Obscura Girl

Shift Freedom

2011-11-09T14:11:00.007-05:00

I took a drive this weekend out to Leesburg to get outta dodge for a bit. While out there I wandered a bit into some antique stores taking lots of pictures. I love these clear fall days that allow for space away from our busy days...grasping a bit of freedom. I got to linger over a coffee at Shoes, this great little cafe in Old Town Leesburg that used to be a shoe factory. Snapped lots of shots that inspired me with some new lesson ideas. It was a great day...need more of them before the weather changes and all I want to do is hibernate!

My weekend...

2011-10-30T22:17:00.001-04:00

Good design

2011-10-29T12:57:00.001-04:00

In a simple trip to Trader Joe's it is apparent that some company's care about good design. Part of caring beyond the obvious of aesthetics, is maintaining consistancy. These 3 package designs caught my eye for those reasons, and for a third, cleverness in title. I try to get my students to understand that someone got paid to design that package of cheese!!! (We don't discuss the beer, although equally clever~) Today, though...I am happy to just be eating some. :)

On my radar...

2011-10-25T07:43:00.003-04:00

I am a journal FREAK! I have accumulated many over the years and always have one on me for a sketch, a bit of writing or collage. The first thing I do when I get a new journal is design the cover. The one above right has images and quotes that are inspiring and work well together.

I share this process with my students as they are learning about Visual Journals in both Studio and Photography class. Today we will be talking about Ephemera and how it can be used as a medium in collage.

I love these new SMASHbooks for journaling. They're a good place to start experimenting with journaling if you are new to it since each page has a background and/or a prompt to get you thinking. Just got myself a SMASH stick yesterday :)

For a bit of inspiration check out this blog and watch the video on how to SMASH~

All you need is love

2011-10-23T21:18:00.001-04:00

When I was in France this summer I saw hearts everywhere. It all started in Arles, and didn't stop! Here are 4 of the many I found, 2 paper hearts on the ground in Arles, one in the wooden floor at Versailles, and the one's drawn in the sand are in Paris by the river. I am a true believer in signs and after the many friends I made there and all the groovy times we had, I think the hearts were just a preview of whats to come. Like the Beatles say, All You Need Is Love! ...and coffee, and chocolate, ooh in a croissant, and maybe some cheese.... :)

Getting there...

2011-10-18T17:02:00.001-04:00

October is finally here, the air is cooling, my classes are settling, and everyone is feeling the change in the season. Kids are twisting and turning about with either a softening and acceptance, or staunch resistance to authority. This season has a distinct rhythm that can take you out in its undertoe if you're not careful. I started this year with nervous optimism which is now shifting to calm acceptance...acceptance of the nature of students, of messes left by others, of the benefits of true focus, and of patience. Just like my students who are learning to use their camera's, I'm not there yet, but am getting there.

Weekends 101

2011-10-16T12:03:00.001-04:00

My 3 favorite things to do in the Fall on the weekend...play at my workspace, get outside, and linger over a coffee without fear of the bell ringing. (Fellow teachers, you feel my pain!) It's been a while since I have let myself enjoy a weekend instead of fill it to the brim with obligations. My victory is proof a welcome bit of balance has arrived to my life. Today being Sunday, I am starting a new ritual of journaling as the evening winds down. Stay tuned ...

What I see

2011-10-14T13:09:00.001-04:00

On a daily basis I am here...in my classrooms finding inspiration and trying to get young minds to see.
This will be a photo assignment soon, finding interesting angles and lines in one's surroundings, no people. Stay tuned!

Finally Fall

2011-10-13T16:05:00.001-04:00

My iphone is my sketchbook at times catching images that are important to me in the moment.

New and Improved

2011-10-11T19:37:00.008-04:00

It's been a year since my last post. I have taken a voluntary hiatus to regroup and it was so worth it. Was able to do some serious travel this past summer and most of my new posts will be from that trip. These are a taste...

Les Tapies Garden in Ardeche Region, South of France

Holga Shot taken in Provence

Photomontage using Diptic for iPhone.

Paris Summer 2011

Halloween Surprise!

2010-10-25T18:16:00.003-04:00

Here's a sneak peak at a digital project I'm giving my students for this weekend.
Think 75 teenagers with thier digital cameras
+ low light nightime shooting
+ Halloween
+ colored filters
= MADNESS I tell you!
(insert Mad Scientist laugh that echoes incessantly, here :)
Stay tuned!!!

