Indie arts & craft show this weekend at Mad Art Gallery

For the second half of November I spent a good amount of time going through photos I took over the past year. Occasionally -- especially when I'm traveling -- I take maybe a few hundred photos and going through all of them takes some time and isn't as fun as getting out with my camera.

Having not taken a lot of photos in the last few months and spending a little more time at home lately kicked me into gear to get cracking on some of this year's photos -- many of them taken in South Carolina and Kansas this summer.

Also: I'm in the Bigass Indie Art & Craft Show this weekend at Mad Art Gallery in Soulard, and I like to bring some new work when I do a show like this.

The photos in this post are a preview of some of the photos that will be making their debut at the show. Are you coming? You totally should!

MadArt Gallery
2727 S. 12th Street (at Lynch, just north of the AB brewery)
St. Louis, MO 63118

Friday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.*
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.


*with entertainment by The Venice Gas House Trolley, which "hearkens back to the times when hipsters and cool-cats would chill out digging ecstatic poets and musicians and then aggressively explodes through the present and into the future with vocal effects, bass, and twisting rhythms."

Missouri

I hate the term "fly-over country." It's so stupid. As if all this land is just a buffer between the coasts. The coasts are plenty interesting and obviously they have their fans but man there is some interesting stuff here in the middle.

I find Missouri to be particularly interesting, probably because I've seen more of it than I've seen anyplace else. Yet there's so much I haven't seen. I'll get to it.

This sign makes my heart sing every time I see it. All the words, all together. The different script styles. The colors. It's so—not sure if optimistic is the word I'm looking for, but something that is an antonym of cynical would capture my meaning.

I made a commitment to myself that I would list a new item on Etsy every night for a week. I've been sort of behind on my photo-taking lately, and also way behind on going through photos I've taken in the last six months or so to see what I have. I've got a show coming up next weekend* and wanted to produce some new material for it, and just generally get back in the photo-taking-and-making saddle.

I've passed by this sign eleventy thousand times and photographed it many of those times, but haven't gotten a picture of it that really let it be a star**. Found this one in my recent investigations into what pictures I took this summer and fall, and here it is. Seemed a fitting capstone to my new-listing project as it's been sort of an ongoing project for me to get this thing how I wanted it.


*are you coming? you should you should!
**speaking of star—isn't the star over the I in Ballerina beautiful?

best intentions

I was at the grocery store today and I heard a little squeal and this woman asked about my earrings as she'd just made some earrings that were meant to be hamburgers and she thought mine looked like food and she's absolutely not the first person to tell me that about this particular pair of earrings. Her companion agreed, and at least two other people have independently told me that my earrings look like food.

They don't look anything like food to me. I generally don't attempt novelty jewelry creations unless it's for a kid or something, so I was/am sort of thrown off that what I thought was an interesting configuration of shapes looks like food to others. It wasn't meant to be anything in particular!

Nobody who has commented on their foodly appearance has disliked them. So I guess insofar as jewelry/art/etc. is meant to please people, they have done their job. But they're sending a message, and one that I didn't intend, and that's ... disconcerting is too strong of a word. But some milder form of disconcerting might fit.

This interaction today brought me back to a notion that cycles around in my head not infrequently. Of the photos I've taken -- and made public in some form or another -- those that I love the very best, those that turned out just as I'd hoped or even better, those that I think are exactly what I meant to "say", most don't seem to resonate strongly with anybody but me.

I want to be clear that this isn't a "please admire my photos" fishing expedition -- I have come to accept that some people really like some of my photos. But insofar as anything of mine is "popular"*, those photos aren't generally ones that I feel particularly reflect my style.

This one at the top of the page here? For sure in my personal top 10 of work that I think says "Hilary". I spent more than a little bit figuring out this composition, and I got it just as I wanted it and this is the photo I meant to take.

A few months ago a friend was looking through my photos and came across this one and said something about how this photo was frustrating because he wanted to see the whole sign and there was this stuff in the way and what I should have done was just take a picture of the whole sign.

This friend never says things just to be nice, and gives useful feedback that I don't get from a lot of other people, so it was interesting to hear that perspective**. It didn't hurt my feelings, because I know I got what I wanted and did what I intended to do.

