Darkroom Day

Spent the day in the darkroom and worked my way back into that 'comfortable' feeling again.  I worked on only four images.  Trying to perfect a couple I had already printed.  I was having issues with the outside edges of some of the prints.  At first I thought it was a particular roll, but that wasn't the case.  I'm thinking it was my possible inconsistency in developing??  Or I was tired??  Or I moved the paper when it was in the easel??  I don't know, but it happened on about four images.  So I reprinted one of those with the blurred edges and it came out sharp - just like it looked on the negative.  I was back in business!  I'm thinking it was inconsistent agitation of the print when processing in the chemicals. Anyway, it didn't happen this time.  I'm waiting for them to finish drying a little bit more before I put them in the book to press over night.

I'm moving on to Roll #3!  This roll continues with Dubrovnik and it has several doorways, passageways and some pretty archaic architecture.  The last 11 images on this roll are from Corfu, Greece.  This one ought to be fun.  I have to admit, I haven't had any images that were as stellar as Venice, but there are plenty more to come.  I think I just might switch back to 8x10 size FB paper, and if something is absolutely OUTSTANDING, then I'll print it on 11x14.

I've already gone thru this roll and wrote down the ones I'm going to be printing and even circled the ones I felt were extra outstanding.  Gives me something to look forward to.  Now I'm going to go back and look at them again - one more time.  Looking forward to tomorrow!

Awagami's Washi Inkjet Paper

It's already the 3rd of January! ; )  I have been out collecting supplies.  Purchased a few small frames to have on hand at the 1 Cent Sale at Aaron Bros.  That sale continues to February 4th if you're interested.  Today I picked up framed France images from the library - I almost forgot they were even there!  And I was able to purchase the Epson ink locally, but will have to order the light magenta from Freestyle online as that was the one color Pardee's didn't have today!!  I did manage to mix up some new developer so I'm ready for the darkroom.  I'm thinking tomorrow I can get in there - finally!

I bought my husband an Italian cookbook - so he's been doing a lot of cooking lately.  He's doing very well too I might add, but it could pack a few pounds on us, so that worries me.  But the good thing is that if I am in the darkroom - I don't have to come out as soon to cook dinner cuz he's doing it! ; )  I like it!

Getting back to Freestyle Photographic Supplies, their latest catalog has some very interesting papers for inkjet printers!  Washi Inkjet Paper made by Awagami based in Japan.  They are touting it as a "revolutionary WASHI (Japanese paper)" collection for photographers.  That got my attention.  It makes me start thinking about what I could print:  ethereal images come to mind first and foremost.  Do I have any??  That's the next question. ; )

The other black and white digital image that I am taking to the High Hand Gallery for January's re-hang is one I took at Yosemite in 2011.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!

The start of a new year - aahh!  Just like starting over!  I like it!!  I'm also wishing all who read this blog a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.  We make it whatever we want, since we're the ones in control of our own lives.  Remember that!

Today I've already begun printing out some images for the new year.  Time to bring in new pieces for the High Hand Gallery's new re-hang next week.  I've printed out one of the mimes from Barcelona, Spain - this one is in color.  I have a second digital B&W image from Yosemite that I am also submitting.  Today I'll cut mats, and I just happen to have new frames in stock for these two.  Sometime today I am going to mosey down to Aaron Bros., as they are having their buy one get one for 1 cent sale.  I need to stock up for a couple more.  Not too many, as I like metal frames and I get those from Delta Mat & Moulding.  However, I just remembered, we did receive a gift certificate from Dick Blick and they have frames too!  I love it when I have more than one choice!

This image of Mime #3 was taken on Las Ramblas (the main tourist drag) in Barcelona, Spain.  These people really put themselves out there!  The costumes are so elaborate, and if you can imagine 100 degree weather sitting all day long in the hot sun with heavy costumes and silver/gold makeup.  They make a lot of money at it too.  To them, 'this ain't no game!"

Later I plan on mixing up some chemicals, so I will have them ready in the morning to start DEVELOPING AGAIN!!  It's been way too long.  Plans for this year??  I'm thinking no shows - that wore me out last year. What I need to concentrate on is marketing - how and/or where to place my images aside from the galleries. I started looking into Etsy and then there's even Ebay.  There are other new venues like that on the Internet, I just need to investigate that more - and then make a move.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Mayan Calendar

I know it's been a while - Christmas and shopping and baking and having fun!  Hope you're doing the same. We've had company too which has made it more like Christmas.  Our family is getting smaller, but we still get together and take time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us.  Not only have we had our Family reunion, there is also the art world that I partake in and that's been busy too.  But it's slowly winding down so we can enjoy the Christmas season.

