Finally - A New Blog for 2015 - Photography

It is Martin Luther King Day and this is the first opportunity I have sat down and written. It’s not like I haven’t had the time or interest. It’s what I think about every time I contemplate to write – what do I write about regarding art? I’ve attended some art related events: The Cleveland Museum of Art for instance – their monthly MIX events where there were hundreds of people jam packed into a gigantic atrium watching an elaborate fashion show. It was creative and inventive where designers were inspired by the newest exhibit, “Forbidden Games.” I didn’t see the exhibit until much later.

At first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy “Forbidden Games” for I am not a surrealist fan. I took the chance that I might enjoy it. What I saw were these old, 1920s black and white photographs that were amazing – I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t be alarmed by the title, sometimes you’ll never know unless you go against what is comfortable. Experience something new and embrace the difference.

The Cleveland Museum of Art - "Forbidden Games"

These black and white photographs brought me back when I took my first photography class at Kent State University–film processing. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I loved photography but nervous if my compositions would be perceived as brilliant or just average. I shot rolls and rolls of film that summer – some images were great; some not so much. I was obsessed with the many different bridges in Cleveland so that was my final project – it turned out rather well if I must say.

I understand the relevance of digital pictures (I went to many photo-shoots when digital was in its infancy). It is wonderful when you can simply “delete” a photo when you shoot a crappy photo instead of shooting an entire roll of film, developing a contact sheet then finding out that there is one or two photos worth printing. For me, that is what was so wonderful about film, your contact sheet was always a surprise a dynamic shot you took or a mistake; How it was enlarged was also challenging – more light in, or less producing contrasting light and shadow. This was the creative process not done as well for digital. Many might not agree, and that is fine. I do miss it.

In the show there were “still life” images that I still remember several weeks later – empty men’s shoes on steps or a coffin factory where the viewers saw rows and rows of coffins neatly stacked. You don’t see the coffins right away but once you read the description, it’s easily identifiable.

These electronic images that are seen here were created via iPad at the museum, using a “layering technique” to produce different images. This might have been something unique to some museum goers, but for me this was not new. This process can be easily done using “Photoshop.”  In the 1930s, however, creating images with depth by layering many images or double exposing them was probably a more challenging process without the aid of a computer. I admire these old photographs for that reason.

Created  by Toni - The Cleveland Museum of Art -Dec. 2014

I can definitely discuss black and white photography for a very long time.

If you didn’t see “Forbidden Games,” it was worth a look; sorry it closed January 2015.

The Transformer Station has a wide range of unique photography solutions. Alison Rossiter who found “expired film papers” on eBay and developed them to see how it would work out.

Other tidbits:

December was filled with running from one local art fair to the next. There was the Screw Factory in Lakewood where I stood idle for a few minutes before I was able to move. Locally, that’s a good problem to have but for a shopper it was frustrating and intimidating. All the vendors had unusual products not seen in a “box store” but I just couldn’t get past the crowds. I wandered around not knowing what to buy, having a glazed look on my face – too many choices. What do I do? I end up buying stuff “just in case” I need a special gift down the road.

After I left the crazy crowd, I went up a flight of steps into an artists studio (Megan Frankenfield) and I found these contemporary paintings and/or photographs the filled the entire space. They were so unusual. The artist took photographs and cut them into squares then painted on top of them then transferred them onto canvas. Excitedly, I bought three at a bundled price.

One of the pieces I bought - iPhone photo (couldn't get rid of glare Photoshop)

I ran into that problem at the Pilgrim Church in Tremont. I walked around with my head cut off trying to find “the perfect” gift. What happened? I bought a few bracelets for myself and now that I look at them, “Why did I buy them?” I haven’t worn them nor do I have anyone who wears bracelets. More money down the drain.

With The Cleveland Museum of Art, Tremont and Waterloo art walks, Third Fridays at 78th Street Studio plus local artists all around town, there is always something new to experience in Cleveland. Winter is cold but you can still see great art indoors.

Transformer Station’s new exhibition now open: February 8 until May 2, 2015

Summer with Max

Photo by Anna Chanakas at #ParadetheCircle

I spent much of this past summer with my sister’s dog, Max – a cocker-doodle. Max became a member of the family late February, officially adopted in March. As a rescue, we didn’t know what his past was so I couldn’t wait until the summer events began so he can experience some new smells. 

Max’s first event was Wade Oval Wednesday on June 11, 2014, to the musical performance of Coast2Coast. My sister brought Max at the end of Martin Luther King drive and I drove to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s lagoon. One thing about Max, he loves being outside. He knows when you get your shoes on and grab the leash, he is going out for a walk. He gets so excited that he jumps about a foot off the ground; he can’t sit still when you try to get he collar on. Eventually he calms down enough to clip the leash onto his collar – he anxiously pulls ahead to find his first smell. 

Me and Max went around the lagoon with his head down low, one inch above the ground. He was so excited about the lagoon that he walked right then left – there was so much to take in. I was just as excited as he was. I enjoyed watching him tour the lagoon grounds. 