It makes me wonder about others' work; if that's a common experience -- your personal favorites of your own work never really matching up with what others tend to be drawn to. Would love to hear thoughts on this (and see your personal favorites!)






* as measured by Flickr favorites or purchases of prints, as I don't have much else to go on
** although I'm not sure if it was especially useful, as we don't share much of an aesthetic -- I'm more Lou Reed than Lionel Richie, for example

in with the new

I'm not really out-with-the-olding much. But I am determined to produce some new work right now -- or at least post more stuff that has only been seen by me up to this point.

Have made a pledge to myself to post something new on Etsy every day this week. Here's the first -- I make most of my own prints because I want to know that the prints will be as I intended the photo to look. But on occasion I try something new, and I had a slew of photos professionally printed recently on metallic paper. The effect is odd and interesting and I really like it.

I don't think it will work with just any image, but I've been really pleased with how the ones I've chosen have turned out. Including this one. Find it on Etsy here.

Big sale -- THREE days only!

Hi all! Long time no post.

I just got back a stack of photos from a place where I had them on consignment. The business folded, so now I've got some duplicates in my inventory.* And I'm having a spot of surgery next week and won't be able to be shipping much for a while.

So now's as good of a time as any to have a sale I've been meaning to have.

Now through Thursday, October 29, all 8"x10" photos in my Etsy shop are $25 (regularly $40) and all 5"x7" photos are $10, instead of the regular price of $15 (these are savings of more than 30% if my math is correct!)

Postcard sets: Get a full set of 9 postcards for the price of 5.

I have to have all orders in by the end of Thursday (let's say midnight Eastern time) so I can make sure that I can get everything in the mail on time.

If you'd like to make a purchase in my Etsy store, please see the store for details on how to receive the discount(s).

If you'd prefer not to set up an account at Etsy, you can e-mail me via my web site and we can make arrangements.

And as always, if you would like something in a different size or don't see something you'd like to know if I can print, please let me know!



*But I've still got some at Paste in Soulard and Firecracker Press on Cherokee Street, so stop by and take a look!

Hie thee to Paste

I have posted before about Paste, the new art and craft supply store in Soulard.

I was able to preview it a bit when I brought some of my photos there for sale a couple of months ago. (I can't believe it's been that long already.) But the summer was packed and I hadn't gotten back there to shop until a couple of weeks ago.

Love this place! Beads and ribbon and yarn and stamps and beads and photographs and beads and I am a sucker for beads, especially.

Much as I was super excited when City Art Supply opened up in my neighborhood -- an art supply store in the city! -- I am also excited that Paste has made a home in the city.

It's been a while since there's been a great spot for craft supplies in the city of St. Louis. Plus, it's nice when the folks who open these stores have a love for and knowledge about what they are selling, and even cooler when they are supportive of local artists, both of which are true about both Paste and City Art Supply.

So: go check these folks out! Spend money with them so we can keep them in business and keep them in the city! And while you're at Paste, you'll see some of my photos for sale (no pressure, I swear!)

St. Louis Through the Lens

Aren't my nieces cute? When my little sister (their aunt) got married two years ago, we -- the wedding party -- traveled around town to various spots to take photos. The wedding photographer did a phenomenal job. I got a few photos off to the side when we weren't "on". Like this one.

This photo was accepted as a finalist (yay!) into this year's Irv Schankman Memorial Photography Contest, St. Louis Through the Lens.

The exhibition is intended to promote work by regional photographers and features the city of St. Louis as its subject. The jurors for the competition are Ellen Curlee, Olivia Lahs-Gonzales, and Bob Little.

In addition to the juried exhibition there will be a selected exhibition of work by Irv Schankman. Irv Schankman (1924-2004) was a professional photographer and the founder of Allied Photocolor and Imaging Center. His love of documenting St. Louis began as soon as he picked up his first camera in the 6th grade. In his junior year of high school he made his way through police lines to shoot an emblazoned gasoline storage facility. These photographs, which appeared in St. Louis’s Star Times as dramatic silhouettes, marked the beginning of his professional career.

The exhibit runs September 10-December 5, 2009 at Gallery 210 on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The opening reception and announcement of awards is this Thursday, September 10 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come!