Yet, another workspace

2010-10-24T15:32:00.003-04:00

I've finally realized that as much as I want to have a traditional "Dining" area in my little 600 sq ft condo....it ain't gonna happen! In light of my ever worsening need for order and neatness (chalk it up to almost 20 years of cleaning up after my students!)... I've also realized that I need to have different zones for the different kinds of work I do. There's just no other answer. The large oddly shaped board leaning against the desk here is the backing from an old mirror I scored that had a guilded frame that's lying in pieces under my bed (?). I plan to paint both sides with magnetic and chalkboard paint so it'll be a massive statement piece, that's functional as well.
Next paycheck~
Here's to fall projects that keep us inspired during the chilly months~
Cheers~

Tuesday's Blackberry Shots

2010-10-19T15:27:00.004-04:00

Went for a walk along the Potomac and snapped these. I love the textures of the wood and the natural versions of blue and green you see when the sky is churning in the fall wind. It's so amazing how invigorating it is to be outside now. LOVE IT!!!

Props on Etsy!!!

2010-10-17T14:34:00.003-04:00

My piece ROMA was chosen by Kat of KatsVintageFinds to be highlighted as a part of this Treasury! Very exciting....thanks, Kat!!!

Work in 2 Shows November 2010!

2010-10-17T14:08:00.004-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that I've had 3 pieces chosen for the 5"X5" Exposed Photography Exhibition at the Target Gallery of The Torpedo Factory this November.The exhibition takes place during FOTOWeek DC so it'll be a part of a larger local celebration of photography as an artform.

I also have 2 pieces in the Fairfax County Artist Teacher Exhibition also in November. (That's one of my shots at the top of the postcard!) The show takes place at the Verizon Gallery on the Annandale NoVa campus and highlights the talent of the many Art Teachers working in Fairfax County. All very, very good news....

Me as a tree...

2010-10-16T14:18:00.003-04:00

4 minute exposure at noon today.

IT WORKS!!!

2010-10-14T21:45:00.002-04:00

I took this just outside my classroom...I was sitting on a chair propped in the doorway that leads out to a courtyard. The exposure time was 5 minutes which seemed to be too long for part of the area. I have to recalculate the focal length, but I think I'll get some good results. Very exciting...and my students will go nuts~
More to come...
Ciao~
Amy

Mega is coming!

2010-10-14T13:05:00.004-04:00

Today, I somehow got the gumption, energy and motivation to make this baby! Introducing MEGA!!! It's a pinhole camera I'm making out of a box my new paper cutter came in, and if it works, I will be a ROCKSTAR!
More to come...
Cheers~
Amy

FINALLY!!!

2010-10-12T13:53:00.004-04:00

IT'S HERE!!! THEY FINALLY DID IT!

Monday's Blackberry Shots...

2010-10-11T14:25:00.006-04:00

Spotted this Honda Super Cub outside my fav coffeeshop this morning. A most excellent piece of machinery, both aesthetically, and practically. (The video in the Honda link is so clever, I had to include it, even though you don't actually SEE one, it's too cool not to watch!) Suddenly, I want to pare down my belongings, get a set of cool Timbuk2 Paniers and sport one of these :) May have to just watch Amelie instead :) Been having a lot of fun with this multiple format of diptychs and triptychs...really help tell a story while allowing for some abstraction. More to come...Cheers~

Column Chalk

2010-10-06T09:51:00.003-04:00

Found these baby's at Paper Source, a frequent haunt of mine. How amazing are they!
My school is going thru renovation and I'm hoping I can keep some slabs of the chalkboard, keep it Old School!

Inspirations

2010-10-04T19:21:00.008-04:00

Fall fruit, Farm stands and Flea markets!

Vintage and repurposed frames I spray painted white for a wall feature in my bedroom.

Any excuse to carry (or buy!) my big leather tote! (This one I covet...must learn how to transfer images to leather in spare time :)

Fall Update.....

2010-10-04T10:50:00.008-04:00

To those who are visiting for the first time, THANK YOU! Stay tuned weekly as edit, update and reformat. Please, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly if you have any questions about work you saw at Art on The Avenue or something that's on my site. I have links on this blog to my Etsy store where you can make purchases, but again, if you want something that you don't see there, e-mail me and it's yours~

I was thrilled to have a lot of interest in this piece entitled, "Relic". Although it was sold, I am doing a series of images using this process so I wanted to give eveyone a preview. Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback and interest. I am open to doing commissions in this style using one of my suitable existing images(suitable meaning some images are more condusive to the fractured, distressed affect than others) Prices range from $250 to $800 depending on size and they take about a month to complete.

Thanks to my AMAZING FRIENDS who always support me in this venture, whether it's help with displays, setting up or taking down, it's definately a group effort and appreciated.

