Broadsided and Broadened

Hey all:

Before I begin my all-important post for today (how's that for self-indulgent?), I owe a huge apology to Ara Lucia. I've mentioned her in a bunch of postings - she's been a crucial part of my artistic development. Well, somehow we got our signals crossed and she didn't know about the blog until she happened upon it during a web search. I told her how sorry I was, but Ara, if you're reading this, sorry again - you know you rock!

Speaking of Ara rocking - her new website is up, and y'all need to check it out. I sent a link to a video a few months back showing the "behind the scenes" scoop on the photo shoot she directed. But, the new website is great, the images from that shoot are super-cool, and she simply kicks ass. Check it out: http://www.aralucia.org/

Final piece of business - blogging music is Sugar. One of Bob Mould's wondrous creations from the 1990's - pure guitar-driven rock with great songwriting. Who could ask for more?

Ok, now that all of that's out of the way, I promised y'all something. I seem to recall saying that I would have some new images before the new year. So, I decided to shock and awe and give you 2 of them! How's that for over-achieving?

The funny thing is that they've been ready for a while, but I didn't really know it. Let me explain.

So, I'm all hot and heavy on this new watercolor-looking process I've been doing. And, I've been focusing on the water series pretty seriously. The problem is that when I get going on a style and theme, I tend to block out everything else. I find I get too distracted with other image- making prospects if I don't focus in one area at a time.

Well, that's all well and good, but sometimes when you do that, you miss some things. Sometimes, those things are pretty important.

See, one of the issues with the new style I'm doing is that only certain kinds of imagery actually work for it. Images that are mostly mid-tones without much contrast, tonal range, etc. don't work as well. So, I've eliminated a lot of images along the way. Many of them sucked to begin with, so no real loss - I had just hoped that maybe something magical would happen during the process. But, I had a few images that I really liked on their own that simply weren't working.

Last night, I spent some time working on the abstract image of the wave you see here. I was really excited about it, but after 10-15 attempts, it was clear it wasn't happening. Some prints looked ok, but it seemed like the power of the photo was completely sucked out by the process. My wife saw the image and didn't have much of a reaction. But, she saw the "original" photo on my screen and said, "Wow, I really like that!" And I said..."That's it!" Why should every image in a body of work have to be created exactly the same way? Using some images as is, without the full "process" being employed will work very nicely I think - these two new ones being prime examples. I think they still have some painterly qualities and they certainly fit into the theme. They make sense with the others - and I'm amazed about how this simple moment broadened the horizon for what this series can be. As an aside, the other shot posted here (which I'm calling "Beacon" for now) was actually another view of the "Buoy" photo on my website, but it didn't work as well during the process. On it's own, I'm pretty happy with it.

It's worth noting here that when I say "as is," that's a bit of a misnomer. All it really means is that the final step in the process is missing. The print-making process I'm using actually has 4-5 steps to it, so when you look at it that way, the image has still been through the ringer.

These two images are also now posted to my website: http://www.sirinsky.com/ I made a couple other changes to the site as well, and if you visit often, you'll probably notice. Not a major face lift or anything - just a little variety for the new year.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2009. Until next year...

-Marc

Feeding Time

Hello everyone:

I'm guessing that if you're in New England, you're probably not reading this right now, due to the lovely ice storm you guys got as an early holiday present. How nice! Hope you guys are ok!

Blogging music today - Bad Religion Live at the Paladium. Right now, the song playing is "Fuck Armageddon, This is Hell." Damn, those guys still rock!!

Well, in my last post, I mentioned that I was in a new exhibition out here in PA. I went to the opening, not knowing what to expect - it was snowing/sleeting, the roads were icy, and some asshole was honking at me because I was going "too slow". Apologies that I didn't feel like slamming into something that night - but apparently he didn't care, since he tailed me for 2 miles and then when I parked, he made sure to slow down so I could see his middle finger. I've got a lot of ideas on what he can do with that finger, but I won't get into that now...

So, I didn't exactly walk into the opening in the greatest mood. But, actually, it was a very enjoyable evening. The gallery was packed with a very diverse crowd, drinks were flowing (perfect for driving on icy roads of course), and the show was actually quite good. I even liked how they hung my work - which I can't say very often. I made some great connections, got some good feedback, and topped off the evening with some sashimi and a glass of cold, unfiltered sake. Why can't all evenings end that way? Because I'd go broke, that's why!