Buy REALLY local

The other night my awesome neighbor Maggie brought me a sample of these delicious chocolate cherry tomatoes from her family's garden. So.good. I had to place an order for more today as I ate up my sample real quick-like.

I like to buy local produce in season when I can, but I am not always so good at getting out to the farmers' markets and don't love going to the grocery store, so I don't manage to do this as much as I should in the summer.

So, yay yay yay for local being grown-across-the-street local. Right here in Gravois Park!

I am not quite up-to-date on photos from my recent activities, but these were so lovely and delicious I had to sing their praises right away.

If you want to buy your very own amazing tomatoes, visit the Cade family's web site to learn more.

South Carolina, down Charleston way

Off to Charleston, SC for a few days to visit with family and celebrate my mom's birthday. Charleston is full of treats for the eyes, so I expect to overtax my hard drive with new photos when I get back.

Any orders placed in my Etsy shop while I'm gone will get free shipping. Dig it!

Sedalia-bound

Heading to Sedalia, Missouri this weekend to drop off this photo for the Missouri 50 Exhibition at the Missouri State Fair. I'm really honored to have had my work accepted into this for a second time; I've enjoyed visiting the exhibit each year and seeing all the artwork from across the state.

The fair runs August 13-23, 2009. You should go! There's a lot to do and see there.

Plus? Sedalia is home of the Guber Burger. Do.not.miss.it.

Little pink houses

The Bigass Indie Art and Craft Show is over and I've got everything back in my house but boy is it a mess. Need to sort through all the odds and ends and get everything back in its place.

In anticipation of the show I made a bunch of prints of photos I'd never printed before. I'll be listing some of those in my Etsy shop in the coming weeks.

This one, Viola, just went up tonight. The listing is here.

It's a photo on my grandparents' farm in Kansas. The house in the front was the house when I was little. At some point they acquired the house behind it and painted it pink to match the main house. It's named The Little House and it was a studio for my grandparents -- Grandma painted, Grandpa was a photographer.

Years later they added another house (not pictured) to the bunch, and painted it pink, too. It's known as The Shop -- my uncle has various fix-it projects in there, as well as antiques that he sells.

Indie craft show this weekend

I took this photo during my Chain-of-Rocks-Bridge-in-the-Rain mis/adventures a couple of months ago. And I developed the film. And yes, I am going to think developing film is the coolest thing I've done for, like, ever.

The photo will be making its debut at the Big Ass Indie Art & Craft Show this weekend at Mad Art Gallery. I just printed it for the first time the other night and it turned out just how I wanted it to and generally that doesn't happen for me on the first try (especially with film!) so I am especially pleased.

The show should be fun. There was one right before Christmas last year that was just great. The way everything was displayed, the things everybody made. Friday evening will have entertainment to go along with the shopping. Says Mad Art:

Friday night will be full of bad ass entertainment. We are very proud to present Gem Sweater Maven Leslie Hall who will be performing with crafting superstars The Ly's. Lolla VanElla, Clownvis Presley, and Michelle Mynx will also be performing. Admission is free. Cash bar available. This event is not to be missed. Get there early! Space is limited

Hours:

Friday, July 31 -- 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 1 -- 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 2 -- 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Be there or risk having a tiny ass!

Art of Food this weekend

The Art of Food is this Saturday at Mad Art Gallery in Soulard. What's that? Glad you asked!

A Canvas of Culinary Inspired Art and Incredible Edibles:
The "Art of Food" Event At The Mad Art Gallery To Benefit Slow Food St. Louis and Fair Shares

WHO:
Slow Food USA, St. Louis chapter, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting food traditions, holds its fund-raiser "Art of Food" on July 25, 2009 at the Mad Art Gallery in Soulard from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHAT:
The "Art of Food" event will showcase the area's top restaurants serving delectable hors d'oeuvres using fresh, local ingredients prepared by the hottest chefs in the slow food tradition. Food-themed art by local artists, gift baskets filled with a variety of specialty goodies from boutiques, wineries and restaurants are up for auction from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 25, 2009
6 to 10 p.m.