Cheers to you all, more to come!
~Amy

Back in action

2010-04-26T12:19:00.004-04:00

So, the past month or so has found me in transition. With my new work space I have found GOBS of new motivation and energy to put into my photography, and am happy to share new images I've created on my newly styled website. Part of what has helped me find this new inspiration is, well...my new approach to work. I've been reading excerpts and watching video clips from Danielle Laporte's site and her mojo is contageous. Her recent launch of her Firestarter E-book and course prompted Susannah Conway (LOVE!) to interview her. One of the video clips talks about how to approach your business by deciding what you want to revolutionise, and how sucess feels to you. This was POWERFUL STUFF!(scroll down a bit to see this video of Danielle)

(Deep cleansing breath) I tend to start more of my days, and tasks with this act instead of heavy sighs lately. I am happy to say it has helped me immensely. I also subscribe to Christine Kane's blog, who is a musician and motivational speaker focusing on creativity in business. She most recently discussed the issues that creative thinkers have when it comes to functioning without being reactive. The best bit of advice she presented discussed having systems and habits for your work that has to get done, instead of reactions and feelings about not wanting to do it. Genius.

With that I will say that things are looking up. I have submitted work to several shows in both Virginia and NYC, have work now at Kelly's Art & Frame in Alexandria, and will be in the Spring Art Sale at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery this Saturday May 1st.

New Leaf

2010-04-04T21:16:00.002-04:00

"In New York....concrete jungle where dreams are made of....there's nothing you can't do..." Alicia Keys

2010-03-22T21:20:00.006-04:00

Me+Friend Amy (friend, fellow Art Teacher and Photography NUTJOB!)+ my SX-70 + 2 pkgs of Polaroid film + a weekend in NYC = HEAVEN!

HYBRID FANTASTIC!!!

2010-01-28T08:13:00.005-05:00

Ok, I've been doing a LOT of experimenting and playing and am enjoying every bit of it! This image I took is of a vintage store front in Hudson, NY. It's a combination of 3 technologies and originated as a film image taken with an Ansco Speedex Junior Medium Format camera. The negs' were then scanned and turned into digital files. After some minor exposure adjustments in Photoshop, it was saved and then run thru my new addition, POLADROID!!! It even makes the sound and everything~ So much fun....just what I need right now.

Amy's Star

2010-01-19T09:03:00.001-05:00

In my element

2010-01-15T11:22:00.002-05:00

Holga-esque Birds at noon

2010-01-12T14:06:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year

2010-01-11T13:25:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a peaceful and rejuvinating time celebrating the holidays. I know it was a total reboot for me! We had 2 solid weeks off from school because of a huge snow storm, so it was a real gift!

In light of the new year, I am trying some new work. I am currently taking an on-line course, or E-course with a British photographer and writer I've spoken about on here before, Susannah Conway. (yes, I registered in time! This session sold out in 2 days!) Her course is called, Unravelling...and that's kinda what I'm doing, but in a good way. My current goal is to create work that is about my everyday life, and what inspires me from minute to minute. I am experimenting with older cameras, and just purchased a Diana lens I'm going to adapt to my digital SLR, total low/hi-fi jamming~ So, this course has opened me up to the possibilities of Flickr again...which I will now include a link to on here. It feels good...to not worry about how impressive the work is, just enjoy doing it for a change.
What a concept.

Alas, I am still compelled to show work and have plans to participate in a show at The Soundry this month called CAmerA ObScuRa. More on that to come.

Starting at zero...

2009-12-06T20:28:00.003-05:00

Today I participated in the 12th Annual Women, Art and Shopping Holiday Show sponsored by the Alexandria Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission for Women. It was a great day. Not just because I sold several pieces and ran into old friends, but because it was a great opportunity for me to finally say goodbye to a lot of old images and make the decision to let them go and move forward.

I will still have certain images available, but my focus for the next 6 months will be my web presence and building that side of my business. I've made a lot of work over the past year, and am wanting to find that balance between making pieces that I know will sell, and making work that matters....there is a difference.

I am participating in a Photography Exhibit at my old studio, The Soundry in January which will be a nice visit back to my black and white film roots. More to come on that soon...
Cheers~
Amy

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T08:28:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for the following....

...the friends and family who I adore and who I will be eating copious amounts of turkey and pilgrim sandwiches with very soon~

...the half-day we have today at school.

...the coffee and peace and quiet I am experiencing right now.

I hope everyone who reads this takes some time over the next few days to just be. Be quiet, be restful, be peaceful and by all means, laugh! That is something to be thankful for.