Anyway, I'm having this problem that at first was surprising to me, but the more I think about it and analyze it, it makes sense. When I was "downsized" from my "job" recently, I had thought that while I was looking for a new gig, I be able to take the free time and create some great new art. Well, what I didn't realize is:

a. I have equal or less free time than I had before - because my childcare duties have increased, I'm in physical therapy for my knee and I'm looking for a new job almost every waking hour.

b. I don't feel creative right now - mainly because my fine art feeds off my success at "work."


The first point makes a lot of sense, and it was purely a miscalculation on my part. But the second part of this was very surprising to me. Obviously, one's state of mind is an important part of the creative process, but I didn't realize how much one career fed on the other. I learned early on to keep my commercial side and fine art side very separate (which is why I'm not a commercial photographer, etc.) - but I didn't fully understand the connection between the two until now.

I spoke with Ara (see earlier post) and I explained this to her, and she wasn't at all surprised. I usually know myself pretty well, but I guess on occasion, we all miss something.

I have one piece waiting to be made (about 1/2 way done) and then it will likely be time for me to start a new project. I have a very grandiose idea that I might share with you later, but it is going to take a long time to complete and planning for it could be pretty labor intensive. I have to snap myself out of this funk first - but writing about it is the first step I think.

Tomorrow is also the 1 year anniversary of my Mom's passing, and those of you who know me well understand that my relationship with her was...well...complicated. But, it's a rough time for me right now overall - which amplifies things. Also, I just found out a good friend of mine's mother is in the hospital, stricken with the same illness my Mom had. The coincidence in terms of timing, the illness itself, and the similarities in personalities between the two women is really uncanny. Best wishes for a speedy recovery...! (not calling her out by name, because the news is still very fresh).

Anyway, that's what I have for now. I'll post the new piece when it's done and I'll keep sharing news as it becomes available.

Winter is officially here - stay warm!


-Marc

Delayed Gratification

Hi Everyone:

Well, it's been a month (to the day) since my last post - so I thought it was time for me to pop in and say hello. Blogging music today is Bloc Party - their new album called "Intimacy". Good stuff - better than their last album, but not quite as good as their first one.

Now, before you start yelling at me, I have a few reasons for the delay. I won't take up the whole post with them - but the two main reasons are:

1. My company joined the ranks of the other major media companies and laid-off over 10% of their staff - including the Managing Art Director (who ran the dept), a very talented Senior Designer and myself. In other words, they are now operating without a true department head or a photo editor and have to put out their entire book list with 5 designers. In a way, I may have been one of the lucky ones (I had been looking to leave anyway). But, if anyone has inside knowledge of an open full-time Photo Director/Editor, Photo Producer, Art Buyer, or Image Rights and Licensing gig - let me know! Links to jobs on Mediabistro and HotJobs are nice and all, but I've been job-searching full-time the past few weeks and have probably seen everything from the "usual suspects."

2. I had knee surgery a week ago and have been hooped-up on all kinds of goofinthal. Granted, a blog post in that state would have been fun - but I wanted to tone it down a little so I didn't have a narcoleptic episode in the middle of a sentence. I've also had a steady flow of out-of-town family in to help- so it's been a bit chaotic.

See, told you I had good excuses. My time has been occupied with job-searching and hardcore narcotics (not to mention some extended child duties). But, it's time to get back to art...

Apparently, I'm going to be in a show opening next Saturday. It's at the gallery I mentioned in my previous post - out here in Easton, PA. I figured, why not? Also, the submission process was unlike anything I had ever heard before. The gallery has a short list of folks they call when they have a big, un-themed group show. Anyone who wants to then drops off their most recent work at the gallery - all in one night. The work is then curated from there, and whatever fits is kept for the show. If you don't get a call, your work is in and if you do, you pick up your work.

At first, I was a bit stymied by this methodology - every other gallery I have ever worked with who does open calls asks for JPEG's or slides and then if you're selected, you deliver the work a few weeks before the show. The whole thing seemed strange to me - and everyone I mentioned it to also thought it was weird.

But, on the night I dropped off the work, I realized why the gallery does it this way. It brings lots of artists together to look at each others work - BEFORE the show is actually curated and finished. The artists get to meet each other, get a preview of each other's work - and even view pieces that might be edited-out before the show is actually hung. And for a gallery that prides itself on being an anchor for a particular community, this model makes a lot of sense. It was actually a very enjoyable evening - I could have stayed 5 minutes if I wanted to, but actually was there almost 2 hours looking at work and meeting people. Good times!

I'm also supposed to be in a show at the end of February at Flatfile in Chicago. But, I have no idea which work they want - I know the show is called SEPIA - so all the work is...yep, you guessed it - sepia-toned, or sepia-looking! I should probably check in with them though.

I know I really need to make a couple new pieces. You'd think unemployment would allow me some free-time, but lately, I've actually been as busy, if not busier than I was when I was working. Also, now that my knee is all jacked-up, it's gonna be even harder, since the process I use requires a lot of standing, leaning, etc. But, I'll make this promise - I will have at least 1 new piece before the holidays. Well, let's call it goal rather than a promise, but it's one that I think is certainly achievable.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Turkey, Turkducken, Tofurky, etc. I'm on the mend now, so more to come soon...

-Marc

No Means No

Hi everyone:

Well, after some turmoil at "work" and some chaos at home, I though it was time to escape for a while and cozy-up with a nice, hot cup of Blog. Blogging music today is...nothing... unless you count the extremely annoying sound of the vacuum cleaner at the coffee shop I'm at. That's what I get for leaving my headphones at home.

Anyway, I still haven't gotten to another printing session yet - but I do know which image I plan to try out first. Lots of business-related day trips recently and I just need a night when things are calm to give this one a shot. We'll see.

So, in my last blog, I kinda lambasted the idea of making something out of my scrap prints. And in general, I still do feel that way, but I'm starting to think about keeping the first couple prints that aren't quite there (but close) and labeling them as artist's proofs. The ones that clearly suck are getting ditched- but maybe an artist's proof or two wouldn't be a terrible idea. Sometimes they have an interesting look and there could be some inherent value there, since they'll look very different from the rest of the edition. We'll see - gotta think about it some more.

On the gallery/exhibition front, I had something happen recently that I thought could be good to discuss tonight. A while ago, a friend of mine hooked me up with a gallery director in TN - and we talked about my participation in an upcoming show. I was booked for other shows at the time and the gallery's schedule hadn't been finalized, but the discussion went on for a few months. Then, the director contacted me again and indicated that the gallery was changing its business model from a traditional artist/gallery relationship (with a standard commission percentage) to one where the artist pays a flat fee, in essence "renting" the space, with a significantly lower commission. Basically, I said thanks, but no thanks - indicating that I wasn't interested in a "pay to show" arrangement at this point in my career. But I told them to keep me posted on developments at the gallery, etc.

Well, the gallery closed (big surprise) and the director became a partner in another space. That space then contacted me 2 weeks ago, indicating that they "received my submission" (which of course they didn't - I never sent them one), and that they had space available for a show...in NOVEMBER! And of course, the agreement asked for a flat fee to cover promotion, postcards, etc. And I literally copied the response I sent the last go-around and sent it again.

This goes back to something I touched on in an earlier post: I didn't want to come off as a snob here - but I wanted to be honest. Everyone gets to a point in their career (whatever career i may be) where there are things they simply will no longer agree to. Mine are the following, and have been for quite some time:

-Paying someone to show my work. I know lots of galleries, especially new ones, have trouble making ends meet- but a 50% commission on artwork sold should be good enough. And besides, with an upfront fee and lower commission, where's the incentive for a gallery or rep to sell work?

-Install my own work. It's a good thing to know how to do when you're first starting out, but the days of me taking time off of work to paint gallery walls, light and hang my own work are long over. Some might argue that you have more control over how your work is shown when you hang it yourself, but honestly, I don't have the time or energy for it.

-No coffee shop shows. I enacted this policy many years ago - and I'm glad I did. Some work looks, shows and sells very well in that setting - but mine doesn't, and besides, you generally have to hang it yourself. Historically for me - a lot of effort for very little gain.

I may not be ready for my retrospective at MOMA, but I know what my goals are and I've been showing long enough where I feel I can say no to some things. And, better that than to agree to something and be sorry you did later - which has happened to me many times over the years.

