Embrace at DAM

For the Embrace! exhibition, the DAM asked 17 artists to create one-of-a-kind installations for the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, our angular building designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind

“The concept of Embrace! was to open a dialog between painting and architecture,” explains Christoph Heinrich, the DAM’s deputy director and curator of the exhibition.

“Painting here is understood in the widest sense of the term, taking into account the developments of recent decades. This expanded definition determined the list of participants—not only painters but artists who produce sculptural, conceptual, and digital work.”

About the Hamilton Building

In 2001, the DAM commissioned architect Daniel Libeskind to design an expansion that would accommodate our growing collections and programs. The 146,000-square-foot Frederic C. Hamilton Building opened to the public in October 2006.

“Curators, educators, and designers have lived with this building for three years and have seen their proposals take shape here,” notes Heinrich. “Now, artists are taking over. Embrace! invites them to explore the structure, and in so doing celebrates a kind of second opening of the Hamilton Building.”

The real Costa Rica.

The culture, country, and everything that comprises this wonderful country has a draw of peacefulness unlike any I have experience. Maybe its because when I find myself there, I don't bring home or work life with me. I was thrilled and surprised to have another chance to visit and enjoy being close the the equator. A true escape.

The hotel:
www.lastortugashotel.com

It doesn't get much sweeter to get out of the country for the money. Friends ask me about it, and are often surprised as to how easy and cheap is it to get there and stay there. The key to success is planning ahead.

Water Time

X_mas break! Back in Central and loving it. Blessed to have the opportunity and the time. Thanks Ed for picking up this great shot of me enjoying the beautiful off shore sets the roll in every morning.Chest high at sunrise in 78 degree water is a great way to start the day. We were lucky to have great weather. I'm a big fan of the long board, its like a Catalac rolling down hill. Once it gets going in the right direction all you need to do is guide it and hand on and enjoy the scenery.

Natural Light Head shot.

The key to creating a successful head shot is making sure you have flattering light for your subject. In my mind natural night works best. Open shade with fill cards creates a beautiful, yet simple look which is very flattering for any subject. Filling in the light with white cleans up the light, and creates a nice soft catch light in your subjects eye. Shallow dept of field with a long lens works best.

Sunset on the Water.

My new favorite desktop image. I took this photo this past week while in Rhode Island on a job. There's nothing like a sunset on the water.

Personal Work.

Why is personal work so important to me? I guess I would have to start with the idea that comes from a place of self expression in which the image's soul purpose is to inspire and provoke without an end game. Interesting compositions to me are always fun as I love the ability to create images that lead the viewers eye and attention. And if I can get a viewer to think a little bit about themselves and the world at large I'm doing a good job. I was once told that one of the reasons why some of my images are so successful is because I am very focused on how the subject matter leaves the frame. I thought that was a very interesting observation, and a very true one. I am always paying very close attention on the corners of my frame through the view finder.

Baby Boomers.

I had another great shoot this past week for one of my favorite clients. The subject: Baby Boomers. It was a great shoot that was full of laughs. One of the reasons why I enjoy working with this client so much and why the shoots always seem to be so successful is because we create an open and fun environment for everyone working on set. I find both the talent and clients always work best when the mood is light and fun, with alittle bit of a care free attitude. I always try to maintain a professional situation for everyone I work with because we all have a job to do, but at the same time its great to be able to breathe, relax, and have fun while we're working. I feel its this type of attitude a key part in creating honest images that convey a genuine moment in time.