Fare thee well, 2010

This past year has been remarkable in many ways. Although I must say, I could never really categorize an entire year as being UNremarkable. I've got a terrific existence and I always have, despite the fact that as an adolescent it may not have been realized or appreciated. For as long as I can remember I have been surrounded by wonderful people. It is a blessing I can't quite fathom. Because of my own insecurities I have difficulties understanding why people that I consider to be intelligent, witty, driven and honorable would choose to include me in their lives. What I'm getting at is - I'm so thankful for friends. They make for laughter, adventure, support and are a constant reminder of our intrinsic human need for relationship and community.


Some notable individuals from this past year in my life include - Liz Campbell, my housemate, confidant, and BFFL. Lizzie Reid, artist extraordinaire, fellow ENFP, and late night conversationalist. Jon Gabriel, the embodiment of Liz and I achieving our goals, movie lover, prankster, and energizer bunny. Christina Hart, musical genius, listening ear, and wise beyond her years. Katie Brennan, talented, hilarious, jovial, fellow blogger, and arts lover. John Brennan, genius architect, photographer, fellow questioner, and potter (haha?). You all make me want to be a better individual. It encourages me to know that you are also inspired by the beautiful mystery that is our Creator and awestruck by His grace. I'm grateful for the times we shared in 2010 and look forward to more *good times, good times* in 2011.   


As I was reflecting on the year, thinking about what some of my "favorite moments" have been, I noticed that most of them corresponded with live music. In 2010 I saw many amazing shows - The Welcome Wagon, Brand New, Arcade Fire, The Low Anthem, The Swell Season, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Jars of Clay, Vampire Weekend, Josh Ritter and Ben Kweller. Each show brought with it various memories and musical highs. I don't think I can pick a favorite.    


At the risk of this being the LONGEST blog entry ever, I still want to include {2010: A Year in Photos}. These are a few of my favorite images from the past year.

Fare thee well, 2010. You really were swell!               

Work Share

On Friday the 10th, the MFA students at VSW participated in an event called "Work Share" where as first year graduate students we were given the opportunity to have our work seen by the greater VSW community. We were set up in the student gallery like a science fair. The seven of us each had a table with our books and statements and some of us hung our prints on the wall. Our final videos were on a computer at the entrance to the gallery so people could watch them at their leisure. It was a very valuable afternoon. I got a ton of feedback on my work and am pretty excited about some of the conversations that took place. 

Jessica looking at my SHTUFF! Photo by Sarah Weedon.

Holga Love

I bought a Holga this semester and took some photos. I really enjoyed the process of not knowing how the final images would look. Slowly, but surely breaking away from my digital comfort zone. Overall, I'm pleased with the outcome, they are quite mysterious looking. I didn't process them myself, but I did scan the negatives. In the future I want to use colored film. 

I could only upload the thumbnails, because my other files are currently too big, but I think you can get the general idea. 

Fall

Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors and the temperature and the scarves and the quiet and the walks and the piles of leaves...sigh. This fall went by much to quickly for my liking. Here are some pictures taken this fall. A few were used in a book I made this semester, others are just adding to my ever growing collection of photos that may or may not be used for anything, ever. 

Once winter hits in full force, the exterior photos will be much more sparse. Bare fingers on a metal camera - sometimes it just can't be managed.   

There's a light, what light?

Throughout the semester I have been periodically taking photos of natural light patterns. I have also been capturing on video the movement of exterior lighting through blinds and windows. I am interested in light, both aesthetically and metaphorically as it interacts with familiar interior spaces. Here are a few photos revealing both patterns of light and images where I feel light plays an important role. 

The inspiration for my title - Wilco! =)

In the city

Like I've said previously, I'm trying to backtrack on all of the wonderful things that I've been exposed to since moving to the grand (and it REALLY IS grand) city of Rochester. Firstly, let me note that VSW is a really small program. There are only seven first year students. Because of its size, we have a lot of opportunity when it comes to flexibility and with that comes field trips. Woo! 

On a couple of occasions we have gone to the George Eastman House: International Museum of Photography and Film. Once to learn about the library and research center resources and another time to view a selection of unique photos for our advanced photography class. Our professor was able to choose a selection from the Eastman House collection in order for us to get an up close and personal look at some incredible works by the likes of Ralph Eugene Meatyard, Danny Lyon and John Pfahl. Woo!

October 1st - 3rd brought the Black Mountain North Symposium to Rochester. I was able to sit in on a panel discussion and get a good overview of the history of Black Mountain College. Brooklyn artist, Jen Bervin was a participant in this panel and for two weeks around this time was also an artist in residence at VSW. She and her cute little puppy Buttons were a delight to have in the studio and classroom. I learned so much from hearing her talk about her own work on a couple of occasions as well as her input during our book critique. Her own work is so INCREDIBLE. She is a poet and often works with textiles. Be sure to check out her website, HERE!               

Jen is also a weaver and during her time in Rochester developed a relationship with the Weaver's Guild of Rochester. On the morning before she left she took me and a couple other students over to the weaving school and introduced us to the instructor. Hopefully before the year is over I will be able to squeeze a weaving class into my schedule. There were great vibes in that place. I think weaving would be a lovely, therapeutic practice to learn.

Another noteworthy moment of the semester thus far includes the short residency of Dutch artists Theo Baart and Cary Markerink. They traveled to Rochester to photograph the city. Their interest is primarily in urban planning and design. During their stay they interviewed and photographed different inhabitants of the city of Rochester and were interested in hearing different perspectives on the city itself. 

Back in September I attended the world premier screening of a film created by two local Rochester filmmakers. The film was screened at the George Eastman House's Dryden Theatre. The Beast Pageant was delightful to watch - full of humor, mystery, complexity, and music! The hands of the filmmakers are present in every costume, prop and set. 

That is all I can muster for now. Much more to come!   

the NEW stomping grounds

All in all, I really like the city of Rochester so far. There is a really great energy. Still getting used to the whole locking doors and cars thing, but you know...it is a necessary evil. Liz and I are living in the South Wedge area of the city. Our street has a very neighborhood-y feel to it and we are still within walking distance to a few local hot spots and city essentials. I'm really starting to love our apartment. At the moment it is freezing, but other than that it is super cute. Here are some interior shots of the new pad. 

*We love our owl salt and pepper shakers and our checkered floor!*

VSW is also my new "stomping ground". I'd say I'm there as much as I'm at the apartment. Two super old buildings, filled with dark rooms, empty spaces, a couple galleries, offices, kitchens, research center, library, auditorium, etc.

Yup. New spaces. Here's a great video/song I've become recently obsessed with. LCD Soundsystem - "Home". Makes me want to boogie.