Quick business note: The PACA "Art Buyer's" panel I mentioned in a previous blog entry happened on Saturday, and overall, it was a very positive experience. Met some cool people and saw some folks I hadn't seen in a while. Myself and the other members of the panel seemed to have a good chemistry and the audience was very complimentary afterwards. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. Heading back to NYC tomorrow for the annual Picturehouse conference. That makes 3 NYC trips in 3 weeks. Makes for some long days, but I always manage to squeeze in a good meal.

That's all I've got for now. Hopefully the next time we chat I'll have some work to share.

-Marc

And The Days Turn Into Weeks

So, in my last post I think I foolishly said something about having more prints in "the next few days" (or something stupid like that). Well, obviously that didn't happen. Life gets in the way sometimes - what can I tell ya? I'm hoping for next week, but we'll see.



Blogging music selection tonight: Monaco - a band founded by Peter Hook (bassist from New Order - one of my all-time favorite bands), and David Potts (from the band Revenge). The band only lasted 2 albums, but I really enjoy them. Probably because they sound like New Order.



Anyway, art-wise, I've found myself becoming more interested in art books. I've always had some lying around, but I started thinking - how cool would it be to have a library full of all kinds of art books? With a nice leather chair. And a posh mini-bar - maybe with a carafe of something in it. Excellent Smithers! Anyway, I've read about some new small presses focusing on art books - I'll send along some links and examples when I can. But, great stuff on the horizon in the art publishing market.

Well, I've been fighting a fever the last 48-hours or so, and as a result, my brain has become incapable of sharing anything else. More soon - just checking in to say hello.

Good weekend to all!

-Marc

I once was lost, but now am....

....still lost. More on that in a bit. As for the camera shown above, more about that at the end of this post (can't get the image to post in the right place for some reason).

So, after a crappy workout and a "challenging" dinner with the kids, I got to Starbucks about 45 minutes before close. Should be enough time to catch everyone up.

Quick day-job comment - I was reading an article from the August issue of PDN, and ran across something that hit a little too close to home. And before you comment: I know, I'm a little behind on my reading - if I read every magazine that routed to me at work, I'd never get a thing done!

Anyway, this issue had an article called "Life In The Faster Lane" - which basically talks about online photo editors, and how they have to be faster and more versatile (the article uses the word "hybrid", among others) than print Photo Editors. Well, I'm primarily a print photo editor, but I have done both - and agree with the "faster" part. Those of us in print have an actual production schedule- while a lot of online photo editors actually have to post in "real time", or at the very least, a much tighter turnaround. I have a lot of respect for my online counterparts - it's a different mindset and the ones I know are quite talented.

But as far as being busier or more of a "hybrid", I'll just ask PDN to spend a day in my shoes as the only photo editor for a book publisher that puts out 150 titles per year. I'm thinking (or at least hoping) they'd see things a little differently.

Ok, enough of that stuff - this isn't a work bitch-session.

Blogging music today - Pete Yorn. Great singer/songwriter in my opinion - my sister-in-law Lindsay deserves props for helping me discover Pete so many years ago. Lindsay was my concert buddy before I moved to PA - very similar tastes, etc. Of course, since I left, she saw some of my favorite bands without me, and then rubbed it in my face - very uncool. I still love her though...

Ok, onto art, and the title of tonight's blog entry. So, my boss at work saw some of my stuff a month or two ago and said something that really stuck with me: that she saw a real sense of "loss" in my work. Nobody has ever said that before, and I actually never really thought about it. I always thought I worked through the themes of childhood, memory and human recollection by hinting at what's there, or giving an essence of something - not accentuating what was gone.

But then, I looked back through my work and saw exactly what she was talking about. Knowing her, I'm sure she was primarily referring to the mood of my work, rather than strictly content - and I totally see where she's coming from. It just goes to show that no matter how much you think you understand your own work, another opinion is always waiting out there to enlighten you.

So, the above picture is a new Diana camera that I am seriously thinking about buying. Super-cool looking, (right down to the retro-looking flash) - it has a 75 mm. lens that detaches for conversion to a pinhole camera. Mr. Carlton is still first-string, but I may be looking at Miss Diana for a first-round draft pick. She might have to sit on the bench for a while, but I'd

definitely get her some playing time.

