|
DSI Blog
Mississippi Healing: 20 Printed and Framed Photos Fast
Overview
For the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders’ historic trip, the Mississippi Governor and his wife hosted a breakfast in the honor of the Freedom Riders at the Governor’s Mansion. For the occasion Marianne Todd, the official photographer for Governor and Mrs. Haley Barbour, was asked to assemble an exhibition of black and white images titled “Mississippi Healing.” The exhibition featured images of the trial of reputed Klansman Edgar Ray Killen and the Freedom Riders who came to support the victims in the case.
Problems: Creating a quality black and white photography exhibition on a budget. Transporting and storing 20 framed photographs economically.
When Marianne contacted Digital Silver Imaging she was interested in fiber base black and white prints. Her intention was to do the framing locally. She had been recommended to Digital Silver Imaging for printing by a fellow photographer but was unaware of DSI’s experience in working with artists and galleries to mount exhibitions.
Solutions: Artcare prefabricated frames and mats, Custom shipping / storage container
We discussed the challenges presented by the “Mississippi Healing” exhibition; need for the highest quality prints, quick turnaround and a tight budget. The solution came by providing images in two formats 8×12 and 11×17 fiber prints, ten of each size.
Economy was achieved by utilizing the prefabricated Nielsen Artcare frames with precut archival mats. No aesthetic compromise needed to be made because the Artcare frames and mats are museum quality, plus they look terrific. They also use high quality UV glass for image longevity.
The next hurdle was shipping. The exhibition would be a gift to the State of Mississippi. After the exhibition ended, the images would need to be stored or transported to another location for display. Originally Ms. Todd wanted a crate constructed to contain the images. This option proved to be too costly and much too heavy to transport without some kind of mechanical aid. The solution was to construct 2 special boxes made of double walled corrugated acrdoard and lined with foam core.
The finished boxes are extremely sturdy and reusable. Because they weigh much less than a wooden crate the shipping cost is much lower, without any special size and weight considerations. A capable adult can move either box.
After the exhibition Marianne sent DSI this message: “Thank you so much for everything. The printing was beautifully done, and the framing was perfect. Loved the shipping, too. I can easily see why my friend recommended you all.”
Seeing Outside the Box
Jason Landry’s salons at Panoptican Gallery introduce new artists to the photographic community in an intimate setting. Those fortunate to attend were given a host of conceptual treats by a talented group of fine artists.
Holding an original image or object while exploring with the the artist their creative process is a rare joy and can stir the soul. If a tree falls in a vacant forest does it make a noise? Does art need the eyes of a viewer to complete it’s tale? What defines a photograph?
Charred candy boxes become beautiful treasures by Oregon-based artist Heidi Kirkpatrick. A playful alchemist, she melds her elegant photographs with found objects to create inviting sensual trinkets meant to be fondled. Mahjong chips, toy blocks and ash trays become incarnate.
Evocative “photo objects” by local artist, Jesseca Ferguson, are images of thoughtfully detailed and assembled collages taken with a pin-hole camera then contact printed by hand onto artist paper by a 19th century process. Ferguson’s muse is our collective and personal “private interior library” – memory.
- ©Jennifer B. Hudson
Jennifer Hudson creates elaborate installations from detailed drawings that come alive in beautifully staged portraits on location and in the studio. Minimally enhanced in post production her haunting series reflect complex concepts deeply mined and stunningly executed.
- ©Alexander Harding
Alexander Harding is captivated by water and has caught it in multiple guises in detailed glossy color images calling us to be co-detectives uncovering their source. Harding’s Visible Light series studies light with the same curious and respectful eye, challenging us to really see what is before our eyes with newness, clarity and reverence.
- ©Diane Epstein
Rome is home and subject for photographer Diane Epstein. Her large format “fresco” style images blend multiple strata’s of Italian architecture, panoramic vistas and design details into painterly celebrations of time and place. Epstein recreates the mood of historic narrative paintings in her contemporary form of fine art.
