VIVIAN MAIER'S COLOR PHOTOS - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

I have written a couple of posts about Vivian Maier. However, for those of you new to Ms. Maier’s name, she was a street photographer shrouded in mystery because her work went unseen until boxes of negatives, prints, and unprocessed film was acquired by chance. There is a documentary, “Finding Vivian Maier”, which was nominated for an Academy Award, that explores a little more about the photographer if you are so inclined to explore her story further. But, I feel like she is a mystery, and perhaps, that is the way she wanted it. We will never know for sure what her thoughts or wishes might have been, but that has not deterred the surge of interest in her work.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderFebruary 1, 2019Art, Artist, Vivian Maier, PhotographerComment

CELEBRATING JOHN SINGER SARGENT

Today is the birthday of John Singer Sargent. I have posted about him before, so I have “Featured” those posts below. However, if you have not read the book Strapless by Deborah Davis , be sure to put it on your reading list this year.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderJanuary 12, 2019John Singer SargentComment

YOUSUF KARSH - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

The Artist Spotlight for December is Yousuf Karsh (December 23, 1908 - July 13, 2002). I am particularly fond this Yousuf Karsh quote, so I wanted to share it with you as we celebrate him. For me, this quote sums up the difference between TAKING a photograph and MAKING a photograph. Anyone can “take” a photograph, but the alchemy of “making” a photograph is an entirely different skill set that employs art, science, light, creativity, emotion, story ... As I learn more about Karsh, this quote also reflects his personal style and approach to photography. But who was Yousuf Karsh…

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderDecember 23, 2018Quote, Photography, Yousuf Karsh, Artist, PhotographerComment

ALWAYS, I AM ON THE THRESHOLD - MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

The photographer, W. Eugene Smith’s birthday is later this month. As I was searching different quotes attributed to Smith, I keep going back to this one. Every time I read it, I find myself nodding my head or thinking that is exactly right. But, why do I agree with the quote? I have struggled with that question and how to put the answer, if there is one answer. I marvel at other artists who are able to distill what they do, and the stories about their art into words. I am not gifted with that ability. I struggle. I try. I fall short.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderDecember 10, 2018Motivational Monday, W. Eugene Smith, PhotographyComment

NOVEMBER 2018 - JUST THIS MOMENT

“Just This Moment” is intended to be a collection of those small moments in which you are truly present in your life - at just that moment. The images may not be frame-worthy, but are moments that fill you with joy, allow you to experience a moment of gratitude, make you smile, touch your heart, and/or make your soul sing. I encourage you to share your “moment” here with me, but I will get us started with this…

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 27, 2018Gratitude, Photography, PhotoComment

GENESIS OF THE TEXAS COWBOY EXHIBIT - MUSEUM MONDAY

VAQUERO EXHIBIT AT THE BELL COUNTY MUSEUM

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Bell County Museum in Belton, Texas. I planned my visit specifically to see the current exhibit, Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy (September 8 through December 29, 2018). This exhibit is a traveling exhibition featuring William D. (Bill) Wittliff’s photography.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 26, 2018Art, Artwork, Photography, Museum, Museums, Photographer, Bill WittliffComment

... GIVE US THOSE NICE BRIGHT COLORS...

The title probably has you singing the words of the Paul Simon song, “Kodachrome”, but, those of us of a certain age, have probably said this, or at least thought this, when we looked at those vivid photos from our youth. Of course, Paul Simon was probably using the film name as a metaphor, but that is not exactly what I want to discuss. Well, … on second thought; maybe, in a way, the nostalgia is sort of what I want to talk about… the nostalgia of analog photography, and one particular brand of film that, you guessed it, gave “us those nice bright colors”.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 19, 2018Kodachrome, Film, PhotographyComment

GEORGIA O'KEEFFE - CELEBRATE THE ARTIST

Oh, the beauty that was created by those hands. Let’s take a moment to celebrate Georgia O’Keeffe’s birthday today, shall we?.

I am pretty sure there is no need to tell you anything about Georgia O’Keeffe. She, and her paintings, are, dare I say, iconic.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 15, 2018Painter, Artist, Georgia O'Keeffe, Art, Art HistoryComment

EDUCATE YOUR EYE - MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

Stare? Okay, I am a Southern gal and was admonished for staring as a child. I was taught that it was impolite to stare. However, I am older now, and I think, in certain situations, it should be encouraged. WHAT?!

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 5, 2018Walker Evans, Quote, Motivational MondayComment

WALKER EVANS - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Since today (11/3) is photographer/ photojournalist, Walker Evans’s birthday, I thought we might start November with the Artist Spotlight and have a look at his contributions to photography.

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderNovember 3, 2018Art, Artist, Art History, Walker Evans, Farm Security AdministrationComment

IF YOUR PICTURES AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH... - MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

This Robert Capa quote about getting closer… what do you think? Uncomfortable… profound… yes?

I do not have to tell you that I am a sucker for those close, intimate, detail shots of a subject. I do believe that most images are better when you zoom in with your feet. By that I mean physically getting closer to your subject. A closer perspective often lets you discover details you may have entirely missed. It also allows you to just focus on the subject. When you take this approach of focusing on the subject, it is like those rare conversations where the person you are sharing a conversation

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderOctober 29, 2018Motivational, Motivational Monday, Robert CapaComment

HOW A SHOPPING "MISS", TCHAIKOVSKY, AND A JOURNAL ADD UP TO A LAUGHABLE MOMENT

JOURNAL

I have shared with you all how much I have come to enjoy journaling. I haven’t always maintained a journaling practice, but a few years ago, I started regularly writing. I think one of the things that helped me turn this into a regular practice is that I begin my morning with three questions. One of the questions is to list at least three things I am grateful about. (I have written a little bit about this HERE if you are interested.)

Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderOctober 28, 2018Journal, Gratitude Comments