This One Is For You, Rona

from The Hold © Rona Chang

My friend and Nymphoto cohort Rona explores and interprets the world by recording the nexus between people and environment. Her series The Hold is one of my favorites, you can find it by visiting: www.ronachang.com.
The New York Times today is featuring new work by artist Mitch Epstein, that explores similar themes to Rona's work, you can find a slide show of Mitch Epstein's work, by clicking here; And find the accompanying article written by Randy Kennedy and titled Capturing a Nation’s Thirst for Energy, by clicking here.
Mitch Epstein always produces interesting work and his 1996 monograph Vietnam: A Book Of Changes is one I routinely look at.

Irving Penn 1917-2009

Irving Penn. What can I say? His work means so much to me and is so extraordinary.
I think no other photographer was as able. The other great, Richard Avedon - in my opinion- captured more powerful portraits and perhaps had the bigger outer personality.
But Mr. Penn was Mr. Avedon's equal & biggest rival in photographing fashion and in my mind the best still life photographer -- ever.
Most photographers pick one genre or are only talented in one area of photography.
But Irving Penn excelled in all he photographed and left an exquisite and unsurpassed body of work.
I still shoot film. In part because my aesthetic was formed by the incredible work of Irving Penn.
Eternal elegance, a confident sense of composition and a contemplative view of beauty guided his work. His prints are unbelievable. The richness of those works cannot (yet?) be duplicated by digital process. The subtle beauty and amazing command of tonal range is something I could geek out about for a very long time.
The original prints are so amazing that even reproductions can blow you away, Irving Penn's monograph Passage is a perfect example. It must be one of the most beautiful mass produced art books ever published.
For more about the life and work of Mr. Penn, head over to the NY Times to read Andy Grundberg Irving Penn obituary, you can find it by clicking here.

Things to Look Forward To

Emily's new work:

Four Eyed Fantasy teaser from Isacto on Vimeo. Courtesy Isacto/Emily Shur

AND the 2010 calendar by Camilla Engman! Find out more about this via Camilla's blog: www.camillaengman.blogspot.com.

AND Ryan McLennan first New York Solo Show at Joshua Liner Gallery. The opening reception is next Thursday. OOOPS! CORRECTION -- SATURDAY, NOT THURSDAY! tx, Ryan!

Opening Tonight @ Clic

in Soho at Clic Gallery

Vincent Fournier
Space Project
Clic Gallery
424 Broome Street
New York, NY
October 6-November 1, 2009
Opening Reception: October 7, 6-9 PM

Check out the work of this imaginative Burkinafaso native. The artist will be signing copies of his monograph during the opening reception.

Video Killed The Radio Star

Today another friend lost their job. While some news outlets declare the worst is over, many of my friends are still loosing their jobs. Partly this is because I have many friends who work(ed) in a dying industry.
The recession seems to have accelerated the death of the magazine and whether it is for editorial photographer or designers, things are rough.
Much has been said about the decline of this industry. Some critiques have blamed the industry itself for not maintaining a high standard of creativity.
I think the Internet simply killed magazines -- for the most part. It is true however that many publications had not churned out interesting content and were unadventurous visually for the past decade.
I am still very loyal to the New Yorker and Travel & Leisure Magazine. And I would not enjoy either as much if it were only available online.
I like to read a magazine or book in the bathtub, in bed or when I am out of town.
And I don't want to be 'plugged in' all the time. At heart I am a 20th Century girl.

Speaking of books: I went to the Strand's 3rd floor rare book section today-- what a magical place! I hope it is here to stay.

London (Re) Calling

London Calling © Nina Buesing

One of the pleasures of travelling is that the places I travel to stay with me. Especially right after a trip where I went and what I saw occupies my mind. I am reading some books about England and as I am scanning images from my London trip, I have All Creatures Great and Small playing in the background via Netflix .
This time we only spent time in London, but I hope next time we can see the English country side.
Jason wrote about visiting New Forest in his post Dog & Pony Show and it sounds like a place I should experience.