Funny final note: I was in a show once called "Carlton, Diana, Holga." Obviously, this is because all the work was created with one of those 3 cameras. But, one critic actually called the gallery to find out more about these "people" and to get their last names. At that moment, the gallery director knew she chose the perfect name for the show...

Ok, they're kicking me out - my how time flies...

-Marc

If a blog falls in the forest, but nobody is around to hear it...

Hi all:

Until recently, I wasn't really sure anyone was reading this - like I said in my earlier post, I've heard that you have to register an e-mail address to leave a comment. I wouldn't do it if I were you - and everyone apparently agreed with my thinking. But then I got a couple of e-mails from folks telling me that not only are they reading it, but they actually like it! Wow, who'd have thought? Well, I guess I'll keep going then - at least for a little while - until I need to head home and begin my weekly Saturday night solo parenting duties..

Rainy day here in PA - out at a coffee shop with a new drink I haven't tried before - apparently with good reason. Yuck! Blogging music of the day: Midnight Oil. I know - some folks find them a little preachy, etc - but I always liked that they stayed true to their roots their whole career. Plus, they just have a signature sound that I love.

Ok, onto art. Recently, I was thinking about how I've been doing this whole plastic camera thing for 8-9 years now, which I continue to love - especially because I keep finding new ways to squeeze creativity out of it. My latest body of work, which I shot with this camera, has garnered some very positive feedback - so I guess I still have a future with my trusty old Carlton (yes, that's the name of the camera).

The thing is, I can't remember the last time I shot with my fully manual Nikon FM2. It's been forever! I'm thinking about taking it out for a spin - it's probably a little bitter these days - and with good reason. It went from being the "apple of my eye" (you guys like that "photography/eye" pun? Awesome!) to taking up space in my closet, behind my Carlton and my point and shoot Casio digital. We have some relationship mending to do, and honestly, I'm feeling a bit rusty with it. I'm sure it's like riding a bike - I've had it since freshman year of college and wouldn't trade it for anything. Well, maybe for a Leica - but it would be a tough call.

Well, on the subject of my current work, I have some images ready to print. Of the 3 scans I got back - I realized 1 image clearly won't work, 1 image might work, and one will be GREAT! (at least I think it has that potential) Not bad: 1, possibly 2 out of 3? I'll take those odds as a photographer any day. Solid scans from Tom though on all fronts. Waiting for 4-6 more, should have early next week. Then, I need a day to do some printing and hopefully I'll have a few new pieces at the end of next week!

Ok, I haven't recommended any other artists for a while. I realized the last time I did this, I left out one of my all time favorites. Her name is Holly Roberts, and she does oil painting on photographs. Now, before you turn your nose up and say: "how revolutionary - everyone is doing that now!", consider that she has been doing it since the 1970's. That's right, the 1970's! And, she is STILL better at it than anyone else. This woman has been a huge inspiration on my work - I walked into a show of hers at Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago early on in my professional career, and it truly changed my artistic sensibilities forever. Ironically, I never did a series of painting on photography - I tried it once, but it wasn't right for my work and I also knew I'd never be able to do it as well as she does (mainly because my painting skills are, shall we say, less-than-ideal). But, she helped me realize what mixed-media/alternative process photography could be and at that moment, I knew that was where my work needed to go to get across my themes.

http://www.hollyroberts.com/

http://www.edelmangallery.com/roberts-main.htm


Ok, in other news, the Google problem appears to have been fixed - at least for now. That's a bit of a relief. I see a competition brewing between Rabbi and artist, East Coast vs. West Coast, Jew vs. Jew. Our own version of Biggie and Tupac - we'll battle it out "old school" for reigning supremacy of the name Marc Sirinsky on the web. I'm at a disadvantage though - he's a Rabbi and probably has some friends in "high places." I, on the other hand, probably have some enemies in "high places."

That's it for the moment. Enjoy the weekend. Hopefully, I'll have some real news next week.

-Marc

When A Talk is More Than A Talk

So, in my last post I mentioned I was going to a new gallery (well, new to me anyway) to present some work - and it went fairly well. I actually left a couple of prints there for their inventory (look left to see one of them)

The visit, however, really brought forth a lot of emotions and got me thinking about some things.

