Final Project: Installation

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"Uncontrollable"

So, I started art school two years ago for mainly one reason: Be on the SPIN magazine photo staff.

I don't really know if anyone knew that. So there you go. Anyway, I've been building a portfolio for some time now, but I don't have enough to feel comfortable sending them my work yet. I shoot for it probably 1 out of 5 shows I go to, so I'm trying to flip that ratio around. I still have problems with my flash, and that is another thing I'm working on. For the uncontrollable project, I'd like to kill two birds with one stone and shoot Gonerfest shows, since I'm going anyway, and since shows are pretty uncontrollable in their nature. Here's a sampling. I'm still trying to find my groove to set me apart.

The Warble at Tad Lauritzen Wright's "PERMAGRIN" show:

Dan Auerbach at Minglewood Hall:

Jessica Lea Mayfield at Minglewood Hall:

JEFF the Brotherhood at the Hi Tone:

The Dead Weather at the War Memorial in Nashville:

Marcella Simien performing at Otherlands Coffee Bar:

(This one has been published twice)

On an unrelated note to that, I also thought about all the times I've scanned in negatives and the measurements have been off, creating these beautiful unplanned juxtapositions. Surprise diptychs, as it were:

I also thought of setting up a booth of sorts, cutting a hole in the sheet "wall", and taking portraits of people, but without being able to see their faces. I've thought of a few things to press the "uncontrollable" aspect of it, like: A. Popping a flash as soon as they sit down, then taking their portrait while they're thrown off; B. Writing emotions and/or certain scenarios on paper and putting those in a hat, having the subject pull out one piece, and responding accordingly, without my knowledge of the emotion/scenario. I would shoot color 120 on Jonathan's Mamiya he lent me.

I'm not sure what to do yet.

Pinholio Inspirations

Roni Horn's repetitive photography:

Ernie Button's format:

Jason Demarte's use of circles:

I'm really satisfied with my final product, and I'm happy with the format I've chosen to present it in. It's a far cry from my normal style, and I've enjoyed experimenting. I'll post the 'master sheet' I've created after critique tomorrow.

Tyree Guyton and SUCCESS!

The lecture last night was on the verge of ridiculous. Once he began speaking, it was clear that he was kind of out of his league academically. I may be a dick for saying that, but his lecture should have been labeled differently. Once I saw his work, at least four different things jumped out at me. Jasper Johns, Basquiat, Rauschenberg, and Egyptian danzantes. His work is so art historically linked, I think it's ludicrous that he can't cite anyone as his inspiration besides his grandfather. And his year long residency at Art Basel Switzerland? Come on. His naivety is charming, but not internationally.

Iwenttotheairportandfoundthisorangewatchandthewomansaidshewouldn'tsellittomebecauseitwas

awoman'swatchandisaidthat'swhyiwantit; What is art today?

On another more Photo Three related note, I made some very successful paper negatives today that I scanned and inverted:

Turns out, my water bottle camera is a fisheye! While Haley may not appreciate this, I think it is exciting. I tried taking a picture of myself, and after at least four failed tries, I finally found the right exposure (6 seconds). I asked Adele to volunteer and hold the camera and take her picture. I'm interested in this pseudo-self portrait idea, and I plan to create my six image series this way. I like the unexposed area to the right of the image, also. I am pleased.

I tried to make a darkroom out of my bathroom, but failed. I will have one piece of paper to develop tomorrow. Who's a good student. At least I'm going to the lecture tonight.

Tyree Guyton, what what.

Pinhead pinhole.

Made me a goddamn pinhole camera today! First, I attempted making one out of an ibuprofen bottle, but the opening would have been too small to fit film through. Next, I created one out of black foam-core. It was 5"x5" cube with four lenses and a door. The biggest paper negative is from that one. While the images would have been interesting, the camera was not user friendly, and keeping it light tight would have proven difficult. I found this water bottle, and it is pretty perfect. It's an odd design, with a weird ledge thing created by a cut-out. It's perfect for resting paper/film on. I'll be using 120 film cut into 4" strips. This pinhole camera has a really wide angle, which can be seen from the top right paper negative. I hope to create a series of landscapes, perhaps utilizing a human figure as well.

I haven't decided what vehicle I'll use for the pinhole project. Hopefully I can find something relatively badass. I need some inspiration. I think my 35mm lens has moisture in it, and it's causing this cheesy weird haloing effect around my subjects. It's really kind of throwing me off of my game for some reason, though I'm pretty sure it's just a technical issue. This first weekend back in Memphis has been physically exhausting; But, Heidi, Colin, and I are all moved in, and the old apartment is clean and locked up. I will now put all energy towards furthering my photography this semester. In the mean time, here's this: