Providence RI, 02903
401-831-9327
August 2011 Archives
In our various travels, we here at AS220PHOTO run into weird, wild and fascinating photographers all the time. In a recent trip to Baltimore, MD we met Daniel Temkin, who was exhibiting a software program he created for the legendary Commodore 64 computer console at Artscape, the largest free public arts festival in the country! Come to find out, Daniel is not only a talented programmer/hacker/maker, but is also an incredible photographer working towards his MFA at the acclaimed International Center of Photography in New York City!
Not wanting to miss this opportunity to delve deeper into the mind of a multi-media artist with a penchant for photography, we asked Daniel to donate a piece to the 5th Biennial Photo Lottery, and here is what he gave us:
Naturally, we all wanted to know more about Daniel and his work after seeing this amazing print, and thought you might like to know a bit more about one of the amazing pieces YOU could win on Sept.24 at the Photo Lottery!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your artwork:
I make photos and new media work. I'm studying at the International Center of Photography in NY.
You do a lot of (for lack of a better term) digital and computer based artwork, but your photography has a more traditional, nostalgic feel. Can you tell us what role technology plays in your photography and perhaps what kind of photo equipment you use?
Although I used to work in an analog process -- medium format & color darkroom -- my workflow is entirely digital now. The traditional feel to my images is actually due partly to digitally altered color.
I've always been drawn to the look of three-strip Technicolor films (Suspiria, Wizard of Oz, etc). In my Metro Postcard series, I based the look on this palette. In context, it's read as the cheap printing used on mid-Century postcards -- but I chose Technicolor specifically to give them a mediated, cinematic sense.
The color palette of Mutator 1 came from the fading image of green bean stir-fry on a backlit menu at a local Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood. I was editing my Mutator 1 images but something didn't seem quite right, and it hit me that the color of the menu was evocative of Budapest for me. Using that palette completely shifted the contrast of my images, highlighting the lines in the faces, and revealing elements in the photos that were nearly invisible before. It gave them a brown and purple sheen that further isolated the solitary figures without overly dramatizing them. It made the images look more like how it actually felt to be there.
You've donated a beautiful print to our Photo Lottery from your "Mutator 1" series. Can you tell us more about this project and is there a "Mutator 2" in the future?
I went to Budapest for an artist's residency. I shot the images I needed for the project I was working on in the first few days. But I was entranced by the city and continued to spend all the daylight hours wandering the streets, shooting, for the next few weeks. At that point, I was no longer thinking in terms of a project, but just exploring, getting a feel for the character of the city.
Mutator 1 came together a year later. Looking through the enormous catalog of photos, I became very interested in the expressions the older generation wore when they were out in public. They carried a sense of isolation that I didn't see among the younger people of Budapest -- something that spoke about the political history of the city and how it manifested in their personal stories.
The title came from the image of an old rotary electrical switch, sitting along with other mid-Century generators and electrical equipment behind the Hungarian Electrical Engineering Museum. It must have once said Commutator 1 and the first few letters had fallen off. I saw it as quasi-sci-fi Cold War mythology (and a lurking nuclear anxiety), a reference to the years under Communism. As for doing a follow-up, I would love the opportunity to go back to Central Europe and shoot more work!
You are based out of New York, but your work seems to come from a variety of geographic locales. Tell us where you've been traveling lately and some of the projects that have come out of those travels.
My photographic work is often tied to a sense of place, so I travel whenever I can.
I went to Southern Italy on a residency last year, but have not yet edited those images into a series. It seems to take me a year before I can get a sense of what I have. So if I follow the same pattern as Budapest, I should work these into a project soon!
In September, I'll be in Liverpool to present a paper on programming languages as art (esolangs) to the Rewire 2011 conference (Histories of Media Art, Science and Technology). Esolangs are a form that's been around since the 70's but are not widely understood -- something I would like to change by writing and presenting on it. I'm sure I'll take a lot of time in Liverpool to do street shooting.
So if you're not from Providence, how did you find out about AS220? What made you want to donate work to the Photo Lottery?
I'd heard about AS220, and was thrilled to connect at Artscape in Baltimore this summer. Having grown up outside of Boston, I've been to
Providence a number of times -- I'd love to spend more time there and see more of what is happening in the Providence art scene.
We're hoping to bring Daniel to Providence soon as an Artist-in-Residence at AS220, but in the meantime, check out his website and buy your Photo Lottery ticket for your chance to win Daniel's awesome print!
Contact photolottery@as220.org for more info.
A fabulous group of just over 350 photos by the talented folks at the AS220 Youth Photo Mem program.
Check out the Flikr photo slide show or visit AS220's Flikr page.
Open House, It's Free!
Tuesday, September 6th, 6-7pm
Have questions, want to see the shop, meet the folks who use it, just want to spend some time with other printmakers? Our open houses happen the first Tuesday of every month. They are FREE!