Most of you know that this blog and my website (again: http://www.sirinsky.com/) are all part of my master plan to "TAKE OVER THE WORLD!" (to quote 'Pinky and the Brain') Well, maybe that's a bit of an overstatement, but those two things, combined with a bunch of new work (hopefully) are meant to give me a fresh start in my art career. Or pick-up where I left off - it really depends on how you look at it.

Enter my friend Ara Lucia - whom I mentioned in an earlier post. She was my first gallery director after art school, and we have remained close friends ever since. Ara is a writer, director and artist in her own right - and once again, a link to her latest work is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg-yYI4HjlI

Ara has seen the progression of my work over the years and arguably knows it better than anyone else. She and I have frequent conversations about art, business, etc - and our free exchange of ideas has served us both very well over the years- it is a reciprocal relationship in the truest sense. Her honest feedback has proved invaluable time after time - and a couple nights ago, I needed her again.

The gallery visit is what prompted it. I walked in, and I found the work to be a mixed bag, which of course is subjective and typical of any gallery space. The staff was very cool and it was clearly a "happening" spot. But, it really felt like a community/neighborhood gallery in the every way - both good and bad. It was a bit grungy, the lighting was less-than-ideal, and the presentation of some of the work was not what I've grown accustomed to over the years. Some quality work to be sure, but it really brought me back to the kind of space I showed in when I was first starting out. This wasn't exactly what I meant by "a fresh start".

Was I being too elitist? They show some major folks every so often (though not typically), and they certainly seemed like a cool bunch of people. But I kept asking myself, is this the right place for me? Is this the kind of environment that is going to push my work to the next level? Does that even matter? After all, I spent so much time at a gallery where I was allowed to do whatever I wanted and I always knew my work would be shown. Maybe that was good enough?

So, I left the aforementioned prints there and walked out the door with the possibility of at least a group show down the road. And during my 30 minute car ride home, I starting thinking about this whole new initiative - the blog, the website, and what I am trying to accomplish. I needed to call Ara.

What ensued was one of those turning points in someones career. I know that one day I'll be able to look back on that conversation and say to myself, "that was where it all changed." The consensus was that showing was always a good thing (this new space included), but there is a definite kind of space that I need to pursue - a national or international space that represents a limited stable of artists so I can get some personal attention and really be pushed. I need a home.

She confirmed my suspicions that my newest body of work is what can bring me to the next level, and that I need to develop it more before seriously promoting myself again. She was blunt, like I knew she would be - and said "some of your other work was close, but not quite there. Right now, you are really onto something - and you need to focus on it." She should know - she owns many pieces of mine - including two of my latest.

Once this body of work is expanded upon, I'll have a whole new approach, thanks to Ara. Anyway, thought I would share, and give her hearty THANK YOU!

Scans for new work happening as we speak. Hopefully works in progress in the coming days.

Time to head home and get some sleep - the kids have been waking up at 5:30 am lately for some reason.

-Marc

Google Poop

So, after a rather trying night with the kids (poop, pee, tantrums - the really fun part of parenting), I decided some time to myself was in order. So, now that I am all snuggled up with my computer, some Bad Religion on iTunes and hot cocoa at Starbucks, I thought some blogging was appropriate. I know, Bad Religion and hot cocoa - who'd have thought? Somehow, the dichotomy works for me - I can't explain it. And yes, I am at Starbucks - and for those of you against the whole Starbucks business model, you can feel better in knowing that the location I go to is closing. And before that, they are significantly cutting their hours. Feel better? I hope so - because I don't.

So, I recently discovered that my website disappeared from the ranks of the almighty Google. Out of nowhere. So, after my 10 minute rant of 4 letter expletives, I checked in with the folks who run my site, and they assured me they're on it. I also did some tweaking on my end - so we'll see if it does any good. In the meantime, you may be surprised if you Google my name and find that the first entry is for a Rabbi with the EXACT same spelling as my name - first and last. So, before you all tell me how "hilarious, ironic, funny, insert adjective here" this is - let me assure everyone that this is not news.

