So I had my last Thesis meeting for this quarter this past week. It went well and I left with a smile on my face. It felt really great to hear that I had made progress. To hear it from someone else gives me a sense of accomplishment and encourages me to continue on with my work. I brought tons of source materials including websites for Elliot Erwitt and Mary Ellen Mark and a few books highlighting some other influencial artists that I have found and been pointed to. The crowd favorite, however, happened to be my book of Sam Jones' photography of celebrities. I love this book. I talked my parents into getting it for me for christmas because I simply adored all of the photos that consists of it. I brought it to share because I love it so much, but I must admit that I didn't think it would go over as well as it did. I thought that because it was a bunch of rather commercial-looking photos all of celebrities that it wouldn't be taken very seriously. To my suprise, they loved it.

My committee did, however, come to a slightly different conclusion than that of my last wip review with my advanced photo class. While paging through my resource materials and looking over my contact sheets, Ryan found one other photo that he preferred to some of the enlarged photos I hung up. They suggested that when taking more photos, I should try to control and direct the subject and environment more. I really do like being in control and comprising a composition that I know what the general turn out will be. While I do like this idea, I am a little confused as to whether I should make yet another complete turn in my thesis or if I should just keep doing what I have been and just direct when I get the chance. I just feel a little bit like it will be difficult to direct a subject when I have just walked up to them on the street and don't know anything about them. My thesis is supposed to focus on people's character, or characteristics, that I find so interesting that I want to photograph it and share it with my audience. I will do my best to get the photos I want and I am still really excited to shoot some more photos; which is a good sign in my book!

Here's a couple of the works from the Photography exhibitions I visited this quarter...

Marilyn Minter: Chewing Color

Starburst: Color Photography in America 1970-1980

I have been having some trouble posting some photos and documents on this blog, but rest assured, I have hard copies...

Chewing Color

PRESENTATION OF ART- ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

1. General Description of the Show

"Chewing Color"

A. The artists' name(s): Marilyn Minter

B. How many pieces are in the show: Ten pieces, altogether.

C. Describe the location/context of the exhibition space: Inside the Contemporary Art Center. One large room, and one smaller room connected by a short hallway; with work displayed at random on white walls.

D. Describe your perceptions on the content or idea behind the work: My perception of the meaning of this work dwells on the female and societal idea of glamour and beauty. While most try to capture this glamorous, commercial beauty, Marilyn Minter is using photos, paintings and video work to highlight the opposite of this; the moment when glamour goes wrong. She is focusing in on the flaws of beauty, the dirtiness of it.

2. Give Detailed Descriptions of the Following:

A. The method of presentation of artwork (media of artwork, size of artwork, and how it is presented- frames, mats, pushpins, pedestals, etc.) This exhibit includes one projected video on a plain whit wall, two large scale paintings, one smaller painting, and six photographs. The larger paintings are 96x60 inches, and 76x114 inches, the small painting is 24x24 inches. The photos range in size from 40x30 and 86x60 and the video is projected onto a cinema sized wall. The paintings are enamel on metal and are hung on the wall without frames; they are simply there. The photographs are hung straight on the wall with no framing or matting at all and hung by clips-the photos are characterized as being C-prints.

B. The nature of the exhibition space (size, shape, ceiling height, formal, informal, etc.) The space includes one large room, dimly lit due to the video projection. There are high ceilings (about 30 feet) white walls, and a reflective concrete floor with two concrete pillars and a set of stairs going up. There is a long bench so as to sit and watch the film in this room and there is some soft music playing. It is wide open in here and you can hear echoes of people throughout the building. There is some natural light in the larger room and a doorway to a separate exhibit. There is a short hallway that leads to a smaller room with a shorter ceiling and better lighting. There are overhead spotlights illuminating the photographs on the still white walls, most of which reside in this smaller room. The paintings are all in the larger room and are spotlighted, overead, individually. Presented informally in a formal environment.

C. The type and nature of the lighting in the exhibition space: Lighting in larger room is dim for better viewing of projection, whereas the lighting in the smaller area is much brighter, warm and from overhead spotlights.

D. The relationship of the art pieces to each other (physical and thematic) Physically the photos differ from the paintings and both from the video, however they are all consistent in color choice, they all involve some trace of the female body. Thematically they all relate to each other successfully: they all highlight the imperfect perception of female beauty.

