligently to ensure my materials were in order. CV, bio, exhbition sample card, business card, and of course the cute fit! But in all the review and review again, I failed to catch a HUGE error on my CV. It is the process that once a new show is booked, you place it on your CV, even if it has not occurred. Well, I listed each show for 2011 and to be sure and keep everything aligned I did the 'copy and paste.'

As the galleriest reviewed my information she began to ask clarifying questions. Apparently, I accidentally placed the current gallery on the listing for both 2011 and 2010. The title of the shows correct, the medium all correct, BUT the gallery spaces... W-R-O-N-G, WRONG!  I listed their space for a previous show, when this will be the first time in this gallery. um, Rock for one please... wishing I could crawl and never return, all I could do was excuse the mistake, offer to take the CV, make the correction and email the correct one.

So here is the lesson learned, while you may proof read again, again, and did I mention AGAIN... just like Mrs. McNabb (my 7th grade English teacher from Australia ) use to tell me, ask another friend to read it for you! Lesson learned? ... you tell me.