Will I turn left?

On this journey of discovery, there is a path I will eventually travel. It is the path to understand all the wonderful things it means to have an artist for a mother. This is not the natural path for me. It's easy to take the right turns, and harder to take the left ones. This one is a big left turn for me... so, I just started to veer in that direction and I'll see how it goes. 

On my last class assignment, we were to take a few related objects to photograph in different ways. They could be related by shape, color, texture, etc. I chose objects related to my mother and her art. On one hand, it is hard to look through all of the scraps, half completed work, used supplies, and books that she left. On the other hand, it brings to life for me the way she thought, how she learned, and the way she saw the world. It won't always be pretty, if I take the left turn. So I started out easy with the following:

I remember when she was going to classes to learn watercolor. By that time, she was a proficient oil painter with a following in the Chicago area. I could see her struggle and get frustrated with the new medium. There is less control than with oil. But not surprisingly, over time, she mastered the technique. As I now look back, I can tell she wasn't ever comfortable with watercolor because she did not complete a lot of work in that medium. But I can tell that she used the tools she learned in other periods of her work.  

I then moved on to another phase. I wasn't too fond of this phase, but she LOVED it. How do you sell pictures of BUGS? But that wasn't what mattered. It was the discovery of a subject that she needed to master. 

It was interesting for me to take these photos. It took me out of the position of daughter, and put me in the position of fellow artist (although, I would never suggest that I have the same depth of talent as Maxine). It allowed me to see things differently. It allowed me to see her differently...

More to come when I can journey further down the road past that left turn...

~ Jody

I'm excited to say.....

.... I got in the show!  Below is the image that was accepted. I am calling it "In the heat of the night"

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Thanks to all of you who wished me luck. I guess it worked. What I am learning is that a bit of luck is quite helpful in the art field. Not to mention good mentors, a big network, and a lot of persistence.. Notice I didn't say talent. In my opinion, many people have talent. You need more. I keep coming back to how this relates to my previous career. A lot of people do a fine job at work. Many people are smart and have good ideas. It's exactly the same: good mentors, a big network, and a lot of persistence... and a bit of luck that help make someone successful.

Now don't get me wrong. I am NOT successful at photography. I am having fun with the journey (see my first blog) and learning a lot about myself in the context of a new passion. And as I said, there is so much to learn.

My class helped me pick which of the three prints of this photo I will frame. They also gave me good advice on how to frame it, what to price it, and where to get it framed. My teacher is such a great mentor. She said I could contact her if I had any questions since class is on break now. So, I have my task ahead of me for the framing. Tasks are always a good thing to help me focus!

The show is at The Art Center-Highland Park, May 7-July 10. Opening reception is May 22 6:30pm-9pm

By the way, just so you know, my confidence is still shaken... I did NOT get a prize or honorable mention in the Botanic Garden Orchid Show. Below are my entries:

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Oh well.You win some, and you lose some. It sure helps to have friends wish you a little luck along the way. ;-)

~ Jody

Wish me luck!

A cool thing about my instructor is that she is teaching us about the business of photography as well as the art. In the first class she talked about "putting yourself out there" by entering shows. She also talked about how you need to understand what the curator is looking for, and the type of shows they have put together in the past. Now you would think I would have just instinctively known that concept. After all, for my whole career it was all about "what the business leaders wanted".  I would preach to newer technical folks how the best technical solution was not always right for the business, and the more you knew about the business and what the leaders wanted, the better you would be at creating the best solution.

So, when this juried show at TAC (The Art Center in HP) advertised call for entries, I went to work. I researched the curator and what he did. However, I was still confused since more of his own work was abstract. Then, before class two weeks ago, I was early (as usual) and the curator was there setting up the Art Shay exhibit (a must see at TAC through April 4th). My instructor introduced me. After a bit of chit chat, I asked him what he was looking for when we curates a show. What an opportunity! He said that there is never a particular style he seeks, however, he likes to see a selection that you can tell is from that artist. So, if you submit three items, they should look like they all come from the same artist.

Oh crap! Style? I have no particular style! I am still discovering who I am as an artist! What to do?