E. Other external factors (noise level, air currents, number of people in the space, etc.) The video has soft, looping music that can be heard throughout the space, as well as echoes of people and footsteps. The air is comfortable and still, and there are only a few people walking in and out at a time.

3. How the Presentation Method Affects the Art (use the back, if necessary)

If you feel that the method used to present the work supports and enhances its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.If you feel that the method used to present the work detracts from and weakens its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.

In section 2-B, I mentioned that this exhibit, to me, was an informal presentation within a formal environment. I don’t think the presentation necessarily defers the meaning however I do feel that it takes away from the overall experience of the work. From my understanding the work is supposed to be seen as rather dirty and the opposite of stereotypical beauty; I mean the photos are hung by clips! It just seems contradictory to be experiencing it in this clean, open, clear and fresh environment. For example, the film was probably a more influential experience being shown in Times Square, in New York City.

Starburst Photo Show

PRESENTATION OF ART- ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

1. General Description of the Show

Starburst: Color Photography in America 1970-1980

A. The artists' name(s): Several artists including; Nan Goldin, Joel Meyerowitz, William Eggleston, Mitch Epstein, and Helen Levitt.

B. How many pieces are in the show: Many different collections each ranging from just a couple prints to some more than twenty prints.

C. Describe the location/context of the exhibition space: The gallery is within the Cincinnati Art Museum and set up like a maze so as to direct you through each collection. The walls are all white and the works are cleary separated and marked by the names of the artists and some statements on the walls.

D. Describe your perceptions on the content or idea behind the work: As a collective show of all these artists works, I feel like the directive behind it is the introduction, progression, and use of color in photography for these artists during 1970 through 1980. Each collection tells a different story, but collectively they work towards the same end of using color to expres themselves.

2. Give Detailed Descriptions of the Following:

A. The method of presentation of artwork (media of artwork, size of artwork, and how it is presented- frames, mats, pushpins, pedestals, etc.) Most of the works here are windo matted with white matts and then framed in plain black or white frames with glass overtop. They all vary in size from as small as two by two inches to as large as about three feet by four feet. Types of prints include: Chomogenic prints, dye transfer prints, offset lithography on a magazine page, projections, Cibachrome prints, polaroids, inkjet prints, pigment print and ektacolor print.

B. The nature of the exhibition space (size, shape, ceiling height, formal, informal, etc.) The walls in the space are generally all about one to two feet from the ceiling, where some vary slightly in height. They are all white walls and ceilings, with overhead lights being the sole source of light. There are some areas on the walls with the artists names and a short description of they’re work. There is wood flooring throughout the exhibition with openings and benches periodically to sit and page through the show’s catalougue. This is a very formal setting with high ceilings and lots of wide open space.

C. The type and nature of the lighting in the exhibition space Warm, yellow overhead lighting. Minimal shadows and some natural light pouring through from the one window.

D. The relationship of the art pieces to each other (physical and thematic) Thematically, the works are related through their use of color. Physically, each collection seems to be separated into it’s own space; however they are all the traditional square or rectangle matted and framed format with a few exceptions in the form of projections.

E. Other external factors (noise level, air currents, number of people in the space, etc.) The are is generally still and a little bit stuffy and warm. There are only a few people moving about the exhibit causing the sound of footsteps, jingling keys, and some muffled voices from time to time; but it feels like a wisper only environment.

3. How the Presentation Method Affects the Art (use the back, if necessary)

If you feel that the method used to present the work supports and enhances its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.If you feel that the method used to present the work detracts from and weakens its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.

I feel that the method of presentation strengthens and enhances the meaning of the work. The unity of the presentation and framing works to prevent any detraction from the overall theme of color while the slight separation of each individual collection allows the viewer to ponder about the specific intentions of the artists.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to post some work by Eliot Erwitt. He is a photographer that has been a driving force behind my work this quarter. I really do love the humor in his work and the moments he captures. I don't want to mimic his photographs, but I really enjoy his methods and the outcome. Erwitt has inspired me to take the time to find the right shot and I hope that you all will explore his work further! :)

Today we had our second Work-In-Progress review this quarter. Overall, it went well, especially considering that the weather has prevented me from shooting much over the past couple of weeks. This did give me a chance to re-evaluate some of the digital shots I took earlier in the quarter to see if they could work with my film work. While presenting these, one set of contacts was brought up that caught our interest. In this set of contacts were a couple of photos that really expressed character, in an almost literal way. Janie expressed that I should definitely continue to explore this avenue a bit more and see where it goes. I really like this idea because it is much easier to take someone's photo when you ask them first. Don't get me wrong, I love the challenge, but it's really interesting how much people "come out" in front of the camera. The above photos are from my digital contact. Lemme know what you think and there are more to come.

