As much as money I spend renting out random studio space, I decided to go ahead and get a studio space of my own. When Photographers Mark Niemi, John Kramer and Charles Albarran, made an offer to have me join there team at Studio 500 West ( website to come) I could not turn the offer down. It feels good. I made a goal to step up my photo game this year and so far so good. I am pretty proud of myself, and super stoked to have my own space.
YEAH!!! GO MEEE!!!
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
I'm Just Gonna Do What I Want to DO
I was just speaking to my friend Jonathan on the phone, sort of complaining about life. You know the basics, paying off student loans and credit cards, and also why I cannot seem to choose between film and photography as a career path. The problem is that when I work on movies, I have no time for my photography. I feel as if I need to hire a marketing assistant to help prep mailers and make telephone calls for me so that I can really get my photo life flowing. Jonathan feels that this is something that I can and should be able to do on my own. I agree with him, although again, being on set for 12 hours day or the next few days is not going to make this very workable. So then he says that "I can do whatever the FREAK I want to do, and if someone disagrees, then screw em" Language was perhaps a bit more colorful. I guess I should work for me instead of trying to do for me around the mans time. Its hard though, and alot of work it can become overwhelming, sometimes its just easier to write someone else a check. He's right, the crazy thing is, I know this already. I suppose its just easier said than done. So again I am going to give myself a refocus and just say to myself: IF SOMEONE DOESN'T LIKE WHAT I AM DOING THEN I NEED TO UNCURL MY MIDDLE FINGER AND JUST KEEP IT MOVING
Chicago Artist Coalition: I'm the Artist to Watch
The Chicago Artist Coalition, is this wonderful artist organization that I have been a member of for maybe like 1 or 2 years now. CAC is very much about educating artists about different professional practices, as well as educating the general public about the importance of visual arts to society. To sum it up the CAC is really dope for artists. I've really learned from them, how to step up and just put myself out there in this art world
I received an email from Olga, the executive director of CAC, about being nominated for the Chicago Artist to Watch program. Whoa!!! This is purely God. I mean, I dont really consider myself to be such an artist that would be chosen for such a honor. I mean, I am not really the type of deep photographer with super deep focuses on huge ideals, but maybe its exciting that people see my work for more than just a hot chick standing on a corner or something. I feel that my work is pretty literal and it comes from me and my surroundings. I must say that I am pretty excited about this, until I learned that I have to give a lecture about my work. OH MY GOSH!, please someone shoot me now. I haven't given a speech since my basic public speaking class during my sophomore year in college. Perhaps this is the type of discipline I need for the year. All of this work with the CAC has really made me focus on my photography especially the ,
documentary projects that I want to begin. Sometimes I just need a little push, and CAC has given me that.
I received an email from Olga, the executive director of CAC, about being nominated for the Chicago Artist to Watch program. Whoa!!! This is purely God. I mean, I dont really consider myself to be such an artist that would be chosen for such a honor. I mean, I am not really the type of deep photographer with super deep focuses on huge ideals, but maybe its exciting that people see my work for more than just a hot chick standing on a corner or something. I feel that my work is pretty literal and it comes from me and my surroundings. I must say that I am pretty excited about this, until I learned that I have to give a lecture about my work. OH MY GOSH!, please someone shoot me now. I haven't given a speech since my basic public speaking class during my sophomore year in college. Perhaps this is the type of discipline I need for the year. All of this work with the CAC has really made me focus on my photography especially the ,
documentary projects that I want to begin. Sometimes I just need a little push, and CAC has given me that.
Breaking Down 2008
So perhaps I lied about the other quick blurb about 2008, but I suppose it sort of is a big deal. Besides I’m chilling in the house right now. So I have more time to really reflect on this whole New Year deal.
2008 is on its way here. Originally my plan was to go to church with a friend and stop by my cousin’s house after midnight, but the weather has me chilling in my father’s office typing about the New Year. Hmmmmmm what will happen in 08? I really think the whole New Year deal is a bit overrated. People get all glamed up and go out pay lots of money, to party it up with a bunch of people you don’t know. I am too laidback, and I the chill at someone’s house kind of chick, but tonight I am chilling in the crib, watching Americas Next Top Model Marathons. Its all good, I love it. I really am enjoying just sitting here and being chill.
So, new years resolutions……… even though I am not going to make any official ones for this year I do have my regular things that I always work on and I have decided to break it down.
