Art – Page 4 – Photogeek Blog

Day 15; Roppongi (Tokyo)

Art, Art Exhibition, Finding your Zen, Japan, Uncategorized

After a late night and little sleep. The chances of getting very far from our home base seemed pretty remote. However, with a little digging and a lot of scrambling. I managed to convince Kayuri to join me on a two plus hour train ride that included two transfers. The ride itself was not going to be a pretty one. As the man sitting directly across from me ate, drank, clipped his nails, applied eye drops and picked his nose for most of the trip. Fortunately for us, this was one of one of those occasions when the destination was far better than the journey.

As we arrived Takashi Murakami’s “The 500 Arhats”at Roppongi Tokyo’s Mori Arts Center. We were met with a line that extended far outside the center. A the door a sign welcomed visitors with an intimidating “Expect twenty minute wait on line.” While I’m not sure if the people were there for the Ancient Egypt exhibition or for Murakami’s exhibit. I’m glad we waited it out, because “The 500 Arhats” was incredible. While this is my usual kind of post. Being that I don’t tend to post pictures I took of other peoples work. Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d highly recommend a visit. Below are a few images and a link to the Tokyo Time Out article that inspired me to go.

http://www.timeout.com/tokyo/art/takashi-murakami-the-500-arhats

Mo (1 of 1)

Mo1 (1 of 1)

Mo3 (1 of 1)

Mo2 (1 of 1)

It’s All There for You to See

Art, Color, Downtown

As Dim Sum was the order of the day we hopped the PATH train headed to the WTC and headed up to our Mott St. destination. Taking our normal route through City Hall Park to the Court Houses and onto our final destination Mott St. The park, though small always offers something for the eyes and the sense. On this particularly overcast day. It was color. Hungry beyond belief. I could only spare seconds before I would start to gnaw on my own flesh. “Snap, Boom, Pop” and I was off. No time for pleasantries with the tour bus tourists. I plowed my way through to my prized Dim Sum.

As I often see myself wanting to leave my city to the tourists and all the other artless savages. I’m drawn in to it’s art, culture and ever evolving and continuously rewarding cuisine. Like that memorable quote from The Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Well done New York City. Well done Buddha Bodai. Well done indeed. I remain tangled in your web of deliciousness.

Saturday in East Harlem (Color)

Exploring, NYC, Street Photography

With all the colors in life Harlem has to offer. I felt it important to include more than the B&W images featured in the previous post. Enjoy.

Work in Progress

Art, Graffiti

As much as I enjoy spending the day admiring art of any kind. Being able to watch it in progress take my admiration and appreciation to new heights. For, as important the finished product remains. The creative process is where the soul lies. In the handful of times I’ve seen a work in progress or installation. I’ve found myself somewhat transfixed in awe. With graffiti and murals being my first exposure to art. Watching a piece go up on the wall can bring chills. On this particular summer day at Asbury Park. I became a bit restless after a few hours on the sand. My decision to head back to the boardwalk to stretch my legs was a good one. Watching her admire her own work as she applied little touch ups was just an added bonus.

Priced to Sell

Advertising, Art, Damion Photo, Digital Printing

From time to time I get emails regarding the possibility of purchasing images they see on the blog. As recent as last week I sold a poster of a particular image to someone who has visited the blog on a regular basis for years now. Due to some recent inquiries I thought it would make sense to let people know that all of the images seen on Photogeek are available for purchase in various sizes and formats. Feel free to contact me at damionphoto@gmail.com with any questions or inquiries. I offer everything from 5X7 matted prints to posters and aluminum prints. When contacting me, please be aware that I use one of, if not the best lab in the country and possibly the world. I do not, under any circumstances, send files through the mail. When making contact. Be sure to let me know what image you’re interested in. (Date of blog post might be the best approach.) As well as your preference for size is so I can quote you the right price. All payments are to be made to my Paypal account. No exceptions. Thank you very much for your interest.

Interpreting Art. (For Jenn)

Art, Damion Photo, Interpreting Art

Recently I was asked a very tough question from a friend and fellow artist in regard to some images I had posted from my trip to Mana Contemporary’s open house studio tour. The question “How do you go about photographing someone else’s art?” was about as good as question as they come. The fact that it was coming from an artist I respect and love gave the inquiry weight and importance that deserved a thoughtful answer. Photographing another artists passion and hard work may not be as easy as it sounds. From my early day Art and the way we interprit it. s in the late 90’s photographing paintings and sculptures for Cooper Union students on the streets and rooftops of the east village and the lower east side of NYC. I’ve always made it a point to portray the artists vision without giving it the look and feel of a carbon copy office memo. I’ve found that lighting, contrast shadow and unique angles all add to the depth and personality of the chosen piece. As a documentarian, adding my own understanding, perception and appreciation of the piece helped warrant such intrusion. Photographing another artists passion and hard work may not be as easy as it sounds.

