Very General Artists Statement As of May 2009

Very General Artists Statement (revised) As of May 2009

As a photographer I document what I see. As an individual with unique point of views and life experiences I feel no one will relate to things exactly as I do. My photography is not always a documentation of beauty, I would much rather capture the reality of humanity. I find it very important to bring out of the ordinary events to light, to make the viewer think about the world around them. Without dictating to the viewer what they should be thinking, my photographs depict a bold narrative. I choose photography as my form of self expression, a means to have my opinion expressed. By creating images, I hope to express some aspect of my vision that another person might not see or understand on their own. However, if no one ever saw my work I would still have the need to create it. This unrelenting work ethic, and need to create is my way of expression.

Critique/reaction/ response to Hassan Pitt’s work in the Anderson Gallery

Critique/reaction/ response to Hassan Pitt’s work in the Anderson Gallery

I viewed the piece a few days after the opening so I could take in the entire experience, unfortunately it was a little too soft sounding but that was my fault for not turning the volume up.

I thought that the overall creation and purging of anything except skin was a very interesting approach to gain a vulnerable experience. I felt the direct eye contact and the display of an intimate act made the audience more vulnerable feeling than he seemed in the video, although he was the one stripping himself of everything.

The use of blurred, multiple exposures, gives the production an interesting element keeping the viewer more engaged than if it were just one body to focus on. The heater was on, I giving a bathroom an after shower feel, That element added to the piece as well.

Over all I enjoyed viewing Hassan’s Piece. I cant think of any thing to constructively criticize other than it was slightly weird seeing a person I viewed as a professor to be more exposed than in an expected class room setting. But that has to do with the relation to the class not the piece.

SAMETIME104

SAMETIME104
Ben Hostetter, Morgan Coffer, Rachael Rainer, Amber Bender(ME)

After being really intrigued with Michael Lease's SameTime 7:15, Rachael and I decided after a long Shaffer dinner (Something like three hours talking about how this was a great idea and we should try and see what Michael would think if we did something/exactly the same concept as his project). so we did and that gave rise to starting SAMETIME104 next Rachel and I, decided to pull in two other people. Then came Morgan, and Ben, Morgan like everybody knows is a photo student as well and Ben is my friend that is a English major now but is an artist as well. We needed to think of very dedicated people that could upload constantly.
Uploading constantly, as demanded by both viewers and participants, has proven to be the hardest thing for me, I am very busy and hate sitting behind my computer, and quite honestly it is last on my list some days. But with the help of people saying they keep up or persuasion by everyone involved it is a constant motivation.
Like the Same Time 7:15 group we are finding mixed reviews on the use of captions. As you can tell if you have viewed the blog at all, I hate doing the captions, I think it is distracting and not needed for the most part. But in some images it is very needed.
Another challenge we have all had to face is what to do when we are in the same space for that time every day like a class or work, it has shown to be very challenging but forced us to become more creative at that moment every day especially if we are in the same place, seat, or area.
As far as reviews, it is way harder than it looks, remembering, uploading, and continuing to be spontaneously creative every day is really difficult so for those who have negative things to say I suggest trying it for a year and tell me what you think then.
The project is a direct replica of the project we were introduced to by Michael Lease, but keep in mind we are different people and do different things during the day. So obviously the images will be extremely different.
One thing doing this project has really taught me to do is be more comfortable with pulling out my camera and shooting, I am gradually getting over the insecurity of pulling out my camera in a public place because I have to do it so frequently now.
Overall I truly enjoy this project it is making me more aware of the images I shoot and see thought the day, and the way I choose to shoot different scenes.

First Friday May 1st 2009

First Friday

May 1^st 2009

May Day Parade

I enjoyed seeing more photography this time than ever in the many First Fridays I have been too. Although I was a little surprised by the photography, I really would have expected more from the esteemed VCU Photography department. We talk a lot of game but when it comes to showing our work it was less than amazing. Some one said that it is to be expected when grad students are teaching undergrad that the filtration of less than astonishing work will come through. I feel that perhaps I am being too judgmental too fast, maybe in a different, less bustling setting I could appreciate the photography more, or maybe knowing something more about the process or idea. But as pure images they are less than impacting at first glance.

