News
Here are news items about my shows, career, Web site, and other items. To get announcements emailed to you of my upcoming shows and other news, please subscribe to my announcement list.
Studio Open by Appointment
Even if you’re unable to make it to my studio during an open studio event or to a gallery where my work is being shown, you can still have a look—and meet me. For a limited time, I’m opening my studio by appointment. No pressure or obligation, of course. Just call for easy directions, then come say hello and have a look at my work. I hope to see you soon.
“Windowed Wall” Selected for “Glimpses in Time” International Exhibit
7/2/2010–7/30/2010: “Windowed Wall,”
one of my newest night photographs, was juried into this year’s
“Glimpses in Time” exhibit at the Joyce Gordon Gallery.
The exhibit opens Friday and runs through July 30. As always, it features
dozens of photographs from artists across the U.S. and around the world,
so there will be plenty of fantastic photography to see (and, ahem, collect).
I hope to see you at the free reception, which will be this Friday, July 2, 6–9 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
My work has been juried into all four annual “Glimpses in Time” exhibits. The juror this time around was Linda Connor, professor of photography at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she’s taught since 1969.
“Glimpses in Time” is always a tribute to a late photographer, and this year we’re honoring Imogen Cunningham. She was a peer of Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Dorothea Lange, and others, and her influence on the art form is still felt today.
The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th Street (at Broadway) in Downtown Oakland, steps from the 12th Street BART station. You can catch the exhibit Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 1–4 p.m.
East Bay Open Studios 2010
6/5, 6/6, 6/12, & 6/13/2010: For the seventh time, I’m happy to be participating in Pro Arts’ East Bay Open Studios. I’ll have some new prints and old favorites. Remaining 8″×10″ prints are only $75, and my popular Night Photos screensaver is $20.
The show takes place over the first two weekends in June and involves over 450 artists throughout the East Bay, mostly in Oakland and Berkeley. You can see an online preview of the work being exhibited on the Pro Arts Gallery website or in-person previews in Oakland, Berkeley, or Richmond.
Some very local artists and I have collaborated to form the North Berkeley Artists Walking Tour, a self-directed tour of studios in the northwest section of town. I’ll have maps of the tour and postcards from other artists on the walk.
While you’re here (directions and map), pick up a free copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts, the color catalog with maps to the studios, an arts calendar, and other things East Bay art lovers need to know.
So please stop by my studio between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, check out my work, and tell me what you think. If it moves you, please take some home so you can be inspired every day.
Bloggers Are Writing About my Work
Carolyn Edlund, who aims to get exposure for emerging artists through her blog, Artsy Shark, posted an interview with me. In it, I tell the story of how I got started, what’s unique about night photography, how I spend those long minutes in the cold while I’m waiting for the film to be exposed, a thought experiment, my advice for budding artists, and more.
Jan Weiss, a Bay Area artist behind Tuesday Moon Studio (and now The Art Planet), wrote a blog post about my work. She likes pictures of chairs too. Thanks, Carolyn and Jan!
University of San Francisco School of Law Rotunda Gallery
1/7/2010–5/24/2010: I’m pleased to have seven of my night photos on display
through most of May in USF’s School of Law Rotunda Gallery, 2130 Fulton Street
(at Parker Street), third floor, in San Francisco. The show was curated by independent
art consultant Saiko Matsumaru. Here’s an excerpt from her write-up about my work:
Most of the work here is captured using the strong, direct light of streetlamps, creating images that are precise and architectural. This is not to say that these photos aren’t beautiful—they are, with their saturated colors, careful composition, and sharp detail—it’s just that we see a world that is very ordinary and very alien at the same time. A constructed world, built by people but from which the people—and seemingly only the people—have been extracted. . . .
The dreamlike images of “Triplet Tanks” and “Blue Wall,” captured with exacting precision by Vias, are bathed in a clear, cool light, imparting a feeling of otherworldliness; we almost get the sense that these scenes could be somewhere on a moon of Jupiter. Yet this photography is very much about this world. About the world that surrounds us—quietly, stilly, beautifully—waiting for those with both the patience to slow down and look for it and the skill and artistry to capture it.
The gallery is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Open Studios, December 5/6 and 12/13, 2009
12/5, 12/6, 12/12, & 12/13/2009: Like last year, I’m mostly doing my own thing.
I'll be opening my studio to you these two weekends only, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I'll have $20 screen savers,
which make great stocking stuffers, and a variety of prints to choose from.
As you know, although there are hopeful signs of recovery on the way, the economy remains sluggish.
