Artomatic 2008

Originally uploaded by akkleis

While I didn’t make it to as many events as last year or actually visit as much as I had hoped, I did have the opportunity to meet a lot of new artists, catch up with friends, and absorb a high volume of artwork. I did see an increase in website traffic and in Flickr views, and even made new Flickr contacts as a result. My wall showed up in a few photos and in Brightest Young Things’ guide to . “Artomatic in 15 Minutes”

Blogger’s Night was a success and allowed myself and others to learn about the artwork straight from the artist. A painting, photo, or sculpture becomes a lot more meaningful when the creator provides insight into their motivation, their influences, and their own perspective towards art and the creative process. Beyond the artist tour and free pizza, I hope Blogger’s Night accomplished its goal: artists and bloggers, um, blogging about Artomatic and helping to increase its Internet presence. Artomatic is, afterall, successfully driven by those who participate, even visitors.

Meet the Artist Night was also cool…I overheard a group of teenage girls in front of my photos and spent a little while talking with them about photography. Not that I usually talk about my photos; I find it difficult to really explain what I’ve shot and why, or even why I do it.

The artdc.org tour was difficult for me, as I was on the list to speak about my show. See above. That was hard, and I failed miserably.

Allow me to try to redeem myself…I shoot film and print traditionally in a darkroom. The cameras I use are varied and I choose them based on what I feel like carrying with me that day. Some are old, some are modern; some are toys. I just like how they each feel. I shoot a lot of film and develop it, myself. Most of it is crap. But, define “crap”. What makes a photo “bad”? If it lacks any trace of perfection and is technically just wrong, is it truly a piece of crap that should never be shown? I don’t think so. I think a photo has multiple dimensions of meaning that aren’t necessarily limited to exposure, focusing, and other such technicalities. How about looking at the photo as a whole and how it makes you feel? Why did it catch your eye enough to make you stop for a longer look? In the sea of digital perfection, I shoot film. I’m not perfect; why should I expect that from my photos? Just try looking at something from a different perspective once in awhile. It may surprise you.

I’m very late posting about Artomatic’s Blogger Night from May 17…Sorry!!!!

Thank you to everyone who attended the tour, who have blogged about your experience, and to all of the artists who spoke about their work. It was exciting to hear the stories behind each of the artists’ shows, their influences, and where they have come over the years. Many of the artists on the tour have built upon their previous work and experiences, transistioning into a new dimension and expanding upon their earlier artwork. I know that I have struggled with direction and meaning for quite some time, so it was reassuring to hear the same from other artists I admire. At least for me, it’s important to connect with other artists and people and hear about their own experiences so I don’t feel like a freak.

There are a lot of photographers in this group, so be sure to check out the photos here.

I apologize in advance if we’ve left anyone out…if you attended Blogger’s Night and are not on this list, please let me know ASAP!!

Michael Auger
Erin Antognoli
Jennifer Beinhacker
Chuck Divine
Liz Floyd
Theresa Manzanares
Angela Raincatcher
Miriam Rylands
Kerri Sheehan
Jennifer Shock
Nikolas Schiller
Frank Warren
Jack Whitsitt

And, also thank you to all the other bloggers who have allowed their inboxes to accept these periodic email updates

I had an opportunity last year to take photos at Britishink. So far, they’ve done really well for me and a few have been sold. Paul Roe, the owner of Britishink, is super cool, and if you haven’t been to his temporarily re-located shop on the 12th floor at Artomatic, you’re really missing out! Go on a weekend to experience the Victorian theme, complete with costumes and meet both Paul and his partner Cynthia Rudzis. (There are a lot of photos on Flickr, too, btw)….

Melissa Marr, a local novelist, has included one of my britishink tattoo photos in the promotional video for her new book, Wicked Lovely. Here is the link to her site, and here is a link to the video!