You would think this is something that I keep personal, but I figure if I put it up here, others that read it can help me keep on it. After all it does take a village to raise a child. (Not that I am a child, but it’s a good quote in reference to teamwork)
Relationships with Others: I must say that I am a pretty cool chick; I am honest, sincere, considerate, and funny. HOWEVER, there is always room for improvement.
I will be nicer to people. Even though I am classified I think as already nice. I can always be nicer, and maybe a bit more aggressive. I am also no longer going to care about what others are doing. If they want my help, that’s great but I am not going out of my way to make sure others get stuff done unless they act that way to me. Not being rude, just 2008 we don’t have time for foolishness.
Networking/Socialite: I am going to go out more. Even if it’s just something chill. I gotta put myself out there more, and this year I will also mail out Christmas Cards. Walk up to people, really perfect the style of schmoozing. Damn, well I said it. Learn the art of Schmoozing.
Friends: I love my friends. I have the best friends in the whole entire world!! I hope that we can enhance our relationships even more. My out of state friends, I can keep in better contact, so I will try. I can make new friends too, but my hommies are the baddest kids in the land!!
Health/Fitness: I have done pretty well with this, in October I started lifting weights and this year I plan to continue to do this, and add cardio. Eat better and just be overall healthier. This is not easy for someone that is such a picky eater such as myself. It’s a challenge that I really want to take on. It would be nice to find a yoga or pilate’s class. Even tai chi would work. I just want to do something where I can relax and just focus on my me, myself and I.
Photography/Visual Art: I am going to continue to work on this, AS I ALWAYS FREAKING DO. Step it up a bit and shoot more, promote more. SHOOT MORE, PROMOTE MORE! I really want to push my photography to the limit. The sky is the limit and I am excited to really rock it out.
I guess this goes with socializing and networking, but I am going to make it out to more art shows and lectures.
God/Church/Spirituality: Duh! Without God, I am nothing. He is the reason I am where I am. He is the reason that I am so free; He is the reason that I am who I am, and why I have so many opportunities ahead of me.
Style: I am really not that bad, but like my relationships, and everything else in my life there is always room for improvement. I think that I just my embrace my femininity a little bit more, and wear more dresses. They are fun. I like them and since I am working out it seems like the easiest piece of clothes to rock. Whatevs, so here goes for me.
Film: the jury is still out on. I know that eventually I am going to have to figure out if I want to do photography or film. I have no idea how to make a balance with this; hopefully 2008 will give me come clarity in this whole situation.
Opposite Sex: Fellas, if they want to ride out with me, I think that is fabulous. My main goal is my photography but hey. I am always down with a nice distraction. The 41/2 year boy and me are no longer so, perhaps it would be nice to be COMPLETELY SINGLE for a bit and just do me.
In Summary I suppose 2008 is just about Stephanie being Stephanie, they way I have always been. I do feel an upgrade coming along. It’s a subtle feeling in my stomach but I know it’s going to be a good year.
2007 was awesome. I met new people, I worked on a lot of movies, and I just had a good time. I hope that in 2008 I also do a better job documenting it via my blogs, and other outlets. Oooooooohhhhhh weeeeeeeee EXCITING!!!!!
2008 is on its way here. Originally my plan was to go to church with a friend and stop by my cousin’s house after midnight, but the weather has me chilling in my father’s office typing about the New Year. Hmmmmmm what will happen in 08? I really think the whole New Year deal is a bit overrated. People get all glamed up and go out pay lots of money, to party it up with a bunch of people you don’t know. I am too laidback, and I the chill at someone’s house kind of chick, but tonight I am chilling in the crib, watching Americas Next Top Model Marathons. Its all good, I love it. I really am enjoying just sitting here and being chill.
So, new years resolutions……… even though I am not going to make any official ones for this year I do have my regular things that I always work on and I have decided to break it down.
You would think this is something that I keep personal, but I figure if I put it up here, others that read it can help me keep on it. After all it does take a village to raise a child. (Not that I am a child, but it’s a good quote in reference to teamwork)
Relationships with Others: I must say that I am a pretty cool chick; I am honest, sincere, considerate, and funny. HOWEVER, there is always room for improvement.
I will be nicer to people. Even though I am classified I think as already nice. I can always be nicer, and maybe a bit more aggressive. I am also no longer going to care about what others are doing. If they want my help, that’s great but I am not going out of my way to make sure others get stuff done unless they act that way to me. Not being rude, just 2008 we don’t have time for foolishness.
