Sweet Wishes

Here is a little retro ditty by Mark Ryden and Marion Peck to see you into 2009:

Looking at Mark Ryden‘s work is an amazing experience in reliving one’s childhood – well it is for me at least. A little trippy but what can I say, I’m a child of the 70s!

Rosie’s Tea Party, 2005 (Courtesy Mark Ryden)

Sophia’s Mercurial Waters, 2001 (Courtesy Mark Ryden)

Interestingly his work also reminds me a little of Loretta Lux. Wouldn’t you say?

Girl with Marbles, 2005 (Courtesy Loretta Lux)

The Irish Girls, 2005 (Courtesy Loretta Lux)

Sasha and Ruby 1, 2008 (Courtesy Loretta Lux)

It’s funny how we seem to be afraid of childhood. It’s a time so full of contradictions I suppose; innocent/knowing, real/surreal, high/low etc… I know in my own practice of photographing children though, that there is something very honest and uninhibited, at least until they hit adolescence. Even then, it’s hard for them to hide that inner rawness. And I think it’s this that is so intriguing for artists. On the other hand, adults can be so predictable which doesn’t always make for great art……… Well, at least not in the mystical sense that these two artists have created their work.

Anyway, here’s to a great 2009! Hope yours rocks!

To White: Ethereal Photographs at the Front Gallery

Come along to Alex James’ and Timo Nest’s opening night of their show To White at the Front Gallery in Lyneham tomorrow evening:

See you there!

More Belco….

Some new/recent images from my on and on and on-going project “Belco Pride”:

Belco Bowling Club

Bill, Pigeon Fancier and Racer

Jess with her dog Roxy

More to come soon….

Some Thoughts on Being Mortal…

There’s a completely interesting thread over at the Magnum blog that was started by Alec Soth about the idea of AGE and ART. Interesting and the responses were too. You can read it here.

Of course, some of the responses resonated with me, particularly those which mentioned the challenges of raising family, working full-time and trying to balance one’s art practice. Patricia Lay-Dorsey had this to say:

Alec, your question is a good one. Of course, aging women have a tougher row to hoe in ANY field, whether it’s photography, finance, politics, etc., especially if they want to break into a new field of endeavor.

But I’ve found the most damaging agism is INTERNALIZED agism, the attitude too many folks have that they’re “too old” to try new things or venture out of their comfort zone, especially with any kind of serious intent to make their mark in that new field. Sometimes you’ve just got to tell your inner critic to shut the f***k up and get out there and do it!

But that’s true for all of us, no matter what our age or sex. It takes guts–as per the interview you posted introducing this thread–to follow your passion, especially if that passion takes you into uncharted territory.

I hear you Patricia! And as corny as it sounds (and yes I’ve mentioned it here before) you just gotta keep on truckin’! This was also reiterated recently by Helen Ennis who delivered a lovely seminar about a photograph by Olive Cotton, who was still making photographs late into her 80s. According to Helen – who clearly has the best attitude – the best is yet to come! I’m completely excited about the images I’ve yet to make! Now if only I could juggle better…..

Lastly… a Tuesday night treat:

Lucy and Clare (from the Siblings series)