When your artwork is a pain to photograph
Hi, my name is Lisa, and my artwork is a nightmare to photograph.
I know it's a pain. And I warn/remind the photography staff of it when I come in the door.
Bellevue Fine Art Reproduction generally needs three days to shoot my work. Not because they're too busy, although they are busy. It's because my work, like me, is complicated. The surfaces vary in depth, for one thing.
For another thing, my work features a lot of small details. On top of that, I also tend to incorporate shiny surfaces like transparencies, mica or glass. So the shoot has to be set up to reduce glare and unwanted reflections.
But sometimes glare or other issues can't be avoided, so there's the post-production editing.
Yes, I could shoot my own work, and I used to (results were okay). I could take classes, and I know of some good resources. But my priority right now is making more art; I'm the only one who can do that. I have the luxury, at the moment, of having someone else document my work. (No, I'm not being compensated in any way by Bellevue Fine Art Reproduction. I just like their results.)
The three pieces I brought in this time should be ready next week. Check back next Friday!
Work-in-progress: alternative framing
The altered books I'm finishing up have a rustic feel, especially with the twine and rope framing I used to highlight the niches.
Like most art, it just doesn't feel finished without some sort of frame. But what kind of alternate device is visually and physically solid enough to do the job? What works, without fighting the story being told within the niche?
Washboards. (This one was lovely, but too pricey.) It's big but not huge, and weathered enough to evoke the Old West feel of the book cover. With a little help, I found three.
For once, the weather was sunny enough to allow me to spray-seal the wood outside.
Two of the three books are now mounted. As soon as the third is done and all three are professionally photographed, they'll make their official debut here on the site!
Sun is out -- let's prep for an art festival!
After years of hovering and watching the action, I'll be an artist-in-action at the Fresh Paint art festival!
Visitors stroll down the Port of Everett Marina boardwalk, where they can purchase art made or demonstrated on the spot. The Schack Art Center, which puts on this event every August, calls it a "festival of artists at work." Even glass art collectors can see How It's Made: the Schack brings out their "mobile hot shop" for the occasion.
An angel of a friend is loaning me her pop-up tent for my booth space. Tent weights too: they're crucial to keep the whole shebang from going bang if a strong wind gust hits your tent.
Details:
More info as things progress...