Fresh Starts

I can't believe its been a week already.  I'm still trying to keep with at least one post per week.  This one crept up on me. Just a quick thought, well more of a reflection.  Today is a start for new beginnings. I'm starting an entirely new job with all new challenges.  It's daunting and exciting all at once. It feels right though.

-c

Artful Blogging

Okay I'll admit that I'm new to this whole concept of a blog, but I'm trying really hard to at least do a post a week. Yesterday at Joseph-Beth (aka my happy place) I came across this magazine. I'm a big fan of the Somerset Studios other publications...they have so many now. They are all candy for creative souls like me that have thousands of art supplies just waiting for a project. I can't wait to have a day where I can sit down with a good cup of coffee read it cover to cover. I'm also longing for the day that I can make my way back into the studio and start making stuff. I won't commit to calling it art yet, but stuff will work. That day is near I can feel it!

For more info about the mag:

http://http://www.stampington.com/html/banner_artful_blogging.html

The Story Behind the Image - Rainstorm at the Colosseum

This was probably my favorite image taken in Rome. It rained everyday in Rome. Often the rainstorms were quick showers that didn't last long. Eventually, I came to welcome the rain as a break from the blazing sun and heat. This particular day was extremely hot. I had wandered through the Roman Forum saving the Colosseum for the later afternoon. I awestruck at he magnitude of the building. To think that something like this could be built at the time it was constructed.
I was trying to imagine how in the world the center of the arena could be flooded for naval battles, when I looked up and saw the dark clouds looming. Within a few minutes it began to rain. No, rain would be an understatement. It stormed. It even hailed.
Like many others I ducked into one of the many archways to ride out the storm. It was amazing watching the storm pass over the structure. It was almost as if Mother Nature was trying to say, "Ha! You think man can accomplish great things, well let me remind you of what I can do." I was one of many huddled into the niches for shelter, but it was a solitary experience.
The storm last about 20 minutes or so. Eventually the rain slowed to a gentle shower. I stepped out of my archway and saw this man standing with the umbrella. He seemd to be uneffected by the rain.

I don't know. I guess I love this image because it's quiet, which seems odd to say considering it happened during a storm. But for me its a very solitary image which I guess reminds me of that experience of getting caught in the Colesseum in a hailstorm.

The Story Behind the Image -- Lady in the Red Dress

Lady in the Red Dress is a simple little image that I have a fondness for. I was wandering the back alleyways of Venice, which honestly was one of the favorite parts of my trip. Most of the time, I wandered the streets without consulting a map. I figured eventually I’d come to the lagoon, and I’d figure out where I was then. Anyway, I came upon this very dark, narrow passageway and was struck by the color of the building at the end of the alley. I love beautiful faded red color. I set up to take a photo, but people kept passing through the scene. After waiting several moments, I thought “It might be more interesting if a person is passing through.” I decided to try to catch the next person that walked by whoever they may be. I prepared for my shot as I heard the footsteps of someone approaching. As pure luck would have it, the woman was wearing a red dress that matched the building and the flowers. I quickly clicked the shutter and hoped that I caught her in before she passed behind the building. She was walking very quickly, as you can see by the blurring motion of her figure. I was completely thrilled when I had the film printed that I caught the moment perfectly.

Opening

Last night was the opening for my show at Village Artisans in Yellow Springs. It wasn’t a large affair. The size was just right. Thank you to all the friends and family that came to see my work. Your support is fantastic! It was a good night for me just to exhale. I feel like I’ve been running full tilt for months now. I was just able to relax, enjoy good company and relive some of the moments from a most amazing trip. It was a night of personal celebrations.

I hit so many roadblocks getting ready for this show, but in the end everything just worked itself out. I think it looks good. I hope others will too. The other members of the co-op only know me as a fiber artist. Only a few know that I’m a photographer as well. I loved seeing people’s reaction to the work. One man told me that he was born in Italy. Looking at my photographs was like stepping back to his childhood. Such a kind compliment means so much to me. Many people said so many nice things. I actually had to joke when someone told that I had a good eye. I’d say, “You mean I shouldn’t quit my day job. Oh Well too late.”

Big THANK YOU’s go out to everyone that helped set up and provided food.

Those of you that didn’t make it, the show will be running through the end of the month. Please stop by and see it.

I’ll be periodically posting “Stories Behind the Images” So many photographs have a personal story that goes with them. I thought that might be a fun way to share.

Gratefully,

-crystal