The entertainment was great for May 1^st, mayday, celebrations; weather you agree or even know what the parade was for it was very entertaining. And as always my favorite drummer boy was out serenading us with his awesome music

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Second Show Entry

INTERNATIONAL MAIL ART PROJECT

The theme is "natural fibres in our live and our time". Media include Photographs, collages, prints, texts, cartoons, all works with natural fibres plaited, twisted, sticked, colored... Size is Postcard to A4. Work will be displayed on a blog. No fee, no jury, no return.

Send to:

Chaponniere Christiane
11 rue aux Ours
Paris 75003
France

http://NaturalFibresMailart.blogspot.com




(I think I need more stamps)

(cotton yarn)

Juried Fine Arts Exhibition 2009

Anderson Gallery

School of the Arts

Virginia Commonwealth University

907 1/2 West Franklin Street

Richmond, VA 23284

Juried Fine Arts Exhibition

Aprin 10- 19

I entered and had my 'Three Line Series' get in.

Resume as of 11/2009 applying for summer job

Amber Bender

Professional Profile
As I continue my education in photography at VCU I am introduced to challenging new experiences. Assisting a professional photographer, photographing for the school recreational sports department, while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average in college is a very rewarding journey.

Volunteer Note taker helping a student with disabilities (2008)
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (2009)
Successful completion of Art Foundation (see attached transcript) (2007-2008)

Prospective camp councilor, Gettysburg Yearbook Experience (2007)
Wedding Photographer April 2007 and September 2007
Photojournalism editor 2006-2007
President National Art Honor Society 2006-2007
Professional Experience

Photographer for VCU Recreational Sports Marketing Department
2008- Present
Marketing Assistant: photographing club sports teams as well as any Recreational Sports activities
Responsibilities:
- Photographing recreational and club sports teams and events
- Editing and organizing photographs



Photographer Assistant
2008- Present
Photographer Assistant for John Magor : Prestigious interior design and architectural photographer photographing multi million dollar homes in the Richmond and Washington Dc area

Responsibilities :
- Setting up camera equipment
- Helping in the arrangement of the photo shoot
- Aiding in the comfort of the clients

Two 2007 weddings
April 2007 and September 2007
Photographer
Responsibilities:
- Photograph before during and after wedding
- Organize proofs
- Minimally editing final photographs
Education
Continued education in the Photography Department, at VCU School of the Arts, Minor in Media Studies
North Stafford High School, Stafford, VA
Advanced High School Diploma

References

Spotlight artist: Jole-Peter Witkin

Spotlight artist: Jole-Peter Witkin

After a long explanation of Jole-Peter Witkin from a professor I viewed his work and found it to be unforgettable. His disgustingly beautiful, and often horrifying subject matter just screams shock value, but at the same time it is elegantly presented. The artful nature of his still life’s and staged productions are mesmerizing and beg for the viewer to examine every detail.
I also find the timeless quality Witkin uses to be very complementary to his work. The intentional use of long forgotten techniques of photography really give the work a reminiscent quality. I was shocked to see the dates of some works originally thinking they were produced in the early 1900’s.
I urge everyone to take a look at Witkin’s work.

March 3, 2009

First Friday Art Walk

Richmond VA

Just getting out and about on Friday was fun, the people seemed more lively than usual, and the music on the street was amazing. The galleries that were opened seemed filled with fairly general works, none really grabbing my attention. The few that grabbed my attention were: Klutch: Invasive Species in the Ghostprint Gallery, Ever Expanding new works by Susann Whittier in the Quirk Gallery. I was really intrigued by Susann Whittier’s work especially Open Arms, a paper collage cut outs and also Guilded and Green, created with paper, gold leaf, and wood. All of Whittier’s work is very inventive and visually interesting. I also enjoyed Klutch’s work, mostly because it was something refreshing to the art walk norm. His blend of urban design work on unusual wood and also his skate style was surprisingly different from the usual artwork shown during first Fridays. As well as the refreshing graphic style the quality of the work really took it to another level, the craftsmanship and quality of the work was very well done.