Of course, today was supposed to be the End of the World as we know it!  This morning the early morning sunrise was a little eerie when I looked out.  The lower skies were golden and the upper skies were filled with clouds making it almost look like a movie set!

 I saw a joke somewhere in the paper a few days back and it was two Mayans talking as they were working on their clay calendar.  The one says to the other, "This is really gonna freak some people out later just 'cause we ran out of room!"  ; )

This morning I worked on my last project for a friend:  Portraits!  She wanted them on matte paper, but it really didn't look that good.  The 5x7's and 8x10's black and whites I printed on Ilford Gold Fiber Silk paper which has a nice luster to it without being too glossy.  The 11x14's I ended up putting them on Epson's Glossy.  It's always a trial and error on the papers - for me anyway.  But I think she'll be happy with them.

I never got in the darkroom - hopefully after Christmas.  I've kind of been drawn to the painting again.  Oh boy!

Andrew Henry, Navajo Indian

I had previously mentioned in my blog that I was helping an out-of-state acquaintance who is a silversmith artist.  Well, the Executive Director of Placer Arts, Angela Tahti, Called me on Monday, and found a spot in the schedule for my artist friend, Andrew Henry.  It is TODAY!  So at 4:00 p.m. at The Arts Building, located at 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, Andrew will give his presentation on his Navajo people who live in Canyon de Chelly and display his story telling jewelry.  Here is the write-up and photo of Andrew.

Andrew Henry, Navajo Indian - "Canyon de Chelly StoryTeller"

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona has a living community of Navajo people who are connected to a landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. Canyon de Chelly is unique among National Park Service units, as it is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land that remains home to the canyon community. National Parks Service works in partnership with the Navajo Nation to manage park resources and sustain the living Navajo community.

Andrew Henry is a silversmith jeweler and is in northern California for a brief visit this week. We are happy to have him come on short notice to give a presentation on his people and his story telling jewelry that he makes and will also have on display for sale.  

Please join with us this Wednesday, December 5th, at 4:00 p.m. at The Arts Building, located at 808 Lincoln Way, in Auburn. 

Photo courtesy of Colleen Miniuk-Sperry.

Canon T3i

Busy last week and weekend with High Hand Gallery.  Working there just with my regular schedule and then Friday was the lighting of the nursery!  Pretty cool, as I had missed it last year.  Then of course there's the resizing of images for Facebook and uploading them to the gallery's FB page.  Here are a couple:

Received a special order from a  friend  I used to work with at the county.  That was so good to see her.  They were admiring my Santorini images and wanted to send some to their friends over in Europe for Christmas.  I worked on them yesterday - getting them printed, matted and ready to take back to the gallery for pickup tomorrow.

I've also been spending some time working on gathering information for another out-of-state artist acquaintance. Working on outreach for him and contacts.  I'm hoping it will be helpful.  We'll see.  Need to get busy and work on my own supplies - like ordering supplies online TODAY!

My step-daughter purchased the T3i a few weeks back.  I have the T2i.  Now I can't get it out of my mind!!  I know the T4i is out, but I haven't done my homework on the differences between the 3 and the 4.  Don't know if I will or not - I just know there are 'deals' on the 3 right now.  The 3 does have additional creative options on it that I liked.  Hhhmmm, what to do!?

Black and White Images

Between working at High Hand Gallery and now this rain! Whew! It's a mess out there!  I have been quite busy.  Working on the two photo transfers, then matting them, finding the right frame!  And just when I thought I was done, I turned the last one over there on the right side of the mat is a 'BLACK SPEC"!  Oh, man, I hate it when that happens.  Now I've got to open up the back, get it out and put it back together - again!  Just when I thought I was done!

I've been working on some family stuff for Christmas - not everyone as they have run out of wall space! ; )  I also had a high school friend call me last night.  I had recently given her one of my France images on a card, and now she wants 3 more to make a little grouping in her home.  That's so nice that she wants my photography on display in her home.  And I delivered some artwork yesterday to two other girlfriends who purchased from me during the Studios Tour.

I have some printing of additional cards to do and take into the High Hand Gallery - running low.  It's fun to know which images seem to attract people:  Venice (several), Bodie Ghost Town, and Point Lobos (trees in B&W).  I'm also finding out that people are liking the metallic paper I'm printing on.  I'm really liking the Arista II photograde metallic glossy paper (ink jet).  I'm going to order today and will also purchase the 11x14.  I believe that's the only two sizes Freestyle carries for that paper.  A package of 20 sheets in the 8.5 x 11 is only $20 ($1/sheet).

I plan on getting back in the darkroom next week.  I may have an order for two images that I think I will go ahead and develop the images so I'm not rushed.  Even if they don't want them, it will be good practice as they are images that were never developed.  They were two of my earlier images from early 2000's - and I like the fact that someone found them on my website.  This is one of them.