The lens on Keith Johnson’s camera has got to be square. He sees and presents what catches his fancy in razor sharp grid formation. Like an eagle scanning for prey he teases out incessant patterns that surround us but elude the less observant.
Eye Candy at AIPAD
The AIPAD show was like a walk through Dylan’s Candy Shop, filled to the brim with fantastical, historical, sometimes absurd and mostly wonderful treats. Picture strolling through Beaumont Newhall’s History of Photography. Galleries and collectors exhibited vintage gems from Margaret Cameron, Bernice Abbott and Man Ray, next to electrifying examples of contemporary work by Pierre Cordier, Jim Campbell and Julie Blackmon.
 |
| © Julie Blackmon |
 |
| © Pierre Cordier |
Look beyond some repetition, occasional mediocrity and feast your eyes on sweet treasures. We were pleased to be introduced to artists new to us and here we share our favorites:
Verve Gallery of Santa Fe represents veteran lensman Misha Gordon. His stunning dramatic work of staged series uses pattern and light to reflect a moving serenity and intelligent wit. The filmmaking duo, Charbonneau/French, create elaborate and fantastical sets that utilize daylight and shadow, props and people in real time.
L. Parker Stephenson Photographs, located a block away from the Armory, showcased Raphael Dallaporta’s huge color images detailing the grand church organs of Paris. Also available were his beautifully printed and haunting series of life-sized land mines, now a book, Antipersonnel.
 |
| © Raphael Dellaporta |
The NYT article reviewing the show highlighted several Asian artists and we noted one donating proceeds to victims in Japan.
Hyperion Press Limited introduced us to the elegant and painterly images of Qin Wen. His subdued use of color illustrates allegory in layers using traditional ritual and current culture.
 |
| © Qin Wen |
Gallery 339 of Philadephia showed work from Ephemeral Existence by Tetsugo Hyakutake, featuring his ephemeral large scale industrial landscapes of Japan.
The Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica CA carries noted social documentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado. His exquisite images offer rarely seen remote areas of undeveloped countries.
 |
|||
| © Sebastiao Salgado |
Lastly, more than one dealer featured the work of Beth Moon. Using traditional film and a medium format camera she shoots moody portraits in lush natural settings. Her images are hand coated in platinum and palladium metals on heavy French watercolor paper.
 |
| © Beth Moon |
Science, Poetry and the Photographic Image at SPE
Imagine someone who is highly educated, passionate about their art, dedicated to teaching and happy to share their ideas with others. This last week Eric and I not only found one of these rare individuals but an entire conference full. This amazing reunion was the 2011 national conference of The Society of Photographic Education, SPE.
This amazing conference started for us with keynote lecture by old friend and legendary photographer and educator Abe Morell. Always understated, funny, and thought provoking, Abe’s talk inspired and amazed everyone. He shared many stories about his camera obscura work; we especially enjoyed his new body of work. We also got a great insight into Abe as a teacher from his former student and fellow Guggenheim recipient and SPE Board Member Joann Brennan who gave a wonderful introduction, but I have a bias.
We would have liked to attend many of the others lectures but we had work to do. On the exhibition floor we had a great time making new friends such as: Ann Simmons-Myers, Angela Kelly, Vesna Pavlovic the Crew at Bostick & Sullivan and many more who we hope to see at SPE 2012 in San Francisco!
We also saw many old friends: Justin Kimball, John Willis, William DuBois. This is a very incomplete short list and if you didn’t make it that means you didn’t buy us a drink!
We left the 2011 SPE Conference, Science, Poetry and the Photographic Image, enlightened, feeling good, and secure in the belief that the future of photography is in great hands. If you are a photography or film educator you need to be part of this amazing community, they throw one heck of a party.
Earth Now – American Photographers and the Enviornment
 |
| © Carlan Tapp |
 |
| © Joann Brennan |
Two of our western friends, Carlan Tapp & Joann Brennan will be showing at the New Mexico Museum of Art along with such notables as Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter. The Show is titled “Earth Now” and is curated by Katherine Ware and features the work of 12 photographers. The exhibition opens April 8 and runs through October 9, 2011. It has a great website that is worth a visit.