Amy Stein: Artist Lecture

Amy Stein: Artist Lecture
VCU Commons Theater
Amy Stein
What a wonderful lecture, listening to the excitement in Amy Stein’s voice as she went through her photos was very inspiring and something we all can strive for. I can imagine how much she has viewed her work, like any artist she was very familiar with her work but that didn’t distract form her profound enthusiasm in talking about each one. Like Stein said each photo from the ‘Domesticated’ series was referenced from a story told to her by a person from that small town. Each could is very interesting both visually and verbally with the story behind the image that she told. In some instances if made the image more interesting knowing the little background story, knowing what animals were taxidermy and what animals were alive. I found Amy Stein to be the most intriguing artist lecture I’ve attended thus far.

Images from Domesticated:

Spring Break Quick Visit to Miami

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Art At Fairchild: A Monumental Sculpture Garden
Featuring: Fernando Botero, Dale Chihuly, Mark Disuvero, Kris Martin, Daisy Youngblood

My vacation was too quick like most vacations are, but I did end up taking in a little bit of the Miami art and culture. I would recommend to anyone visiting Miami, The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The garden is breathtakingly beautiful, filled with exotic plant life and interesting sculptures. I particularly enjoyed Fernando Botero and Dale Chihuly’s work. These two artists had various sculptures coexisting with the stunning plant life.

http://www.fairchildgarden.org/index.cfm?page=markdisuvero

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I also visited ArtCenter South Florida, as stated on their website “ArtCenter/ South Florida provides subsidized studios on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach to artists in all stages of career development. ArtCenter’s Artists – in – Residence benefit from low cost studio spaces, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and cooperative facilities.” This was an interesting way of seeing up-close just what artists in Miami are working on there were many different mediums being used and many different styles represented, some of the ones that really caught my eye include; Hanging On and Holding Out a featured solo installation by Jody Servon, Other artists that have studios there that were especially interesting are; Jill Hotchkiss, Rakel Bernie, and Karim Ghidinelli.

http://www.artcentersf.org/

http://www.artcentersf.org/artists/index.htm

Best of 2008 Photo Show: Harrison ST Cafe

Best of 2008 Photo Show

February 1st - March 1st
Harrison St Cafe
Richmond Va, 23220

(too be continued...)

Anderson Gallery: Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art

Anderson Gallery
907 1/2 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23284-2514

Winter 2009 Exhibition
January 16, 2009 - March, 2009

Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art: Featuring the Bernard and Patricia Wagner Collection

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Orilade'
The Head is a Crown
"In Yoruba culture, a person's head is celebrated as a seat of intelligence and the site of perception. Emphasis on the head in Yoruba art has both theological and political importance. The Yoruba word orflade' (the head is a crown) is a metaphor for this relationship. The head is, to an individual, what Olo'du'mare' (the supreme being) is to the cosmos-a crown and a source of power. "

If one looked at these beautifully beaded head dresses with out knowing their importance to the Yoruba culture they would still understand their magnitude by the sheer intricacy, and care taken in the bead work, these pieces are truly stunning.

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Egu'ngu'n Masquerade costume, 20th century
O'yo'/Ogbomoso Region, Nigeria
Cloth, metal, and wood
The Newark Museum
Purchase 1991 Sophronia Anderson Bequest Fund 91.35

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The Beaded Prayers Project



"The Beaded Prayers Project was launched in 1999 as a community-centered collaboration. Since then, over 5000 people--ages 6 to 90, from 35 countries--have participated by creating and contributing the beaded packets exhibited here. This is the project's final presentation, concluding a tour that has taken it to over 25 venues. "

When you walk in the back room at the Anderson Gallery the enormous size of the many blocks displaying each packet engulfs the viewer, but does not hold the viewer back from enjoying the packets close up.