These are times when we especially need beauty and inspiration in our lives, and art can provide them like no
mass-produced item can (not even an iPhone). So to make it easier for you to bring my art home with you, and
because they've been such a success, I'm extending my discounts for this show:
- 20% off all prints larger than 8"x10". If you've been waiting to buy a print, now's the time.
- In-stock 8"x10" prints are on close-out for only $75, down from $125, or 40% off.
You'll receive an even larger discount if you make a multi-print purchase. So come by my studio, say hello, and bring some inspiration into your life. Or you can call or use my Web site to place your order and receive the discounts.
Also, I've helped organize a walking tour of artists within a few blocks of my studio. You can pick up a free map and listing to our studios and go on a little tour, enjoying the fall foliage and picking up some holiday gifts. Bring some friends along for even more fun!
I hope to see you and your friends at the show, so please tell everyone you think may be interested. Thank you for your interest and support, and happy holidays!
Wooden Photography
11/7/2009: Pro Arts’s 35th Anniversary Party/Box Art Benefit Auction is coming soon. This year’s challenge was to turn a 5.5" cube of wood into a piece of art to help raise needed funds for Pro Arts. For various reasons, I didn’t get my block until recently (thanks for getting it to me, Vicky!), and I didn’t get it done until Halloween afternoon—and the preview started November 3! You can see a picture of it here. Click on it for a larger view. Of course, art needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, especially three-dimensional pieces.
Unlike last year, I came up with my concept for this piece relatively easily, refining it as I went.
I visited Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina on a cold night this week, walked to a high spot so I could see
the skyline in every direction, put the block on a tripod, and photographed it from all four corners and from above.
I shone a spotlight (which I had to run back to the car to fetch, since I had forgotten it) on it to made
the block stand out. Lights from the skyline shimmer in the background. Then I applied the photos to the block
so it looks like you’re there at night in the park looking at the cube.
I hope it fetches a large sum for Pro Arts.
“Night Cube,” and dozens of others, will be up for auction this Saturday evening, 6–9 p.m. at 150 Frank Ogawa Plaza in Downtown Oakland at Broadway and 14th Street. There will be refreshments, music, and silent and live auctions. Also, sponsorships are available in advance of the event for $50. If you sponsor an artist, you’ll receive reserved privileges at the event. Call Pro Arts for details.
Dropping off my piece Saturday, I got a sneak peek at some of the other pieces and as always, I’m impressed at what the other artists came up with. The auction is fun and exciting—it's better than Ebay! The East Bay artist community needs Pro Arts to stick around another 35 years, so please come out, say hello, have a snack, and place your bids. See you there!
Night Photography at SF Open Studios at Fort Mason Center
10/17/2009 & 10/18/2009: For the fifth year running, I’ll be participating in Studio Nocturne, an exhibition by ten night photographers that’s part of San Francisco Open Studios. I’ll be showing some new work as well as old favorites.
This year, for the first time, we'll be on the ground floor of Building D, where we’ll have a lot more room. Also, Charity Vargas will be joining us for the first time. Among other work, she photographs the UC Berkeley campus at night. Hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. There will be lots of other artists exhibiting at Fort Mason Center, and it’s always a fun show with lots to see, so come on out!
You can learn more about the artists, get links to their Web sites, see example images, and get more details of the event at the Studio Nocturne 2009 Web site.
“Wall and Hedge” Selected for “Glimpses in Time” Tribute Show
7/3/2009–7/31/2009: “Wall and Hedge” was selected for
“Glimpses in Time,” a juried photography exhibition in honor of Manuel Álvarez Bravo at
the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. I’m very pleased to have been included in the show
for the third year in a row.
Only 61 pieces were chosen from almost 154 entries submitted from across the U.S. and five foreign countries.
A public reception will be held Friday, July 3, 2009, from 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
The juror was René de Guzman, senior art curator at the Oakland Museum of California.
Manuel Álvarez Bravo was a Mexican photographer best known for his sometimes dream-like, sometimes political, surrealistic work. I encourage you to learn more about his contributions to the arts. And come see the show!
You can also read my Glimpses in Time 2009 press release.
East Bay Open Studios 2009
6/6–7 & 13–14/2009: For the sixth year running, I’ll participate in Pro Arts’ East Bay Open Studios. Stop by, see my new work, and pick up a free copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts (the new, expanded color guide with maps to the show, an arts calendar, and other things East Bay art lovers need to know).
The show takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists throughout the East Bay. Please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and take home some art to inspire you and remind you this really is a beautiful world.