Introduction to Letterpress, 4 Weeks, $160.00
Wednesdays, September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 6-10pm
This course provides a basic introduction to letterpress. Participants learn to ink the press, adjust pressure, adjust roller height, register and feed a sheet of paper, make an impression and then clean the press. Create and use plastic plates in combination with metal movable type to create your own vision in letterpressed embossment. *Please note that September 28th is Rosh Hashanah. If you cannot attend the last class please see our class offerings in October and November for more options.
One Day Silkscreen Intensive: 8 hours, $80.00
Sunday, September 18th, 10am-6pm
This workshop will provide a comprehensive introduction to screen printing as participants will design, print and exchange a multiple color print with a maximum dimension of 8" x 10". The morning will be dedicated to creating hand drawn stencils focusing on the design of a multiple color print. Participants will then spend the afternoon learning proper printing technique, troubleshooting, and tips for registration. The workshop will end with a print exchange. Paper and ink will be provided by the Printshop. Students will be fully prepared to print independently after this workshop.
T-Shirt and Fabric Silkscreen, $45.00
Thursday, September 22, 6-10pm
Student will learn the very basics of screen-printing 1-color images on t-shirts, using the photo-emulsion process. They will also discover the best methods for keeping t-shirts flat, using the proper ink for fabric, as well as how to properly set the ink into the shirt. By the end of the class, students will have produced a wearable, 1-color t shirt.
Experiments in Monoprint/type, $25.00
September 30th, 6pm-10pm
Join us for some Friday night experiments in the Printshop. Leigh will guide you through a new technique applicable to Monoprints or types. The ink and materials are up to us, you provide the paper and experimental spirit.
For October and November listings
The Vermont Studio Center hosts 50 artists and writers each month who participate in 4 to 12 week independent studio Residencies. VSC Residents represent a mix of mediums, cultures, experience, and ages, for a diverse and vibrant community.
Learn more here.
Summer is drawing to a close, but you can still learn the best way to capture those last days of sunshine and the early days of fall by signing up for a photography class at AS220! Students, looking for a yearbook photo that doesn't suck? Sign up for our Portrait Photography class and save yourself the epic embarrassment of an awful yearbook photo! Looking for a new hobby to fill the days you used to spend in school? Pick up a medium format camera and and learn about life in a square frame! Embarking on a new journey and looking for the tools and the knowledge to document your every step? We've got you covered. A whole plethora of photo know-how awaits you this Fall. Check it out!
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, Sept. 6th &13th / 7-10pm / $50 / At AS220 Photo at the Mercantile Block
Take the mystery out of the terms and usages of aperture sizes, f-stop numbers, shutter speeds, ISO numbers, focal length, synchronization speeds and any other aspect of the 35mm camera that you have ever wondered about! Students will learn to develop their own film in the darkroom, and learn the basics of shooting with traditional 35mm black and white film.
Alternative Process Series Vol.1 Cyanotype
Wednesday, Sept. 28th / 7-10pm / $40 / At Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street
Cyanotype is the oldest printing process still in use today and is the foundation of architectural blueprints. Come learn about his historic printing process and see your photos in a whole new light! All chemicals and supplies are included in the cost of this one night class.
Saturday, Sept. 10th / 12-4pm / $50 / At AS220 Photo at the Mercantile Block
In this one day course, students will learn the basics of studio lighting using a studio strobe kit. Learn foundations of lighting and understand how to manipulate light to produce high quality images of artwork, people and three dimensional objects. Students should bring their own digital of film camera to class.
Sunday, Sept. 18th / 1-4pm / $40 / At AS220 Photo in the Mercantile Block
In this one day workshop, students will learn how traditional photographic principals apply to a digital world. Come equip with your camera and the manual, if you still have it, and we'll explore how the basic foundations of film photography can help you capture a better digital image.
Intro to the Black and White Darkroom
Tuesday, Sept. 20th & 27th / 7-10pm / $75 / At Paul Krot Community Darkroom
In this two week workshop, students will learn their way around the darkroom, from mixing chemicals to understanding enlargers, students will gain a hands on introduction to traditional black and white photo printing. Paper for test strips will be provided, but students are encouraged to bring their own paper and negatives to print from.
Friday, Sept. 30th / 6-9pm / $50 / At AS220 Photo at the Mercantile Block
Learn how to scan and retouch scratched and faded photos and film to restore family photos! Students will learn how to edit their images, how to prepare their files to print.
OCTOBER
Wednesday, Oct. 5th & 12th / 6-9pm / $75 / At AS220 Photo at the Mercantile Block
Learn to use our JOBO film processing tank to develop film outside the darkroom! Learn how to load film using a film changing bag, how to control time and temperature and safe handling of film and photo chemistry outside the traditional darkroom setting. Students will also get a basic introduction to film scanning in our digital photo lab once they have successfully processed their film.
Thursday, Oct. 13th, 20th & 27th / 7-10pm / $100 / Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street In this mixed level class, students with a foundational knowledge of the black and white darkroom will go into further detail and gain a better understanding of printing practices and expand on their knowledge of photo chemistry, paper types and film formats.