Networking/Socialite: I am going to go out more. Even if it’s just something chill. I gotta put myself out there more, and this year I will also mail out Christmas Cards. Walk up to people, really perfect the style of schmoozing. Damn, well I said it. Learn the art of Schmoozing.
Friends: I love my friends. I have the best friends in the whole entire world!! I hope that we can enhance our relationships even more. My out of state friends, I can keep in better contact, so I will try. I can make new friends too, but my hommies are the baddest kids in the land!!
Health/Fitness: I have done pretty well with this, in October I started lifting weights and this year I plan to continue to do this, and add cardio. Eat better and just be overall healthier. This is not easy for someone that is such a picky eater such as myself. It’s a challenge that I really want to take on. It would be nice to find a yoga or pilate’s class. Even tai chi would work. I just want to do something where I can relax and just focus on my me, myself and I.
Photography/Visual Art: I am going to continue to work on this, AS I ALWAYS FREAKING DO. Step it up a bit and shoot more, promote more. SHOOT MORE, PROMOTE MORE! I really want to push my photography to the limit. The sky is the limit and I am excited to really rock it out.
I guess this goes with socializing and networking, but I am going to make it out to more art shows and lectures.
God/Church/Spirituality: Duh! Without God, I am nothing. He is the reason I am where I am. He is the reason that I am so free; He is the reason that I am who I am, and why I have so many opportunities ahead of me.
Style: I am really not that bad, but like my relationships, and everything else in my life there is always room for improvement. I think that I just my embrace my femininity a little bit more, and wear more dresses. They are fun. I like them and since I am working out it seems like the easiest piece of clothes to rock. Whatevs, so here goes for me.
Film: the jury is still out on. I know that eventually I am going to have to figure out if I want to do photography or film. I have no idea how to make a balance with this; hopefully 2008 will give me come clarity in this whole situation.
Opposite Sex: Fellas, if they want to ride out with me, I think that is fabulous. My main goal is my photography but hey. I am always down with a nice distraction. The 41/2 year boy and me are no longer so, perhaps it would be nice to be COMPLETELY SINGLE for a bit and just do me.
In Summary I suppose 2008 is just about Stephanie being Stephanie, they way I have always been. I do feel an upgrade coming along. It’s a subtle feeling in my stomach but I know it’s going to be a good year.
2007 was awesome. I met new people, I worked on a lot of movies, and I just had a good time. I hope that in 2008 I also do a better job documenting it via my blogs, and other outlets. Oooooooohhhhhh weeeeeeeee EXCITING!!!!!
The Self Potrait Project: Take 1
I have this idea that I want to try that involves me. I have always had a great respect for self portrait photographers. I admire how they can get such a good, image that actually happens to be in focus. I have ideas, that I only think I can pull off. I just don't see how to communicate it to anyone else, so I am going to give this a shot. As I was exploring how I can pull this off I decided to email one of my favorite artists who photographs herself, Morgan Konn. She is dope, One of her works is, called "Her House, Her Clothes" where she goes to a womans home and photographs herself in that womans clothing. It's wild. At any rate, I emailed Morgan about her process and can you believe that she emailed me back!!! I mean seriously, how often does that happen So with her suggestions in mind, I tried to photograph myself, just as a test.
But did it work, Not really. This is what came of it
I guess I still have some work to do, but I still like these because they are the first pictures I have ever taken of myself. Dammit all self portrait shooters, you make it look so easy!!!! I am excited to kick this project off though and see what comes of it. LOL
But did it work, Not really. This is what came of it
I guess I still have some work to do, but I still like these because they are the first pictures I have ever taken of myself. Dammit all self portrait shooters, you make it look so easy!!!! I am excited to kick this project off though and see what comes of it. LOL
I guess I never really explained who I was
I guess it would be good if I just say a little bit about myself. I mean, I am not sure if anyone is even reading this but I guess still, its nice to have a little intro about myself. Well my name is Stephanie Graham. I am a visual artist, Wow! I have never really called myself that before, but in a nut shell that is what I am. I'm a filmmaker and a photographer. I want to start getting into doing small installation videos, so look out for those too. I am not a writer by any means, but films are also time consuming so for the time being I am going to write on this blog. With both my photography and my films, I am interested in youth culture, subcultures, like black suburbia, and rich people, especially rich people, poor people. That's sort of the world I grew up in but my family is not millionaires, at any freakin-rate. So yeah thats me, just a fly chocolate girl out there documenting the familiar
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