Calm After the Storm

A gallery opening is in some ways like a wedding. There are a lot of people, you don't remember who you spoke to and later, all of it is a blur.

Most who came to the opening knew what to expect from the exhibit and wanted to see it. But for many who have subsequently wandered in from the street, the pieces are disconcerting. No big surprise, many people simply aren't interested in seeing the Secret Keepers series otherwise known as "creepy dolls." This is not news to me. These are larger-than-life images of faces almost-but-not-quite real. They show damage, wear and perhaps abuse. They remind us of the aging process and maybe even death. Or they can remind us of lost innocence. I actually enjoy observing people quickly turn their heads away from those pieces as much as I enjoy watching those who scrutinize them. OK, so the former doesn't ensure a sale, but it indicates something more important - an emotional reaction to the work.

The Plastic Relatives are much more playful, less threatening. With a 4" x 6" image area, they're easier to dismiss as caricature.

Today was a quiet day at the gallery as Jennie had predicted. The weather was moody, supplying few moments of sunshine, some strong gusts of wind but mostly rain and scattered storms. The long periods of rolling thunder made me giddy. When I got home, this was the view of The Cross of the Martyrs from my back deck.

The Night Before

Tomorrow night is the artist reception for my five day exhibit at the Jennie Cooley Gallery. My friend Kris, visiting from Michigan, helped me hang the pieces this afternoon. The one thing I really don't like about the process of being a photographer/artist is hanging a show. Kris made it go quickly with her critical eye and sense of balance. It was much less painful than past shows. It didn't hurt, either, that the nails went into the walls like butter. Thank you, Kris!

She snapped these photos for me. Here I am with Jennie Cooley, printmaker extraordinaire.




These are the "Plastic Relatives"




And these are the "Secret Keepers"

Madrid, pronounced MADrid

About fifteen miles south of Santa Fe on Highway 14 is the small artful town of Madrid, pronounced MADrid. It was a mining town for the first half of the twentieth century until 1954 when the mines closed. It was a ghost town for about twenty years, then resurrected as an art community. It's quite the tourist destination now, but few venture beyond the shops and galleries on the main street.

My friend Kris and I drove there today and stopped by a gallery to see a friend. I remembered that he had directed me to the cemetery on the mesa last year but it was scorching hot that day and at high noon the heat and shadows rendered it impossible to shoot. Today was overcast and pleasant so he drew a map and off we went. It's not easy to find.

Part of the cemetery consists of individualized monuments of scrap metal, furniture and personal effects. Apparently the characters in Madrid retain their character even in death.











It wasn't clear which magazines were on "Little Mike's" grave near his shoes. They had been rained on and were faded from the sun. I loved that two pages were flapping in the wind.
The following close-up reminds me of an abstract painting.

Burst of Energy

As you well know, this past weekend was taxing. So on Sunday, after attending an insightful lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Fine Art, I did little else but run errands and do chores. Every time my thoughts turned to analysis I banished them and returned to more banal concerns.

Today I awoke feeling the passion for photography that makes me pretty much all that I have become. While making the bed in the guest room (for my friend Kris who is visiting from Michigan for a few days) I felt I must take at least one photograph or I would burst. 

Here it is, an abstract from the antique birthing chair I have in our dining room. I had a little fun with it. A little fun seemed appropriate since it's too early to have a margarita.

Last Day of Review Santa Fe

Last night, the Center for Contemporary Arts hosted the public viewing of our portfolios. Above is a snapshot of my table when we were setting up. The photographs hanging on boards were part of yet another event, the 8th CCA Annual Photography Auction which took place this evening.

Today was a long day. My schedule included eight reviews. The reviewers were an interesting array of characters. There was the woman who reached out to hold my hands and told me, in a soft and loving tone, not to be so nervous. There was the man who wouldn't look me in the eyes and fidgeted for twenty minutes. One woman felt like a long time girlfriend, another was an ice princess. Someone criticized A, B and C in my portfolio and someone else thought A, B and C made my work strong. This day was a roller coaster ride of emotions.

The best advice we were given at the onset of this event was that immediately after our last consultation we should forget about everything for a few days. Then, revisit the experience and weigh all the things that were said. Most of us want to hear constructive criticism. How else can we grow as artists? But art is subjective, so we need to decide what advice to heed and when to stay true to our vision.

It is imperative to follow up with our reviewers via email in a week or two. We thank them and send them information they have asked for. We read through the list of reviewers and put together packets of promo materials for those we didn't have a chance to meet. The hard work continues.

Has it been worth it? Absolutely!

This evening, after spending an hour at the Photo Auction, I went to a neighbor's house for dinner. A delicious meal, equally delicious conversation and, I know this sounds hokey but...I just felt loved. Boy did I need that.

