21 July 2008

summertime blues

Summer has never really been my favorite season, though I’m often made to feel foolish for admitting it. I have at least one good excuse: the hot and humid days make calotypes impractical to do. The season isn’t good for the rest of my chemistry, either, photographic or otherwise… I think I may just be better suited for brisk walks and interior joys.

Not that I’ve had time to enjoy the days much anyway, as I have been doing so many different jobs this year, saving up for a Big Fall Escape. I’ve designed a cabaret show, commercials, websites and CD covers. I’ve made logos and boxes and books for fashion designers. I’ve built a skate ramp, a swingset, a sandbox. I’ve driven this state and others looking for couches and lamps and dressers. I’ve taught photography and learned French (well, a little bit anyway…)

What I haven’t done is made much work that I like with what little time I’ve had. I know I’m slow, but this is different. I have always sworn by the baby steps, but now feel like I’m toddling in circles. The last body of work sits half-finished in my studio… no, that’s wrong – the Work is finished, it’s just the prints that aren’t done. (And yeah, ok, some of the final negatives…) Those are the last of the good pieces, and now that may be it. Something’s changed. I have been calling this last work At Sea, as a new beginning in one sense. Using watercolors on salt prints (yeah, water… salt… duh) I thought I was opening up to new imagery. Instead I am At Sea, as in lost.

The escape begins September 1st, and I’m getting ready by clearing the decks. I’m assembling a small box of necessary art supplies, and getting in touch with the old ghosts of influence. I have a brand-new sketch book I’ve been waiting three years to use. This Fall will be the perfect time.

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