memories of nyc

I have a few important memories of New York City: the solitary feeling of walking around a chilly Manhattan at night, the overwhelming sounds and colors of the subway system that for some reason feel very relaxing and normal, the feeling of history surrounding the boardwalk at Coney Island (how such a desolate space can all at once feel absolutely full).

Anticipation.

california coast

This is one of my favorite photographs I have ever taken.  It was taken on my film Nikon N65 in 2004 - this is a scan of the original print I made in the darkroom of the WKU photolab.  I was able to catch Andy looking out onto the bay from the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California.  In my opinion, it pretty accurately captures Andy's character.

Whenever I get depressed, confused, or just lost, this is where I want to go.  Maybe not specifically this pier, but to this idea.  A spot that makes me far, far away.  I always feel like driving and driving until I can't drive anymore and I am stopped by some vast body of water.  I think that maybe this will provide the answers, this will make everything okay.  But I know from experience, that it doesn't.  Yet still, I want to run.

Portraits: Week 1

A picture is the expression of an impression. If the beautiful were not in us, how would we ever recognize it?
Ernst Haas

My favorite type of photograph is the portrait.  I think this is because I love people: getting to know them, understanding them, interacting with them.  I feel like the most important moments in my life involve really experiencing another person.  There is something beautiful in everyone - to find it, recognize it, and share it - how amazing.  Our creator was very gracious to give us this.  

Over the years, I have taken portraits of my Family - the friends of significance.  I have hung them up on my wall, grandmother-style.  But recently, I have come to realize there are quite a few others who have effected me, even if just by a look.  How awesome would it be to enter into an intimate dialogue with these people, to try and understand them, to experience who they are.  What better way to do this then to take a Portrait.  So here is the challenge to myself: one a week.  Here is the first.  A very unique and beautiful, Miss Peake.

Other shots that I really like

When you go to take someone's picture, the first thing they say is, what you want me to do? Everyone is very awkward.
Annie Leibovitz

prodigal feet

Last night I was able to see a very talented friend perform his music to a packed house.  It is such a joy to see Brooks Ritter play to a large room of attentive listeners, especially since I have so many memories of watching Brooks play in loud coffee houses all through college.  But as his following has increased, he has remained the same humble Brooks.  His lyrics are inspiring and his rhythms, invigorating.  His motivation is only to love others - and one of the best ways he does this is by sharing his soulful voice.

I talk to the kids all the time about how lines are so important in art - where do they take your eyes?  do they give a feeling of chaos or serenity?  why are they soft or hard?  The little ones seem to grasp the concept right away...but here I am, the art teacher, and I didn't even notice what the lines said in this picture for a long time.  What do you think?  Where do they lead and what does this say about Brooks?

owning stuff

One of my close friends likes to do the "100 Things Challenge" every once in a while.  He goes through everything he owns, decides which 100 things he wants to keep, and then gives the rest away or sells it.  I think this is a marvelous idea.  Wanting to follow in his footsteps, but not ready to go all the way, I recently gave away half of certain categories of things: half my books, half my clothes, half my jewelry etc.  It truly felt freeing to give away objects that meant something to me, but was also completely unnecessary for me to have or feel attached to - like my 1999 Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds T-shirt.  I mean, it is just a t-shirt.  It was a big step.  I started to make my list of 100 things.   What topped my list?  My 1920 Gibson Mandolin, my Alvarez Guitar, and my hard drive with all my photos.  The following images are of my gibson...the one thing I own that I don't think I could lose.

I feel that my attachment to this object is ultimately negative.  I don't want any earthly object to have any sort of hold over me.  Truly, the love of this mandolin has little to do with the music it makes (which, by the way, is most glorious), but has everything to do with what it stands for.  It was a gift from my uncle who owned a music store.  I have so many beautiful memories of listening to so many musicians playing in that store.  That store and the tradition of playing music in my family makes this instrument a testament to my heritage.  It represents my home, my history.  I think it is the memory, not the mandolin,  that I really don't want to leave behind.

busted soles

I had the extreme pleasure of photographing 2 wonderful friends that just happen to be in an equally lovely band - Busted Soles.  These photos were considered "band shots" and hopefully will be used in promoting the musical talents of Rachel and Aaron.  They have an older, more folky, vibe.  We tried to give the scenes this feel through their dress, poses, and editing.  I tried to make some of the images more grainy, like a 70's album cover.  They have many upcoming shows in October, so you should check out their schedule at http://www.reverbnation.com/bustedsoles

I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such creative and talented people (Rachel and Aaron are just two of many).  Their tenacity encourages me and spurs me on to do bigger and better things.  I only hope that I can encourage them back. It makes you think - there are so many people that could be great at so many things.  Some people just need someone to believe in them and help point out their gifts.  I need to be more aware - looking for the genius in everybody.

the joys of a three day weekend

One of the benefits of being a teacher is the observance of all national holidays.  This year held no long lines of tourists needing to buy a t-shirt or teenagers salivating for a frappuccino (in my world anyways...).  I mean, what's the point of "Labor" day if some people just end up working more?  I was so blessed to have 3 glorious days to spend however I wished, with whomever I wished.  The weather was in the mid-80's and everyday produced some pretty radiant sunshine.  The following are a few moments from my weekend - almost like little praises.

my beautiful friend, Kelsey, decided photographs were more important than frisbees

time spent at cherokee park is time spent well

caught Matt's game of rugby 

walked through the neighborhood

played at the waterfront

spent time with family

How often do you really get to REST?  Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed, I have a tendency to find distraction in movies, television, and naps.  But I found that a little bit of friendship, sunshine, frisbee, babies, and laughter can be more than an amusement - it can be the real thing.