Craft, Intent, Technique Discussion

Sunday afternoon, toward the end of Jim Haberman's reception, a discussion began between several photographers. Barbara Tyroler led the way with many questions about Jim's prints. They are black & white Epson pigment prints, and all but one made by the artist. The lone outside print was made for Jim Haberman by Wojtek Wojdynski, an expert printer  and an imaginative photographer in his own right. The questions largely related to the strong contrast in many of Jim's prints, if and how the images were manipulated, and why. Of course, the ubiquitous question: "Film or Digital?" came up, and whether it matters.

The discussion was lively - but always friendly. With a little luck, and maybe a some prodding, more idea exchanges like this will take place in the near future. If you were there, please feel free to add to this.
On a related note: I plan to organize a one-day events to share ideas about putting together an exhibition: What is involved, what to expect, how to plan, what costs and rewards to expect.

I hope to see you all soon.

Jim Haberman Exhibition to Open

from Into the Holy Lands (c) Jim Haberman

Into the Holy Lands, an exhibition of photographs by Jim Haberman, will open on 3rd Friday, September 21st. In respect of religious holy days the artist's reception will be held Sunday afternoon, September 23rd. 

I hope that you will visit sometime soon, even if you are not able to attend Mr. Haberman's Sunday reception.

This week the gallery will be going though a typical period of transition. A little painting and touch-up will happen as we get the new show ready. You might notice that I've switched to plural, and that is because Jill Javier, a valued assistant, has returned to work part time for the next few months.

For those of you not directly familiar with preparing a new exhibition, you might be surprised at how many details need attention. Think of putting together a special dinner for your extended family and close friends. Remember all the lists, considerations, and trips to the grocery that are needed - and of course last minute attention to details nearly forgotten... So our week will be spent, not in the kitchen, but at the keyboard, or on the floor, paintbrush in hand. At some point the prints will have arrived, the wall tags will have been printed and mounted, all the PR will have gone out, and by some miracle everything will have come together by 6 pm on Friday.

Membership Opportunity

In the interest of becoming more inclusive and helping to maintain the financial health of Through This Lens, we are happy to announce a new Membership Program. The official kickoff date is Saturday, September 15, 2012, but we have already had some friends join as charter members - so it is never too early. More information will follow, but you can read about the basics at http://www.throughthislens.com/membership.html. The basic membership is $50 annually. Please phone Roylee Duvall at 919.687.0250 for more information. Please share your ideas.

Review of Douglas Prince exhibiton

The Herald-Sun newspaper of Durham, NC published an article about Douglas Prince's exhibition at Through This Lens. Blue Greenberg featured the show in her weekly column. The article, entitled Subconscious Holds Key to Genius, was published in print, and is also available on-line at: http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/18539530/article-Subconscious-holds-key-to-genius-?instance=search_results. The on-line version has color illustrations.

Douglas Prince Describes His Process

Last Saturday evening, May 5th, Douglas Prince gave an informal talk about his work currently on display at Through This Lens. Given the very rainy evening, the event was well attended. This is a telling exhibition, showing examples of layered and combined images over a 40 year progression. There are examples of gelatin-sliver "blends" made from multiple b&w negatives in a traditional darkroom setting, "photo sculptures" in literal layers of film, inside acrylic boxes, and finally, combined images from the computer age of art. This selection of a prolific artist affords some insight into how images can change, but the core ideas endure through new techniques and materials.

This is the first time we have committed to a summer-long show. Douglas Prince:Images and Imagination runs through mid-August, 2012 - but don't put off your visit too long. Time has a habit of slipping away.

More Loss in 2012

Rather than dwell on sad topics I'll simply say that I've been reluctant to write much because of two more substantial losses this year: Will Grossman and Dr. Richard Zakia, both friends, and strong supporters of Through This Lens, have passed away in recent weeks. I will remember them both fondly, and with great respect.

Changes in 2012

Good readers: The holidays seem to have distracted me from blogging - but with the new year, I am back on task. This week is your last chance to enjoy the Kevin Logghe exhibition: Object to Image - running through Saturday afternoon. We often keep work on the walls a few days after the official closing date, but not this time. Monday morning will be wall moving time! With the help of a couple of friends the entire gallery will be rearranged. This is partly to prepare for our first exhibition of 2o12: Will Grossman's classic work of Durham in the early 1970s. We have shown his work several years ago, but given the ever-changing nature of the Triangle area, many of our visitors will not have seen Mr. Grossman's evocative images.

Keep your eyes open, and be ready for some significant changes to Through This Lens. Besides our new look there will be new services, classes, workshops, more talks and demonstrations. Please share your ideas if there is something you would like us to offer. I'm in a changing mood.