Red Nose Studio

I'm typically an Apple gal, so who knew Windows could have such good taste? I recently received a new computer at work with Windows 7, whose desktop backgrounds presented this...

I was immediately captured by the image. I love the look, the style, the vibrant colors, and the playfulness. What a cool form of art. It would be incredible to photograph these scenes. I was immediately curious to learn more. Could this be recreated somehow, perhaps with paint rather than clay?

I sent the photo to a friend of mine who is an artist and painter to see what else I could find out. He sent me the website to Red Nose Studio. Chris Sickels, the creative brilliance behind Red Nose Studio, is a freelance artist and illustrator for The New York Times, Boston Magazine, and many others. 

With a quick Google search, I found a brief interview of the artist and a few more photos of his interesting work. Not every piece appeals to my taste, but each is interesting, eye-catching, and very well crafted - the quality, superb. Here are a few images of Red Nose Studios work that caught my eye...

The bright red and faded turquoise-green colors.

Reminds me English humour. A Blasted Church tale.

Curious. Edgy. Dark. Mysterious.

Each a powerful, thought-provoking image. Experience more at Red Nose Studio...

Exhibit: Elliott Erwitt at the Weinstein Gallery in South Minneapolis

I went to see the Elliott Erwitt exhibit at the Weinstein Gallery in South Minneapolis. It's free and it was incredible! There were three photographs of Marilyn Monroe, one of Che Guevara, several other well known names, as well as generally beautiful black and white work. In addition to Elliott Erwitt's work, there was an Annie Leibowitz and two of Alec Soth's photographs, which some of you will remember from the Walker Exhibit. It was a wonderful photographic experience that I would recommend. But hurry, it ends January 9th!
~Heidi

This (below) was one of my favorite photos of Erwin's: Valencia, Spain 1952

Elliott Erwitt - Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, New York City, USA, 1956

Gelatin silver print
20 x 24 inches

December Photogroup - Minneapolis Photo Center

Minneapolis Photo Center. This was the meeting location of our December photo group. The building was an old warehouse like structure in Northeast Minneapolis. We had a tour of the Center from a very informative volunteer. There are dark rooms, film equipment for enlargements, small and large printing, iMac computers with full Adobe software packages, equipment rental, a photography book library with vintage collections, studio space, and impressive exhibits to explore.

The Mpls Photo Center offer memberships to purchase for use of all of their equipment and perks. They have a monthly photo group called the F-stops led by local photographer Tom Arndt that costs about $5 per group session for food, space use, etc. There are also classes and workshops offered through the Center.

The experience left us with a wealth of information and we even got to see a photographer setting up for a photo shoot. It was a very informative, inspiring, fun visit. We would like to go back again sometime in the New Year.

~Heidi