Review Santa Fe, Session One

It's exhilarating to be around so many exceptional photographers. Except for the one or two individuals who deem themselves better than the rest of us (letting us know with snide remarks and noses to the ceiling) we are not feeling so competitive but rather like we are commiserating with each other. Lovely people, many who I'd love to talk with for more than three minutes before we are swept away to a consultation.

I had two consults this morning, both filled with helpful advice and exciting, promising leads. Although I was accepted on the basis of the Timeless India portfolio, I brought the very different Spirits of the Secret Keepers portfolio as well. It is of course a pleasure to have someone gush over the work, but in this forum it's even better to hear an honest critique. Fortunately the advice has not been to stop taking photographs.

We have twenty minutes with each individual and it sure felt like five. Is this like speed dating? Where was the candle? And the rose? And chocolate? I want chocolate!

This afternoon I have one meeting, and then later on there is a public viewing of portfolios at the Center for Contemporary Art from 5pm – 8pm. If the public event is anything like last years, which I attended as an observer, it will be crazy wonderful.

Tomorrow will be grueling, with seven or eight meetings during the day and then the Eighth CCA Annual Photography Auction from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.

Photograph: "Katie John" from Spirits of the Secret Keepers series.

Review Santa Fe

Review Santa Fe is a portfolio review event for photographers. It is a gathering of gallery owners, museum curators, publishers, consultants, etc. who are selected for their experience, involvement and commitment to advancing the work of emerging and mid-career artists. There are a couple dozen portfolio review events around the world including Photolucida in Portland, Oregon, Encuentros Abiertos in Buenos Aires and Mois de la Photo in Paris. Review Santa Fe is unique in that it is the only juried event. I understand there were about 600 applicants and 100 were chosen. Knowing the caliber of work that was sent in, I feel honored to be included. 

Since being notified a couple of months ago of acceptance based on the Timeless India portfolio, I've spent my time in preparation researching the 42 reviewers, re-printing my portfolio to the standards expected, developing and creating various promotional materials (for my website, blog, the workshops I'll be teaching, and for specific portfolios) and considering how to articulate my own creative process.

This afternoon the participants will gather at The Lodge in Santa Fe to register and have orientation about how the event will unfold in the next three very intense days. I have so many questions! For instance, we have each been assigned 9 reviewers. Can we try to sneak in a meeting with another two or three we'd like to see? Is there any food to be had in this place? I'm already a bit nervous, don't want to pass out from overstimulation and hunger!

I've considered all the angles to this weekend including getting a manicure. Since I'll be flipping through photographs for three days, I don't want my ripped up cuticles to distract from the art. And in these dry desert conditions, they really are ripped to shreds.

Stay tuned for daily reports.

Photograph: Curious Family in Jodhpur, India

Rust in Peace, Tiny Town! (Part Two)

Here are more photos from the now defunct roadside attraction near Santa Fe called Tiny Town featuring "the art that dies to live."

Remembering how shy I was about putting myself deep into the experience of shooting there, I am reminded of an important lesson. When it comes to getting the right shot, being shy is counterproductive. So what if you have to lay on the ground, stand on a rock, walk through junk/mosquitoes/a crowd/whatever it is that might make you hesitant? Do it anyway because, like what happened with Tiny Town, the opportunity may never come again.

Rust in Peace, Tiny Town!

It was over a decade ago that artist Tammy Lange (AKA Tatt2 Tammy) began building her fantasy village south of Santa Fe near the funky art town of Madrid. Tammy collected bones, rusted objects, broken anything and pulled it all together to create an obscure tourist's delight and a photographer's paradise. This roadside attraction was called Tiny Town. Tammy's motto was "If it isn't dead, broken or rusted I just can't use it." There were the remains of roadkill, of dolls, of religious artifacts, furniture, cigarette machines, musical instruments...

I am sorry to say that a few months ago the land was cleared. Apparently the landlord and neighbors thought it had become more of a dump than a piece of art. The more of a dump it became, the more enticing it was to me!

Too bad I discovered Tiny Town in time to photograph it but too late to do it justice. Because the desert sun creates such harsh shadows, I wished for cloudy days so photographing it would be less of a challenge.

Here are but a few images from Tiny Town, the place that is not only abandoned, but non-existent.































Let this last photo remind you about what happens when you don't wear sunscreen:

7am - Not Early Enough in Santa Fe

It's easier for me to fly half way across the globe to shoot than to walk around my own neighborhood, and that sad fact has got to stop. Photography great Jay Maisel, among others (including Paris Parfait), is an inspiration in that regard. The trick of course is to be able to practice my art without having the camera in front of my eyes so often that I don't actually see anything. If my excuse is that I don't want to lug my Canon 5D around, there is always the Canon PowerShot. There are no real excuses!