The other Marc Sirinsky was a screenwriter before becoming a Rabbi apparently. While growing up, my parents used to tell me there was this other guy out there with my name who was on the credits of a bunch of TV shows (Trapper John M.D., among others). Anyway, I didn't think much about it until I moved back in with my mom just after college. Anyway, I started getting this guy's mail - but it was a different Marc Sirinsky from the other guy (so I thought)- one Rabbi Marc Sirinsky. Whenever something would show up at my mom's addressed to a "Rabbi" Marc Sirinsky, my mom would always say "YEAH, that'll be the day!" Seriously, every time! Not that she was wrong, but...

One time I called a company who was printing postcards for one of my art shows to get an update. I gave them my name and they said "Which one?" My response was, "You gotta be kidding. I'm being haunted by a Rabbi!" A web search proved that the screenwriter and Rabbi were one in the same.

So, being the pious Jew that I am (cough cough), I thought I would extend a friendly hand and e-mailed the guy's secretary to say "hi, there's two of us, thought he'd get a chuckle out of it...etc" The response: "How funny!" I'm guessing she didn't even tell him. And now he's haunting me again! Hopefully this Google thing will get fixed soon - otherwise, people are going to ask me to officiate their weddings or something - and trust me, that wouldn't be good for anybody.

It has also come to my attention that in order to leave a comment on here, you have to provide an e-mail address. Hopefully, that explains the absence of comments on here - otherwise, you are all in big-ass trouble. Unless of course you don't have anything nice to say. Then, by all means, keep your comments to yourself...

Ok, onto art. Bought some prints recently - excited about them but probably won't get around to framing them for a while. Cool stuff - all work from 20x200- see earlier posts. My framer in Chicago is always surprised at my art collection - I guess a lot of artists don't collect art. I'm the opposite - I need the inspiration of other artists' work. Also, I just love having other stuff around besides my own. When you're an artist and have friends/colleagues who are artists - it's like you have a backstage pass to the art world. Trade with people, buy a sketch, figure out ways to take advantage of your access. And perhaps most important of all, artists should support artists - we need each other.

Scans should be ready next week so I can really begin crankin' on some new work soon thereafter. "Excellent Smithers, Excellent!" I'm hoping for 4-6 new pieces out of this latest batch - so we'll see. I'm also going to be meeting with a gallery out this way in Easton, PA (which has a growing art scene) to discuss some possible exhibition opportunities with them. It's been called the "mothership" gallery of the area, so we'll see if it's a good match.

Well, this post has gone on long enough. I know - a lot of effort for very little news. Sorry about that. But, I'll make up for it in the coming weeks. I promise.

-Marc

News about work...and "work..."

I thought I would let everyone else decide which kind of "work" gets put into quotes - the day-job - which totally stresses me out, but puts food on the table and gives my family and me health insurane, or my artwork which...stresses me out, sometimes puts more food on the table (have you met my kids? they're like vacuum cleaners!), and provides me with a much-needed creative outlet. You decide. Regardless, I have some news on both.

Most of you know that my 9-5 job (which is really more like 9-9 most days, except when it's 9-midnight) is being the Photo Editor for Rodale Books. For those who didn't know this - now you do. And though I plan to use this blog as a forum for my art career, sometimes the publishing thing will creep in too. So, if you're interested, read on - and if not, skip down a couple paragraphs to some art news.

You've decided to read on...my, you are dedicated! Thanks and stuff! Anyway, I've agreed to be a panelist for a seminar at the Picture Archive Council of America's (PACA's ) International Conference in New York City on October 25th. I don't know all the details yet, but the seminar will focus on the stock photography industry, and will offer diverse perspectives on the current state of the industry, where my colleagues and I think it's headed, and who knows what else. I'll be the representative from the publishing sector, and I'm told there will be 4 other panelists from other areas of the creative marketplace. Should be an interesting event, supposedly very well-attended, and I'll probably see folks I haven't seen in a while. More about PACA at:

http://www.pacaoffice.org

Of course, I'll probably see them again later that week for the annual Picturehouse convention: http://www.picturehouse.org/

But that's beside the point I guess...

Ok, for those of you who read that - thanks! For those of you who didn't and skipped down to this part, no judgement here...welcome to the "fine art" portion of the discussion.

