roytography

This one hurts a bit

2011-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Haleakala for Andy. I was fortunate enough to see this stunning vista for about 3 minutes before the cloud cover said otherwise. Roots is yet another attempt to wrap my brain around what constitutes art photography. I am still unclear as to the definition but I fear that I already know the answer but am too dense to know. This brings us to the bottom 2 pictures.

These will forever hold great spiritual significance in my life. As we traveled down the road to Hana in Maui, the one thing that was foremost in my heart was to see the grave site of Charles Lindbergh. As most of you know, my father recently passed away this past year. He was my idol and the main influence in my life and of my photography. Also an avid stamp collector and aviation aficionado, Lucky Lindy was one of his favorites. By visiting the grave of one of his idols, I felt that I could possibly gain some sense of life and try to understand the eternal impact of my father's influence upon mine. It all came clear in a very personal and emotional way. To see this in person was one of the great spiritual events of my life. I felt that I gained some slight understanding of this life we have and the enormous responsibility and opportunity we all have been given. The many opportunities that we have to make a difference in the lives of others, the challenge to be the best you can every day, to rise to the challenges that life presents, to be there for your family and friends, to be the change you would like to see in the world. I sit here with tears flowing down my face remembering my hero and hoping one day to truly make him proud of his son and I am honored to have had him as my Father.

Selah,

Confused

2011-02-09T07:54:00.001-08:00

So, it has been a while.... How are you ? No, I haven't forgotten you, I've been busy. But I am here for now so lets move on, shall we ?

OK, I am in Maui currently. Imagine a good looking West Virginia with surf and perfect weather. Glad you are here. There are literally hundreds of cars that have been abandoned throughout the island. They have been somewhat scrapped for parts, rolled over, and invariably, burnt and left for dead. Well, they ARE dead at this point. Problem is, no one wants to bury them. So they sit and rust and wait for the ravages of time to do what is needed. For an island FULL of old hippies, you would think it would be a lot cleaner. Too busy making money, "dropping out" of society, and complaining about the Government to give a shit, I suppose.

Top is looking out from th Iao Valley. Valley of Kings and battles and fat tourists that can't make it up 133 steps to the viewing area without complaining. Great view, good for a quick stop before going somewhere else.

So confused about a lot of things right now. People, Art, and the Truth all vexing me. I think I might know what the problem is. I could possibly have the answer already and I am too afraid to acknowledge it. Maybe my Mother was right. Enjoy everything you can for as long as you can because when it's over, that's IT. No more.

I just can't seem to disconnect.

ever forward

2010-11-25T10:12:00.001-08:00

The white squirrel. According to the things I know about nature (both things are wrong, btw) this creature should have been eaten or dead before it achieved such a size. There are many fearsome predators in the country and there is no sympathy for a unique representation as such. And yet it lives, defying feral cats, loose dogs, raptors, and automobiles. A survivor of the first degree, I say. I can now say that I have seen four different colors of squirrel. I am still in hope for purple. Or green. Pink would be cool. Maybe a calico configuration would take care of my squirrel coloring hopes and signal the end of my pseudo quest.

My cat sucks as a model. Just insanely curious about anyone paying attention to her. You pretty much get one chance and if that is missed, go on with your day. The end result is either she showers you with affection and/or bites the hell out of you to let you know that she loves you or has grown tired of you. But she will never be considered dull.

I have become interested in how artists react to people in regards to their art. The squirrel represents someone like Harper Lee. Bright, unique, undoubtedly gifted, but the attention given to them is not really the kind that they want. Though accepted and desired, they will run away at the slightest hint of danger, be it boredom, fear of death, fear of rejection, or somewhere in between. The cat represents the diva in all of us, craving attention until it grows tired of you. Sometimes acting out, but ALWAYS needing to be attended to. The "Worship me and all my awesomeness !" attitude that has somehow permeated all of our lives, either through our own actions or externally from others that subscribe to that feeling. Is one attitude necessarily better than the other, or should there be a happy medium somewhere ?

I have straddled the fence between these extremes for so long that I will need a cup soon.

Humility and graciousness or "Look at MEEEEEE you bastards !"

Either side is a winner. It must be in how you would like to be remembered.

Mas

2010-10-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

The last one is ultimately the direction in which I think I will go, but it is early yet in the discovery phase, and thusly, we will ALL have to wait. Basically, a B&W with spray and textured whilst wet. Not the greatest photo but I was in a bit of a rush. I was hit with a real art school '80s vibe while painting. I can't say if that was good or bad. I'll blame listening to Depeche Mode.

Still am bewildered about what is going on with life in general. I can't tell if I am an active participant or simply sleepwalking through the chaos that swirls about my day. It has been said that all the employees at my job suffer from Stockholm Syndrome and that there has to be something better somewhere else. People have left, but most have returned for better or worse. I was told this past week that I was "old" and that things will get better when the young guys get up to speed. Newsflash....the old guy is keeping this ship upright. I don't see the young guys sticking it out to the end. I see a lot of "80%ers," people that do 80% of the job and stop, feeling that they are done. This is causing no end to my stress and chagrin. I have to be better than that. I have to complete my assignments. If I have to complete yours as well, I might as well do it all.

Was Boxer a fool ? Or simply a company horse ?

I'll find out when the knacker wagon comes for me.

Be unafraid of creation. It could possibly be the only thing keeping you sane.

somewhere new

2010-10-03T11:13:00.001-07:00

These are 2 paintings that I finished today. The rest are on my facebook page (Roy Schneider, icon is an owl being sprayed w/a hose if you are interested). If you are wondering what in hell I am doing, I will explain. This is the second part of my journey to the end of my artistic creativity. You see, I have an endpoint in my head, but I cannot get there by conventional, stereotyped artistic expression. The current state of art in DC is simply too stifling, too confined to express what I need to. So as always, I'll do it my damn self and to hell with all of the so called experts and judges and conventional thinking. Some may find it interesting/weird/bizarre/perfectly normal for me to have the LAST work I will ever do in my head and everything else is means to that end. One medium simply cannot explain who I am. The last piece I will ever do will. It may be done this week or in 20 years, I don't know. But I WILL know when it is done.

And so will you.

Selah

Why, or why not ?

2010-09-26T15:43:00.001-07:00

This is the question that I have been torturing myself with for the last several months. Why must I continue to capture images that I like when it seems that it is simply an exercise in frustration and a bit of a money pit. Is it for the artistic value ? Mostly. Sometimes it goes hand in hand with what we are doing in our artist's lives, creating and recording events and moments. Sometimes it is just the things I find odd or out of place, The above sofa, for instance. Or the gentleman reading a magazine by a busy street. Many times, I have no idea what I want to record. This is the best time as the opportunity is hiding and I hope to find it. The thrill of the hunt, if you will allow. But why do I go on when it seems that the rewards are virtually nil ?

I have to do it.

I cannot explain it but it is a necessary part of my life to express myself through a medium and I have to do it. Not for the fame (hahaha !) or monetary rewards (rotflmfao !!!) or the ego stroking from viewers (viewers, right ). Whatever is lurking in my subconscious must be expressed through an artistic release valve. I don't know why, but I DO know that I am afraid to NOT do it. Before, it was music. Now it is photography. I haven't a clue as to what is next, but it is coming. It could be graffiti, interpretive dance, music (again), painting, fiction writing, cooking.....who knows. It simply must be.

It has been said that 90% of success is simply showing up.

Here I am.

With a solid B+

Selah

Too Long

2010-09-12T17:34:00.001-07:00

It has been entirely too long since I actually posted something vaguely meaningful. Had a spectacular time in Montreal. I cannot wait to return. I was awestruck by the lifestyle. The class, the dress, the politeness, the art, the food, my God the food was phenomenal. A lot closer than San Francisco and far more convenient for us. The people seemed to know something that I did not, and no it was NOT just the French language, smart guy ! People seemed to genuinely ENJOY WHAT THEY WERE DOING IN THAT SPECIFIC MOMENT. I want that now. I have had a taste of it and it is good. I've been told that we only dealt with the service sector and that I should relax a little, but I think I have had a "Eureka !" moment. I LOVED the "Bonjour" upon entering a store or museum or wherever. I loved learning that you should not eat whilst walking down the street there, that food should be enjoyed and not wolfed down between appointments. The "Bonjour" thing was reinforced the last day there. I wore a sport coat the entire time I was there (no running shoes either) with the exception of the last day. We were driving straight through to DC, so I had on shorts, t-shirt, and ball cap on when we went to get coffee before leaving. The lady behind the counter said,"Good Morning." I was crestfallen. I dressed like an "American" and was DENIED my "Bonjour." Now, I have to go back and get that happy, lilting greeting that I have come to love.