My teacher said we could go through some options in class and give advice for those wanting to submit to the show. I decided to group my photos into 3 styles: High contrast; scenes; square shots. The three at the top were from high contrast. The class seemed to have a consensus on this group of three photos. I submitted those to the show.

A couple from "scenes" were well received (the tree and the surfer), but I didn't have a third one that shouted out "pick me".  The third one below was a possibility.

My squares were not so great, but my attempt to at least have something in color (not shown). In addition, my instructor saw these the week before and nixed them. She indicated that while they were pretty, they did not say "Jody". I get it, but I still like them. :-)

The curator told me something to remember. He said he first goes through and picks potential items for the show. He then takes a pass on good items that just don't fit well in the overall show. I can certainly use that as comfort if I don't get picked.

I find out on March 26th. Wish me luck!

~ Jody

Seeking the "Wow" Factor

It was my turn to put out my photos for the class to critique.  Since it had been a few weeks since I last showed, I had a lot of sets of work. The above was the first set of work I laid on the table. They had seen the piano before, but I said I had more photos that I could add to that "portfolio". I am proud, and happy, that this grouping got the big "wow" from several folks. My instructor said I should consider making a book of these types of photos. Remember when I talked about finding my passion last blog post? Well, I would shoot and work on photos like these whether anyone liked them or not! So, I am good to go to work on this portfolio!

These four peaked some interest. Several folks picked up the one in the comic book store (ICS on the window) and found it intriguing. I had several took in Wicker Park in an old building. But "ICS" seemed to stand out from the rest. My instructor liked the last two above. She told me to take more in my house (probably because I find it harder to do), but to pull back a little more.  So, I will muster up some motivation to do so. I am always up for a bit of a challenge.

These last two also got a "wow" from several folks. I took the first one at Architectural Artifacts in Ravenswood. I shot it through a doll's head. The second one I took up in Madison last year. I really love to catch that "slice of life" that you see in a coffee shop or on the street.  

I had a lot of photos out that did not get noticed, but I was proud. I was proud that some actually got a "wow" from folks. I respect the people in my class. They have been doing this a lot longer than I have. So yes, it made me feel good. And that will keep me motivated to just keep going.

It will also remind me to "wow" a bit more at other people's work. You never know who needs a bit of encouragement to motivate them. 

~ Jody

My next assignment: Finding passion!

As you saw from my last post, my assignment was to take black and white pictures in my house using the light and shadows to make interesting pictures. I started out excited, as I always do, then get antsy to try something else. My cat, Mandu, helped make the light more interesting for me. She loves to sit in a patch of sun in our bathroom in the morning.

I have a feeling in the class critique, I will not get "artistic points" for these. However, they do make me feel warm and fuzzy, and sometimes that has to count for something. Am I right?

I then took some other pictures with shadow, shapes, and light. We will see how these are received in a future class critique session. 

Meh. I have more, but I wasn't thrilled with most of them. I'll keep trying though. But when I went out on a snowy day, I liked some of these shots...

I'll bring them to class as well, and see which the instructor likes better.

I went to a networking event for artists and photographers. Everyone was so willing to help me learn and grow as a photographer. The climate was very collaborative (to use an over used word)... but it was very real and the help was sincere. Most everyone I met asked me what I am passionate about shooting. Other than my children and grandchildren, I am really not sure. I think my instructor is also looking for that passion in me. I know I will find it as I take this journey.

I know what it's not...

....It's not shooting inanimate objects in my house. 

~ Jody

So much to learn

My mentor and instructor told me to buy a rose and shoot it in black and white. This is not my first class, but I can tell I will learn a lot from this instructor. So... on the way home from class, I eagerly stopped at Walgreens to pick up a rose. At home, I locked myself in the "kids room", which doubles as my studio. I got out my new light box, set my camera on manual, and got to work. As you can see from the above, I have a lot to learn. Everyone says you learn by experimenting and shooting. Ah patience... I am not known for having a lot of it.

I was proud of this one (below), but the rest of the class wasn't impressed. Most were suggesting that it would be more interesting if some of it were out of focus. 

Most of them liked this one (below). I get it. Keep it simple. Composition, Light. At least I think I get it.

Next assignment: Keep shooting in B&W. Look around my house and take pictures to show interesting light. Good thing it's a sunny day. 

~Jody