Paul Shambroom: Artist Lecture

Paul Shambroom: Artist Lecture

VCU Student Commons

February 11, 2009
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

"Paul Shambroom is a photographer who explores American power and culture." as stated by www.paulshambroomart.com, in his lecture Shambroom gave examples of how his art represents this common theme of the modern day empire. As he confessed Shambroom is a very series oriented artist, creating many series about power some involving weapons both in used and retired. Shambroom expressed his initial work in the commercial industry sparked his interest in factories, and also office spaces. this interest developed into a very honed in desire to capture the image of power in different forms. the images I found most compelling were his images in the series titled; security and Meetings. These images seem realistic and really engage me as a viewer. Shambroom is a wonderfully charismatic speaker and It was truly a pleasure to listen to what he had to say, his experience and knowledge was both inspirational and truthful.

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First Friday 02.06.09

First Friday "Art Walk"

February 6th 2009
generally 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Richmond, Virginia


The First Friday experience is not entirely about seeing the art, it is also the experience of rubbing shoulders with other art enthusiasts. In a sense the over crowded galleries are very annoying and off putting to those who truly just want to see the artwork, but on the other hand isn't it a great feeling to know there are so many others who appreciate viewing art! Furthermore wouldn't it be so sad if you attended a first Friday event where the galleries were empty? With this idea I set out with friends to join the crowds.

The Galleries I visited were:
1708 gallery
ghostprint gallery
studio/ gallery 6
aba
quirk
corporate and museum frame
(there might be a few others I have forgotten to mention)

I was not too terribly intrigued by the galleries contents as a whole but I would say it was worth the trip, I found a few pieces to be very interesting.
They include:
Brian Hubble, Stand Down, Graphite on antique paper
Matt Terrell, Human Hibernation, Ballpoint pen on paper
Kevin Cyr, Camping Far Out in the Wilderness Forges a Revolutionary Heart, Oil on Panel
Shane McAdams, Pen Blow #5, Ballpoint pen and resin on panel
Hale Todds, various works, Collage/mixed media
Nichole Maury, An Array of Plausible Perspectives: # 16, screenprint, carbon transfer, graphite, collage
The list goes on but those are just a few that really cought my eye

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Studio/Gallery 6: Hale Todds, various works, Collage/mixed media
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1708Gallery Nichole Maury and Christopher Quirk

1708Gallery Nichole Maury, An Array of Plausible Perspectives: # 16, screenprint, carbon transfer, graphite, collage
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Crowds at the Quirk Gallery
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Spotlight Artist: Eolo Perfido

As I looked up ideas for a portrait project I stumbled upon Eolo Perfido, an artist I had bookmarked some time ago, rediscovering Perfido, I just had to start spotlighting artists, composed of artists that I stumble upon (or know) and have to share with everyone.

The images I find most interesting form Perfido’s collection on his website gallery are the first three images shown (arkhee_shout, propaganda_the_beast, and propaganda_mother), the use of surreal, slightly morbid and disturbing subject matter draws me as a viewer into the photograph investigating what props he chooses to use. The placement of all props is noticeably purposeful creating a wonderful composition, especially in propaganda_the_beast. I included two other images that exemplify his commercial work.

arkhee_shout

propaganda_the_beast

propaganda_mother

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portrait_3

metmo

http://www.eoloperfido.com/index.htm

Alix Pearlstein: Artist Lecture

Alix Pearlstein: Artist Lecture
January 28, 2009
VCU Commons Theater

Background Info on Alix Pearlstein:

Electronic Arts Intermix describing Pearlstein:

“Alix Pearlstein's performance-based videos function as abstract dramas, operating in a realm between the theatrical and the cinematic. With deadpan humor and a minimalist aesthetic, she employs stylized gestures, role-playing and pop cultural references to create narrative meaning, or uses actors to examine group dynamics and social constructs. Exploring performative strategies, these works, often set in an indeterminate void, condense psychological narrative to expose heightened realities.”

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Unfortunately I missed the introduction but that let me jump right into Pearlstein’s work.

The pieces that struck me the most are Distance (2006-2007), and Forsaken(2003).