Anyway, loved the dog's expression in the top photo. He was no stranger to this scenario. The second is from the Basilica de Notre Dame. Could have spent an entire day there feeling God's presence in our lives. The third is from one of the many museums there and dates from the 1700-1800's from Old Montreal. Loved the presentation of the city's history from the very beginnings.

Take a moment and enjoy yourselves ! You ARE worth it, if you believe it or not.

evolve, jackass !

2010-08-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

OK, so I've come to the conclusion that I should quit looking at photos from the '20's to the '50's. Either that or get a time machine (musheen) and carry my ass back to that time period to be a starving artist and raging alcoholic. Love that period though. Can't wait to be able to print with the tonal range of the masters of that era. Just gotta stop looking at it for right now. It is not helping anymore, just making me depressed.

Talking to a fellow photographer today didn't make things much better. I am wondering where the art aspect of photography is headed. Sales are virtually non-existent in the circles that I know of, short of cards and stock photos. Does not appear that anyone is doing anything really new as far as I can see. It struck me as weird that a "cell phone" category was available in an upcoming show. I hear that more and more traditional photogs are doing more in video than still. I am sure that better ( or better connected ) photographers that myself are getting work sold but with everyone and their mother taking photos, it makes it a little difficult to get things in the hands of paying customers.

This all begs the question: What's next in the evolution of still art photography ? I'll tell you this much, it will be a LOT different than what it is now. I know I'll be hanging somewhere.I just have to figure out what it will be.

Selah

Research

2010-08-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Mini golf might be the most relaxing form of "sport" I can do without freaking out over technique and form and results. It is just a fun time that my family shares. It also provides me with time to think about what I am doing in the art world. Been looking at a lot of photos this weekend. Mostly Paul Strand and Cartier-Bresson (always). Went to the library for books on Picasso, Cartier-Bresson, and the Musee D'Orsay (damn Dr.Who !). Dropped off bin work for Strathmore. Thought about upcoming shows and what I am doing for them. The mini golf session provided me with an hour of mindless clarity to work a lot of what needs to happen out in my mind. It seems to be getting more and more difficult to have this time to meditate as life just keeps going faster down the hill. Looking forward to a trip to Canada this month after we drop the genius off at RPI. I think it will provide a little more opportunity to think about things that need to be thought about.

When the objective is achieved, do not proceed onward. Take time to evaluate the plan that enabled you to arrive at this objective. Formulate a new plan and move ahead. No one wants to sail on a rudderless boat.

Selah

My Eyes, My Eyes, My God My Eyes !

2010-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I have NOT been struck blind, much to my enemies collective chagrin. However, I have been having issues. Mostly due to the fact that I seem to have forgotten just how to blink. NOT good. Pain, swelling, redness, discomfort, and the wish to drive something large through my eye sockets has not been conducive to working on photographic journeys. The benefit, and there is one, is that I have been forced to examine things not directly in front of me in order to extend my focal point and get my eyes back to somewhat non painful working order. This has granted me many new occasions to see something different that I might have otherwise missed. Thusly, I present the above photograph.

It is that thing in the corner of your sight that you just aren't fast enough to see that eludes me. I have been getting better in seeing more. This little distraction is not a good thing when driving fast. It IS good when you are in a photographic state of mind. Whatever it is will, in all likelihood, not be as cool as you think it might be. It is the possibility that it will be 10,000 times cooler that makes you look.

Selah

Vox Universalis

2010-06-23T17:32:00.001-07:00

A long, hot (no a/c), and frustrating day at work, followed by the usual hour commute home. Listening to the most heavy and driving thing on my mp3 player in order to get the rage and frustrations out before I face the family so that I can be myself again and not the person I am at work. These two entities are kept apart for a reason. With the urge for mayhem sufficiently crushed, I walk towards the front door. Rained here. Very humid. Out of the corner of my eye as I ascend the stairs, I see the lilies. I think to myself, "Don't they look nice." and enter the house.

Then it hits me.

"IDIOT, WHAT are you DOING ? GRAB your CAMERA ! Did you not just SEE that ?" thunders the voice. "I'm tired and beat up and I just want to eat and sit and not think for everyone else for a while," I rationalize. "DO IT NOW !" the Marine in my head exclaims.

So I acquiesce and go back outside with the Canon.

This is what I took. As you can tell, I played with the focal points around f3.5. I also did battle with lens fog as I just went out and shot so the fogginess was a natural occurrence. Slight color adjustment and here you have it. I had so much fun I was giddy like a kid with a new toy.

Never again will I ignore The Voice. It tells us what is there when we don't see it. It shows us on a daily basis the beautiful and fascinating in our lives. A series of moments that I, as a photographer, should be aware of but as a wise man once said,"Life gets in the way of living." I could have easily ignored it and went on with my day, but I LISTENED and was rewarded.

I hope your voice rewards you as much.

Selah,

Deadlines

2010-06-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

I have never seen a deadline that did not loom over me like The Sword of Damocles. Time and caffeine become my frenemies. I tend to get really moody and isolated until I am done, driving myself to the point of exhaustion and insanity. I am difficult enough to be around as it is. Add a deadline and I become a focused machine with one goal. Everything else is ignored. Pain, tiredness, discomfort, food, all become irrelevant. I am driven towards the goal.

So I get a bit irritated when deadlines become flexible. I am sure there is a good reason, but I don't really care. I guess it should not really matter as my job is done. It is the secret addition of time that gets me, time that could have been used to make my work a little bit better. The knowledge that more time was there for the taking would have been appreciated. Knowing the keys to the space time continuum would be appreciated. Maybe Andy can help me understand. Right now, I just don't get it. Maybe I am not supposed to. Whatever, my game is tight.

Looking forward to upcoming opportunities to show the current stuff. I'll try to keep you all posted as best I can. Apologies to those that I missed the last time. It won't happen again. This marketing new media style is a bit new. I have to crush the bugs out of it.

Be Well,

I Can't Hear You

2010-06-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

OVER THE SOUND OF MY WIFE BEING SO AWESOME !!!!!!!!

First place at the League of Reston Artists Juried Show. Yes, that is Johnny Rotten. Yes, it is as phenomenal as you think it is. Yes, she is all that and a ham sandwich.

That's my girl and I will love her forever.

Opening

2010-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Northside Social

3211 Wilson Blvd

Arlington

6:30p-12a

I've got 4 pieces and about 10-12 other artists have their work up as well. Awesome coffee, ice cream, wine, food. A very happening place to be on a Wednesday !

Come get some.

already ?

2010-06-06T16:39:00.001-07:00

Both are photographs.

Neither one is Photoshopped beyond adjusting levels. No masks, layers, etc.

Straight up camera work.

Tripod and 1 light.

All the stops have been pulled. How far can conventional photography be pushed with just the eye and mind ? How to capture the fleeting images that a mind travelling at terminal velocity conjures ? How can I kill the cliche in my work ? Can I keep up ?

Let's find out.

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."

HST

Selah,

Yeaah Boyeeee

2010-06-06T16:19:00.001-07:00

Finally quasi-finished with the "Portrait" series. I was waiting for my son to get home and back to work on his stencilling to bring this series full circle. He really makes some intricate designs. It easy to tell that he is the product of two artists. I am a sucker for texture which explains the other two and the light is too hard to resist so that explains the cliche at the bottom. A decent undertaking that awaits a place to hang (hint, hint, hint !)

Glad to back in the swing of things overall. We are cancelling our home phone and television and THAT makes me very excited. I went for about 4 years in the 80's with the only thing I watched was the Indy 500 and MAYBE the Daytona 500. I can't wait to recoup all of the time I have wasted for all of these years and apply it to various and sundry ART projects. I am very stoked and all of y'all should be VERY afraid.

very afraid

new hanging

2010-05-24T17:45:00.001-07:00

New hanging ! Northside Social 3211 Wilson Blvd in Arlington.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-VA/Northside-Social/193365216012?ref=mf

Alternative transportation is the theme, i.e. NO CARS. Thought I would throw some work again this year as I have been quite slack in the hanging department and I really need to get back into gear. Shows the month of June. Go see it, dammit ! Buy something ! All proceeds go to the artist. What a welcome change !