WHERE:
Mad Art Gallery
2727 S. 12th St.
St. Louis, MO
63118

COST:
In Advance:
$30 for members
$40 for non-members
Brown Paper Tickets

At the Door:
$40 for members
$50 for non-members

• Cash bar

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CHEFS:
Lou Rook III Annie Gunn's
Mark Curran Araka
Robin Murphy Bailey's Chocolate Bar
Cary McDowell Clarksville Station
Kevin Willmann Erato
Steve Gontram Harvest
Brian Pelletier Kakao Chocolate
Clara Moore Local Harvest
Dave Lewis Mad Art
Joshua Galliano Monarch
Gerard Craft Niche
Dave Bailey Rooster
Beckie Jacobs Serendipity Ice Cream
Kevin Nashan Sidney Street Café
Stephen Kovac Winslow's Home

With bread provided by:
• Companion Bakery - Josh Allen
• 222 Artisan Bakery - Matt Herren

FEATURED ARTISTS:
* Geoff Story
* Tim Garrett
* Teri Pohlman
* Malinda Sullivan
* Joe Eisenberg
* Loren Jenks
* Karen Jones
* Sara Hale
* Nick Riggio
* Peter Rowlyk
* Marie Oberkirsch
* Julie Wiegand
* Matty Kleinberg
* Jay Fram
* Hilary Hitchcock
* Katherine Bish
* Julie Malone
* Cbabi Bayoc
* Kirsten O'Loughlin
* Ron Buechele
* Carmelita Nuñez
* Amy Ferman-slakman
* Katy Fischer
* Daniel Shown
* Deborah Katon
* Tom Lawless
* Jess Dewes
* Mike Dewes
* Melinda Sherwood
* Jim Ibur
* Mitch Huett
* Greg Barth
* Alicia LaChance
* William LaChance

EVENT SPONSORS:
Slow Food St. Louis, Fair Shares CCSA, Sauce Magazine,
Mad Art Gallery, Schlafly Beer

ABOUT SLOW FOOD USA
Slow Food USA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America. From the spice of Cajun cooking to the purity of the organic movement; from animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables to handcrafted wine and beer, farmhouse cheeses and other artisanal products; these foods are a part of our cultural identity. They reflect generations of commitment to the land and devotion to the processes that yield the greatest achievements in taste. These foods, and the communities that produce and depend on them, are constantly at risk of succumbing to the effects of the fast life, which manifests itself through the industrialization and standardization of our food supply and degradation of our farmland. By reviving the pleasures of the table, and using our tastebuds as our guides, Slow Food U.S.A. believes that our food heritage can be saved. All food, art and silent auction revenues benefit Slow Food U.S.A., St. Louis chapter.

I've donated a framed print of this photo to the art auction:

Extraordinary photos of St. Louis

Sometimes I feel like I've seen most of St. Louis at one time or another -- if not every square inch, then another square inch that's quite similar. I mean, the city proper is less than 67 square miles.

But yesterday I saw a link to this unusual photo project that had the participants throwing darts at a map and then visiting the actual spot where the dart landed, and taking photographs on that block. It turns out there's a lot of St. Louis I haven't seen. Streets I've never heard of -- and I thought I'd heard of them all!

Nearly all of the photos are quite riveting on their own. Take a look here: www.dartstlouis.com/.

New craft shop

Originally uploaded by Hilary (curioush)

Just dropped off some photos (including this one) that will be available for sale at Paste in Soulard.

It's a brand-new arts and crafts supply shop that I'm so excited about. Only like five minutes from my house! Pretty pretty things to make other things with!

Their grand opening is this weekend, and festivities will include craft demonstrations.

Check it out!

Win one of my photos on Indie Fixx

Hey there --

It's Jen's birthday over at Indie Fixx, and she's giving readers a chance to get a gift.

I'm offering up a photo (winner's choice!) as part of the giveaway.

Visit her blog here to find out how to win this or one of nine other gifts.

Hurry, the contest ends Monday, June 22!

the Windows of Cherokee

Final photo class was last night. I mostly just developed some photos from my friends' wedding last week. Never did get into the darkroom to make prints, as I suspected I mightn't. Maybe I'll take the class again in the Fall to learn that component.