Max in his new Bed 

It was somewhat awkward since I had to carry my fold-up chair and food for the little guy; then I had to maneuver the leash to make sure Max didn’t get too close to the crowd. 

We sat back behind the crowd. I didn’t want Max to invade other people’s space. This outdoor venue was new to him. His nose was going crazy with all the food smells. He pulled on the leash trying to taste some sausage and peppers. To Max’s point, it did smell delicious. With all the people around, Max did well. 

The second thing about Max – he is a people magnet. I was walking Max around the perimeter of the oval and the next thing I know a little girl appears and says, “Can I pet your dog?” I was taken aback. Max was somewhat anxious and I told the girl and her mother, “Let him smell you.” The girl pet his back carefully and Max jerked some. I knew all this excitement was just too much for him. I told them Max is a rescue and we better keep on walking. They were fine with that and they continued on. “Thank you,” they said.

Another woman said, “What kind of dog is that? I told her the type of dog Max was and she couldn’t believe it. She said she had the same exact dog and his name was Max also. She also said that he lived for sixteen years. That sounds good to me. Everyone that stopped me said, “He is just so cute.” Yep, the entire summer – Max got all the cutie points. 

The next venue, Parade the Circle. This time my sister attended and we walked down MLK to the Parade. Max was excited and anxious at the same time. It was a cool June so I wore layers of clothing. Max was getting a little better when he saw other dogs – he didn’t growl at all of them, just the ones larger than him. I didn’t spend that much time with Max at the Parade since it was my sister’s dog and she wanted to “show him off.” They got close to the parade where bold Max wanted to see so he put his paws onto someone else’s cooler. So cute!

One of my favorite events in July is the Cleveland Museum of Art Ohio City Stages at the Transformer Station. They were a success last year with a crowded West 29 Street. Everyone was out – dogs, children, Great Lakes beer and food trucks. And yes, Max was by my side for all five of those concerts. What is so interesting about these concerts unlike anything else in town was the versatility - one of my favorites was, Conjunto Chappottin y Sus Estrellas. They were from Cuba (top Cuban son groups on the latin music scene)Cuban  and didn’t speak too much English but the music overpowered the entire street. Everyone was out either dancing, eating or taking in the music. July went so fast. 

Max sat by my chair and trying to get his share of snacks. The girls I sat with toted pretzels, tiny sausages, nuts and fruit. Max knows that if he “sits” he will get rewarded with a treat. Everyone loved him so he got his snacks. We were all pushovers. 

Max also got more comfortable with other dogs. He sniffed and they responded. I think this year was even more special than last because it was a new experience as Max won our hearts. 

Who doesn’t just love summer! I’m counting the days until next year. 

My entire summer I tried to include Max in as many outdoor events as possible. Mostly it was Wade Oval Wednesdays and the Ohio City Stages music venue. I just enjoyed being outdoors listening to music and meeting new people. Life is better with a dog as you see things how they might see them. Their excitement spills over into your own. 

What can I say, I’m so proud when someone asks, “What kind of dog is that? He’s just so stinkin’ cute.” 

Van Gogh’s Brilliance

Brochure produced by The Cleveland Museum of Art

Computer problems and projects, I have not been writing my regular blog posts. Life has gotten in the way. Now that I had the pleasure of being in the audience for the “Van Gogh: The Face in the Mirror” lecture, I’m ready to delve in. My reason for signing up for the Van Gogh lecture is my love for the painter – his bold brush strokes and unorthodox color choices. The Cleveland Museum of Art owns three Van Gogh’s and I love staring at them whenever I walk into the Contemporary Galleries. Therefore, I can’t wait to see Van Gogh Repetitions exhibit on view until May 26, 2014.

Friday’s lecture solidified for me why Van Gogh was an important painter. Lecturer, Shackelford described how Van Gogh painted many self portraits during his career that were different – not repetitions that the Cleveland Museum of Art show will focus on. Van Gogh painted his portrait using many different colors – the hues red that reflected his red hair color and shallow, yellows that reflected his illness. Most of his portraits were painted as a mirror image; hence, Van Gogh had his pallet in his right hand and painted with his left. Therefore, Van Gogh did not reverse the image; he kept it as is while he painted himself. I never thought about the “mirror image” as the reverse of what was real – Van Gogh was right handed.

I learned something new while I listed to Dr. Shackelford’s lecture.

Moreover, Van Gogh’s inspiration for his self portraits with easel was from Rembrandt’s self portrait as he stood by an easel. Rembrandt’s version was soft and used a brown pallet, while Van Gogh’s bold colors immediately awakens the viewer attention. Van Gogh’s other inspiration for his “dot” brush strokes is similar to Seurat’s pointillism. And what I already knew is that Van Gogh painted himself due to the expense of using models – it was easier to paint yourself in the mirror and experiment with different colors and brush strokes.