I have been a big endorser of "Do it your damn self." Time to start again. I can't wrap my brain around the "pay to play" philosophy of "galleries" anymore. I won't do it. If I have to create the art, frame it, hang it, MARKET it, SELL it in someone else's place, AND PAY FOR THE PRIVILEGE, I must be off my rocker. I get paid for what I do. I'll be happy with NOT PAYING. I've had it with paying for ineptitude and incompetence. It simply is not right. My time and talent is as valuable as the next person's (all right, sometimes more, sometimes less but you get the overall point being made !) and I will no longer be taken advantage of by people in the art world around here. I don't want to "join" another group that takes money to belong and STILL charges to show. It's bullshit. I am a photographer. I like the lone gunman feeling of going on a shoot. Sometimes it is fun to talk and shoot with others, but by and large, it is my time and eye that I want to develop. I shouldn't have to PAY to do that.

And I won't do it anymore.

Duh

2010-04-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

Still inspired by the same thing. It feels good to have a focus on a particular subject. Even better that it contains such a wide variety of opportunities. Special thanks to Patrick (again!) ohbewood.com Truly a fascinating experience for the senses to watch him create. Building 10 @ the Lorton Workhouse Art Center.

I am so very frustrated right now I could kick a kitten. ART is crushing my will to create. STUPIDITY is killing my will to cooperate. Everyone apparently HEARS, but no one LISTENS. I feel as if a fog has been lifted from my brain and I can see for the first time what is going on around me. However, a NEW FOG has enveloped me and is preventing me from correcting the chaos around me. I liken it to a dream where you see someone about to have something horrible happen to them and you try to scream and nothing comes out, no matter how hard you try.

I made the mistake of remembering Art School Confidential, a weird little indie flick from a couple of years back. I just want to paint circles right now. Or squares. After doing this for a couple of years, I will be ready for triangles. Every time I go see a current collection, there are about 10 % of the artists that are worth examining. I have seen the rest time and again, the same abstract, the same techniques, the same subject matter. I guess I need to go back to NYC for a kick in the ass and to find something fresh. I want to be OVERWHELMED with innovative art. I want to see things like what BK does in Building 9 that when I LOOK at his art, it RESONATES in my chest and ears as well as my eyes and mind. I want to see things that Chris Appleton does in Building 4 that when I look at a large piece, I am thoroughly enthralled by ANY SECTION I LOOK AT. Any part, unto itself, would be brilliant, and when you put them all together on one piece it is as captivating a work as anyone can imagine. I AM selfish in that I want this ALL OF THE TIME........EVERYWHERE. Don't give me that ying-yang crap, BRILLIANCE needs to be the new baseline.

I want to be rendered speechless by art. I want to physically feel the rage, pain, frustration, and demons that are expressed to canvas in some of my wife's work. I want to understand it without explanation. I want the inner serenity offered by the works of Andy Ilachinski to permeate my very existence.

I want to feel art again for the first time. Always.

Selah

Energized

2010-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Glad to see that my photo accepted into the Strathmore Member's Exhibition was not placed in the bathroom. I am actually pleased that it was placed in the sun room with lots of natural lighting. Looks good on the wall. Good positioning and an overall excellent exhibition !

Really looking for some innovative photography. I keep coming across photos that I have seen elsewhere. Same composition. This is my big fear. I would only do this consciously as a method of study, not for a show. I HAVE taken photos that I realized after that I knew who had taken something similar before. I do not believe that I have ever hung them, however. My leaf picture may be the one exception as this one does channel a famous Weston image of a head of cabbage. I can go on and on about how mine was taken outside in the elements and his was in a studio and it is different subject matter, etc.,etc., but I KNOW the truth. I thought of this when I was looking at the image on the screen when I made it black and white. I truly believe that it was simply influential and not copping another man's photo. The majority of the photos that I am seeing probably fall under the same category. I sincerely doubt that someone would cop a photo like that. I'd like to think that, anyway.

On to the photos ! My token color soft focus rose was fun ! Not like we haven't seen this a thousand times, but still beautiful in it's geometry. The moss and ice provide a nice texture contrast that I REALLY wanted to get. The reason I went stomping around the woods with my wife in tow was to get some shots of the trees and shadows. Not exactly what I was looking for, but not bad. Then I came across an Ethan Allen ad from about ten years ago. This dresser and end table were simply there. Just bizarre. Kept thinking that the trees were welcoming its kin back to the herd, protecting it from the evil that previously perverted it for selfish purposes. Offering solace for the tribulations that they had endured being transformed. Listening to their story and thinking, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Just bizarre....

These were all taken within a five minute walk from my house. The world holds so much beauty that it is both far and near to us at any given moment. I'll wait on my passport for right now. I have too much local exploring to do.

Selah,

Roy

all work and no play

2010-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

make Roy do something something something......... All in all, I think my sister-in law is right when she says that Winter should be about a month. Just long enough to get some snow, hot chocolate, and snuggling in and then be done. When I was a bit younger, I felt that when the cold weather arrived, I could always put on more clothes. Being from Southern Va., the heat and humidity was simply oppressive at times (re:July and August). Tom Robbins likened Richmond to, "Living inside a napalmed watermelon." and he is right. However, when you combine the snow amounts that we have achieved this Winter with the type A++ personality of the Mid-Atlantic/Beltway, you have a nice medium sized disaster. It is painfully obvious that we are simply unprepared to deal with this type of weather. PERIOD. Lived in Rochester, NY for 2 years. Had way more snow than this. Everyday life went on uninterrupted. I guess what I am getting at is that, as long as the locals can deal and the sun is out, I can probably live there happily. This area in general is becoming a living hell of our own making.

Happier thoughts ! I was accepted into the 19th Annual Strathmore Artists Members Exhibition (Nov 22nd posting, edited version of the uppermost picture). Dates are Feb. 27th-April 10th. See www.strathmore.org under fine arts and exhibitions for more info. Glad I was accepted as I was giving some insane thought to chucking it all onto craigslist and being done. I know better than to ACTUALLY do that, but the thought did enter my mind and would not leave until the results were posted. Being slightly crazy has its downside.

Getting a travelling jones that I will need to succumb to soon. Might have to explore the West again. Someplace warm, I assure you.

Go make some ART !

Next !

2010-01-24T15:28:00.001-08:00

So, it appears my email got hacked. Sorry to all of those that received spam from my email. It wasn't me. I long for the days when a little steam and a glue stick was used to invade people's mail. It seemed harder then than it does now. I am embarrassed and more than a little pissed off by this event, but this serves to remind me that this can be an ugly place to be and one must be ready at all times. Last year, I fought off the Vundo virus for a week. It was as if I was targeted for termination by that bastard. I don't look at much more than news and photography websites, so I didn't understand why this thing would rear it's UGLY head for four out of five days that week. That experience made me switch to Linux on the fifth day and things are better.

Anyway, I think I have fallen in love with Alexandria. Just so many places that are interesting and challenge you to capture them. These are taken at the Amtrak station. Had no idea it was there. Only found out about it from my wife booking my son's ticket back to NY. Lots of neat light and fixtures both inside and out. Overall, I am liking Old Town for the simple fact that it IS old and has lots of interesting and charming things to photograph. I am still happy with my recent purchase as a walking around camera. But serious stuff needs to be done with the Canon.

Until next time,

More of "the tools" and just more

2010-01-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Very special thanks to Patrick O'Brien in Building 10 at the Lorton Workhouse for allowing me to take some quick photos of his workspace. The purity of his work is mesmerizing. His pieces are simply beautiful and are definitely worth checking out. www.ohbewood.com

Obviously still working on my series as well as other things. Trying to see more in black and white. Trying to simplify my imaging. Working on process steps and trying new things. Really need to work on patience. It is crazy that I can look at a particular piece of art for half-hour or more, but can hardly wait to be finished with my own work. This creates the problem of choosing pieces that I initially think are worthy and discovering that there is a flaw that prevents me from going forward with my existing plan. THIS leads to depression and over-thinking and I am two steps away from selling everything and then my wife steps in and institutes the corrective action plan and eventually I get back on the horse. Fortunately, the down time is getting less and less. Better for both of us 'cause I can be a pain in the ass when it comes to my work.

Lots of opportunity for showings, people. I can't wait to see what is next !

