The Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum
Having wanted to visit the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum for quite some time, this weekend it finally occurred. I don’t think i could have asked for a nicer day. I have not been to the museum in years, and somehow it seemed different in some way brand new. Ms. Gardner was quite the collector of art around the world, and in particular two of my favorites; Titian and Sargent. Sargent painted beautiful portraits of Isabella Stuart Gardner, capturing her true beauty and free spirit.
The atrium is one of the most beautiful spaces in Boston; somehow you think you are very far away. The light and texture of the stone, greenery, and fountains evoke pure joy. There is also an exhibit by young children from local schools whose work was strong, leaving me asking where can I purchase a piece? I was so taken by the experience and time spent there, I am thinking of joining as a member not only to support the arts but also participate in some wonderful events taking place.
After having spent many hours lost in Ms. Gardner's home, i wandered the city for the remainder of the day taking in more beauty, and more pictures.
Posted by Shannon at 08:37 PM | Comments (0)
Channeling Minor White
I have known of Minor White and his work for many years now, though he was not a standard taught to me back in school, he remains one of the great photographers of our time. I was re-introduced to his work about sixth months ago when I was taking a composition course, I immediately felt connected to his work. His photographs were about pushing the limitations of the zone system, which he developed with Ansel Adams and others.
Minor White’s work is abstract, not immediately tactile; but draws you in slowly and deeply that you think you are actually walking the road to the barn in the distance. In the last few weeks I have been researching all I can find on Minor White and his life, while such an influential photographer it is sad not more has been written on him. Trying to find his books has appeared a bit difficult as well, but I will get a hold of them soon.
So, have some of my recent pictures been the influence of Minor White? I am not sure, but something has been inspiring me, I am sure there are many influences. I look at the light in my kitchen at 4:00 pm or the French Press that sits in the shadows and feel inspired. Sometimes I go for long walks thinking nothing of taking a picture, but for a moment to just be and observe. I may not have a camera in hand; it does not mean I am not photographing the images around me. I don’t think I would accomplish much else during the day if I had a camera and took a picture of everything that captured my attention, it all does.
"I'm always mentally photographing everything as practice." | minor white
Posted by Shannon at 03:52 PM | Comments (0)
Mark Nelson | The Loft @ Tommy Doyles
I went to see one of my favorite performers last night, Mark Nelson. He played an amazing set at the Loft, upstairs at Tommy Doyles as part of Tuesday Acoustic Showcase.
It had been almost a year since seeing him play last, far too long i say. He is one of Boston's finest singer/songwriters singing about the human condition in a way that resonates with anyone that breathes.
In addtion another local performer, John Gerard also played a great set.
Posted by Shannon at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)
I Have Defected
For quite sometime I have maintained four sites worth of my photographs, Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa and SmugMug. All worthwhile online applications, but in the end i had to defect to SmugMug. I think what sold me on the site was the level of customization one has in designing the galleries. The tools for organizing the pictures far exceed that of Flickr, and the usability is much more intuitive. Flickr has some nice animation, but try to figure out how to rearrange your galleries you might be there for a while.
I knew there were applications for migrating photos from one site to another, though I imagined it was going to still be a bit of a nightmare, not so. There is this little plug-in called SmuggLr works like a charm, simply install and run Firefox, and before you know it your photos from where ever else they lived are moved in full resolution over to SmugMug. Not only is it a seamless transition data wise it will keep the groups and names of all the galleries at the previous location in tact.
Now that all my photographs that live online are in one place i need t go through and reorganize and retire some, and continue to update as much as possible. This weekend should prove to have many new pictures, stay tuned!
Posted by Shannon at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)