This is from my Sunday-morning outing to Cherokee Street a few weeks ago. Even when there is almost nobody out, it's surprising how many people want to chat you up when you've got a camera! Within about 10 minutes I got three questions about what I was doing ("are you going to buy that place?", "did you photograph my house up the street?", "did you see that one building -- you know the one -- up the street?") I was feeling a little shy about that so I didn't last too long that morning.

Last film class eve

My last film-development class is Tuesday night and I've still not made any prints. I shot some film at my friends' wedding the other night, I would love to at least get that developed tomorrow night. Looks like I might have to take the class again to learn to make prints.

I don't want to wait until Fall to keep developing! I really like doing this. Have been pricing the minimum equipment/chemicals I'd need to do this at home. Not sure that I need one more bunch of art supplies to have to wade through, my house is not all that big. But I am fairly weak-willed when it comes to art/craft supplies. Stay tuned....

Another water intake tower

Originally uploaded by Hilary (curioush)

the other water intake tower in the Mississippi River at St. Louis

taken from the Chain of Rocks Bridge, an old alignment of Route 66

with a Holga using Ilford Delta film

developed by me!

first 120

Originally uploaded by Hilary (curioush)

I developed this photo last night. It's another one from my Chain of Rocks Bridge misadventure the week before last.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to learn to develop film was so that I could develop 120 (medium format) film, which is what I use in my Holgas and Diana. And now I've developed my first roll, this one, last night.

I've still got a lot to do to feel like I'm comfortable doing this, and the class is more than half over and I haven't begun to think about making prints yet, but I'm having a great time doing what I'm doing and seeing what I get.

FINAL DAY of sale, off to Cherokee

Just about my favorite place in St. Louis right now is Cherokee Street. Besides City Museum. And all my other favorite places. But really, I love it. A lot of cool stuff going on and it just keeps getting better. In fact, did you know I have another blog? Well, I do. Trying to keep track of all the art-related goings-on on Cherokee. Because there are a lot. Galleries, art supplies, music, dancing, theater, etc. Here's that blog, should you ever want to take a peek.

I need to take some more film for my developing class Tuesday, so I'm packing up the cameras to go take some on Cherokee right now. Sometimes I feel awkward taking photos when there are a lot of people around. Despite ... well, everything about me, I don't always love attention. So my hope is early-ish (for me, anyway!) on a Sunday morning it will be pretty empty over there. We'll see.

The photo above was taken from the upstairs of Foam. Don't they have a great view? I can't wait until that place opens. I think I read a rumor there may be something brewing (I swear this was an unintentional pun) sometime this summer. The photo was shot on Ilford Delta film on my Canon AE-1.

For anyone who was considering ordering a photo or postcards during my 30% OFF sale -- it ends as soon as I wake up on Monday morning, so place your orders now! Take advantage of the sale!

3, 2, 1 & Chain of Rocks

You know how people will do the dumbest things for love? Well, I'd never do that. That's dumb.

I will, however, do dumb things for photographs! Boy howdy.

I needed to finish a roll of film for my film developing class this past Tuesday.

On Sunday I awoke to light rain outside. Looked at the radar, thought it looked like it was going to clear up for a good while, drove to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, which is an old alignment of Route 66, now a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. I got about 2/3 of a mile onto the bridge when the skies opened up and the rain began to pour.

But I got like four photos -- including this one above, so you know, totally worth it. And -- this is from the very first roll of film I've ever developed. Hooray! I've done it!

The sale? In my Etsy shop? Just three -- 3 -- days left!

Only 4 more days for 30% off ALL photos; more film developing

Last night I finally developed a roll of film! All things considered, it could have gone worse. I would like to do at least a couple few more before I feel like I've sort of got the hang of it. Haven't made any prints yet, but maybe next time.

Haven't finished scanning last night's roll so here's another one from last week's. This is from the garage roof of St. Louis University Hospital.

That sale I won't shut up about? The one that's 30% off any and all photos in my shop? That ends Sunday! Hurry hurry, step right up!

Don't forget 30% off SALE & at last -- film developing class!

The film developing class I've been wanting to take has really started this time. Last night a couple of other students and I began a 5-week black-and-white-film-developing class. I have whined about doing this for some time, so I'm really excited to have begun.

The photo above is from one of the rolls I shot for the class, on Kodak Tri-X film, with one of my Canon AE-1s. I have bought several different kinds of film and am nerdily keeping track of which photos I shot with which film (and which camera) so if/when I hit upon something I really like I'll find a formula I can stick with.