R

The Icy Grip

2010-01-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

I consistently torture myself with decisions. Especially decisions that involve spending money on myself. As a child, I was always called a "selfish ass" by family and others, so I guess that might have something to do with it. I have no problem dropping $$$ on my wife and son, but the mental torture that I use on myself is CIA worthy. I must be able to reconcile any purchase for myself over $20 (no shit !) with the demons in my head and that makes it a little difficult to purchase ANYTHING photographic related. Saw a really nice photo rag today that cost $4 a sheet in a pack of 25 @ 13x19. Wanted it really bad, but was thwarted by the CHANCE that it was cheaper somewhere else and I have a couple of weeks before having to have anything framed and I could maybe find it on the internet for less and what kind of frames will I want and what kind of budget will I have for this and what kind of glass will I get for it and what will I be framing and do I need to go shoot and do I have enough time to do it and where would I go for what subject and when will I have time to mat the decisions and how wide a mat and when can I get to the frame store and HOLY CRAP JUST STOP......

I had the opportunity to share my psychosis with a salesman at Penn Camera this weekend past. He asked me what he could help me with and this is what I told him.

"I am in the market for either a pocket camera or a new lens. I have a Canon 20d that is perfectly serviceable with a 70-200 f4 is and a 50 mm f 1.8. My problem is this. I can get a 17-40 f4 L that will suit my needs. HOWEVER, I KNOW that I will be upgrading to a full size sensor within the next year or so and I don't feel that the 17-40 will suit my needs as much as a 16-35 f2.8 will. I am comfortable with using the other lenses on a full frame camera but not so much with the 17-40 f4. I am not ready to shell out the bucks for the 16-35 before I get a full frame body and I don't want to waste $$$ on something that I will be unhappy with when I make the switch. The pocket camera will have to be able to shoot in RAW and have a very fast lens, like 2. something, as well as ease of use, and the TRUE ability to fit in my pocket. It will be used mostly for snapshots, street shots, indoor things. AND it must be almost silent in operation. What do you have and what do you suggest ?"

I think I took a breath during that but I can't be sure. "Poor bastard," I thought,"store just opened and my crazy ass is his first customer." He hung in there, didn't leave or cry, and did an excellent job in answering the 50 or so questions I had about just about everything without flinching. Although I am a Canon guy (ed. note: The only reason Roy is a "Canon Guy" is because they sponsored some Formula 1 team in the 70's and 80's and sponsored the Brawn F1 team for one race this year.) I ended up comparing a Panasonic Lumix with a Leica lens and a Leica digital. What sealed it for me was when I exclamed,"They are the same freakin' camera!" and he said, "They ARE the same freakin' camera, only one is $150 more." Lumix it is. F2 lens, RAW, option for 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 formats, video, settings for various film appearances and B&W, hot shoe flash option, small, and considerably less than a new 17-40 that I would have probably sold within a year.

I hate having the fear, but I love ass kicking new toys. It is a rare occasion indeed that I can kill one and get the other. These are the first shots from the new gun. Now if the icy grip of winter and fear will release itself from my body and mind, I can go out and shoot something ! Unless it involves a decision.....

Be Warm,

R

You are, Number 6.

2009-12-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Today reminded me of an Ansel Adams story. Paul Strand came to visit in Yosemite for a week. The weather wasn't co-operative, he seemed depressed and cold. Adams offered him use of any camera but all offers were declined. At the end of the week, Strand said,"I saw a stump I want to photograph sometime."

Life gets in the way of living all too often. After digging out for 2 days, I am tired. There are so many projects that can't seem to get started with any momentum, that I think I understand how Strand felt. There is just so much. So much to photograph, edit, and print. Too much to do at my day job. SO much to do at home before the holidays. So much to get ready for upcoming shows. And then the snow comes. And comes. And comes........Just another thing to get done before enjoying life and all its gifts. Catholic Guilt ? Being TOO responsible ? Doomed to "Have to... ?"

I took 1/2 hour to go out for myself and shoot this morning before the shoveling began anew. I was struck by the wind-swept snow drifts by my lake and the forms they created. The same, yet not. Always changing yet remaining essentially the same. Slogging through thigh high snow. Never realizing how cold and uncomfortable I really was until I was almost home. It's nice to be able to focus that hard. It was a good thing.

email me if you don't get the title reference (here's a hint: the recent remake was atrocious !)

Bon Chance !

R

Portrait of the Tools of an Artist

2009-11-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of "portrait of the artist as a tool..." but I figured that would NOT work out as well as I hoped. Even though we all know some "artist tools," it somehow just didn't feel right. I can remember as a child I loved the paint, brushes, palette, easel, and smell of my mother's oil painting. I loved watching my father make prints. In retrospect, I think the appeal was in the actual tools used. Here are these objects that are designed for a specific purpose being used for that purpose. "What does THAT do ?" I would pester my folks with endless questions. I guess they knew that when all of my questions were answered, I would go about my business and they could go back to what they were doing. So, I thought I would take a page from the great Andy Ilachinski and create a series with a purpose, rather than a seemingly random set of images. I am still in the process of collecting images, these are from my first three forays into my new found project. Right now, I need to thank the Fiber Artists of Building 6 and Sean Donlon in Building 9 at the Workhouse Arts Center for being so gracious and allowing me to invade their space for 15 minutes or so today. It really means a lot to meet and work with such great artists and people. Very inspirational and I thank you again. I hope to have a showing of this collection somewhere. Maybe a show with my wife ( www.schneidersart.com ). Who knows what will happen. I just know the possibilities are only limited by my own insanity.

Photography is fun again.

R

getting back into a groove

2009-10-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

Thank goodness for Autumn ! I was beginning to think that I hated photography, that the only good photography is of the photojournalist variety, that art photography is crap, that a monkey could be as good if not better at photography. The list goes on and on. You get the picture.......(teehee !)

Then Fall arrives with a palette worthy of the Gods and all is well in the Universe. I reminded myself that I take photos for myself and for sharing what I see. These are from the campus of RPI where our genius son is attending school. I am most pleased to have two events happen at the same time: 1) Seeing our boy again; and 2) starting to get my enthusiasm back.

I have taken up abstract painting as a side project. Nothing great, but it is fun. I like the fact that I know exactly zilch about technique. It makes the process of discovery so much the better. I can do pretty much whatever I want however I want (like photography) as long as the result is there. I am not bound by convention in this or any medium. It is a question of how. So far I have used sponges, toothbrushes, credit cards, nuts and bolts, screwdrivers, cardboard, 2" brushes, and pieces of paper to apply paint. Now to apply this mindset to my photography.

The only limits are those you set for yourself.

Selah,

R

Surprise ! No Photography Allowed !

2009-10-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Truly one of my favorite signs, especially at a photography exhibit.

As I take a moment from fighting the New Dumb, I felt it necessary to spit out a few things:

1) Life without art is simply not worth it. The joy of creation and sharing one's view is unparalleled in both its simplicity and complexity. I enjoy it every single day. The day that I don't is one that I never want to face.

2) It is what you make of it. It can be whatever YOU choose, be it photography, sculpture, painting, music, cooking, quilting, writing, or simply being you. Is it the destination or the trip itself ?

3) As long as you have one person that likes what you do, you are successful. I have been fortunate in this life to have a supporter that will never have an equal. Every day I am thankful for this. I can only hope that you are as lucky as I am.

Don't let the bastards win.

A Visit

2009-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Springfield Art Guild has their annual show @ Greenspring Gardens in NoVa this month. Guess where I was. I have 3 pieces there. I thought it was cool that a photographer received BIS for a change (not me, though). I guess I could feel bad/sad/mad but accolades are not really that important to me. If my wife likes it and I like it, that is just fine by me. What does frost my goat is when a piece wins that is simply crap (not in this case, btw). Just what IS the criteria for art judging ? Is it like baseball or football where blindness is a prerequisite and cranial-rectal inversion an asset ? Or more like basketball, where it is who you are and not what you do ? Read a story on the interwebs that a gentleman called a gallery hosting an international art show and asked the employee(s) to collect the trash left behind from the unboxing of the other entrants and put it in a pile with tape around the border. That would be his entry !!! You bet your last dollar he won first prize and several thousand $$$ for it. So I don't really get angry or sad at not winning. I am far more concerned with getting better at photography in my own mind and having fun with it.

It is becoming apparent that I still have an intense love for photographing plant life. It provides so much opportunity to explore color, lighting, and composition. I threw in a black & white for texture and form to see if anyone noticed. The bottom one is one of my favorites from the day.