Cheers,
Amy

New Obsessions, and beyond

2009-11-24T13:10:00.010-05:00

I have been lucky enough to sneak some time in to search and enjoy some new sites from artists around the world. My good friend Amy and I often vent about how our daily environments are an asault on our senses...visually. Not to knock the public school system...but let's face it, it can be hard for us with any aesthetic sensibility to function to full capacity in a government building. We manage by finding, as she so accurately puts it, some "Visual treats". The one above is one she just sent me....thanks, Amy!!! The illustration above is by this amazing Frenchie I now love!

Here are some links to some of the fab creative people that rock my world daily and keep me inspired.

Danielle Laporte from White Hot Truth is my Yoda. I wrote a comment about her new line of cards, and she wrote me back! Love that making contact with excellent people isn't hard anymore if you just make the effort to reach out (which I need to do more often)

Susannah Conway...British Photographer and writer who specializes in Polaroids. Yummy.

New format

2009-11-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

Time to shake things up, get a new view and move forward. I want this blog to include a little less about WORK and more about LIFE! The name is a play on so many things, how I see the world, how I rarely have an obscured view at my height, but still have trouble seeing things clearly in my own head. How people sometimes block you metaphorically, and how you have to just keep rolling. Stay tuned, I'm excited to see what happens~

...and, scene!

2009-11-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

This time of year there is a lot going on....many things ending and in a way, beginning. I am happy to slowly be posting shots from my recent openings....both of which went so well, (they were back to back, one on Thursday, one on Friday!) that I took the Monday that followed off! Still think I'm reeling a bit from the amount of work and preparation it took to get it all together...having a full-time job and being an artist is becoming more and more of a toll on both my psyche and my body. But in the end it's all about balance...a concept I wrestle with, and I'm a Libra!
Slideshow pending....check back soon~

Upcoming Shows

2009-10-20T19:03:00.001-04:00

I have 2 shows I would like to let everyone know about. I was accepted to the Del Ray Dozen Photography Exhibition this past summer and the show is now fast approaching. The opening reception is Friday, November 6th at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery from 7 to 10pm. This should prove to be a really great show with a lot of talented photographers from the area. Please spread the word and come join us~

The second show I will be in is the Fairfax County Art Teacher Exhibition. This show represents artwork from the many dedicated and talented Art Teachers in the Fairfax County Public School System. Please come join us at the Verizon Art Gallery on the Springfield NOVA Campus on Thursday, November 5th from 6 to 7:30 (yes, that's the day before the Del Ray opening...2 in one week, whoah!) An image is to come...so keep checking back.

Convergence Shared Artist's Show 9/19 to 9/30

2009-09-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Reception: Sat. Sept. 19th 7-9pm

Come enjoy some wine and crackers, live music by Mark Owen Martin, and engage with creative people in the Convergence Church’s beautifully modern hallway gallery. Featured artists myself, Jennifer Brewer, Mohamed El-Sabawaai, Bud Hensgen, Cheryl Leibovitz, Rusty Lynn, Trish Palasik, Celia Panagopoulos, Theoni Panagopoulos, Paige Powell, Amy Souza, and Debbie L. Taylor.

This show is right across the street from my new studio at the Convergence Lab. Let me know if you’d like to see our shared studios and I’ll give you a quick tour.

The Gallery @ Convergence (Map)
1801 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-998-6260
http://www.convergenceccf.net/site/
Reception: September 19, 7 - 9pm
Show runs: September 19 - September 30, 2009
Office Hours: 9:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Thursday.

In a nutshell....how did I get in this nut shell? :)

2009-09-01T16:38:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows Austin Powers understands that title :)

Ok, anyway...here we go! Started back at school yesterday so I'm using a bulleted list again to summarize my INSANE schedule! REady? Here goes...

Sept. 4th thru 30th - 74 State Hotel in Albany is exhibiting my Albany Capital Series for the September First Fridays Albany Art Walk.
Sept. 12th - Arts On Foot Art Festival in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of DC. Very excited to have been juried into this show! Booth S-58 on Saturday only so come on by!!!
Sept. 19th - The Convergence Shared Art Studio Artists are having a show in the Convergence Gallery from 6 to 9pm. Come by for some refreshments!
Oct. 3rd - Art On The Avenue Multicultural Arts & Music Festival. This will be my 3rd year on the, "Avenue" and I couldn't be happier~ Booth E-15, hopefully, by the Bellafonte St. entrance.
Nov. 6th - The Del Ray Dozen Photography Exhibition - Will have my most recent from my trip to Italy including a lot more Alternative Process imagery.

Ok, that's everything...maybe~ I might have a few more shows squeezed in there that I just haven't heard back from yet...but will be sure to post that info as it becomes available.