I must confess that I didn't actually develop the film myself. The instructor used the rolls I shot to demonstrate the process of developing film. But I watched! I was standing right there! I asked many many questions! I hope to develop a roll or two next week, and then get to printing some at some point.

Oh oh oh -- the sale I'm having in my Etsy shop? The 30% off sale? That's only going on for just about 10 more days, so if you have been eying something, now's the time to snap it up! If there's a photo you like but don't see in my shop (or you want a different size, etc.) let me know and I'll be happy to see what I can do.

30/30

I've just listed some new photos in my Etsy shop, including the one above.

And, and, AND! My birthday is on the 30th of this merry month of May, so I will be offering 30% off everything in the shop through the end of the month. Stop by and see what's in stock, or don't hesitate to ask me about custom orders.

Darkroom class: a whole brand new one

Okay, I believe I'm starting film developing class next week, for real this time. Yay!

Got to talk to the instructor on the phone last night and she said I could bring 120 film in addition to 35mm, which is great because I love to take photos with my medium format "toy" cameras (Holga and Diana) and I've not been delighted with any of the prints I've gotten so far from when I've sent that film out to be developed and so now I can try my hand and it and see if I can get something a little more like what I had in mind.

The above was shot with the Diana at Bellefontaine Cemetery in North St. Louis, at the grave of General William Clark (as in Lewis &...), double-exposed with Louis Sullivan's masterpiece Wainwright tomb.

(blog post title sort of swiped from Michael Bernard Loggins. Have you ever encountered his work? Get your butt over to the This American Life web site and listen to a reading of an excerpt from his Fears of Your Life. It is beautiful.)

STL handmade feature

Oooh oooh oooh!

I am behind on a couple of things here, but before I catch up on those.... St. Louis Handmade, the super-neat site for locally made goods posted up a feature on me this week. The site's owner, Tammy Tutterow, did a beautiful job with this, didn't she?

Check the profile out here.

Cherokee Open House report

I've been neglectful about saying how much I enjoyed the Cherokee Street Open House.

It was a beautiful day and I was really pleased with the turnout. Loads of people came by -- and why wouldn't they? Foam is such an attractive spot and such great care is going into it that I know everyone is as eager to see it open as I am. Pretty sure it will be open for business sometime this summer. Stay tuned!

Thanks very much to those of you who came by and took a look at my work. And, of course, to Mike from Foam for giving me a space to show my work. I really appreciate it!

Foam

I'll be at Foam Coffee & Beer today beginning at 11 a.m. and going until we tire out, I guess! I have special one-day-only discounts and new work to show.

Most of the activities scheduled to happen on Cherokee today are between the hours of 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., but I know of at least a couple of other things that will be going later.

If you are bringing littles, think about stopping by mid-afternoon, when there will be stuff for kids at Foam. From Mike, Foam's owner: "If you have kids be sure to come by Foam (3359 S. Jefferson and Cherokee) for some free, family friendly entertainment. We'll be reading stories at 2:30 and have a musical performance starting at 3pm. I know there will be sing along and group participation as well as some original solo acoustic material. The weather is going to be nice and the doors will be open. Cherokee is the place to be! But of course you knew that."

Foam is on the northwest corner of Cherokee and Jefferson, right where the big statue is.

Please come by and see me! Don't forget that if you mention you read my blog, you get a postcard as my free gift to you. No obligation. You can cancel at any time.

Things and stuff

 

More postcards! Just got four new photo postcards today and boy do I like them. If you come see me at Foam during the Cherokee Street Open House this Saturday, tell me you read my blog and I will give you one FOR FREE. No foolin'.

--
I've been keeping an eye out for the community colleges to post their summer continuing ed schedule, and I found it today and there are two more sections of the black and white film developing being offered, so I'm going to remain hopeful that one of those happens and will register again. Yay!


--
Seems like there was something else but I forget what so be sure to check back because I know you won't want to miss whatever it was. If I was thinking it, you want to know about it!

Sham

 


What I love more than taking photographs is sewing. I intend to bring these together in my work at some point when I come up with a clever idea for doing it.