I am thinking about a "photography excursion" in October where me and a couple of other photogs find a place one Sat or Sun to go shooting together and have some coffee or lunch or something to talk shop or whatever. Kinda like "real" artists ; ) No pressure, just out and about in a positive and supportive artistic environment for a few hours. Let me know here or via email if you are interested. I would like to do this maybe once a month, maybe not. Who knows ? Let's do one and find out, shall we ?

R

Gee, Photos.....Really ? What a surprise...

2009-09-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, after a while you just have to say,"Quit it !" and go do something fun. Enough with the mind games and have to's and jackassery and all this crap we all deal with on a daily basis. Whatever that fun thing is that you like to do, go do it. I turn off my phone and grab a camera and go for a walk with my wife. Whether I take pictures or not is irrelevant. What IS relevant is that I am sequestered from the shenanigans (thanks Norma !) and can just be. I even have a place I can walk to right across the street. These photos are representative of my escape.

Anyway, I have become addicted, ADDICTED, I SAY !! to Art Wolfe's "Travels to the Edge." artwolfe.com.......I have supped the kool-aid and am a believer. Worth it for the enthusiasm and the attention to what is important and the subtle lessons on photography. He just seems to have so much freakin fun doing what he does and I want that too. So, I go for A WALK, take pictures and leave no trace behind.

The spots on the photos are bugs and sticks and stuff that floats in the lake I walk around. Living in Virginia, these things are a fact of life on our man-made lakes. I like them for the subtle colors and composition. If you would like, YOU can photoshop the hell out of them. Not this kid. I know what it looks like and it is cool by me. I have the mosquito bites to prove it.

Anyway, go do something FUN...... For YOU....... You need to before you can't.

Love
Purpose
Peace

The Deciderer

2009-08-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Visited Pittsburgh this weekend for family and baseball. Woke up and thought I would hit the streets for some early AM photography before checkout. Leaving the hotel, I felt for sure that I would come back with dozens of dazzling street scenes, that the spirits of Winogrand and Cartier-Bresson would bless me with untold fantastic compositions. The light would be perfect and magical experiences would play out before my willing eyes and a "defining moment" would present itself and I would be there to capture it. With my hopes high, I left the hotel and set out upon a journey of fantastic discovery. "This is going to be the GREATEST !" I told myself.

I took pictures of a concrete wall.

I tried so hard to find the moment I had in my mind. Through streets and alleyways. Up and down the avenues. High and low. But, as much as I would like to be heartbroken and disappointed, I do not think I can be. It is but a simple concrete wall and yet it seized my attention with an iron grip and would not release me. I tried to go forward in my pursuit of what I had envisioned, but it was all for naught. This had pounced on me like an angry cheetah and I was done. It has so much to explore. Tone. Texture. Symmetry. Truly fascinating. Just lying in wait @ 7th St. Patiently anticipating its victim.

I guess my moment found me after all.

"Men plan, God laughs."

Truer words have never rung in my ears quite so loudly.

Selah

Really ?

2009-07-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

OK, a little more normalcy here. About time. Needed to get this one done. Despite my mac freezing AGAIN during this process, I came back without frustration and finished it. I think it is kinda strange that, although I have resigned from the Workhouse, all of the above images were taken there. My wife still shows there (for now) and I guess I need something to do while she attends her business there. It all goes back to what I and many others have felt for a long time; that there is much to see in our own backyards and that travel to exotic places is not a necessary element of capturing interesting/beautiful images. Or maybe I am merely rationalizing. We may never know...

I was accused of being a luddite this week. Odd, since I have worked in and with technology off and on since 1976 and continuously for the past 10 odd years. I guess I have a different perspective than most. I love what tech can do, the possibilities, the speed of information. It was the advancement of digital technology in cameras that brought me back to photography. I, however, do not worship technology. I don't "need" GPS. I know where I am and I can read a map. It is a tool. Or a complete waste of time. Either way I use it almost every day for what it is; the coolest hammer in the toolbox.

Lots of art happening around, lots of local shows and opportunity. Go support your local artists.

I do.

Love
Purpose
Peace

having fun !

2009-07-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

Went to ARTSCAPE in Baltimore today. CAKE, my current favorite band in the universe, was playing and really, the only reason other than baseball, to go to Bmore. Great time to be had by one and ALL. And I mean ALL ! I mean, just look at the pictures. How many of you have seen THIS many people at an art show ? It was crazy crowded. The photo van pic is for my photography friends. I can imagine Andy rolling in this with some phat 24" chrome and air suspension and the bass just THUMPIN ! I like the guard pic. Poor girl, she had to stay until 11 pm with these crazy people. I am glad that the statue was welded solid. Art does have a permanent place in society. Evidently it can also be used to garner a better vantage point as well. Got lost going there, had to find a restaurant that was open (WTF?!?!?!?), and spilled a margarita on my camera making it all sticky. It was AWESOME !

Met a lady associated with Wulf Zendik. Interesting. The point of view they espouse in the magazine I received struck a chord. Here are some quotes:"Ninety-some percent of all the art I see says absolutely nothing to me....""I'm bored with eloquence without substance; please take all of art and shove it up your collective asses-sick to death I am of this constant rumble and chewing and pawing the dirt about art."".....hope lies not in your culture but in yourself..."

As you can see, the negative aspect is what I found. But is it negative ? How about a call to arms for artists ? Photographically, it has all be done, or very near to it. I very rarely see anything new anymore. Who is setting the example ? Who is setting the new baseline for the next generation ? I pray to all the beings held holy by mankind that it is NOT f@(%ing photoshop filters ! THAT shit is NOT PHOTOGRAPHY, it is DIGITAL ART. Learn the difference for crying out loud !

I choose what I think is art and what I think is fun and what is a waste of time. Nothing you see on this post is meant to be an artistic expression, nor is it meant to be. It is simply fun and an attempt at telling part of the story of my experience today. What I choose to hang , however, is serious business. It is not commerce, it comes from within and must be allowed to exist. What I do, I do because I love it, because I am compelled to, because it feels right. I don't do it for the $$$. If I did, it would be more of a job and I already have one of those that pays the bills and don't want another on top of it. HOWEVER, I am not so stupid that I would not consider an offer on ANYTHING seen here : )

This is not the post I wanted to do. My computer crashed before I was finished with the photo prep and I just couldn't deal with it again. I promise to put away my soapbox ( well, maybe make it a bit smaller) next time and go back to what I've been told are "Roy shots."

Love
Purpose
Peace

Insomnia Part 2

2009-07-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hope the freaking text doesn't bleed over like last time. Do as I want, not as I do, stupid program. Can't sleep again. Two days in a row. Something must be bothering me, but I do not know what. Other people have tangible problems, I tend to have existential problems and they are a pain in the ass. I secretly want to be selfish, yet I absolutely abhor that trait in others and the entire "look at me !" society. I secretly want the spotlight, yet my meditations tell me to quell my ego. I would have liked to be a world traveling photographer in the 1920's, yet I rarely leave the state in which I live. I live in a world of color, LOVE color, and yet I am shooting more and more in black and white (happily, I might add). I think I am a pain in my OWN ass. Wrap your brains around THAT one.

The uppermost picture says a lot about how I currently feel about people and society in general. There is no reason why ALL the chairs cannot be straight and in line. Started out pretty good but eventually just slapped it together and said, "whatever (sigh)" and went on not caring a whole lot about anything. It's not OCD or any other acronym or label, it is sometimes called a "work ethic." Some people actually take pride in how things look and how well they do their assigned task. The world is filled with 80 percenters, people that do 80 % of a task and then mysteriously fade away. Just finish it.

In the world of art stuff, the current "picture of the month" is on tour. Currently in small form @ the USGS in Reston through the end of July and its larger version will be @ the W-16 Gallery @ Lorton in August for the Juried Photographic Show (I won't call it "annual" as it is the first one and there are no guarantees that it will happen again as no one knows what the future holds. Men plan, God laughs). On a REALLY cool note, my friend Dan Davidson was accepted to the juried show @ Lorton as well. It will be his first juried show and I hope he wins. He has a very interesting perspective and the ability to capture your attention with it. NOT cookie cutter or stock, truly very cool stuff. I look forward to hearing more positive things from his camp. I will also be hanging a few things @ the Fairfax County Government Center in July and August. First floor starting July 11th. Trying to get my act together to get some bin work @ Strathmore in Md. We'll see if I make it this month. Definately in September. A few more things are on the horizon that I will keep posting as they are more concrete.

Be nice and be more.

