The Photo Shoot

Here's the photos from my photo shoot with Julia. I'm in my studio wearing my painting clothes.

Photography by Julia Thomas http://www.juliathomasphotography.com.au/

Nothing Much to Report

I have still been working cleaning out the shed. I can't believe its taken so long. There was a lot of junk in there as Bob and I are both hoarders. Bob is worse though hehehe. I haven't done any art for about two weeks I reckon. All I do is household chores, go to gym and back to the shed. Well I suppose it took years to get in that state, so its not going to get cleared up in a flash is it? My fingers are itchy. They need to get covered in paint and gel medium so I feel an art day coming up real soon. I will take a break from the clean-up and just immerse myself in the activity of painting. I haven't even used my new easel yet. I just have a half finished painting sitting on it. It's time I finished it!

Julia said its about time I had a new profile pic so she came over tonight and did a photo shoot with me. I decided to wear my art clothes, complete with paint splotches and do the shoot in my studio. Can't wait to see the pics but it will be awhile as Julia is still editing photos from earlier shoots and needs to finish those before doing mine.

Well its nearly 10.30pm and I'm yawning so its time I went to sleep I reckon, goodnight .....

Photo Shoot Locations

Julia and I went out to look at a possible photo shoot location. It was 20-30 minutes drive from home and we hadn't heard of it before. How can that be? I have lived in this area since I was a child and have never heard of the Onkaparinga Recreation Park. The park boasts many attractions and activities like bushwalking, wetlands walk, nature walks, rock climbing, fishing, cycling, picnicking and canoeing. We went on the Pingle Farm walk which is a walk to the ruins of an old farm built in 1862. There was no one around and the winter air was crisp. It was very invigorating. The ruins have been fenced off but there were big holes in the fence where people have climbed through to paint graffiti on the walls. I'm not sure how I feel about the graffiti. The ruins would be nice to see without it but somehow I was attracted to the contrast between the natural limestone walls and the bright colours and patterns created by the graffiti.

Pingle Farm

The front

out buildings

felt like a mini stone henge

the fireplace in the kitchen where all the cooking was done

The kitchen was usually a separate building due to the hot summers.

It helped keep the house cool.

a beehive in the chimney

out buildings

time to leave as the sun was setting

Dismantle

It was the last day of 'Peeking Through Someone Else's Window' yesterday so today its time to dismantle it. I'm not sure on the final sales but last count I know I've made enough to buy a nice shining new laptop and some wireless broadband. I've never had a new computer before. Only ever had old hand-me-downs that were made in the dark ages. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the hand-me-downs but I've outgrown this poor old computer that's struggling with the new technology more than I am hehehe. Mixed feelings about today. I'm really happy about bringing my work home. I've missed it (silly I know) and feel strange that I'm losing some of it because its sold. Here I am making work and hoping to make money from it and yet I'm reluctant to let it go. These works are very personal pieces that have been inspired by particular people and situations in my life. On the other hand I'm rejoicing that people have thought enough about my work to buy it and have it in their daily lives. Artists are strange people aren't they? Can't please some of them hehehe.

I am happy to announce that I have pulled myself out of the doldrums. I faced a giant fear. I sent an email to a commercial gallery I'm interested in, enquiring how to go about exhibiting there and being represented by them. They replied stating I was to email my cv, artist statement and images of my work and if they think my work suits their vision for the gallery they will let me know. My inner censor grew very loud, telling me I was silly to try, that I wasn't good enough and who do I think I am trying to get into a gallery like that etc etc etc. But guess what??? I pressed the 'send' button anyway woohoo! Of course I had trouble breathing afterwards and thoughts of 'what have I done' were swirling around my head but this morning I feel very proud of myself. I faced a fear and stood up to my inner censor and that's a step in the right direction no matter what the outcome.

I went on a photo shoot with Julia yesterday. I was the photographers assistant which means I carry the camera bag and watch out for traffic so no one gets run over. Oh yeah and I also got to drive the car to and from the location hehehe. We headed off to Port Adelaide with two young models, Jai and Adrian. It was a cold stormy winter's day and we were hoping the forecast of torrential rain would hold off till the photo shoot was done. Port Adelaide has some amazing old industrial buildings with raised loading platforms and lovely old stone or red brick walls. Some of the loading platforms had 'no parking' painted underneath and there were bits of broken glass etc strewn around to add to the atmosphere. It was perfect for that young urban street culture look that Julia was aiming for. The models were easy to work with and changed clothes in the freezing conditions without complaint. And yes the rain held off. We were in the car about two minutes when it bucketed down. A good fun day.

Well I'd better stop rambling. I'm off to dismantle!

My Unprofessional Photos of the Photo Shoot Location

To check out Julia's new work click here and here