Winter Open Studio, December 13/14, 2008
12/13/2008 & 12/14/2008: In previous Decembers, I've opened my studio as part of an organized open studio event. This year, I’m doing my own thing. I'll be opening my studio to you this weekend only, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. I'll have $20 screen savers, which make great stocking stuffers, and a variety of prints to choose from. As you know, the economy has seen better days. These are times when we especially need solace and inspiration in our lives, and art can provide them like nothing else. To make it easier for you to bring my art home with you, I'm making two special offers for this event:
- 10% off all prints larger than 8"x10". If you've been waiting to buy a print, now's the time.
- In-stock 8"x10" prints are on close-out for only $75, down from $125.
You'll receive an even larger discount if you make a multi-print purchase. So all prints are discounted, but only during this event. So come by my studio, say hello, and bring some inspiration into your life. Or you can call or use my Web site to place your order and receive the discounts.
I hope to see you and your friends at the show, so please tell anyone you think may be interested. Thanks, and happy holidays!
My First Mixed Media Piece
11/8/2008: Several weeks ago, as I was leaving Pro Arts Gallery, I encountered a volunteer outside.
He strongly encouraged me to take one of the hunks of household doors he was giving out. Pro Arts’
annual Box Art Benefit Auction was coming up and this year’s challenge for participating artists
was to turn a piece of door into a piece of art to help raise needed funds for Pro Arts.
Reluctantly, I selected a door chunk, not knowing what I was going to do with it. Using photography
as my primary medium, I hadn’t had the need for wooden substrates. Over the coming weeks,
I came up with and rejected several ideas. I eventually figured out what I wanted to do, and
my first mixed media piece, “Door on Door,” was born.
It, and over 100 others, will be up for auction this Saturday evening, 6–9 p.m. There will be hors d’oeuvres by Greenleaf Platters, beer, cocktails, music, portraits, silent and live auctions, and a new auctioneer this year. Also, sponsorships are available in advance of the event for $100. If you sponsor an artist, you’ll receive reserved privileges at the event. All the money goes to Pro Arts.
I had the opportunity to see some of the other pieces and I’m amazed at what some of the artists were able to come up with. I’m excited to see what happens at the auction! So come say hello, have a snack, and place your bid.
Night Photography during SF Open Studios at Fort Mason Center
10/11/2008 & 10/12/2008: I’m again pleased to be included in this year’s Studio Nocturne, an exhibition of work by ten night photographers that’s part of San Francisco Open Studios. I’ll be showing some new work as well as old favorites.
Click the postcard image for details. Also, you can read bios of all the artists, get links to
their Web sites, see example images, and get more details of the event at the
Studio Nocturne 2008 page
on the Nocturnes Web site.
Come to Building “A” at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, where dozens of other artists also will be exhibiting. Hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. It’s always a fun show with lots to see, so come on out and say hello!
“Glimpses in Time” Award Winners in New Show
9/5/2008–9/29/2008: As you may know, my “Shiny Door” earned a Juror Award in the
“Glimpses in Time” exhibit at the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. Now Joyce is
hosting a show to honor the award winners of that show. The award-winning images will be there,
plus two additional pieces from each artist. I’ll have two new brand new prints you
haven’t seen before. So come on out and check out this show of award-winning artists.
A reception will be held Friday, September 5, 2008, from 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
“Shiny Door” Wins Award in “Glimpses in Time” Tribute Show
8/1/2008–8/31/2008: “Shiny Door” was awarded a Juror Award and selected for
“Glimpses in Time–A Juried Photography Exhibition in Honor of James Van Der Zee” at
the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. I’m thrilled to have been included in the show
and to be recognized for “outstanding technical and creative talent”—for the second year in a row!
Only 82 pieces were chosen from almost 400 entries submitted from 29 states and nine countries.
A public reception will be held Friday, August 1, 2008, from 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
The juror was Stephen Wirtz, owner of the prestigious Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco. This is the second time Mr. Wirtz has juried my work into a show, and the second time he granted me a Juror Award.
James Van Der Zee was a photographer best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, photographing such notables as Marcus Garvey and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. I encourage you to learn more about his contributions to the arts.
You can also read my Glimpses in Time 2008 press release.
Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?
7/14/2008–8/22/2008: Seven members of The Nocturnes, a collective of night photographers, will be exhibiting our work at The LightRoom in Berkeley.
A reception will be held on Saturday, July 19th, 2 p.m.–6 p.m. The public is invited.
“The eye, by long use comes to see even in the darkest cavern: and there is no subject so obscure but we may discern some glimpse of truth by long poring on it.”
