Thursday, January 27, 2011

World's greatest photographer's bust-card

Just because you never know when you're gonna need it. I'm printing a copy for my  camera bag. I was stopped by an officer from taking photos in NYC's Port Authority Building. Wish I had this with me then.

via Boing Boing by Cory Doctorow on 1/27/11

Hey photographers, have I got a bust card for you! The next time you're stopped by an authority figure for photographing a federally owned or federally leased building, just hand the law's agent this declassified 2010 DHS directive that unambiguously states that photographing public buildings from a public place is legal, and that harassing people for doing this is illegal, and that asking photogs to delete or hand over their images or videos is also illegal.
The three-page bulletin reminds officers, agents and employees that, "absent reasonable suspicion or probable cause," they "must allow individuals to photograph the exterior of federally owned or leased facilities from publicly accessible spaces" like streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas. Even when there seems to be reason to intercede and conduct a "field interview," the directive says: Officers should not seize the camera or its contents, and must be cautious not to give such 'orders' to a photographer to erase the contents of a camera, as this constitutes a seizure or detention.

Where do you steal your inspiration from?

I was just at http://www.maxkiesler.com/2009/11/02/jim-jarmusch-on-creativity/ (Cool design related blog- lotsa cool infographic stuff!) Where Max posted a quote by - Jim Jarmusch.that resonated with me.
"“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photos, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: ‘It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.”
My comment on this...

It's not only what you steal or process into your visual vocabulary, it's how you take the stimuli into yourself and transform it with your own voice. That's where you need to keep watch of your authenticity and motivation. It's good to see things as a child see them, delighting in the nuances.
I also think it's important to be open to all kinds of stimuli because you never know where that spark is going to come from. I'm currently intrigued by the patterns of reflections on building. This hasn't made its way into my work yet, but I'm curious if it will and how.


Saturday, January 15, 2011

Art Supplies at the Supermarket.

Borrowed this from Franck de Las Mercedes' blog .Frank is an amazing artist who I had the pleasure of painting for my artists & their work series.

photo by Felix Natal Jr.

Art supplies at supermarket

by Franck on 01/14/11
    I am sharing a couple things that can save an artists $ and a trip to the art supply store. I've been using Pledge floor wax for many years to mix with acrylic paints.
I love the texture and viscosity you get from it when mixed, and you can add water to get different densities.  It can also be used to varnish as a clear coat when the painting dries. The effect is pretty cool it seals and adds a great shine, and people ask if the paintings are oils.

Another great product is bar laundry soap. It is one of the best things to clean brushes with and it is great if you work with oils too, cuts all grease and paint residue. I buy this at my local bodega, but I am sure they're available in supermarkets.