Distance is a work filmed from opposite sides of the room; Pearlstein used a split screen approach to have her viewers watch the happenings in the large room from both camera angles. The use of large spaces and very minimal props creates a unique and interesting viewing experience. Because there are few objects to focus on in the empty room the cameras and the people recording become apart of the action, as well as what the main focus is, in the middle of the room. Pearlstein’s use of ambiguous sounds/noises and muffled dialog works well to emphasize the abstraction of the natural world, it also leads the viewer to focus on the actions the actors are taking instead of the dialog used. This was very apparent in Forsaken, the use of muffled dialog aided in the surreal aspect of the piece. Cinematically Forsaken was not as interesting as Distance. Distance being one of Pearlstein’s more resent works looks like it was created with the help of a bigger budget. Although Pearlstein sticks with a slightly jostled recording style in Forsaken with the use of cameras tripods on wheels she veered away from hand held recording.

Pearlstein’s works are often abstract representations of happenings and inspirations she takes from social and political occurrences. The abstract nature of the works leaves some viewers puzzled and not as appreciative as others.

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Image From: Distance

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Image From: Forsaken

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Image From: Gold Rush

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Stiff Lace: A Photographic Celebration

Stiff Lace: A Photographic Celebration
Work by: Kevin Faison, Janissa Hamilton, and Christina Jeffers
24 January, 2009
7:00 PM – 1:00 Am
Rumors 414 N Harrison St.
Richmond, Va 23220

As I walked into Rumors, a very trendy fashion forward clothing boutique in Richmond, the first artist displaying their work was Kevin Faison. Faison chose to display his photography in a very unique manner, by hanging individual photographs by clothing hangers of various styles and sizes. Although this was a very eye catching and unique way of displaying art work, it made for a cluttered arraignment, leaving the viewers focused more on the display and less on the actual art work. Faison’s treatment of 4x6 images, laying flat on a table top, was also a distracting feature among his display. Although Faison’s display was somewhat distracting the images were a wide variety of interesting digitally manipulated prints, consisting of both lively colored and black and white prints. Faison had a variety of subject matter creating a diverse range of talent. Like many other viewers of Faison’s work I was drawn towards his images of people. The intensity of the models and the very powerful homoerotic subject mater of some of the images deserved more attention than other photos in the grouping. I look forward to seeing Faison’s future work. I hope to see more work with human models.

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The next artist Janissa Hamilton, displayed her work along the back wall of Rumors. Unfortunately Hamilton’s area purposeful or not was lacking illumination, making the viewing experience very challenging for the images not displayed in a light box. The images not illuminated were arranged in a variety of antique looking frames, creating a unique viewing experience. After the frames drew the viewer in the images were somewhat confusing not cohesively structured, styled, or subjectively arranged in a recognizable way, leaving the viewer very perplexed as to what they were looking at. The images in the light boxes however were very much, enhanced by the environment created by the dark interior space provided. The four large illuminated images depicting a very surreal and obviously manipulated human figure were displayed in antique window frames again creating a nostalgic ambiance. The illuminated images showing spatial depth, and a considerable amount of effort to create were the highlight of Hamilton’s exhibit. It will be interesting to see what direction Hamilton takes her photography to next.

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Upstairs of Rumors was Christina Jeffers work. Jeffers displayed her large fome-core photographs among packing boxes. The boxes created a mildly distracting arrangement; however, they also gave a three-dimensional texture to the surface of the exhibit. The large size of Jeffers images created some problems not usually encountered, as well. The tight space forced the viewer to get closer than desirable, the photos displayed needed more room for the viewer to step back and fully take in the entirely of the image. Because Jeffers arranged the images within cluttered boxes, the photographs that were most successful were of the least clutter, yet it was very clever to see boxes recurring in two of the more chaotic images. Jeffers took great care in the tonality of the images. The natural fleshiness of the skin was shown through the images very nicely. The cohesiveness of the series and individuality of the images presented was very interesting, I will be curious to see more of Jeffers future work.

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Over all, Stiff Lace was a very intriguing grouping of photographs, created by the multifaceted talents of the three artist, Kevin Faison, Janissa Hamilton, and Christina Jeffers.