evolve, jackass !

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

R

Research

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

R

My Eyes, My Eyes, My God My Eyes !

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

R

Vox Universalis

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,

R

Deadlines

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,

R

I Can't Hear You

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

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.