Parking Ramp

I made the 300 mile road trip to Green Bay to visit my Dad. Here is the 1st floor parking ramp at the downtown mall. (yes the mall is open) With the state of things, it seems to be an ideal time to begin a series on empty-parking lots.

Leno's Last Stand

Back in the early 80's, I took this photo of Jay Leno at a Motorcycle rally benefit for Muscular Dystrophy in Glendale California. He was just a stand-up comic at the time. I was covering the event for "Cycle Magazine". The mid-day light very was difficult to shoot in, but seemed to work well for Leno's features

Leno made a joke about wanting to follow the group, so he "could pick up all the parts that fell off the Japanese bikes." The crowd, overwhelmingly Harley enthusiasts, roared.

Although I prefer the sarcasm of Lettermen, you have to really admire Leno for his 17 year career at the helm of "The Tonight Show".

New Studio

I will be moving to a new studio and as moves go, it couldn't be any easier. The space next door to me opened up and after evaluating my need (or lack of need) for a shooting space I took it. Although I now have a great space with a beautiful view, I can't justify continuing to pay for it when I use it so infrequently.

The new space is about 1/2 the size of my current space. I am having a room built to disguise my archive (i.e. clutter) and some lights hung. Beginning in early June, I will be hauling my stuff down the hall about 40 feet to the new location.

If you want to still visit me in the current, (future former) space..you have another month.

"Unique" Jonathon

When someone comes to my studio wheeling in a coffin-shaped bed of nails, it peaks my interest. I photographed Jonathon Bryce, who is a local escape artist to be part of the "Unique" series. Typically, when he lays on the nails he keeps his shirt on...I asked him to do with it off and he agreed...thought it would be more dramatic. Some crazy stuff.

As part of a fund-raiser, On October 24th, he will be attempting to break a world record by escaping from a straight jacket as many times as possible in an 8 hr period. He thinks he might be able to do it 40 times.

Art-A-Whirl Aftermath

Art-A-Whirl was a good thing this year. I was able to see some friends and meet some interesting people.

Most FAQ's over the weekend:

1. How do you find your people to photograph for your "Uniques" project?
Craigslist mainly but some are invited

2. What are you going to do with them...publish a book?
I may be self-publishing something down the road, but right now I am just adding to the series.

2. How long have you been collecting PEZ
Approx 20 years

3. If you don't mind me asking...how much is your rent?
Huh?

Drinking wine and discussing photography is a good way to spend a weekend. (Even sold some prints...which is nice) Thanks to all who attended.

Art-A-Whirl

We are geared up for Art-A-Whirl this weekend.
Although I am not listed in the directory, I will be open.

Address
2205 California St NE Studio 601 Minneapolis, MN 55418

Hours
Fri May 15 5-10
Sat May 16 12-8
Sun May 17 12-5

Come up for the view, drink some cheap wine and have a look at some photographs.
(If you don't want cheap wine, duck behind the seamless paper into the V.I.P. area for the better stuff)

There are also over 60 artists showing work in the building.

Visit www.nemaa.org for more AAW information.
Visit www.californiabuilding.com for directions.

A New Intern!

Katie Wimer has joined us as an intern for the summer. She is a photography student at Southern Utah University. Katie is coming at a great time with Art-A-Whirl happening this weekend. Katie's energy and eagerness is great. Having an intern is always a good thing. It makes me re-think things as I find myself verbally explaining them...if that makes any sense.

"Unique" Coco & Breezy

Coco & Breezy were one of the first to respond to my ad for this series. Although they are not identical twins, they frequently dress alike and are very well known. I love the "Made in the 80's" shirts.

I received the news yesterday that I did not make the cut for the McKnight Fellowship, which is a bummer. Thanks to all those who wished me luck. Guess I have to continue slogging away in anonymity.

Next weekend is Art-A-Whirl. AAW is when many of the NE Minneapolis artists will open their studios for the masses to tour and hopefully actually buy some art. I will be open and will have the "Unique Series" on display as well as some of my earlier work. Stop by if you can. The hours are: Friday 5-10pm, Saturday noon-8pm and Sunday Noon-5.

First Day Doctors

It's graduation time at the University of Minnesota's Medical School. The school graduates over 200 students who now can be officially called "doctors" as they take the oath and begin their residencies.

It is great fun being around all the energy and high hopes. Visually it is a magnificent scene full of tradition, uniforms, marching and emotional, anxious people. I am glad that this positive outweighs the difficulties of the assignment. (carrying the equipment on my body for four straight hours and feeling like you are constantly bumping into people)

"Unique" Yer

Yer is another one of the unique series and the first one I shot away from my studio. It was a quick 5 minute shoot (most of them are short) right in downtown Minneapolis. When I met Yer, I was indeed surprised to think that this woman is also a hunter. This project has made me question my first impression of everyone I meet.