R

Just Browsing, Thank You

2009-06-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

That's right, I am just browsing. NOT interested in talking to you or commenting to you or purchasing anything I do not understand. It's not my fault. I simply do not have the courage of conviction to go out on a limb and place something in my home that I like, regardless of what anyone else thinks. It's OK. I know what my limitations are and I am not interested in broadening them in the least for fear of rejection. So I will sit in my little mediocre puddle of bleah and kinda sorta enjoy what I have. This is what I think a large portion of people have going through their heads as they wander around, looking at all the pretty things.

Meanwhile, the artist is looking for validation. A purchase is very nice, but some thoughtful conversation about their work is also appreciated. How about a question regarding the particular motivation, influence, or technique used for their work ? A bit of banter if you will. Speak up, you might learn something or meet someone really quite interesting. You won't know until you try.

All of the above selections were chosen today at the Lorton Workhouse and surrounding fence line. I like the reflections in the first along with the ever present guard tower looming in the background. My friend James Gordon Meek, a Journalist for the Daily News, indicated that the space HE would want to show in would be the guard tower. Can't argue with THAT ! How cool would that be ? "What building are you in ?" "I am in the GUARD TOWER overlooking all of the PRISONERS of the WORKHOUSE !" How many prisoners saw this almost exact image on a daily basis ? Something to work on, something to do and maybe feel proud of but under the watchful eyes of the tower guards. Something to ponder.

I think I must be on a leaf binge or something. At least the "earth abstract" is different.

Photo abstracts don't sell. THAT was reaffirmed today by an independent source. Great. Rumor mill has it that several "important people" do not consider photography an art form in the art world (around these parts, anyway). Super. I get to pay you to be a greeter. FANTASTIC ! It was pointed out that people shouldn't use CAPS because it appears that you are YELLING. No shit ! I am some kind of PISSED OFF and I tend to YELL when that happens. ARRRGH !!! And yet, I still continue the artistic passion despite the petty nonsense that permeates this atmosphere.

I digress. Browsing is for the bookstore or library. Enjoy art. Embrace art. It is one of the things that separates us from the rest of the animals. Talk to an artist. It can be one of the most fascinating conversations you may ever have. If you don't, you will never know.

Feeling a bit Nauti......

2009-06-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

Sorry, couldn't resist. Bad joke, brain hurt. Still chuckling over it though, aintcha ! Both of these were taken in Camden, Maine, for what it is worth. While there, we went to a local bookstore and struck up a conversation with this lady who worked at same. Talked for 10-15 minutes about everything and nothing. Found out she was from Reston...we are from Northern Va as well. I can't seem to go anywhere without meeting someone from either Va or Pittsburgh. My long suffering wife and family is from the Western Pennsylvanias. Former boss' wife, Western Pa. It just goes on and on. Crew member on the boat we were on out of Camden.......Yep, Western Pa. They run deep, people. Thank God they are all pretty cool. Otherwise, we would all be in a world of shit.

Stock, Photojournalism, Art. What photographic "label" would you like ? Being the evolved species, we like to (have to) LABEL EVERYTHING so that we can have a better grasp of what it is. This is wrong, some things just are....enjoy them for what they are or are not but don't box them up. Art needs to be free of the encumbrances placed upon it by an ignorant populace (WOW, how do like me now ?!). I hate stock photography. Partly because I don't "see" that way. It simply isn't inside of me trying to get out like the other things I create. Like asking Coltrane to play major scales only...not to push forward...not to expand the art... not to challenge what is the "norm." Do not misunderstand me, there are stock photographers that are AWESOME at their craft and make an ass-ton of money at it. Good for them, but that is not me. I am pissed off that people are passing off stock photos as "ART." That is a barrel of bullshit being foisted off on an unsuspecting and ignorant populace and I sure wish they would just stop it. Both the victims and the perpetrators. Just quit it. Go buy a Conde Nast Travel mag and look at the ads and articles if that is what you want to look at. And quit hanging it at galleries under the guise of "art." All of you should be ashamed.

Photojournalism. God how I wish I had the courage to do that. It is the true use of the medium. The old LIFE magazine photo essays..... magic on the page. Nat. Geo. What photographer would NOT want a spread ? No, really, try and name one. I cried like an infant watching James Nachtwey's documentary. Like a baby, sobbing at the images playing out before me. May your God bless all of you. I can only offer my heart-felt thanks for what you do for all of us.

Go out and do something radically different with your art.....someone may thank you for it. That someone may be you........

Selah,

R

...but is it ART ?

2009-05-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. That is not for me to decide. That is up to someone else. If I didn't think it was good, interesting, or SOMETHING, I wouldn't share. I just want people to have an opinion AND intelligently express it. Not,"You SUCK !" and no more. Grow a pair and tell me WHY it sucks in your eyes and I can have some respect for mankind again. And maybe, JUST maybe, you will begin to understand. IF you can get past yourself..... But selfishness, vanity, and the MEMEMEMEME culture of America will wait for another day.

What we (me plus the voices in my head) are offering this episode is from DC and Colorado. Boulder @ the top, Red Rocks outside of Denver, DC @ the bottom. Lines and reflections, reflections and lines. Older pieces that I could NOT hang @ Lorton (missed by months). Maybe I could have, but I like the thought of following the rules (sometimes) and really wanted to hang what I was currently shooting. But I digress...... I love the geometry in these.

I don't know where we will be going from here and it is EXCITING ! My next phase will be more on the lines of "digital art" rather than digital photography as I think it more aptly describes what I will be doing. Don't know where we will be doing it either. I guess I don't know much....

Did you ever get the feeling that, no matter what you did, it didn't really matter ? Did you ever stop to think that maybe it did and you just didn't realize it ? Whether you choose to recognize this fact or not, we all make a difference in someone else's life. Like art does........whether the artist knows or not.......

Yes, it is all art.

Selah,

R

The one I don't want to write about

2009-05-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about things recently. About the randomness of life and death, about art, about artists and how they are influenced, about people being too much like sheep, about death, about therapy, about mainstream news media, about happiness and being set free, but mostly about death. Let me state for the record that, although this might come out sounding REALLY DEPRESSING (and somewhat suicidal), I have no intention of leaving through the express lane if you get my drift. I have just been inundated with images of death recently and it is bothering the hell out of me, so I choose this method of relieving some of my mental burden.

Let me get this off my chest...... I can't listen to Pink Floyd anymore because it reminds me of my friend Rob, who was killed by a man he was trying to help out of a jam. Early Van Halen and Deep Purple is out too, along with motocross, BMX, and 65 Chevelles because it reminds me of my childhood friend Steve who was killed by some assholes in Richmond. I can't read Hunter S Thompson and Hemingway anymore because I start thinking about guns and Bud Dwyer. Which SUCKS because I love(d) both authors immensely. My boss and co-workers joke about suicide constantly. My wife keeeps reading books written about death and wanting to talk about them. My brother in law keeps recommending them and sends things like this:
http://www.marginalia.org/dfw_kenyon_commencement.html
Good read, but then wiki this guy and you can plainly see WHY this is depressing me. I hear trains and think of the several people I knew and my wife knew that were killed by them. Just thinking about Richmond makes me depressed, with all of the friends I knew there that have passed or simply disappeared (if anyone knows the whereabouts of John C Linden PLEASE let me know). Farmers committing suicide en masse (over 1500 in India this year so far) because they know their crops won't come in this year and they owe $800 to the bank with NO CHANCE of being able to pay.

I can't even talk about family.

I can't even watch the news anymore because it just pisses me off to no end. Fear mongering sons of bitches. Thanks a lot. I thought we were past that. Living in DC, it is very difficult NOT to be a news junkie (I am/was/recovering now) so it just chaps my ass to see/hear this ridiculous slant on information that is designed to scare the shit out of everyone. I AM TIRED OF IT, PLEASE STOP !!! I watch for the traffic and weather and then its off to ESPN for the highlights. I can't wake up to seeing the sheep being led to the slaughter very much longer. It reminds me of the Far Side comic that has the dog leaning out the car window, telling his dog buddy all happy,"I'm going to get tutored !" My friend Lex tells me that I remind him of the horse in "Animal Farm," that I am going to work until I drop and get sent to the knackers to be turned into food and glue with no thanks or appreciation whatsoever. Thanks a lot.

Is pain and/or mental illness the only good artistic inspiration ?

"....Holy Shit, Where's the Tylenol ?" - Clark W. Griswold

I am getting too depressing. On to livelier topics. That is one disgusting toilet. I threatened the owner (who shall remain anonymous although YOU KNOW YOUR SHAME) that I would make a large print and hang it at a show. I think I will start with this blog. It's the curves that do it for me. The other picture almost got me kicked out of SFMOMA. Stupid random rules. You can take pictures here, but not here or over there, but there is OK, but not those in the corner.....NO FLASH,and the DUMBASS is implied. I like the juxtaposition of old and new in this photo as well as the quietly aggressive expression of youth balanced with the quiet resignation of the drawing of the old man.

Sad to say (yes, a little more depression) that my wife and I have resigned from the Workhouse for reasons I can't/won't get into here. I can say that I truly enjoyed meeting some fantastic artists and some really interesting people there. Suffice it to say, if it was just about the art, we would still be members (at least one of us). There are other options for us. The summer season is here and the art show circuit is rife with possibility. There are many opportunities for both of us outside of the Workhouse and we intend to take advantage of as many as we can. I'll keep you posted as to the wheres and whens.

Mother Theresa once said, or it has been attributed to her, something like,"I know God would not give me anything I could not handle, I sometimes wish He wouldn't trust me so much."

Good inspiration is not just pain or a result of madness. It is also in the form of a beautiful sunrise, or light hitting an object just so. It can come in the form of a child's smile, the sound of a stream in the quiet woods, or the touch of a loved one. Maybe it can come from the memories of those friends and family members that have passed. That we that remain can all continue on our respective paths, drawing strength from those memories, honoring those that we cherished with our thoughts, words, and deeds.

I will continue. I will remain. I will be strong.

Love
Purpose
Peace

This Is What's Up

2009-04-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Guess where I went on vacation ? I decided that this was going to be a relaxing trip. Really wanted to take more "typical" photos, ones that are not what I normally look for. Of course, I was able to capture some interesting perspectives but I did not want to be actively seeking them. Let them come to me if they wanted to. If not, I was still going to take pictures and RELAX.

And relax I did. This city is so wonderful for the most part ! My wife keeps telling me we should move there. It is pretty expensive, though. People would have to buy a metric $#!^-ton of photos from me to make it worth it. So, if you want me gone from the East Coast, buy something ! Or if you would like us there permanently, buy something ! Sitting at a sidewalk cafe in Little Italy, watching the world around, yeah, life is good. Buy something !

Selling photos to tourists, 8 1/2 x 11, matted and sacked for $20 bucks a pop. Laughing as the Bush Man scares the crap out of the unsuspecting. Wasting time in City Lights. Graffiti in the Mission with tacos and cervesa. Fog photos of this <<<< bridge from Sausolito. Dinner with friends and family. Trips to Muir Woods and Sonoma. Art, art, and MORE art. Art everywhere. In museums, on the street, on clothes, in little out of the way shops. Very open. Very alive. So inspirational. Very serious people that are laid back at the same time. Kinda like an A- or B+ personality type. Did confuse some people with politeness (my parents raised me right), but no big deal. Thought it was cute that they looked at me as if they were waiting for the "Gotcha !" like the Amway sale or asking if they have found Jesus or something. I hope they were pleased that nothing was asked in return, just being nice.

Despite the screaming children that seemed to find me everywhere (in confined areas like waiting in line or 5 hour plane trips), this was a success. It has caused me to really examine where I am and where I want to be in life. I have no time for foolishness. Many artistic and business questions will be asked and answered in the coming months of summer. Things are afoot in the Schneider House of Artistic Concepts. I have paths to choose and decisions to make. We all do.

Big ones.

We'll see what happens...... Stay tuned.

New Shtuff

2009-03-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

These are all new things I have been working on. It seems Andy is exhibiting some semblance of influence due to the black and white images that I have been doing of late. But texture and feeling are still significant players in my pursuits. One more for the fun of it......................

What Isn't There

2009-03-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is a wall at the Lorton Workhouse where, as you may recall, both my wife and I hang our respective art forms. What may be significant about this is the faded writing that you might just be able to make out. Maybe the bars on the window so that an alternative entrance or exit was made that much more difficult ( funny because it was in a prison)? Or perhaps that it wasn't sandblasted into memory? A prison barbershop. With painted on poles for those that needed a visual re-affirmation that this is where to get one's hair volume reduced. Where all the good dirt on what was happening was readily available for those that cared. Where lifetime bonds where made, perhaps. Where someone could feel a bit better about their lot in life after visiting.

It is rather basic. Easy to understand. No muss or fuss. No clutter. Painted-on poles and sign. Few things in life are so simple.

Wouldn't it be nice if everything was as such ?

Unfortunately, it isn't. But that is OK too. I can take photos and enjoy them for what they are and for what the subject was and for what may be. I can be as complex or as simple as I can possibly be, though I mostly prefer the simple approach.

Anger, frustration, lack of understanding, contempt, annoyance, change for the sake of change. None of these things are there unless we put them there. A Barber's Pole is a Barber's Pole. A wall is a wall. Paint is paint.

People are what they are.

Working It

2009-03-04T17:28:00.001-08:00

At the entrance to the building where the Workhouse Photographic Society hangs is a sign that says,"No Photography." An interesting sign for a working photography studio. Granted, I am sure the fibre arts group we share the unit with would not like their work photographed without their consent. However, I find great humor in this simple request. We, as a group, were told that this is a working studio and we must work on our art whilst "gallery sitting." Makes the sign THAT MUCH funnier.

This is photo was taken in the back hall of the building (so much for my reading and following direction). I thought the light was fantastic and the composition simple. This re-affirmed my thought that beauty is right there, hiding in plain sight, waiting for a curious eye to catch it off guard. Granted it is just a broom handle. What if it was a beautiful lady ? Would THAT be better in the same environment ? Or would she be out of context to the point of not making sense ? I think this lonely, taken for granted broom handle deserved this recognition. It is home.

Can a collective/co-op work in the long term ? Not with all the original players intact. This dynamic is such that it takes a particular type of person to make it work for them. The balance of the group versus the individual has been a discussion since time began, I feel. The key may be the balance. Compromise for the betterment of all (most). Seeing people have to work together within parameters (some vague) is truly entertaining in that you can see the frustration and the argument welling inside the person(s) feeling slighted. The underlying tension will rarely dissipate and this can sometimes frame the dynamic of the group. Some choose to leave, some stay, there are always other options. I have never been much of a group person. I never thought the benefits would outweigh the drudgery of "have to." I have and always will be fiercely independent. But I must say that the ability to work with and ask questions of extremely talented people in your field makes it all worthwhile. The opportunity to raise your own game simply by being inspired by the abilities of others, to see other views, to hear other opinions coming from talented and successful people whose abilities you respect are just some of the real benefits from the group dynamic. I like it.

The broom handle is prettiest when it is bathed in light.

Selah

Arty People

2009-02-09T16:23:00.001-08:00

FINALLY accepted to the Lorton Workhouse Photographic Society. A little more validation of hard work. This past Saturday was my first open house with this group. Kind of intimidating at first, in that there are some phenomenal photographers in the group. But here I am, trying to make the most of the opportunity. Stoked to be @ Lorton with my incredibly talented wife !

Anyway.......

Interesting to hear the responses from people. I am a listener, that guy on the fringe listening to several conversations @ once trying to determine which one is the most interesting. Comments ranged from "This is a talented group of people," to "How did some of this crap get hung ?" It seemed like some things were acceptable and others were not even close. Wow ! What an eye opener for me. I try to find the artistic point in everything art related, good or bad really has no meaning for me when it comes to these things. It simply IS. One person's perspective, one person's concept, one person's interpretation. Just because you might not like it does not mean that it is bad. It just means that you might favor a different style, or like nudes more than landscapes, macros over sweeping vistas, whatever it may be. I have my preferences and they will remain just that, MINE. I won't discourage someone else's vision or interpretation, I won't do it. I have to admit I do not like everything I see, but I can try to appreciate it for what it is and not condemn it.

I was told at this show that every photo is a lie, a sin of omission, of what is not seen in the context of the whole scenario. It is the photographer's/editor's choice as to what is revealed of the entirety. I would like to think that this makes for better art. I prefer to let my mind fill in the gaps and not be spoon fed the answer. Like Hitchcock and his films, it is better to let the viewer fill in the imagery than to just show the splatter/gore. The mind will race to fill in the missing bits to make everyone's view their own, right or wrong.

I take photos. It just is.