From my early days in the late 90’s photographing paintings and sculptures for Cooper Union students on the streets and rooftops of the east village and the lower east side of NYC. I’ve always made it a point to portray the artists vision without giving it the look and feel of a carbon copy office memo. I’ve found that lighting, contrast shadow and unique angles all add to the depth and personality of the chosen piece. As somewhat of a documentarian, adding my own understanding, perception and appreciation of the piece helped warrant such intrusion. Thanks for the thoughtful question Jenn. You are an inspiration.

To check out Jenn’s work. Click the link below.

It Does Art

Painting with Words

Finding Solutions, Happiness, Philosophy

Last week I had a representative from a local painting company over to get an estimate on our loft foyer area. In the hour or so he was here, we went over ideas about color schemes, wallpaper removal and the stripping of a concrete column located at the left end of the room. It was apparent that the company had worked in the building in the past. As he began to leave, he asked curiously about the extensive damage in the lobby and common areas. I took my time explaining how the pipes had frozen causing a flood while putting the building on an all day fire alert. I told him about the alarm and sirens that wailed for hours and how the inescapable flashing lights in the loft and hallways triggered my first seizure in years. He stood there in a frozen state, captured by my story, asking questions along the way. I had no intention of keeping him longer than I had. Nor did I have any motive in sharing my history with seizures. It wasn’t until he told me about his beautiful sister’s long history with grand mal seizures and depression that I did. He told me how witnessing his sisters seizures unfold as a young teen terrified him. How, to this day, those memories still haunt him.

I shared my experiences with him on how I eventually got off the medication roller coaster after years of them adding miserable side effects to my somewhat manageable seizures. Taking more holistic path with diet and more spiritual approaches such as meditation. How both doctors and my own family were less than supportive of my choice. And ultimately, how I went from having three to five seizures a week to about a half dozen in the twenty years since.

As for depression, while I have yet to find any cure (Believe me, I’m no rocket scientist.) I told him that, in my own experience. Knowing that you are not, in any way, alone is key. It’s also important to understand that, no matter how I might feel at the moment. I’m always able to convince myself that I will most likely feel a lot better in a few hours, days or weeks later. My regiment depends on staying busy and creative whenever possible. Fresh air and even the most brief exchanges can change the course of a day. The smile on his face said it all and I think the amount of time he spent lingering in my doorway was more than enough evidence that even the smallest exchanges can change someone’s outlook on things. In closing, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to share our experiences and history with one another. We are all connected to one another on one level or another. Large or small, every word we speak can go a long way while carrying a heavy load.

Bikeage

Industrial Photography, Lower East Side, NYC

As a photographer I’ve always been intrigued with bikes. Big, small, I love them all. As an owner however, I am a complete and utter failure. If memory serves, I was given my first two wheeler, a red schwinn, at the age of five. Since that time, I’ve had every single one of my bikes sacked, snatched, stolen, swiped or shanghaied.

Despite this life long run of bad luck. I still hold this ancient form of transportation in the highest regard. With lessons learned I find myself remaining grounded giving the soles of my feet the job of getting me to and fro. Regardless of my choice of transportation. I’m still drawn to the eye candy that a road travelled bicycle can bring.

So whenever I come across a sweet looking cycle I make it a point of composing a worthwhile image. One that might detail the bikes history, character or uniqueness. This past weekend I spotted this particular set of wheels outside of a store on Thompson St. in the West Village of Manhattan. I couldn’t help but wonder what treasure that bike’s purse had carried through the years. I’ve promised myself time and time again, that one day I’ll pull together my collection of bicycle portraits, print them up and put them up on the wall. With my luck. They’ll end up getting stolen. Oh well. Such is life.

The Company You Keep

Art Exhibition, Group Exhibition, Jersey City, Mana Gallery

I felt very grateful to be a part of this past weeks Jersey City Artists tour. What made it even more rewarding was having the chance to display a couple of my own recent photos in the lobby here at Canco Lofts. Since I’ve already included both of my images they included in the exhibition in prior posts. I figured I would share some of my favorites from some of the other artists residing here.

Touring the Facilities.

Art Exhibition, Mana Gallery

When we first moved to Canco. We were pretty excited to have an old, abandoned factory two doors down from. However, after two weeks of exploring the outside and sneaking into the adjacent parking lot. We realized that the old factory we had fell in love with was alive, well and filled with art. Finally, after almost three months of wondering. We finally had the chance to tour the facilities. To say we loved getting to know the place would be a major understatement. The Jersey City Artist Tour gave served as the perfect opportunity to explore the entire building, all five floors, without ever having to look over our shoulders or wondering if we were trespassing. During our three hours there, we explored the many studios, spoke to the artists and got to enjoy hand operated freight elevator. The art, not to mention the architecture were inspiring and served as a reminder that art is the best medicine for whatever ails you. Below are a few of the many pictures I took that day. Enjoy.