3/30/10

greetings from the sunshine state

A few days away in Florida for J's cousin's wedding. Fun times for sure. Nice to be in lala land for a bit. We keep hearing about the crappy weather back in New York and I feel slightly guilty since it has mostly been warm and sunny here.

Have not seen any art--- even though I had a list of spots I was hoping to check out. Busy with other things and time goes fast. The good news is that I was insired to take a few pictures. Imagine that?! One was even a self portrait. Maybe I will share when I return.

Be back soon on the rainy and dark side. Maybe I will bring some sunshine with me?

3/22/10

picture of my day


Have not been posting much in the last few weeks. Been very busy at work and in my personal life (see my two favorite boys above). Life moves fast and I am trying not too miss too much of it.

The big news is that I am getting ready to leave CPW next month. I have been there for three years and am ready to pursue other professional paths. I am hoping to move on to a full time faculty job and simultaneously pursue my own art with more diligence. I am applying for several positions, but have yet to receive any offers. Fingers crossed that something perfect emerges. If you hear of any positions that might suit me or have any advice about applying for faculty jobs, please contact me.

I love CPW with all my heart and will continue to be a part of its extended family. You will see me at all the major events there- listening to the artist lectures, volunteering, taking a class, using the facilities, or just having some fun with the extraordinary people who work there.

Most certainly not an end of something, but the beginning. So excited to see what the universe throws at me. I will keep you informed!

3/19/10

the light at the end of the long winter tunnel

the smell, taste and sights of spring air. ahhhh. deep breathes of warm, sun soaked inhalations.

and that light! what a sight for my sleepy wintered eyes. Those reflections and shadows are so uniquely spring.

3/11/10

book wishlist

image by Hank Willis Thomas

I mentioned Hank Willis Thomas in my last post because he spoke at the SPE conference. While he is on my mind I would like to acknowledge that his book Pitch Blackness is now on my immediate book wish list. It should be on yours too.

The image above is from the series Unbranded, which is represented in his book (which was published due to Willis-Thomas winning the first ever Aperture West book prize). By removing the logos and product information from these advertisements, Hank examines the ever so complicated Black image in American media.

You can purchase it through Aperture Books here.

3/8/10

notes from the field: an SPE overview

Jenn and I out taking a stroll on market St.

Back from a great national conference. Still processing all the information. Spoke on a panel about Language, Diversity and Community. Heard speakers including Kip Fulbeck, Hank Willis-Thomas, Dawoud Bey and so many more. Deb Willis was the honored educator and I was so looking forward to hearing her lecture---but instead a number of people who have been close to her throughout the years paid tribute to her exellence. which honestly, made me want to hear her even more- their words were incredibly moving.

Bought a few books at aperture, talked to many interesting artists and students, looked at art and played a little too...capped each night with a martini (or two...or three)

My only comment about the event is that for a topic as big as diversity I felt that there was not enough discussion time after each panel/lecture. To really dig in and get our hands dirty I believe that a public conversation is necessary. Even despite this, I think some important points and histories were discussed.

Dawoud Bey just posted his thoughts on the conference and a transcript of his lecture as one of the conference's keynote speaker's on his blog What's Going On.

Philadelphia was a great city for the conference. It was energetic and creative.
The bus that SPE organized for a gallery tour took us to the new yet wonderful Philadelphia Photographic Arts Center, and to Gallery 339 where I saw the exhibition Show by Henry Horenstein(who wil be teaching at CPW this summer).

Jenn and I got to walk around a bit and snap a few shots and visit the oh so wonderful Mutter Museum. Aside from the medical specimens that were intriguing beyond belief (I stared at deformed fetuses and objects that were lodged in people throats for hours)- there was a fascinating ceramics exhibition on display which explored the various perspectives surrounding the idea of "normalcy". So glad I made it there.

Another fun thing I got to do was see Justin Townes Earle (Steve Earle's son) at a great, small venue on the west side of town. Killer music- I highly recommend. Oh, did I mention that I went with Henry Horenstien. Yes, the man whose photographic texts taught me almost everything I technically know about photography at age 14-24 was rockin' out with me at a folk concert. This Crazy life.

A few images from my walk:






Happy Monday!

3/3/10

SPE bound

Tomorrow I will be Philadelphia bound where I will be attending the Society for Photographic Educator conference.

On Friday I will be speaking on behalf of CPW on a panel called "Language & Identity, Opportunities and Communities". I will discuss our residency program and its past participants.

Also, I will be going to hear many speakers including Dawoud Bey, Deborah Willis, David Graham, Phyllis Galembo, Kip Fulbeck and many, many more. I am so excited!

I will try to post from the hotel and give an update.