Ok, stop complaining, no new work yet - like I said, I'm working on it, but my digital imaging guy is swamped right now, so I told him it could wait a couple of weeks. Maybe I'll bribe him with beer - he likes beer. I like beer. Maybe I should go get a beer. Like right now. Well ok, first the news: just booked a new show. At Flatfile. I know - we parted ways, but as I said, it was an amicable parting (mostly) and I told them I'd do the guest artist thing with them. So, in February of 2009 (Feb. 27th for those who REALLY like to plan ahead), I'll be participating in a show called SEPIA. Pretty much just as it sounds - work that is sepia-toned or sepia color - you know- the whole nostalgia thing that I've been doing for, like, my whole professional career. See why the show makes sense? Of course you do! Anyway, not sure what the work will be (old, new, mix of the two - hey that rhymes!), but I'll keep y'all posted.

That's it for now. Enjoy the rest of your work week. Just a couple more days...!

-Marc

Not much, but some...

I saved my first post as a draft for a while, thinking that the post date would be based on...well...when I actually POSTED the entry. Not so apparently...

So since my first post appeared out of date as soon as it went up, I thought I should reward everyone that just received my email with an "up to the minute" post.

I changed the subtitle of the blog - just seemed to fit a little better. If you care either way, let me know (though I'm guessing most of you don't).

As for new work - I'm getting there - edited a bunch of film late last week, so now I just need some awesome scans from my pal Tom and we'll be on a roll. Get it?- film, roll, etc. Ok, give me a break, I've been working the day job 15-16 hours a day and have been sick for over 3 weeks. Sense of humor kinda sucks right now.

Ok, onto some things I've been peeking at. Firstly, I'm loving this new site I found called "20 x 200." Those of you who collect art, but don't want to blow all your dough on it- this is the place for you. I'll let you explore the site for yourselves, but 3 words sums it up: "quality work for $20.00" Well, 3 words and a number...

http://www.20x200.com/

Of course, you can spend $2000.00 there as well on a piece. The business model has received a lot of write-ups lately. Not saying I agree with it entirely, but still quite interesting. And, I've seen some good work up there.

Shifting gears slightly, I saw some work by an artist that absolutely blew me away - and those who know me well understand I don't say this too often. The guy's name is Don Gregorio Antón - and his work was exhibited at Light Work at Syracuse University back in March. But, the exhibition was published in the April 1, 2008 issue of "Contact Sheet" (#145) - and I would definitely try to lay your hands on a copy. Well worth it, I assure you.

That's the latest news for now. Gonna go sit in the tub and try to steam all this gunk out of my sinuses (yummy - right?). Hope everyone is well.

-Marc

Fresh Start, New Blog

Hi all:

While developing my new website, I told a good friend of mine that I was thinking about starting a blog. She said "Forget it - you don't even have time to call your friends, much less be witty on a blog". And you know what? I'm guessing that she is exactly right. But, against my better judgement, I'm gonna give this a shot and see what happens. It's all part of carving out some time each week (or two) to get back to the my "art" roots.

If you're looking for the "I had a sandwich today - let's celebrate!" variety of blogging, you've come to the wrong place, though I do reserve the right to comment on some ridiculous stuff. Mainly this will be a way for me to provide news on my artwork - including upcoming art shows, publications, new works/works in progress, artists I'm liking right now, etc.

So, since this is the first entry, I suppose I should catch everyone up. The big news is that, as most of you know, I revamped my website. Address is still http://www.sirinsky.com - so check it out if you haven't already (link from my website directly to the blog coming soon). The site will be updated fairly regularly, in addition to some new pieces being posted here.

I'm no longer represented by Flatfile Gallery in Chicago. I will be maintaining a relationship with them as a guest artist- which has pretty much been my "unofficial" relationship with them since I moved to Allentown, PA. In the near future, I will therefore be seeking new representation - without geographical bias, just looking for the right space. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

I'm still working mostly with my trusty 1920's Carlton plastic camera- and have been shooting a lot lately. Working to expand the "water" series a bit (see the first several photos on my site) and am also sketching out some other ideas. I'll have a couple of pieces to show everyone soon I hope.

Artists I'm liking right now are:

Josh Cochran (Illustrator)

http://www.joshcochran.net

Edgar Martins (Photographer)

http://www.themothhouse.com

Ara Lucia

(not letting me paste address - search ara lucia on youtube, and scroll to "The Making of a Photo Fable"). Ara's a good friend and supremely talented, and this video gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her latest project. Great stuff Ara!

In the meantime, thanks for looking, and stay tuned - more on the way.

-Marc