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Celebration 2008 |
Over 150 pieces were included in this year's show. My photograph of a pine plantation in winter, which I titled Seeing the Trees for this exhibit, was awarded an Honorable Mention. I was particularly complimented to receive this award since last year my photograph of an ice floe on Lake Huron, which I titled The Second Day, also received an Honorable Mention.
The juror was John Bakker, a professor of art at Trinity Christian College near Chicago. In his jury statement John said, "What binds these works together is a sense of something beyond our finite existence and the struggle to recognize that presence in the everyday friction of living in a fallen world."
That struggle to see beyond the surface is the theme of Seeing the Trees. People have often mentioned that at first they are puzzled by this photograph but that after a while there is an epiphany where it suddenly comes into focus. Perhaps that experience explains its popularity. It was chosen by Saint Mary's Hospital for their permanent collection after my show there last fall.
The Epiphany season and this show end on Ash Wednesday, which was early this year. So the show had an abbrieviated run, from January 25 to February 6. But if you're anywhere near Grand Rapids next year, make a point of seeing this wonderful show. |
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Calvin Alumni Photography Competition |
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Both of these images are examples of a minimalist style that I was first exposed to it when growing up in Chicago in the 1960s. My single mom encouraged independence in her children, and I would take the train downtown from our suburban home when I was still quite young. I loved the galleries and special exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago. A show of work by Sol LeWitt at the Museum of Contemporary Art was particularly influential.
Pure minimalism can be a bit sterile, and I've always wanted to evoke an emotional response to my work. Perhaps that makes me a postminimalist. I think both of these pieces are successful because, while very simple, they have emotional depth.
Nordhouse Dune is clearly an exploration of sensuality in an unanticipated form. I've had people tell me they love the photograph but would be embarrassed to hang it in their living room. (One conversation at an exhibit devolved in an even more salacious direction). Though I've never given the work this explicit title, I think people like the play of thinking about a dune nude.
Alfalfa, Corn and Sky intrigues because the nearly abstract pattern is created out of an organic and dynamic scene. For me the piece is about seeking peace and beauty in the sometimes chaotic circumstances of our lives. This photograph is my most critically acclaimed work to date. It was accepted last year at the Muskegon Museum of Art Regional Exhibition and it was recently selected for the state wide Michigan Fine Arts Competition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. It's also featured in the promotional materials for the Calvin show. |
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One Trick Pony |
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I currently have a one person show at a local watering hole, the One Trick Pony. If you're curious about that name, here's what I found on their website:
 It all started with a circus pony who was trained to do one thing and one thing only. Sometimes people joked and jeered at the pony, but what those people failed to realize is that in life, it is better to focus on one thing, and to do it well than to focus on many things and be a master of nothing.
I'll drink to that! My show runs through April 13. If you'd like a personal tour, let me know and I'd be happy to meet you there. The first round's on me. That's an honest offer and I really do hope someone takes me up on it. One Trick Pony is smoke free and has live music every Thursday night, starting at 8 p.m.
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New to Great Lakes Editions |
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When I was a teacher, grading was my downfall. As a photographer, sitting in front of the computer, processing photos, and preparing them to post to my website all tend to get put on the back burner. I've finally had to tell myself I couldn't take new pictures until I caught up on my backlog. So I'm happy to say there's quite a bit of new material on my website...and more to come soon.
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Do you have any suggestions? |
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Do you have any suggestions for Great Lakes Editions? Is there anything about the website that would make it easier to browse or make a purchase? If you ever have thoughts about how I could do what I do more effectively, I'd love to hear from you! Just drop me a line or give me a call.
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Upcoming Shows |
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- February 18-April 14, 2008: One Trick Pony, 136 East Fulton St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- April-June, 2008: Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- July-August, 2008: East Grand Rapids Library, 746 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan
- July-August, 2008: Four Friends Coffee House, 136 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- September 13-December 6, 2008: Grandville Library, 4055 Maple Street SW, Grandville, Michigan
Remember: you can enjoy and order photographs anytime online at Great Lakes Editions. | |