This morning I set out to the Plaza at 7am. Next time, I'd like to start an hour earlier.

The Palace of the Governors is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S. It is beneath the portal here that Indians (and yes, "Indians" is an acceptable term here) have been selling their wares since 1909. In 1957, at age 3, I was here with my family. I remember being enamored with their dress; at that time, they wore more traditional Indian garb.
This morning, before the Indians sat at their assigned spots, they threw their blankets down and went out for breakfast:




Up the street one block is another portal with lots of fun shops and restaurants:




At this store, you can buy anything typical of the area - ristras (chile peppers strung together), ladders, skulls, coyboy hats, broom skirts, etc:




Sure, there are touristy shops in and around the Plaza. But there are plenty of interesting, unique places as well. Shop with confidence indeed...shop with confidence that you'll spend way too much money:




You can find some nice cowboy boots:




You'll need a hat to go with those:





And who doesn't need some tricked-out Pez dispensers?




"Our Lady of Guadalupe" is everywhere. Whether it's devotional or campy, there is something for everyone as far as she is concerned. The motto here is "In Guad We Trust."

Day One in Santa Fe

For the next four or five weeks, I'll be immersed in various artistic endeavors in Santa Fe, sometimes  nicknamed "The City Different." I hate that moniker, so I'll just call it....Santa Fe. The state of New Mexico, on the other hand, is often referred to as "The Land of Enchantment" and boy is it ever!

Funny that in Michigan right now it is hot and sunny, the weather most people think Santa Fe experiences all year 'round. They don't realize that at 7,000 feet, Santa Fe has four distinct seasons including cold winters, often in the teens at night. But it is overcast and nippy this May morning, with an occasional drizzle. 

Arriving at our home yesterday made me giddy. Pinch me! The house is actually an old adobe home that was refurbished a few decades ago. It's part of a small compound of 6 houses now. When we aren't here, we do short term rentals and for that purpose our home is called Casa Rosemont. However, nothing about it feels like a rental. When you walk in, you are entering a cozy, arty, well-stocked home (thanks to Dick, tons of CDs and videos.) You can tell this isn't Grandma's house. And to think I toned it down a little so as not to frighten potential renters!

Here are a couple of photos for today. As I venture out I'll make sure I take my camera with me, even if it's my little Canon PowerShot.

Exposed adobe, just above the dining room cupboard:

This is where I hang my hat, with Georgia O'Keeffe smiling above (and hiding the circuit breaker box.)

A few years ago I found this antique stool...someone thought it was a birthing chair!?! 

Even the bathroom is fun:

On My Way to Santa Fe

On Thursday, I leave for New Mexico for one month.

In 2002, thanks to the generosity of Dick's mom, we bought a second home in Santa Fe. We plan to relocate there permanently next year. Our house is a five minute walk to the Plaza, a little longer to gallery-rich Canyon Road. When I'm doing dishes and look out over the city, while the setting sun tosses brilliant colors into the sky, I have to pinch myself. I am deeply grateful to Toddie Rosemont for helping us buy the home, thus putting me on a professional and creative course that I would never have imagined for my life.

The first and second weekends in June, I'll be involved in some exhibits and a portfolio event. I'll also be entertaining two different guests during that time. I love having guests because it forces me to go out and enjoy the rich New Mexico landscape. My promise to myself is to shoot more of New Mexico during this trip. One idea is to get up before dawn and drive to Plaza Blanca, The White Place, and photograph these magnificence geological formations as dawn breaks.

Assignment: Shoot something everyday, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Plan at least a couple of major photo excursions. Post the results on PhotoBLOGraphy.

Here are a few images from New Mexico, taken at various times throughout the past few years.

But first let me share a photograph of Toddie Rosemont. Not sure how old she is here, perhaps around 20, and it may have been when she went to Texas to recuperate from tuberculosis. This is the woman pretty much responsible for transforming my artistic life. It gave her so much pleasure to help us get our Santa Fe house, and we bought her a ticket to come see it in late 2003. She never made it. Just after Christmas, she died from the flu.




On the road from Galisteo:




I'm such a sucker for anything that is decaying, peeling, etc.




Taken in Cerrillos. Remember these brands? Viceroy...Tareyton...




This was in "Tiny Town" just outside Madrid which, sadly, no longer exists:




This doesn't exist anymore either! "Fridgehenge" duplicated Stonehenge. With no ancient bluestones in sight, artist Adam Jonas Horowitz used refrigerators instead. Of course!