About a year ago I decided to make a quilt. It's a t-shirt quilt, inspired by a book written by Cathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica. I got a bunch of cute or funny or whatnot t-shirts from a thrift store, and chose other fabrics to go with the t-shirt panels. Measure measure, cut cut.

As I'm pretty new to sewing, it took forever to assemble this thing. But I finally finished it sometime in the Fall, I think. Ever since then I meant to make some shams to match the quilt but one project or another kept me from doing that and a couple of weeks ago I decided to just get it done. I finished them this morning and whew! I can clean a few sewing things off the dining room table so I can get to getting some photos ready for next week's show.

What have you been making? (Or what would you like to make if you had the time, space, etc.?)

Phooey!

 

Turns out that the blank roll of film was NO problem, because my film developing class, which was supposed to begin tonight, has been canceled. So now I've got to come up with a new plan to learn the process. More than a few folks have told me that it's fairly easy, but I'm more of a learn-by-doing than a learn-by-reading type, so I was hoping to have the chance to try it out with instruction a few times before I attempted to tackle it on my own. Anyone local who has ideas on somewhere else to take a course in this?

The photo above is one of the handful of digital photos I took on Saturday's excursion. The Knotty Pine Inn and Motel is in Breese, Illinois, on Old Route 50. I had fried chicken there.

Oh, before I forget!: I am super excited to be participating in the Cherokee Street Open House on Saturday, April 4. Mike from Foam* has generously offered to let me have some photos on display the day of the open house. My first solo show! Yay!

If you are in STL that day, won't you pretty pretty please come by and see me? It would mean the world to me. Holler at me for details. I promise to continue to harrass you about this until it's over.

Love,
Me


*do you know about Foam? It's going to be a coffee and beer place (but way more than that) opening at the corner of Cherokee & Jefferson, right where the statue is. Got to take a peek in it the other day and the work that's in progress there is way cool. Come take a look!

Avon calling

Avon
Originally uploaded by Hilary (curioush)

As I type this I can see some neighbor kids wheeling a basketball hoop out into the alley for a little pick-up game. I don't think I've seen them do that yet this year. It must really be Spring!

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I've signed up for the black and white film development classes that I mentioned in this entry. Yay! Thanks again to my friend Darren for inspiring me to finally take action.

Classes start this Tuesday. I get all nervous when I think school, so I'm hoping that this isn't going to be as school-y as regular school.

Not sure how quickly we're going to be getting into the darkroom -- this is a five-week class -- but I thought I'd better get a couple of rolls of black and white film shot first before class starts in case we are supposed to be developing right away.

I haven't had occasion to really get out of St. Louis much lately, so I decided to take a drive on US-50 in Illinois yesterday. I take US-50 in Missouri every chance I get, because it is way more pleasant than the the major highways, and it's got a lot of charm. But I haven't been on it on Illinois much, if ever.

Yesterday seemed like the perfect day to get in the car and do some exploring in Illinois. Fill up a roll or two of film. Win-win. I saw some neat places! Got a whole roll of film filled! Snapped a few digitals and Holgaroids too, but my main focus (haha) was on getting some black and white photos.

Except. When I got home last night, all happy to have gotten some shots that I felt pretty good about, I went to rewind the film and. Nothing. It wouldn't rewind. Because as far as I can tell I must have done something wrong in the first place when loading the film and I actually took no photos. Doh!

I guess I'll wait and see what happens when I try to develop the film in class, but I'm not too hopeful on this one.

This is one of the digital photos I took (haven't scanned the Holgaroids yet) of the Avon Theater in Breese, Illinois. Breese is a really cute town -- as were the others I passed through along the way. Will definitely have to make another trip there. And practice my film-loading technique.

Send me a postcard, drop me a line, stating point of view

I've been thinking about this for a while -- having postcards made of some of my photos. I am accustomed to making my own prints; I get all nervous when I send something out to be printed for any reason. When I make a print I work at it until I am perfectly happy with it. If a color is a little off I make it again and again until it's something I'd be proud to show as my work. I can get a little fussy!

So I sent in one test image for the postcards to see how well I liked the results. I liked it a lot! And had four other images put on postcards. I love them so much I am thinking about which ones I will have made next.

See them in my Etsy shop here.