More soon....must go shift into teacher-mode :)

Cheers,

Amy

ReBuild Rocks

2009-07-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

Uploading pix of these pieces I did today at ReBuild, and I'm really excited about them. I used 125 year old Chestnut floor planks that they cut into 9 inch squares for me. I already had some images chosen to do solvent prints with onto raw canvas and old mat board scraps. I attached them to the planks with wide head nails that really add a great element. The final steps will be to put a coat of clear coat on the images, add a wire back and clean up the edges then they will be ready to display. I'm excited to sell these because 10% of the price will go back to ReBuild to support Green Collar Jobs in the community. Great community of like minded people, great to meet everyone today, and thanks again, Megan!

Chill

2009-07-24T11:20:00.000-04:00

Am over that tremendous hump in between school ending and my true summer beginning. Taught a new graduate class on the integration of digital and darkroom photography and it went well. Moved out of my old and into my new studio space which is amazing. Had some family in town which was a blast, and spent some overdue time home up in NY. Now that all that is behind me, I can sit and relax and enjoy the rest of my summer. I do have one event to share...the guest artist gig at Re-Build is tomorrow...hers the flyer (awesome! thanks Megan!) I'm going to be working on mounting work to old barnwood planks they've cut for me! Also had a meeting for the DelRay Dozen Photo Show this November last night and they've asked me to do an Alternative Process workshop. Times and dates pending, but congrats to Rob Ruddick for having his image chosen for the postcard! For now I'm preparing the images for Re-build, and learning how to function in an actual studio space that's ALL MINE! It's quite a reality check when you have the time and now the space, you no longer have an excuse for the work not being done! I'm eager to sink my teeth into this new space and use it not only for my work, but as a place to generate ideas and collect my thoughts since I won't be able to stay late at school this coming year with renovation taking place. Am very thankful!

The winds of change....

2009-06-30T17:36:00.000-04:00

My newest obsession....

Finally getting my Alternative imagery up.....this is a solvent transfer of a digital shot I took in Florence. So beautiful...the color amber never looked so good as it did there on 300 year old plaster~

In an attempt to save the environment for excess blogage, I am using bulleted lists in order to communicate :)
So here goes....
In a nutshell.....
- Finish teaching a two-week graduate class this Thursday that has been a great experience. It has been both motivational and exhausting. I'm especially pleased I got to choose this chunk of time right after school ends to just knock it out. DONE! Which leads me to....

- I GOT A STUDIO SPACE!!!!! Yes, thank God, I got a studio space! I just got the official word TODAY that I was chosen and I couldn't be more excited~ It's called the Convergence Shared Artists Studios and they are in a bldg. across from the Convergence Church on the corner of Crestwood and Quaker Lane in Alexandria/Fairlington. After a visit to NY to see family and a roadtrip vacation home, this will be where I spend the rest of my summer :)

- I will also be at RE-BUILD in Sprinfield on Saturday, July 25th doing a live demo of mounting cyantypes onto old barnwood planks. 10 to 2...cool place to find reclaimed materials for your renovation!

- Am participating in the Baby Canvases Exhibit at The Soundry. I am not officially a member there anymore (as of today :() BUT!!!...I will be participating in shows when possible. They are too cool for school there, and I've made some great friends as a result. Will be in NY for the opening, but the show det.'s can be found here, at their new blog.

- I have a LOT of different shows/festivals I'm applying to/participating in...but while the deadlines are now, the shows are in the fall. So when they come around, I'll be sure to post the details.

That's all for now...wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and Happy 4th of July~

Sunshine, at last!!!

2009-05-08T12:21:00.001-04:00

The photo here is a shot of one of the Badass Barista's at The Soundry! Best coffee in the area...hands down! The slideshow on the left is from the Recycled Show~

Well, the shows have come and gone and so has most of the rain, thank goodness! It's Friday, May 8th, and I have taken the day off.~ I know, I know..."Must be nice"....but it's a mental health day as well as a day to recover from the THROW DOWN (enter sarcastic laughter here) we had last night in honor of my work at The Blueberry Gallery. My earnest attempt to have a Happy Hour (with 4 people) was not foiled because of my awesome friends who came anyway! After those brave few that showed up at my postage stamp of a condo downed a few bottles of WATER! (ok, maybe a beer or gin and tonic were consumed, mostly by me) and one too many snacks (ginger thin, anyone?) We packed it up and headed down to Del Ray to take part in, or at least watch in awe, the ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS event that was supposed to be happening at the gallery. Without sounding ungrateful, the event was probably a great idea in the wrong venue. (or...."It was a good movie, with some really bad scenes!") Not to mention, my work was completely obscured by the speakers and other band equipment so no real viewing could even take place. That being said, I know the show will thankfully remain up for the remainder of May.....so all is not lost! I give the gallery credit for trying something cutting edge and trying to bring some hip-ness to Del Ray. I just hope those kids that rolled by in thier stoller don't show up next Thursday banging down the gallery door saying "But that man with the cigarettes said I could play!" Just kidding~

