EDGAR MUELLER: Sidewalk Illusions
May 21st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Artist Feature vol. 5
This German born artist has been recognized as the master street painter among artists. He uses his knowledge and technique in classical painting to create realistic 3D images on public sidewalks throughout Europe. Mueller‘s work brings the fantastic themes of classical art into our everyday modern world by provoking these incredible encounters on city streets. Imagine walking to your car after work and finding yourself in the middle of one of these incredible settings!
Like this:
HOLGA, WHO?
August 8th, 2010 § 2 Comments
TOY CAMERAS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Toy cameras, as they are lovingly referred, were first discovered by North Americans in the 1960′s. Originally fabricated in China, these inexpensive cameras contain the most rudimentary elements necessary for photography resulting in images full of distortions.
So why are they still being produced and why are people like me interested in them?
Holga 120 gfcn
In this day and age of ever-escalating Megapixels low-tech cameras, such as the Holga and the Diana, are utilized specifically for the unpredictable kinks inherent in these cameras.
Camera technologies continue to become more complex with every passing moment . It is apparently (for those of us trying to keep up) an effort so furious and urgent that it closely ties only the race to cure cancer or the release of the next iphone (8g – do you have a 4g? I’m sorry you’re way behind already. I know, I know, you got yours today.)
Toy cameras are exactly on the other end of this spectrum where aesthetic effects such as vignetting, blur, and light leakage produced from these “imperfections” are embraced and essentially take total prominence over the technological reliability and precision offered by digital photography. Since these cameras also allow its users to explore medium format film using really affordable gear (Holga 120N on Amazon.com $21.50) many amateurs and artists alike have been playing with these “toys”. The results are remarkable and have inspired me to purchase my very own.
Image from Flickr
FYI: Medium format film (typically 6 x 4.5 cm or 6 x 6 cm) is larger than regular film (24 x 36mm) though smaller than large format film (4″x5″). The larger the film/negative, the bigger you can enlarge the print (similar to Megapixels in digital cameras).
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TO GET YOUR OWN TOY CAM:
Amazon.com – for a vintage find
Urban Outfitters – for a new baby as seen below
Diana, Urban Outfitters
Holga, Urban Outfitters
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MORE INFO:
SALVADOR DALI in Florida?
July 23rd, 2010 § 3 Comments
Hallucinogenic Toreador, Salvador Dali
So I recently discovered one of Salvador Dalí’s most important collections is housed right here in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Sure, sure some “Miami-ans” might think the 4 hour drive is excessive to go look at some crazy paintings on a wall… but for those old-school folks, who still appreciate the first-hand experience of art, this is a true find. Given the limited nature of available art collections in South Florida (in comparison to major centers like New York, London, Paris…) this Dalí Museum brings to me a fresh sense of inspiration and hope right in my backyard- it reminds me there is still so much more to see, so much more to know.
HOW THE DALI CAME TO THE PENINSULA
Eleanor Morse, founder of the museum, first discovered the painter back in the 1940′s after visiting a traveling Dalí retrospective at the Cleveland Museum of Art. She and her husband became fascinated with the artist and began collecting his work. They met Salvador and Gala (his wife) in 1943 beginning a lifelong friendship that would eventually lead Mrs. Morse to translate many works by and about Dalí. Mrs. Morse would go on to receive numerous honors for her work such as the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques and the Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel La Catolica (highest honor a non-Spanish citizen can attain from the Spanish King). March 7, 1982 Mrs. Morse and her husband found a permanent home for their collection in St. Petersburg, FL. Recently, the Museum has recognized the need for a larger, newer and more appropriate space to house the collection of the artist whose notorious work is now, more than ever, admired from all the corners of the world. The new museum is to be completed by January 11, 2011 (01.11.11 -I bet Dalí would have enjoyed that).
WHO WAS DALÍ?
CLICK TO FIND OUT!
SOME WORKS FROM THE MORSE COLLECTION:
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www.salvadordalimuseum.org
www.salvador-dali.org
www.dali-gallery.com
www.virtualdali.com