Shackelford’s lecture also introduced other paintings from Van Gogh such as his “Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin” in two versions (this is in the exhibit). One version is brightly painted with orange, blues and bright green where the other version is muted – using brown tones. For me, I prefer the brighter version where I can see Van Gogh happily mixing these colors and excited by his subject. Moreover, I love the “sunflowers” for the same reason – the vibrant yellows take over the canvas and you’re instantly propelled into the painters thinking process. Van Gogh draws you into his subject matter no matter what.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is fortunate to have “The Large Plane Trees” where this subject matter has been repeated. I love the dominance of the trees in the blue, purple and maroon brush strokes in the bark that makes Van Gogh brilliant by using unorthodox colors, in my opinion. If you look close, you can see tiny “red diamonds” where Van Gogh painted on a table cloth with this pattern. Again, his funds were limited –hence canvases are costly.

When I do my pastel drawings, I integrate Van Gogh’s ideology when I use purples and reds in my plants–experimenting with color to create a “stop and stare” for the viewer. He is a step above other artists when he uses a “swirling method such as ‘Starry Night.’” Moreover, that is what draws me in, a new paint stroke, thick use of paint that is almost a glob onto the canvas or color choice. Van Gogh is a master.

After Shackelford’s lecture, I am even more in awe with Van Gogh for his creativity – constantly trying to improve himself. He created these repetitions so he can learn by doing – it was his creative process to become a better painter. In his process, all of his versions are elegantly and beautifully painted.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Cleveland Museum of Art to distribute the audio guides. It was the first Saturday for the Van Gogh exhibit and it was crowded. As I stood by my perch, I can see the four repetitions of Van Gogh’s “Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin” and they are all remarkable in their own right. You can see the bright colors from a distance where I just stood and stared. Van Gogh’s brilliance will always be cherished by me. The museum owns three, where I wish we had more but the pieces are stellar.

If you love Van Gogh or not, you will be in awe as you gaze upon his brilliant canvases. I’m looking forward to seeing the show, alive and in person.

Creating Photography the Old-Fashioned Way

My Photogram

Field trip to the newest gallery on Superior Avenue, Cleveland Print Room, where I will be creating a “photogram.” I didn’t know what it was either until I did a Google search. It’s placing objects on photo sensitive paper and letting the light hit it – creating a photograph without a camera. Individuals who have never used a film camera might not exactly know what “photo sensitive paper” is. Before digital cameras, photography was done using negatives, a developer, and photo paper. A technology that I kind of miss.

I gathered a few objects from home, not exactly sure what I was doing to create this “photogram.” I put a graphic, see-through ruler, glass coaster, tall glass bottle and feathered mask into a bag. I will learn soon enough what creative piece I will make.

As I walked through the Print Room gallery, I saw old-fashioned Polaroids and other SLR film cameras displayed on a high shelf – unassuming, oblivious to some what they are. It brought me back into a world where producing photography was a trial-and-error process. Moreover, I remember shooting an entire roll of film (36 exposures) and maybe there was one or two great shots worth enlarging. Spending hour after hour in a darkroom printing black and white photos. Because of the experimentation and creative freedom you have, this was one of my favorite artistic class.

Presently, you digitally produce photos that are edited as you go. You press the shutter button, see it on a screen then either keep it or delete it. Don’t get me wrong; I love technology where digital images has saved countless hours of scanning, producing proof sheets and editing photos. All you have to do is upload them to your computer or directly post them to facebook via iPhone or any other smart phone. It’s that simple.

What I do miss is the creativity you get as you shoot and edit in the darkroom. There are times when I see vibrant photos at local galleries and wonder if it’s been “photoshopped” or not. One of my pet peeves.

In the Print Room, you enter a red, revolving cylinder that takes you into the darkroom. There are at least 8 developers on stands that directs light onto your photo paper. I was in heaven as I placed my see-through ruler, glass coaster and Mardi Gras Beads onto the shiny paper. Hence, my goal was creating an interesting composition with my items.

Turn on the developer for 30 seconds; place the paper into the first chemical bath for 2 minutes and agitate; Remove, place it in the second chemical bath for 1 minute; the third chemical bath for 3 minutes then wash the paper with clear water for at least 5 minutes. Whoa, that is so much time invested to create a photograph. It might be but it’s similar to getting your hands dirty when you pick up a paint brush or pencil and illustrate an object without an iPad. It can actually be liberating.

The darkroom was active with so many hands dropping objects onto a 8 x 10 sheet of paper. Soon, an image will emerge. It works best if you have an item that’s translucent where light can shine through. I was impressed how many people did more than one photogram; there were many cool, creative solutions. 

What I learned is that some old-fashioned technologies do return just like vinyl records or letterpress where you can see the letters indented onto the paper. Nothing like it. Get out of your confined digital world and create art the old fashioned way. No iPads please.



Check out Cleveland Print Room
The ArtCraft Building
2550 Superior Avenue
http://clevelandprintroom.com