In other news, The Elizabeth Sanford Memorial Show went off smashingly~ It was a HUGE chance I took with the pieces I showed, but they were very well recieved. In my previous entries I had explained about some angst I was having. Thankfully, my angsty ways paid off in a way, and I got some very positive feedback from people about the work. I have learned a lot in the process, both artistically and personally. I learned that you have to let yourself be vulnerable so that you can both learn about yourself, and let others learn something about you. We don't have to put up walls all the time and assume we need to constantly protect ourselves. This was a HUGE realization for me, especially.....when looking at my prevous photographic work. It's all rigid, monumental architecture. Hmmmmm.....subliminal, much? Anyway....I just am happy to share that thru this temporary turmoil came some real artistic and personal growth. To me this is what artmaking is all about. Thanks to all who shared in it, and supported me thru it. You know who you are :)

The slideshow at the top is shots from the show...and the one called, "Excess Baggage" is my actual piece. In the next few weeks, school is ending and I'm preparing to teach another graduate class for VCU. (Virginia Commonwealth University) I will also be preparing to transition into summer mode, (um...I'm ready!) during which I'll be going to the studio a few days a week. I have happily been chosen for the Del Ray Dozen Photography Exhibit and have some very large pieces I'm planning for that, as well as for several festivals I participate in, in the Fall. Things are good...

It's Official~

2009-04-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

2 blog entries in 2 days! In between grading...can't believe I put 6 pieces together for a new show. The Blueberry Gallery is a new space in DelRay here in Alexandria. I'm excited to be a part of their new space and their first show is going to be a unique experience. There is no "Opening" per say....but the gallery will be open during normal hours to see the work. In addition to normal hours, click on the picture here and check out the event they are sponsoring. The event is happening May 7th from 7 to whenever...in conjunction with First Thursday in DelRay. It is as school night, so I won't be staying too late, but....I will be there!

I also have a piece at the DelRay Artisans "Celebrate the Art of Making" Show. It's a cool, all-member show that has a lot of different mediums

represented. Although I haven't gotten confirmation, I am hoping to also be participating in the DelRay Dozen Photography Exhibition in November. Details on that to come.

Thanks so much to those who inquired about my last blog. Just having some thyroid problems that are NOT fun to deal with....lack of motivation, humor, energy......a real joy! Of course my Dr. says stress is probably the cause, and/or making it worse. So what do I do? Sign on for more shows!!!! Go figure...but that's my fun time, as is this blog...which so far has been pretty well recieved! (you like me, you really like me! :) so in the coming months I'll probably be including some insights as I learn more about this condition, how stress affects it, and.....how I learn to MANAGE my stress! I am about to begin Spring Break and have a lot of projects lined up, including a new kitchen floor and shelves. But I have a hot stone massage booked as well!

Wrestling with it...

2009-03-30T13:19:00.000-04:00

I was a volleyball player in high school. Being over 6ft tall (yes, in high school) that was a place I felt comfortable and wanted. Didn't like basketball that much, maybe out of spite because everyone assumed I would be good at it. My poor cousin Eddie tried for HOURS to teach me how to shoot from the free throw line. I couldn't do it then....but can do it randomly now, go figure. My point of all this chatter is that for many years I have tried to find my place where I fit....and at my height it's hard. I recently found an article that helped me realize that I am not alone in this. It's by this 28 year-old writer from NYC who is 6'3".....and she's from Albany, NY! I will attempt to paraphrase her brilliant insight. She states that, "My mother always told me that I could be or do anything I set my mind to. Well, she was wrong...there is one thing I cannot do, and that is be unseen." This is huge. Anyone who knows me knows how much sense this makes, since I am not one who likes the spotlight, yet cannot avoid it in a crowd.
It was a welcome insight that I felt a sight of relief reading. I share this because we all have felt uncomfortable at times in our own skin. I believe that my artwork has provided me a forum by which to kind of bring my anxiety about my height a voice. A current piece I am working on for the upcoming show at The Soundry (see invitation above~) is about the path that I have traveled thru this anxiety. I'm using a series of old photo paper boxes I've saved along with the black bags inside to create "Cases" that show different stages I've gone thru over the years to get to where I am. I hope I can execute them the way I'm picturing them in my head....but doesn't every artist do that? :)

At the same time I'm getting ready for this show, in an ironic turn of events, I'm having some health issues that are really making, "Making art" very hard. In addition to a new vitamin regime, I have to cut down on my coffee intake (and they make the BEST LATTE at The Soundry!) and try to manage my stress better.....so easy to do in Northern Virginia...Land of the One Uppers. (my dear friends know eXACLTY what I mean!) With this realization....this recycled piece I am seeing as a catharsis; an opportunity to purge......as is this blog~ More to come soon as I wrestle with all of this.

