AIM deadline

The deadline to apply to the Bronx Museum of the Arts' Artist in the Marketplace is today.

From their website: "AIM comprises a twelve-week seminar program offered annually in the fall and the spring. Classes meet on Tuesday evenings 6 - 8 p.m. Enrollment is limited to 18 artists per semester. The program culminates with an annual group exhibition and accompanying catalogue.

AIM sessions provide information, instruction, and professional guidance by addressing areas of practical concern to artists, such as curatorial practice, copyright law, exhibition and public art opportunities, gallery representation, grants writing, income taxes, and marketing. A core set of workshops is annually enhanced by a number of guest speakers including artists, collectors, critics, curators, dealers, lawyers, and accountants."

Old is new

Last night I rented Persepolis, the animated movie (for adults) about a young girl growing up in Iran during the Shah regime then later under the Islamic "republic". This moving autobiographical tale, based on Marjane Santropi's graphic novel, uses both stark and subtle black and white imagery to full effect. It's one of the best animated films I've seen recently, a stunning visual experience coupled with the heartbreaking narrative of Catherine Deneuve.

The commentary explains that, unlike most Disney concoctions, all the animation was hand drawn, the old-fashioned way. The director explains that computer graphics have a crispness and perfection that doesn't reflect the imperfection and flawed nature of human beings the way hand drawn images do. It was surprising to see an old technique being used to tell a story in an innovative manner. This brings to mind the feedback I received at a recent portfolio review. The two projects I presented included female nudes and portraits, both well-worn subjects in any art history discourse. However it was gratifying to hear that I had found a fresh way to interpret the subject and that my personal vision was present and strong.

TGP interview with Cara Phillips

The Girl Project has an interview with Cara Phillips who's been documenting machines used in plastic surgery offices. I find the premise of her work very interesting as I've been looking at photographers who deal with female body image.

Photoshelter event on July 20th

Photoshelter, the stock photography company, is holding several events on Sunday July 2oth, including Shoot! Anywhere, Shoot! on Location and NYC Gathering. If you're interested in signing up for any of them, log on here.

There's an audience?

Two days ago, I attended a portfolio review and met with many of my friends/colleagues from school. It was a busy day but it was also a chance to find out what everyone has been doing. I was gently reminded more that once that I hadn't updated my blog in a while. What surprised me was that people actually read it and wanted some updates. I have an audience? Who knew? I started this blog as a way to record my involvement/interests with photography and art and a way to promote the efforts and successes of my fellow photographers. So in the spirit of not disappointing my readership (which now numbers about 12 people?) I'll try to post more often.

Women in Photography launch party

Last night I attended the launch party of the Women in Photography blog. I invited some friends and had a chance to catch up with them. One of the things I like best about attending these events is the opportunity of meeting and connecting with other photographers. Often, as photographers, we are sequestered in our darkrooms, or offices and studios, and it can become a rather solitary practice. We conjure up all these ideas we want to explore in our projects, we work without receiving immediate feedback or rewards. While a commercial photographer recognizes the collaborative nature of photography, who may work with a team of stylists, make-up artists, art directors, producers and photo editors, many fine artists are left with their imagination and often little accountability. It was inspiring to meet others to plod along the path, who continue to pursue their vision and fund their work with creative means.

I've been mulling around the idea about organizing a photography meeting/support group and last night confirmed the need to do this.

Cara Phillips, one of the founders of WIP, writes about the launch here.

Amerika exhibit

The opening reception for Amerika will take place tonight, Friday June 6th, 2008 at 7pm.

174 Bogart Street (at Scholes Street)
Studio 316
Brooklyn, NY 11206

AMERIKA is a part of Bushwick Open Studios & Arts Festival
www.artsinbushwick.org

Anti-hero exhibit

Tom White, over at photographylot, pointed me to the Anti-hero show at Mountain Fold Gallery.

The show runs until June 28th.

Women in Photography premiere

Women in Photography presents their premiere showcase featuring the work of Elinor Carucci.

Women in Photography is curated by Amy Elkins and Cara Phillips and will present a new solo exhibition of work from select photographers every other Tuesday of the month.