I’m behind… way behind… in life, in love, in projects, and especially in posts. Maybe I’m far enough behind that I’m actually ahead in the next cycle. Whatever works for me, I imagine. Anyway, I at least wanted to take the time to post this, while sipping a cold beer (Sage Against the Machine, at Hop Cat) and make my case for Art Prize. I was told that the best thing was to submit early, so in keeping with everything else, it makes the most sense that I wait until the very last minute.
However I have stirred interest in a couple of spaces, so that’s good. I just want to make sure I’m finding the right fit. From the beginning, I’ve envisioned the right space for I’m one of those Americans being some kind of grungy vacant mechanics garage or a dirty exposed-brick warehouse… which I would expect there would be no shortage of these in Michigan and the area… I just haven’t done the footwork.
So this is officially putting the feelers out… I’m looking for someone who has a space or wants to create a space to showcase about 30 large photographs, that are the main body of the essay… on top of that, I’d like space for about 100 to 150 small images of garage sale signs and sale items, framed in cheap metal frames that I collected at garage sales last summer. The right space could produce a fabulous opening party, drinks and music implied.
About the project… I’m one of those Americans is a story of the culture of garage sales in Michigan… particularly significant in a time of economic downturn and recession. I shot portraits of folks who were giving up items they would normally keep, but find themselves in a position to sell sentimental items in order to meet needs. This project was mentored by David Alan Harvey, a senior contributor to National Geographic, and a full member of Magnum, the most prestigious photography agency in the world. The slideshow was featured on BurnMagazine.org, and was an official selection in the top 200 of the Emerging Photographer’s Fund. It would be a shame if the opening somehow slipped by
Art Prize.
One major pitfall… I have the body of work ready to go, but I have zero funding to produce it. I’m estimating that getting the work ready to hang with an appropriate opening reception should cost between $3000 – 4000. If you think this is a worthy endeavor, and you are an art investor, please go to my Karma page, or contact me by email. Your kindness will be greatly blessed.
I’m half way through my second beer, and that’s all I’ve got for now.
July 31st, 2009 | Comment »
Last weekend, were you at a party in the city with two zip wires, a tightrope, a giant waterslide, a redneck obstacle course, an open bar, a best burger contest, a chandelier lit tree, a dj, and a fantastic bluegrass band? If you were, chances are you went to Rich Haralson’s summer blowout that’s come to be known as Prospecto.
The burger chefs outdid themselves, with a killer olive burger taking first place. Vodka, rum, and beer poured freely, and I don’t think it ever ran out. Rich brought in an unbelievable bluegrass band, Who Hit John? They were foot-stomping, raw young energy, and I hope to catch another show soon.
I want to get right to the photos, but I have to say that all events, parties, games, and promotions that surround Rich and his gang are not to be missed. Rich is a skilled promoter with the intention of bringing as much fun to the city as possible. I’m looking forward to being a regular fixture for covering the events.
July 25th, 2009 | 2 Comments »
I’m way behind in my posts, with many fun and horrible things to share… but I’m in the middle of a rather abrupt move, and throwing myself at the city… let’s hope I stick.
Anyway, my Portuguese just isn’t strong enough to know much about Gui (except that he has a cool name) but his work is solid and worth the visit to his website. Maybe he’s interested in telling us a little about himself, and this photo? Gui?
Photo Friday consists of a group of international photographers that share one photo per week, as if sending a postcard. It’s simply an email list that I start on Fridays. If you’d like to be added to the list, send me an email with “Photo Friday” in the subject line. You’ll be added next week.
July 21st, 2009 | 2 Comments »
It looks like the “Adventures in Housesitting” tour will have to begin sooner than expected. What I need to do is line up as many housesitting gigs as possible to see if I can sustain myself for the rest of the summer and beyond. I do have a very nice dog, so she’s part of the deal. My intent is to shoot an essay about my experience. I have references, so please email me if you need someone to hold down the fort during your travels. Greater Grand Rapids area only for now.
July 15th, 2009 | 6 Comments »
A Modern Maid Marian »
This series falls somewhere between a portraiture and a modeling session, with kind of a loose adherence to the theme. It is a good example of how I like to approach portraiture.
The Michigan Militia’s Tax Blast Tea Party »
This is the beginning of an essay that documents the Tea Party movement. It takes a look at folks who normally aren’t that politically motivated, as they work on their protesting chops and find their voice. I shot this series back in April, seeking the the most inflammatory Tea Party I could find… it turned out to be just a pleasant day on the range.
The Tea Party essay will be an ongoing study as long as there is wasteful government spending, over taxation, and folks there to protest it. Essentially it’s a life long American project.
Here’s the original text from my posting back in April:
I’m continuing my Americana theme this summer with a look at Tea Parties and taxes. The logical place to start was at the Michigan Militia’s Field Day, which had a tea party thrown in for good measure. I hit the road early on April 11th, and made my way out to a farm in rural Michigan, to pop off a few rounds as well as a few photographs.
I’d like to deliver my impressions while quelling common misconceptions of groups connected to the Michigan Militia. First of all, this is not a hate group. This is a gathering of the working class that does not discriminate on race, religion, or political affiliation. I do suspect, however, that you’d get a good argument if you’re an illegal alien, or have something negative to say about the Constitution.
Regarding the Constitution, I would advise that if your purpose is to defend it, you should at least know the Bill of Rights without hesitation.
This is not a fear group, but one that has much concern with respect to the Second Amendment and the current political climate. As a matter of fact, I see more paranoia on the outside about a militia group like this, then the stereotypical paranoia you might expect within the ranks. I didn’t even pick up on direct fear of our government, though the rumblings of infringements on gun rights and the current run on ammo might indicate otherwise. This is more a group of Second Amendment proponents and survivalists, who consider themselves in the mix as a line of defense against foreign invasion, or man-made or natural disaster. They are law-abiding families that love the outdoors, and would prefer jobs over anything perceived as a handout from the government.
This is going to be another fun summer of photography.
July 14th, 2009 | 2 Comments »