Peace,

Amy

New Website

2009-03-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

I've officially launched my new website and am thrilled. The address is still amybruceimagery.com, and I am adding to it every day practically, but for now I have my faves from Italy up. It's hosted by the most amazing webhosting site I found exclusively for Photographers and Artists called Foliolink.com. There is nothing to download, no classes to take, (although if you know html, you can go to town in it~) you just load from your computer and modify within the system. I'm THRILLED! It's a dramatic jump in presentation from my old "Hand Made" site....which served me well. Grand irony is that they are located in Falls Church, Va...so we are neighbors. I highly encourage any of my fellow teachers to investigate this site since they give an Educators discount.

I am also thrilled to share that I sold two pieces at my studio, The Soundry, and the patron who purchased them has commissioned me for a third piece. Very exciting times. Am also working on a piece for the upcoming show at The Soundry called, "The First Annual Elizabeth Sanford Memorial Art Show", based on recycled pieces. The show is Saturday April 18th, but more info to come....I'll post the invite here when we get it.

With that I will close so I can get off this computer and go enjoy the bliss of this unexpected SNOW DAY! Woohoo~

How time flies

2009-02-16T14:21:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I posted anything, but with good reason. This school year, first of all, has been acceptionally stressful. Between the impending budget issues affecting not just our district, but the country at large, undue stress is on everyone. That stress does trickle down onto my students and co-workers. The result is a charged atmosphere that isn't always inducive to creativity. It's toxic. This is why I drink too much coffee~

But with the new year I have had many things to be thankful for that remind me of just how much we need to really live and enjoy life. My biggest blessing thus far this year was to realize yet another life-long dream of going to Italy! I was lucky enough to WIN a TRIP to ROME!!! (yes, gasp here!) in April of 2008...and in January of 2009 I got to go. My mom was able to come with me and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. Not only was the historical aspect dumbfounding, but the artwork that I got to finally view in person, artwork I've been studying all my life, was epic. I have posted several of my favorite shots and am busy working on many others, editing, and messing with them, so there is plenty more to come. I am also re-working my personal website so that it is much more streamlined and works more as an on-line portfolio linking people to both my blog, and my Etsy site.

My blessings continue this year since I have had the great fortune to join a studio!!! Finally! I have a separate place to spread out all my crap and create. It's a community studio in Vienna called, The Soundry, and ROCKS! The owners are really chill and accomodating, and it's the best decision I've made for my work yet. Thank you to ALL who have supported me in this endeavor...you know who you are :)

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-10-28T19:51:00.000-04:00

I recently had the honor of participating in an exhibit of artwork by the instructors from the Off-Campus Art Program for VCU. I have been an adjunct for them for 2 years and it was a great opportunity to have all the various professors together since we are all spread out over the state. These are just some shots of the space and me posing by my piece....for posterity...to prove I was there. It was quick, but great opening and the show will run until December.

I also have a piece in the FCPS Art Teacher Exhibition ... check it out.

In the mean time

2008-10-15T08:48:00.000-04:00

So I just had, as most of us did, a glorious 3-day weekend. In between some over-due cleaning and re-arranging I did manage to make it out and about enjoying some seasonal festivities. This time of year makes me that much more motivated to, simply make things...and with my new sewing machine, that may just happen. I want to expand my store on Etsy to include more of my hand-made pieces as opposed to strictly photography and have been experimenting with image tranfer to surfaces for use as bags and/or containers. I'm also working on some new cropped versions of my images that I'm putting in grid form....I guess it's the obsessive compulsive in me that craves order somewhere! These amazing stainless steel tiles that I want but can't afford for a backsplash in my kitchen are inspiraton~ More on that to come.