Selah

So Here We Go

2009-01-23T20:18:00.001-08:00

Dreams and aspirations. Taking the time to be lost in them. For a brief period, all is well in the world. You have all that you want, the sun is warm, and the cool breeze wafts over you as you achieve your goals in brilliant fashion. Life is exactly what was tacitly promised you as a child. Time becomes irrelevant. No when, no want, no worry. Trials and tribulations fall by the wayside. It simply does not get any better.

Are you waiting for the BUT?

Don't.

Not this time. This time make it become a reality. Why not? What is preventing the fantasy from becoming reality? Why CAN'T you have it? Have you tried? REALLY TRIED??? What is the worst that could happen? Will you fall on your ass? In all probability, many times. Will someone take your dream away? No, that is yours to keep forever. It has been said that if you do what you love, you will never work another day in your life. Don't you miss the excitement, the enthusiasm, the pure joy of it all (whatever that may be)? I do. I WANT the chills again when a eureka moment is presented. I WANT the childlike glee when I do something I love. I WANT to look at the person next to me and say, "Ain't this cool!" and have them say, "Yeah, it's pretty cool." That's the feeling I want every day. If it doesn't come today, it will come soon. And, with practice and patience, I hope to have it always.

I'm getting on that boat and no one is dumb enough to try and stop me.

Selah

P.S. There has been some movement in my family's artistic endeavors and I promise to post them soon. No, really this time ! I will, I swear !!!

Insomnia

2009-01-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

An hour or two of sleep, then BLAM, eyes open and that's all folks. I need to have a completion to the day. I can't seem to relax when I KNOW there is SOMETHING on my mind. Like this picture. For some reason it has just bothered me since I took it today.

Was it because I was technically trespassing off and on all day looking for photos?
Does it remind me of something I've seen before ?
Do I have any credible CLUE as to what the hell these huts are doing here ?

As I was leaving this site, a gentleman approached me and asked if there was anything interesting to photograph there. Instead of climbing on the throne and saying that there is ALWAYS something interesting to photograph EVERYWHERE, I walked to a decent vantage point and pointed out the places where I had been and what he could find there. He inquired as to the legality and I responded, "I'm more of a beg for forgiveness kind of guy." This seemed to take him aback somewhat, so I wished him happy shooting and went on my way. Leave only footprints, take only pictures and memories has worked for me for forty-odd years and I don't see any changes on the horizon.

I really don't like looking at other people's photos for fear that I will mimic what they do to a ridiculous extreme. It's part of my personality, ask my long suffering wife. I do it ALL THE FREAKING TIME with people's accents. Pittsburgh, NYC, Boston, Baltimore, I find myself slipping into the accent after about 3 hours exposure and CAN'T STOP until she tells me to quit it. Don't know why, it just happens. I HAVE to study photos, though, so it gets really tricky. I set myself the ground rule that the photo cannot be created after 1950 or must be a news photo from a war scene or some other situation that I hope to never have to face. I rationalize this by referring to it as "studying the classics." I think it's kinda working out, but I am sure someone will point out that someone else (famous) has done whatever I am doing and I shoot just like them. I should take it as flattery when the time comes and, because of my rule, know in my heart that I am NOT ripping someone off.

Tom Robbins once said (supposedly) that if you want to be a writer, go find yourself a cabin in the woods and, for a year, do nothing else but write. Read nothing, don't talk to anyone, just write.

I am a photographer. I take photographs.

Selah

Careering out of control !

2008-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

There it sits. Beckoning. All I have to do is cross it. Seems so simple on the surface, and yet it is terrifying. Dramatic change in my life tends to cause this. I would rather it come in subtly, over time, on cat's paws like fog. I have many times just crossed with no forethought or care and worked it out on the other side as best I could. This time feels more dramatic. Could it be the fear based society that has overcome us in the last 10 years or so has taken root in me ? I have never considered myself fearful. Do I have more to lose now ? In a society based on consumerism, yes I do. Change for the sake of change seems foolhardy at best. A change based on need is simple. A change based on want depends on the want. Would it not be great to wake up and have it all done without the second guessing and the doubting stares of friends and relatives, without the self-torture, without the fear?

I think something/someone is telling me something that I need to hear.

It is time to cross the bridge.

Thanks again to Shami, Walter, and Tom for a successful Saturday at Burke Cigar.
www.burkecigar.com
http://fujipub.com/perdomocigars/
Next post we'll talk about local shows that my wife and I will be in as well as observations on ART and artists. What a crazy bunch we are !

2008-10-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Before my ramblings, a huge THANK YOU to Shami and everyone at Burke Cigar as well as Walter of Perdomo. You all really helped me make sense of a lot of things this weekend and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You can count on me to be a dedicated customer for life !

It can be so easy to deceive yourself. I've done it for way too long and I am tired of it. Rationalization for any bad situation can be bad for your overall well being. I am fascinated by Stockholm Syndrome. It makes me wonder how anyone subjected by it overcomes it. What processes are utilized ? How many people just bootstrapped themselves back to what was normal for them ? And of these people, how many were permanently changed for the better after recovery ?
I have had one of the best weekends I've had in a while. I met new people in a positive environment, made new friends, realized who my friends are, and ENJOYED myself. It is amazing the energy created by being around positive, happy people doing what they love. It is depressing to be around people who don't give a shit and don't care who knows it. Mike Singletary, new coach of the 49ers, is definately my most interesting person this weekend. He sent his $24 million player to the showers because he did not want to be part of something better. Rather than putting up with excuses and BS, HE took a stand and said, "NO !" It takes courage to be successful.
"Why do we suck?"
"We've sucked for years."
"Oh. OK. Why don't we get better?"
"I don't know, We just don't."
"Oh, OK."
No, not OK. It is time to take control and not put up with whatever.
Don't let the bastards win.
I won't.
Reflections do not show what is truly real, for only we know what is inside.
Love
Purpose
Peace

Life's a lot like this

2008-10-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Cold, can't get your nose to stop running, sweaty under 32 layers of clothing, bruised, sore, tired, excited, happy. It's just a normal miserable best day EVER !
Starts out slow, but that changes real quick. Hurts ? Yeah, but I ain't stopping. It's just too damn much fun and I refuse to wuss out. Fear and common sense are your enemies and should not hold you back. Excited or scared ? Can't really tell. They both kinda feel the same and I really want to do this so let's go. If we all eat the $#i7, that would suck. But IF we all made it, how glorious would it be ? Risk/reward. Who ate the first lobster and what did their friends say when it happened ? Was it on a bet ? Was the person really hungry ? Who, in this so-called enlightened age, would be willing to brave the claws and shell, not knowing what is in store ?
Zen Masters and teachers from many forms of religion talk of seeing the world through the eyes of a child. It certainly simplifies things. Do you think these guys are having fun right at this moment ? Do you really think they thought of all the bad things that could happen if things went sideways ? Or, do you think they looked down the hill and said, "Let's GO !" ?
I think we should ALL just go. It's the NOT knowing that makes it cool.
What one man can do, another can do. The path will probably be different, but it can be done.
Redneck's famous last words, "Hey Bobby, watch this !" I can tell you from personal experience, Bobby watched with awe.

P.S. They all survived with bumps and bruises and continued going down the hill again and again until their parents were ready to go.

2008-09-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Right

2008-09-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Blogging. I love blogging. The release of one's thoughts upon the world. Opinionated ? Yes I am. Questions ? I have many. What happened to common sense, moral outrage, and personal responsibility ? I didn't think THAT would happen. Things are easy if you simply do not care. It's not my fault..... all useless answers that I hear daily.

I seem to consistently take the difficult path. Does this make me an idiot or a better person ? My "normal" is not your normal as it should be. I endure physical pain every day to the point where I have to set a baseline for what is too much. I assure you, it is a pretty stout line. Yet, I look at others and know some have it far worse than I. I could burden people with the tales of pain and woe that I endure, but most would not be believed. I have tried before. Usually, the look of boredom on the person's face is a sign that the subject must be changed. So I go through life with what appears to be a perpetually pissed off expression. I either hurt or am in deep contemplation. I also look EXACTLY like my father who has the same expression. Genetics, what are you going to do ????

I love photography. All types. Well, maybe not weddings because of all the tension caused by all of the money spent on barely competent people and things that have spun out of control at a mind numbing pace. Outside, sports, people; it's about freezing a moment in time, creating a catalyst for conversation or analysis, or simply because it is beautiful. I try to show things that are there but overlooked, the tree despite the forest if you will.

I hope it is enjoyed.

Love.Purpose.Peace