So I finally got my new computer and can update from home, thank goodness! Last week I discovered how far is too far when it comes to framing options. Usually I am a fan of a clean, clear framing of the photo that won't distract from the content of the work. Well when I was given free reign to do what ever I wanted for the final frame, several thoughts went through my head; should it be just another frame? Should it work along with the content or concept of my work? Clearly I did not do a very good job of interpreting these questions into a successful frame. If anyone has any suggestions, or if you think I should just do a clean frame, lemme know!

I'm having a little trouble when it comes to uploading photos for this blog. I have wanted to put photos up here but the site keeps telling me my files are corrupt. So I'll keep trying, but until then, bear with me...

I am sad to say that the snow has slowed me down quite a bit. I only have one roll of film taken since the last review, as well as a few digital shots that could possibly work. I am a bit nervous but due to the snow I haven't been able to drive all the way out to my nearest cord camera to pick up more film, nor have I been able to venture out with any of my cameras otherwise in this weather.

So my plans for the rest of the quarter is to shoot shoot shoot. I would like to take 3 to 5 more rolls of film with the Mamiya. I really like the photos I am getting with this method and I think I may have found a few that are definitely going to be in my DAAPworks; which is SO exciting for me! So over the last few weeks, I want to finish up shooting. When I have finished shooting and scanning my film in, I want to focus on choosing the final photos that best describe my concept. During this process, that I'm sure will lead into next quarter, I will decide on the final size, or sizes, of my photos, and how to frame them. This quarter has definitely given me some incite on those things that I will be considering soon.

Snow, snow and more snow...This makes it quite difficult to shoot outside. :(

So I'm feeling really great about my work after the midterm review on Tuesday. I have tons of things to think about, but I also got some important questions answered. I think I'm gonna stick with black and white at this point, and I'm tossing around the idea of different sizes and formats. The photos where it is clear that I am finding these people, these strangers and photographing them, isolating them in that very moment seem to be the most cohesive in creating a body of work. It's almost as though I am sneaking up on these people, and in some instances I am, but something about that is so interesting to me. People interest me so much and I am really having a great time with this project so far. I am so glad to be at a point where I have a clear direction, I just makes me happy!

If I had anymore questions, it would really just be things like: Does anyone have any good suggestions as to where else I should shoot? Is it better, in your opinion to focus on one person per image, people interacting, or a little bit of both? Would it be better to shoot closer photos or further away from my subjects?

Here are the three photos that the class and I decided were the most cohesive and strong during the midterm review.

I realized recently that I hadn't updated about my progress in quite a while. So far I have taken and developed four rolls of my medium format film and scanned in two rolls. I definitely have some favorite pictures already and I am excited to scan in my other two rolls to see what comes out. I am really loving using film, it's sort of reminding me why I love photography so much in the first place. I have one more roll in my camera right now then I'm going to buy some more. I feel like I'm at a good place right now and I am actually looking forward to my midterm review. Yay!

Today in class we had our second visual exercise: Borders. I would have to say the most important thing I took away from this experiment is to know that borders aren't always cheesy, sometimes they can enhance your work. Feathered borders especially didn't seem like something I would ever want to use for my photos, but that border actually really worked for some people. For example, Allie Dupont's photo. I thought that on her photograph the normally cheesy, feathered border worked really well with the already uneven edges of her photograph. I also learned that a little can go a long way. Even the thinnest of borders can make all the difference in a photograph. In my case, it was decided that a medium thickness border works well with my photos and even supports them to an extent. In any case, borders are definitely something I will consider from now on.

I would like to follow up a little on my visual research projects. As for our first experiment, dealing with size, I would have to say the most important thing I took away from it would be that size does matter. I wanted nothing more than to print huge; I wanted to be engulfed within my image and I wanted to do the same for my audience. When I saw all of the different sizes of my work hanging next to each other, I began to notice that all of the photos had quite a different sense. While coming into the project I thought I wanted to see my work huge, but when I saw the different sizes, I sort of like the smaller version myself. They seemed so much more personal and precious. The class decided that a sort of inbetween size looked best with my photos, which I agreed on. I enjoy the smallness of the photos, but you seem to lose or miss something when it is too small. Likewise, the larger photo seemed too spaced out, not personal enough, so to speak. This was a great way to understand that size most certainly does matter, and I'm sure glad I tried it out!