In the interim, I am participating in several shows that open over the next few months. VCU is having an Off-Campus Instructors exhibit at the Purcell Gallery of the Louisa Art Center in Louisa, Virginia. Should be an interesting group of work and people from all over the state, so I'm really looking forward. Here's the link:

http://louisaarts.org/purcellgallery.htm

I will also be involved in DC Fotoweek in some capacity. I have submitted work (Yikes!) and have volunteered to help out...so although I don't know what I'll be doing, but that's cool, it's just too big an event to miss out on...so stay tuned~

http://www.dcfotoweek.com/

I am also awaiting to hear about a unique show that has been put together within my school district. Fairfax County Public Schools is having an exhition of their Art Teachers work. It will be at the Verizon Gallery on the Annandale Nova Campus in the coming months. More to come on that as well~

THANK YOU ALL!!!

2008-10-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

Well....it is the day after Art On The Avenue and I am still recovering! What a great day~ I am thrilled at home much positive response I got on the work and want to thank everyone for coming buy. Got to catch up with a lot of familiar faces as well, thanks everyone for stopping buy and supporting me~ I couldn't do this without you all. I am working hard to get my computer in top shape so as to handle my growing website and slew of images I am managing. So I greatly appreciate your patience during this process.

In the interim, in case you didn't make it to the show I am bringing the new work I did to A Show Of Hands this week to be for sale there, as well as updating my pieces on Etsy. I'm still contemplating joining Smugmug and will keep everyone posted of that as well.

NOTE: My e-mail is miss.bruce@yahoo.com I add this because my CONTACT page on my webpage is, of course, not working! My apologies...

More to come....here's to a few weeks of rest! Oh wait...I still have to go to work!
:) Cheers!~

Night Before Show

2008-10-03T19:29:00.001-04:00

It's the night before Art On The Avenue and surprisingly enough I am ready! Minus the labels I'd like to be printing if my printer would work...or the cyanotypes I'd like to upload to my website that I updated last night but has disapeared from my harddrive since then...which includes the PayPal page I need to upload in order to accept credit card payments. (grrrrrr) Other than those issues I'm ready! I'm uploading some shots of my apt. that has endured the wrath of this show season...and reminds me of my years in Art school when my roommate would come back from the chem lab and find our room transformed into what she called, "Sears Portrait Studio". It would be a dream to have a studio someday....but I think I'd have to just move into a bigger place instead of having it off-site. I'm too attached to these pieces to leave them anywhere but my home!

So in an attempt to bypass the need to be declined for a Merchant Account from Visa/Mastercard (not a good time to start a business!)...I am starting an account on Smugmug which will do the printing and order processing for me. Score~ Am also on Etsy...but need to updated it. Wait...don't I have a full time job? Thanks again for stopping by!!!

More Alt. PhoTo

2008-09-29T13:04:00.000-04:00

I've been creating a lot of solvent prints that really make the images sing in my opinion. They raise them from the level of a snapshot to a memory. This one of, "Winged Victory" is one of my favorites. It's an architectural element I shot at this amazing place in Pennsylvania that reclaims such items from old and soon-to-be demolished buildings.

Recent work and epiphanies

2008-09-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

I am writing to update my current work and path. This has been my season for the show circuit and I've done 2 of the 3 I'm committed to. So far so good...but this one coming up is my biggest...Art On The Avenue in Del Ray..my hood.

Here are some cyanotypes I've been working on that I'm very excited about. They have a handmade feel to them because they are images transfered to watercolor paper.

Day 2

2008-07-31T08:57:00.000-04:00

Ok...so I'm trying to update my own website and it's just such a monstrous amount of work I think I'm giving myself carpal tunnel again! Just kidding. As I sit here....people in class are talking about books that analyze artists....like, "The Psychology of Madness" ....great!

Today needs to be about cleaning up....both the classroom and this chapter of the year. I think everyone in this class has done such amazing work I'd like to share it. Our final crit is tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to that...and to moving on into the rest of the summer & year. With permission I will be posting images from the crit of some of the amazing work done.

Lots going on beyond class....I've been invited to participate in several art festivals this season which is thrilling and quite ironic since I wasn't sure if I could do it with school starting again...but when my parents bought me a display tent as an early Christmas present my decision was made~! (Thanks mom & dad!)

I'm also preparing a display of my architectural work for the Office of Planning and Zoning at the City Hall in Alexandria to be up for I believe 6 months. I posted one of the images that'll be in the show.

My New Venture

2008-07-30T13:09:00.000-04:00

Welcome! I've created this blog as a suppliment to my website and if you have landed here thanks for checking it out~ Over the past few years I've had some amazing growth as both an artist and teacher. While I have a website.... I wanted to be able to communicate with anyone interested in my process and current projects, as well as create a place where my students, friends and fellow artists can keep in touch with me in a creative and interactive way...and e-mail just wasn't cutting it.

It's an experiment so bear with me.