Tuesday, Oct. 4th & 11th / 7-10pm / $75 / Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street
Learn about the world of medium format photography and medium format films and experiment with Twin Lens Reflex cameras. Students will have access to our collection of cameras for the duration of the class, and will learn how compose photos in a square frame. Students should bring two rolls of 120 size black and white darkroom film to class.
Saturday, Oct. 8th & 15th / 12-4pm / $75 / AS220 Photo at the Mercantile
Use our studio strobe kit to learn how to take high quality photography or yours or your friends artwork! Classes will cover flat and three dimentional artwork and students will leave class with up to 5 digital images of their work to include in their websites, portfolios or resumes.
Alternative Process Series Vol.2 Van Dyke Brown
Wednesday, Oct. 26th / 7-10pm / $40 / Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street
Van Dyke Brown prints have been used since 1895. Van Dyke Brown can be used to give photos and "antique" look and feel, like they came straight from Grandma's attic. All supplies and chemicals are included in this one night class.
NOVEMBER
Saturday, Nov. 5th / 1-4pm ; Thursday, Nov. 10th & 17th / 7-10pm / $150 / AS220 Photo at the Mercantile
A view camera works on the most basic camera principals and yields an impressive 4x5 (or larger) negative. These negatives can be contact printed or enlarged to epic proportions in the darkroom. The detail and precision from a view camera makes it the prefect camera for many artistic applications.
Monday, Nov. 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th / 7-10pm / $175 / Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street
This course is designed for experienced darkroom users looking to perfect their printing skills and master the darkroom to create professional quality prints suitable for gallery exhibitions, professional portfolios or commissioned work.
Sunday, Nov. 13th & 20th / 12-4pm / $100 / AS220 Photo at the Mercantile
Students will build upon concepts of digital editing and printing using Adobe CS3 editing programs. Students will learn color correction, enlarging, cropping, creating color profiles, RGB and CMYK color settings, contrast and greyscale settings and digital manipulation and will have the opportunity to make professional grade digital prints.
Saturday, Nov. 12th & 19th / 12 - 4pm / $75 / AS220 Photo at the Mercantile
Learn to use AS220 Photo's strobe kit and hot lights to create a appropriate and attractive lighting for studio grade portraits. In two class sessions, students will learn how to set up different lighting scenarios to highlight different traits and features, measure lighting using a light meter, and how to properly expose for film or digital.
Alternative Process Series Vol.3 Gum Bichromate
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd / 7-10pm / $45 / Paul Krot Community Darkroom on the 2nd Floor of 115 Empire Street
Gum Bichromate printing is a fun and highly experimental process that produced the first color photographs. Gum Bichromate printing was popular around the turn of the century and were used to make color separations similar to modern newspaper and magazine photo printing. All chemicals and supplies are included in this one night workshop.
Tuesday, Nov. 29th / 6 - 9pm / $50 / AS220 Photo at the Mercantile
In this one session course students will scan old, damaged and faded photos and learn how to retouch and restore the images with digital editing software. Students will also learn how to prepare their files for print.
Sign up soon or contact photo@as220.org for more info. And don't forget, AS220PHOTO will process your film, photograph your artwork and print your digital photos. Check out our photographic services or stop by our new digs in Mercantile Studio 207 for more info.
In the summer of 2011, AS220 Youth's Photography program employed two students and one youth project supervisor to create professional promotional photography free of charge for the Institute for the Study and Practice of Non Violence in Providence RI. Check out the video we made of our work!
As part of AS220 Youth's photo classes at the Rhode Island Training School students worked to animate a pyramid being built in a Providence neighborhood. Thanks to Lighting Bolt for providing the music!
Check out AS220 Youth's Zukrewe gets it popping at Foo Fest 2011!
Today, Aug.16 is the 34th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, affectionately known as the King of Rock and Roll. We realize that in a place as hip and edgy as Providence, Elvis might not have the same stature he once did, but he did have an undeniable influence on music and popular culture and we are proud to have two prints of the one we call the King up for grabs in this year's Photo Lottery!
A few months back a gentleman named Jim Drew came to AS220 Photo with an interesting request. Seems Mr.Drew had acquired an original set of 127 medium format negatives with images of, you guessed it, Elvis Presley.
At first we were skeptical, but Jim needed a darkroom, and we needed to see these negatives, so we did what any good Camera Head would do and we helped Jim Drew make prints of what was undoubtedly the King!
In the true spirit of Rock n Roll and as a gesture of gratitude, Jim Drew was kind enough to donate a set of these prints to this year's Photo Lottery! That's right folks! You could win one of two prints that depict the one and only Elvis Presly in his military days, still posing with fans and signing autographs.
Tickets for the 5th Biennial Photo Lottery are on sale NOW! This event is always a sell out, so grab your tickets early and take a chance to win these or other fabulous photographic works on Sept.24 right here at AS220!
For more information on the 2011 Photo Lottery, visit the website or e-mail photolottery@as220.org.
