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
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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:
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
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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
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
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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
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
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