Woohoo! I have successfully developed my first roll of film, the first in quite a while, in my very own basement. I'm feeling good about this and I just wanted share it with my blog. The pictures developed here are one roll from a trip downtown that I took over the past week to photograph people. I have a few more to develop and I feel like I'm on a roll. Hopefully it keeps on going like this because I actually had more fun than stressfull moments, which I'm sure is a good thing. I loved going downtown because I see and even meet the most interesting people; from the friendliest homeless man ever, to the girl sitting at the bus stop next to the pigeons who all, including the girl, have the same hair-do. I absolutely love it and can't wait to see how the rest come out!

Sooo...

Just wanted to update a little before this week began, cause I'm hoping to be busy, busy, busy for the next few weeks...I went ahead and rented out the twin lense, medium format camera from the photo lab so I could experiment with using film as well as digital for my ventures thus forth. Before work, I had planned on picking up some film for this camera but, alas, all the photo supply stores in my area are family owned and therefore closed on sundays. No worries, however, I can get an early start tomorrow, since I need to go downtown anyways, I can pick up some film and just get started!
I have a number of places that I want to set up and take some photos at that have tons of unsuspecting people that I can find: downtown, malls, parks, zoo(haha), bus stops, you know, pretty much everywhere. This thesis thing is beginning to sound almost fun, right. In fact, I took my digital camera into one of my jobs today while I was working(Buffalo Wild Wings) and took some pictures of some of the people that I saw there in between taking orders, and it was pretty interesting. I'm hoping to get that same experience in these other places I set up shop! I will let you know how it goes tomorrow and tuesday!!

So this past Tuesday was my first thesis meeting of the winter quarter. As brutal as I thought it would be, it turned out quite beneficial. I went in, thinking for sure where I was going with my work and I had planned out exactly what I would say about it, but then when it came time, I came to realize that what I was trying to force myself to do was not something I really cared for.

People. That is what I want to photograph. It was that simple. I am a people watcher; just yesterday, while driving in Clifton I saw a man, in freezing degree weather, walking around with a t-shirt and a pair of skin-tight, spandex pants, reaching only down to his ankles where he had on blue socks and yellow gym shoes. He looked as though he should be running, or jogging at the least, but no, he was simply gliding down the street, weaving in and out of people as he went, a huge grin stretching across his face. That is what interests me, that is what I want to capture and share. These people, or characters are constantly catching my eye and now my camera's eye.

We talked about this and my amazing committee suggested some fantastic artists to look up including: Garry Winogrand, Elliot Erwitt, and Robert Altman. I have been checking them out online and in some books and I absolutely love all their stuff. We also agreed that I should start photographing people other than my friends and family, and possibly try it out with film instead of digital.

So what am I gonna do? Well I am going to check out one of the twin lense reflex cameras and start photographing, again. I like medium format the most and I think I will experiment with the twin lense as well as the holga; and I think I will keep my dslr with me just in case.

some websites worth looking at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/movies/awardsseason/10clooney.html

http://www.profotos.com/education/referencedesk/masters/masters/garrywinogrand/garrywinogrand.shtml

http://www.elliotterwitt.com/lang/en/index.html

I have been taking several photos in several different situations over the last few weeks (I even photographed some strangers, ha!) and so I don't think these images are at first cohesive together, but it is my mission to figure out what exactly it is I am trying to do... :)

I have been working now for an entire quarter on my Senior Thesis project and have thought long and hard about what it is I want to photograph. I love people and the way they act and interact, their desires, fears, and emotions. My thesis has to do with the study of exactly that. My photos illustrate people in ways that I interpret them, through their desires. Many questions are raised, even in my quest for answers; and there is nothing more I enjoy doing than using photography to figure them out!

My plan for the quarter is:
-solidify my final concept and work towards creating photographs to illustrate that successfully
-I hope to do this in the first couple weeks of the quarter so I can get to work.
-I would like to spend the bulk of the quarter shooting. I feel like I don't have enough to choose from yet to stop shooting. At least seven weeks I want to dedicate to shooting.
-I also would like to spend some time talking about the presentation. I'm excited to try the visualization experiments because I feel as though many of my questions will be answered.
-Wrapping up the quarter, I would like to be in a place where I can finally say I know what I am doing for my DAAPWorks show and I have some powerful work to present and think about.