Ms. Angie

                                        Greetings Foto Fans!

I just finished shooting a beautiful young lady named Angie! As I am known to do,

I approached Angie one day when I was leaving a small business and she was walking in. Her smile and more importantly her HAIR caught my eye!

For the past 2-3 years I have been capturing the essence of people's lovely locks, on film, in an effort to respond to the dialogue that takes place as we make assumptions about a person. You know, we all do it...

Daily each of us steals moments of observation which create an external perception of individuals around us. What we fail to realize is often times these same individuals are doing their best to share or hide an internal perspective. Hence this project. My attempt: capture the internal perspective.

Two from this series currently rest in the collection of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I am extending the series by seeking new "models." As a matter of fact, I have three more folks lined up that I hope to capture prior to Christmas. Included in this post are two image samples from today's shoot. I look forward in seeing the final results as I add her into the collection. The entire series will be on display at the Jazz Gallery during my solo show, opening in February.

So for the rest of the evening I am heading over to the Milwaukee Art Museum for MAM after dark! I have several artsy folks I know who will be showing this evening. I am glad to offer my support! Next week, I will be shooting a Dad and his two daughters in a local park. That will be loads of fun and maybe a little cold, hummm. As you know, follow  me and you can show your support too! Twitter @FotoFans



On a Business Note...

Hello Foto Fans!

I trust the day has found you well. On my end, it has been a relatively chilly day here in the Midwest and it's merely a matter of time before the snow begins to fall. Today was a busy time in the studio; handling the business side of art. Some things included writing my thank you notes to the folks at Fisk, organizing expense receipts, assisting in hanging the work of Amos Kennedy in the gallery space, and updating my website with the next show openings! (Which is January 21st at the Peltz Gallery if you'd like to go ahead and mark your calendar now.)



(c)2010 lcoppins



Often times when I meet people, they are surprised by how much "goes into" creating art. Well, yep, hate to tell you , but there is a BUSINESS SIDE to this BUSINESS! While it may appear glamorous and exciting, you are working everyday towards the next opportunity tomorrow. One of the main things you have to remember, is YOU are your best marketing rep! And in the end, all you have is your name. While it is nice to have folks in your corner, no one can do it like you, regardless of the opportunity OR the occupation. 

So here is my ode to determination. My cat Essence, loves to lick the water from the shower each morning, or basically anytime you exit the shower. Regardless, of how many times you fuss, tell her no, or move her away, she always seems to find away to obtain her goal. Well, in some ways, we can learn from Miss Essence, be persistent and eventually you will get what you want. A dog's life? hummm... no thanks, I'll take a cat's after all you get 9 of them!

Reflection Recap

Greetings Foto Fans!

Well I am back from Nashville. It was great leaving the 40 degree weather days behind for a quick week of 70s and sandals!

From the time I touched down I was on the run! Making quick stops to different places and ensuring I had everything needed was all I could think of. Well, there in lies the rub, the university never received word of my needs. But to the credit of the staff (Mr. Berry, Mrs. Lathan, Curator Simmons, Mrs. Allen) and a few students (Kashana, Stephanie) of Fisk , the wagons were circling around me and it all worked out! So what did I learn, regardless of using a liaison, still make direct contact with a person at the location!

My work was shown on the second floor of the Milo Cravath administration building; on the second floor rotunda. While it was not how I envisioned it, I was still thankful for the experience. Humbling at its best, because over head were original murals created and restored by Aaron Douglas. In case you are not familiar with the artist, click on his name for more details, but the quick and the short: he is one of the main voices of the Harlem Renaissance (one of my favorite periods of history), started, taught, and built the original art program at Fisk University. As I was standing, there, if I allowed myself to really take this in, it was simply overwhelming emotionally. I literally was in the presence of greatness and history. Then to top it off, my dad surprised me! He has not been able to make an exhibition before, so this really made the evening.

So what's next, well, while in Nashville, I received an invitation to show in January at the Peltz Gallery. Of course I said, "yes!" The curator and I will be meeting next week! Additionally, I am shooting two models for February's show at the Jazz Gallery on Friday.

Announcing...

Hello Foto Fans!

I am proud to announce a new exhibition opening Friday, November 12. In conjunction with Fisk University's 2010 Homecoming Celebration and the Young Alumni Association I will be sharing several new photographic mixed media pieces. Each piece is simply.... Reflecting the Past. Should you find yourself in the Nashville area, please stop by.

Fisk University, Milo Cravath Administration Building, 1000 17th Ave North, Nashville. Friday, November 12, 6:00-10:00pm. A special artist talk will take place at 5:30pm! Until then... (or after considering when you read this) follow me on Twitter @FotoFans!

Gallery Night and Day: Winter Edition

I am extremely excited to invite you to my upcoming show, opening tomorrow evening at Rustico! "The Road Not Taken," words by Robert Frost, provide the inspiration for this series of Black & White Photographic images of Italy. Several people are familiar with my story, but just in case.... After over 10 years in the field of education, I quit my career, sold just about everything, and moved to Italy to puruse my dream!! While there I was blessed to travel and capture memories that will last a lifetime!

See the "one less traveled by" through my eyes and explore the vast land that is Italia! Opening MLK weekend January 15-16, The reception will be from 3:00-9:00pm daily Closing April 3rd!