—George Berkeley (Irish philosopher, 1685–1753)
Tim Baskerville, photographer/educator and founder of The Nocturnes night photography group, has gathered together a few of what he calls “the usual suspects” to explore, interpret, and reveal the seldom-seen nocturnal beauty of Berkeley and neighboring East Bay locales in an exhibit titled “Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?” The work of seven artists will be presented at the LightRoom from July 14 through August 22, 2008.
The gallery and studio is located at 2263 Fifth St., Berkeley, CA 94710. LightRoom hours are 9 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, you may call the LightRoom at 510-649-8111.
“Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?” is a night photography exhibit featuring work by artists living, working, teaching, or photographing (or all of the above) around Berkeley and nearby East Bay communities. It marks a shift in focus for The Nocturnes group (formerly San Francisco-based) to East Bay and North Bay locales. Established in 1991, The Nocturnes night photography group has for many years focused on presenting night photography that investigated various San Francisco districts and neighborhoods such as Potrero Hill, the Presidio, Fort Mason Center, and the Embarcadero. It is with great pleasure that some of the more active Nocturnes turn their sights (and camera lenses) toward Berkeley and the greater East Bay.
The work of the artists ranges from detailed studies of the industrial West Berkeley neighborhood
known as Ocean View by Berkeley photographer John Vias (my “Overpass 1” image was chosen
to represent the show) to quieter, almost pastoral images done on the U.C. Berkeley campus by
Charity Vargas and Tim Baskerville, and on to waterfront scenes, taken from or looking toward Berkeley, by Mark Jaremko.
The title of the exhibit comes, of course, from that clever (and long-running) ad campaign from the late '60s by the Berkeley Farms Corporation. The tagline ran: “Farms in Berkeley?” to which one hears a cow respond “Moo-o-o-o.” And, as incongruous as it would seem to find farms in present-day Berkeley (although the Ocean View district was once an agricultural area), it should come as no surprise that The Nocturnes have found beauty, mystery, and transformation amid Berkeley’s darkened streets.
Participating artists:
Tim Baskerville
Denise Fuson
Sherry Glassman
Mark Jaremko
Joe Reifer
Charity Vargas
John Vias
Emerging Artists Exhibition
6/6/2008–7/18/2008: The Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland is hosting a new exhibition called Insights: Focus on Emerging Photographers. Four 16"x20" prints of my night photography will be framed and hanging for your perusal. The other photographers in the show are: Traci Bartlow (Oakland, Calif.), Rameen Gasery (Oakland), Judy Seidel (Berkeley), Melanie Sims (London), Greame Weston (London), Pat Willard (Redwood, Calif.), and Babak Gholamhossein (Oakland).
Come meet me at the opening reception on Friday, June 6th, at 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., the same night as Oakland Art Murmur.
An artist talk will take place on Sunday, June 8th, at 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately, because I’ll be at my studio that day participating in East Bay Open Studios, I won’t be at the talk.
All events are at the Joyce Gordon Gallery at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612. Exit the 12th Street BART station at 14th Street on Broadway—the gallery is just a few doors down.
East Bay Open Studios 2008
6/7–8 & 14–15/2008: Once again I’ll again participate in
Pro Arts’ East Bay Open Studios. Come to my studio, see my new work,
and pick up a copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts (the new, expanded
color guide to the show and other things arts-related in the East Bay).
The show takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists throughout the East Bay. Please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and see my work.
“Burned-out Building” Selected for Juried Annual 2008
1/22/2008–3/9/2008: My image “Burned-out Building” was selected for this year’s Juried Annual exhibition at Pro Arts Gallery. This is the second consecutive year my work has been included in the Juried Annual and I’m especially pleased since only 71 pieces were chosen from over 1000 entries.
The juror was Laura Hoptman, Senior Curator of the New Museum in New York. Before joining the New Museum, Laura Hoptman has served as Curator for Contemporary Art at the Carnegie Museum of Art, and as Assistant Curator in the drawing department of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The New Museum is the only one in New York dedicated solely to the exhibition of contemporary art.
January 31st (Thursday), 6 p.m.–8 p.m.: A reception will be held on Thursday evening at Pro Arts. Food and drink will be provided. These receptions are fun—come mingle with the artists and other art lovers!
February 16th (Saturday), 1 p.m.: Please join me for a special event at Pro Arts. Many of the us artists represented in the show will speak about our art. This is an ideal opportunity to see the show, meet the artists, and hear how we were inspired to create our work. Questions from the audience are encouraged so bring some!
You can read more in my Juried Annual 2008 press release.