Catchup? Kat's Up?

So, I’m a little behind in the blogging, which is above average for me. But last week saw two major occurrences for me. The first, I participated for the first time as a juror for an exhibition. The exhibition in question was a student show hung for three months at the Art Institute of Colorado. I was one of about twenty jurors and it was quite an experience. It started off calmly enough, but as our selections got whittled down, the debate heated up. Questions of audience perception versus artist’s intent were the most debated. In the end, I walked out content in my choices in backing the pieces I felt were both technically and artistically strong (and I didn’t pull out any of my hair). The second major occurrence was my first public portfolio review. That was another experience altogether. When I described it as a “science fair for art kids,” I wasn’t that far from the truth. People zipped by with no more than a glance or a quick flip through my book. Those that did stop were more interested in discussing my choice of cover and paper in the construction of my book than any of the images themselves. Though not the main goal of the review, I did enjoy talking about book construction, printing methods, and the like. Hey, If I can share my knowledge (which by the way is more often common) I’m happy to do so.

Quick update done, we’ll get some more pictures up soon. But I suppose there is something else I can blog about. I have been considering purchasing a scanner. More to the point, I have begun to consider putting money in a jar under my bed for a scanner. I have been eyeing somewhat greedily the EPSON V700 flatbed scanner. Why that particular model you ask? Well, the main reason is that it has received very high marks as being an inexpensive (relatively) film scanner that is capable of scanning everything from 35mm to 8x10. I mostly shoot medium format film with my holga and taking film over to my local lab is becoming a little bit cost prohibitive. For one thing, getting the resolution I like from the scan costs much more than getting simple proofs. The question now becomes can I justify the one time expense of the scanner or simply continue to throw money at getting the resolution I need? Of course there is always just the “that is sweet!” factor and I’ll probably just buy the scanner.

The funniest thing about the whole scanner issue is that I shoot holga because I like the fact I am not in control, but I want the scanner so that I can be in control of the final capture. It’s like I’m chasing my tail.

(For those of you that caught the Simpson's reference, yes I am steeped in pop culture.)

SPE, not to be confused with SPE.

Today I had the opportunity to attend a portion of the 45th SPE National Conference, the Society for Photographic Educators, not to be confused with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (which many people I know would undoubtedly will). I sincerely wish that I had both the time and money to truly to commit to events such as these, but in my short time there, I took away so much. I had some very good discussions about Innova warm tone fiber paper as well as Hahnemuhle photo rags, and not only did I get to see some gorgeous prints on fine art metal, but got to touch them (they are quite versatile and have a very nice wieght to them).

The highlight of my visit was running into Martha Madigan as she laid out her work for display (or possibly review, I was pretty much in shock). As many people will tell you, it's one thing to see a work on the screen, or even behind glass, but to see her work in person, with nothing between them and myself but air I was not breathing…well you get the point. If you haven’t seen her work, I highly recommend it. She is doing absolutely amazing things in amazing ways.

Maybe one day my work will get to that point. One can only hope.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of Angela Faris Belt’s gallery show Elements, celebrating the release of her book Elements. The book is wonderful text, managing to cohesively combine the technical side of photography without downplaying the inherent artistic nature of the medium, which is often the case in photography texts. If you have the chance, I definitely recommend it. I believe her show continues through the end of the month at the John Jellico Gallery at the Art Institute of Colorado in downtown Denver. Feel free to check that out as well. You will also see two of Martha Madigan's pieces.

Like a Ninja

I once again had the opportunity to photograph for Golden High School’s Theatre Program, this time for their Spring performance of Romeo and Juliet. I had first photographed their dress rehearsal of Guys and Dolls, which was immensely fun. From what I hear, all of the students really enjoyed my unique perspective, as well as the fair amount of images of backstage and the stage crew (which often does not get covered during a show). When I came in this time, I was introduced as a ninja, possibly popping up at any moment to get a picture. Now, I haven’t desired to be a ninja since I was little and saw Ninja III: The Domination along with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but after considering these words, I suppose that the description is apt to a certain extent. I do my best to move about an event without interfering or influencing its outcome. I often move very quickly and I suppose, ultimately, without being noticed. So, I guess I am like ninja.

(You may be asking yourself, “What about Storm Shadow from GI Joe? Well, I always wanted to be Shipwreck.)