Boo!

Happy Halloween!

Roy DeCarava, 1919-2009

I am so saddened to learn that Roy DeCarava passed away on Tuesday. He was the first photographer that deeply inspired me, whose work moved me. I was in a high school art history class when I was sent on assignment to go to MOMA and write about his retrospective. I was completely transfixed by his images. His intense and rich detail in the blacks but also the subtle spectrum of whites created was so incredible. His tonal range was an exquisite palette of light and dark. One of my photographic heros is gone but his work and legacy live on. 

R.I.P. Roy DeCarava, 1919-2009

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/parting-2/

First Things First

Here's a quick scan of my first still life shot in my new studio. I can't wait to make a print of this in the darkroom. This residency is a dream come true. My studio is beautiful and I'm surrounded by so many talented and inspiring artists. Thank you LMCC!

Something's Missing...

Sonja Thomsen, Crude, 2007
My good friend Sonja Thomsen came to visit me last week from Milwaukee. We went to grad school together at SFAI but since then only get to see each other once or twice a year. So its always a treat for her to come and stay with me. We looked at a bunch of art in Chelsea, checked out the Robert Frank show at the MET and headed up to Woodstock for CPW's auction. It was a whirlwind four days and I wish she could have stayed longer. You tired me out Sonja but I still miss you!

Click Here to see more of Sonja Thomsen's beautifully subtle yet powerful images.

Syracuse Studio Visit

Photo courtesy Sonja Thomsen

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of hosting a studio visit at LMCC for Syracuse students. Doug Dubois, Yasser Aggour and Laura Heyman brought their bright and talented juniors, seniors and grad students to tour the studios. Myself and fellow SU alum, Latoya Ruby Frazier talked about our work and process along with fellow residents, Michael Paul Britto, Kenya (Robinson), Deana Lawson, Paul Sepuya, Elia Alba and Becca Albee. Thanks to all the artists who opened up their studios and shared their work and insight.

Join me In Woodstock This Sunday!

Join us for CPW's 2009 Benefit Gala on Sunday October 11th, 2009 at the Bearsville Theater beginning at 2pm. 

This year's event will honor our 2009 Vision Award Honoree, W.M. Hunt, collector, curator, educator, gallery owner, writer, and emerging artist advocate  and features CPW's 31st annual benefit auction of contemporary and classic photographs beginning at 4pm. Click Here to View the On-Line Catalog.

Admission to the Auction ONLY is by purchase of the Benefit Catalog ($35 / $25 CPW members) which admit two guests to the live sale. Order your copy today! 

The Artist's Guide

LMCC hosted a book signing and talk with Jackie Battenfield last night, author of the newly released The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love. I had the opportunity to hear Jackie speak at a seminar for the Queens Council on the Arts last year and found it not only informative but very inspirational and have been anxiously awaiting her book. Last night was no different. Jackie read from her book and speaks from her heart and that is what makes her message resonate. She weaves the voice of motivational speaker, teacher, professional, mother and fellow artist with real world information and tough-love advice. This book is an invaluable tool for artists everywhere. Click HERE to go to the website and buy the book.