I Married a Photographer

I think that I’ve done a fair job in getting Dean and his photography out into the community. We are continuing with the trend of creating a name for ourselves and our business (I can’t anticipate that ending any time soon). The only constant is change. So after a writing hiatus (me) and a photo hiatus (Dean) we are, again chipping away at how to approach our next ideas/projects and planning, lots and lots of planning! Sometimes the biggest challenge is splitting time between these things that need completed vs the things that aren’t necessary for the function of our microcosm. With that tidy introduction, a few events of note are on our plates. First, the Bloomsburg ArtWalk taking place in Bloomsburg’s Main St, May 6th from 1600-2000. Look for the local businesses with sandwich board signs located near their doors denoting participation and check out what the arts have to offer! To aid in promoting the ArtWalk and it’s activities, Dean and I had the opportunity to sit down with WVIA’s Erika Funke. Her interview should air on 89.9 FM around 1230, give or take a few minutes, she’ll feature songs by JT and Ann Kerstetter. If you miss the live show, it will be available on podcast at some point in the near future.

Secondly, Dean has been asked to have a few of his abstracts on display at the Ditty-Wilcox Art Gallery located in the Pajama Factory in Williamsport. The opening is Friday, May 7th from 1700-2100. From what I have heard first Fridays are a really busy time! The weather should be beautiful and we’re excited to have this opportunity, opening new doors for our business.

Come out and see us!

On February 12, Dean was asked to present his art work  at the Dress Red Luncheon held at The Pine Barn Inn.  He featured 4, 20″ x 30″ photographs printed on metallic paper and mounted for display, all were within the “red” theme.

Both Dean and I put a lot of thought, time and effort  into these photos; shopping for props, working on lighting techniques, making blood. We were very proud of them (as we should be).  After selecting the correct printing company and viewing the test prints, we sent out our order only to receive them  a few days ahead of schedule -ugh, down to the wire! We were completely happy with what our finished product was and were so very excited to show our work to the patrons of the “Red” event.  Full well knowing that our art wasn’t necessarily what people expect to see at a benefit luncheon, we prepared to be booted from the event.  We had emailed some people who were in the area to get a fan base and were successful, which was great!

With all this said, I am somewhat delighted to relay to you that one lady who helped put the event together was very vocal about our art being inappropriate for the event!  I was so proud upon hearing this!  Our images are all featured below and as you will see, they all contain similar ideas but there is no outward idea, just simple hints for the viewer’s enjoyment.  I also have checked the event’s website to see if they have any PR for us to pump out to our fans.  Other than the blog listing us as a featured artist, there is no image of our work or mention of our contribution for the event.  Dean always wants the viewers’ of his work to have a reaction, mission accomplished!  And a HUGE Thank You to our models Tim Coyne, Sadie May Dorman, Sarah Irene Hamill and Brittany Kanour,  you were all wonderful to work with. Cheers!   Click on the images to enlarge.

Struggling through personal battles as well as running a business has its challenges.  A few months back, Dean was very vocal about not picking up his camera again.  When faced with these tough times, what is the best solution?  On this topic everyone is so very different.  The best choice for me, is not the same for everyone.

So once we started on our most recent project (which will be debuting on February 12th) we really did our best to find new models, branch out  creatively, and apply technique and skill to all of our planned/posed shots.  About a year ago, Dean and I talked about our approach to photography, he mentioned that it is very difficult for him to feel satisfied taking shots of things that he ‘finds’.  I completely agreed, there is no originality in finding things even when you do photograph them.  It’s not really yours, anybody could have done that. True, but to play Devil’s advocate, not every person has the same perspective. A plain photograph taken of a forest could remain plain or with the knowledge of certain techniques and different lenses it has a better chance of becoming a unique and beautiful snowflake.

With all that said, I have a great feeling about this next collection of 4 photos.  It’s not many but they all make a clear and great statement.  I spent hours working on props and wardrobes, calling people to find new models or people who knew people who were willing to help, etc.  It was sheer chance that we  ended up with the models we did!  They all worked out beautifully!  Writing this, I have a huge grin on my face just imagining people’s reactions to our art.  As Dean said a couple weeks ago, “If I’m not going to be famous for my art then I’ll be infamous.”  He’s hit a sweet-spot!

Teaser

Event Information: February 12, 2010 marks the First Annual Dress Red Luncheon hosted by ACTION Health’s, Aging and Wellness taskforce at the Pine Barn Inn starting at 11am. Dr Robert Davis, Cardiologist at Bloomsburg Hospital will be the Keynote speaker. “Our aim is to set aside this day when people can come together where the prevailing message is that heart disease is a profoundly different disease between women and men,” says Dr. Larry Schardt, Chairperson of the Dress Red Luncheon. The luncheon will start at 11am with social hour to enjoy the photography of Dean Dorman & Marlin R. Wagner following with welcoming remarks and Keynote presentation. Lunch begins at 12 noon followed by a Red Fashion show and closing remarks. The Red Fashion Show includes a collection of red attire from a variety of local stores. “What better way to promote awareness and celebrate National Heart Health month than by supporting ACTION Health – and enjoying the camaraderie of others at this entertaining, fun event” says Lisa Makara, co-chair of the Dress Red Luncheon. Dressing in red attire encouraged but not required. Tickets for this event are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. Seating is limited. Men and women are welcome to attend. All proceeds benefit ACTION Health’s Aging and Wellness taskforce. For information or to purchase tickets call ACTION Health @ 570.275.9150. Visit our website: www.actionhealthpa.org
You can call me for tickets.

Lisa M. Makara, MS, CTRS
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Bloomsburg Health System
549 Fair Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

570-387-2099 Office phone
570-336-0036 Cell
570-387-2316 Fax

I am proud to announce that DSP has been featured in Bloomsburg University’s Spectrum Magazine! To read the article  click on the link : Die Strafbar Photography

Thank you to all who support your local arts!

Clever Title

Using this topic to  approach art, more specifically DSP  and how we want our viewer to approach looking at our pieces.  Without hitting them over the head with a statement, we like to see them come up with the story.  How did that get there? Why?  I see Dean’s pride every time someone strongly reacts to a piece.

So Much the Children Play

One instance, a couple walked up to our stand in August, looked at “So Much the Children Play” the man chuckled while pointing it out to the woman who audibly gasped, grabbed her chest then gestured waving her hand, as if to say I’m done here! while turning her face away.  The husband looked at us and said, “She’s terrified of dolls. They really creep her out.”    Later that day Dean and I talked about all the viewers reactions, understandably so he was most proud of that one.

It is nice to get feedback from people but even better to see their initial reaction.  I love that our work isn’t spelled out for whoever may view it.  More like a puzzle piece less like a squeaky clean novel -where everything is neatly tied up at the end.  No one is left guessing.  We enjoy the guessing!