While Mr. Forager & I are on the road, making our way to California, we’re rerunning Artsy Forager’s most popular posts. This post originally published on May 2, 2011, when the blog was barely two months old. Enjoy!
In honor of Cinco De Mayo this week, I thought we’d focus today on the amazing Frida Kahlo. When I was in painting classes in college, I remember there being this older Bolivian lady who was auditing the classes and she was obsessed with Frida Kahlo. She was sweet but somewhat obnoxious. For a long time, the fact that she was so obsessed with Kahlo managed to turn me off on her artwork. Weird how our minds work sometimes.
But then, somewhere along the line, I let go of this irrational bias and took another look at Kahlo and her work. And I was quickly won over. Health problems plagued Kahlo from a young age, suffering first from polio and then being severly injured in a horrific car accident which left her in a full body cast and bedridden for three months. Though she eventually recovered from her injuries, extreme pain would torment her for the rest of her life.
Two Fridas
Before the accident, Kahlo was studying to become a physician, but she dealt with the boredom of being confined to bed by taking up painting with her father’s watercolors. And so, Frida Kahlo, the artist was born.
Kahlo’s work often included symbols of Mexican mythology, as well as those of Christian and Jewish faiths. Though she is perhaps best known for her self-portraits, often depicting events in her own life, such as the accident, subsequent miscarriages, etc.
She married renown Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera in 1929 and their life together was a tumultous one.
Her work has been described as surrealist, but I think it is the unvarnished depiction of her real life pain and struggle that makes her work so interesting and relatable. We may not have all been through the kind of physical pain Kahlo experienced, but perhaps it is that we can all certainly relate to her emotional pain and the need to express it on canvas.
Be sure to check out the official Frida Kahlo website. A beautifully designed site full of interesting information about the artist.
Today, Mr. Forager & I are packing up and early Monday morning, we’ll be leaving Coeur d’Alene, ID, our home for the last ten months, for a new adventure in Joshua Tree, CA. We’ll be hanging in SoCal until mid- January and I’m looking forward to bringing you lots of new adventures in artsiness! We’re taking our time on the way down to do a little camping and visiting with friends in San Diego.
While I’m away, I thought you might enjoy some reruns of what have ( so far! ) been the most popular Artsy Forager posts. There’ll be some peppering of new stuff, too– we’ll change over to a new Facebook Featured Artist and a couple of new Artist Watches for Escape Into Life!
I’ll check in occasionally, especially once we hit San Diego. Love and Artsiness!
Hiya Artsies! Oh boy, so many exciting things happening ’round these parts! Feel like I’m all over the place in the best sort of way. This week, I have a guest post up over on the Image South blog. If you’re not familiar with Image South, they are a publisher of fine art prints offering beautiful work at affordable prices. For my guest post, I took one IS print, Essential Line #4 by Mitra Ghaffari, carefully chose versatile Larson Juhl framing and then showcased it in three very different spaces. Head over to the Image South blog to check it out!
I have always been a voracious reader, nerd that I am. Summers were often spent with my nose in a book and summer reading contests were usually won handedly. These days, with so much time spent reading blogs and articles online, I don’t pick up a book nearly as often as I’d like. When I do, sometimes it’s an artist biography or other art/art history related tome, with the occasional fun & easy fiction read thrown in. Since some of my artsy reads might be of interest to you, I thought I’d begin posting my thoughts on my latest conquests.
Tom and Jack: The Intertwined Lives of Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock by Henry Adams
While I’ve always admired Thomas Hart Benton’s work for its sweeping nature and subtly satirical voice ( though it is still widely criticized by many as too provincial ), I’ll admit my main draw to the book was Pollock.
Arts of the West ( 1932 ) by Thomas Hart Benton
Remembering back to my earliest forays into art history, I wasn’t especially intrigued by Pollock. At the time, I was drawn to the more feminine abstractions of Georgia O’Keeffe and Helen Frankenthaler. It wasn’t until I came face to face with a Pollock canvas during an Abstract Expressionism show at The Cummer Museum of Art in Jacksonville. I was completely blown away.
Convergence by Jackson Pollock ( 1952 ), oil on canvas, 155×93.5
The texture, the seemingly randomness that once you really stare at it, is not so random, the thick build-up of paint.. I was now officially hooked. The book details the rise of Thomas Hart Benton, paying special attention to his influences, as these would trickle down to ultimately influence Pollock. Benton’s theory of “the hollow and the bump” becomes especially important to Pollock’s artistic growth. Once studied side by side, it’s interesting to map how Pollock went from devoted student of Benton’s to the development of his own unique, groundbreaking style while still utilizing theories taught to him by this mentor and father figure.
I confess, this one took me several library renewals to get through.. The first half of the book, which focuses heavily on Benton and his contemporaries is a bit of a challenge, perhaps because I was more interested in Pollock. But once you begin to see it all culminating in the explosion of Pollock’s career, the transition from the Modern movement to Abstract Expressionism and the shifting of the center of the art world from Paris to New York, the book is impossible to put down. Yes, there’s plenty of speculation regarding Pollock’s alcoholism, mental and emotional battles, but the focus comes back to how he dealt with those demons through his work. A fantastic read if you are at all interested in modern art, abstract expressionism, Benton or Pollock. I just wish I’d bought it instead of checking it out of the library!
Anyone else out there read this book? What were your thoughts?
Steve Williams and I go way back, although he doesn’t remember. When I was a college senior, my painting professor encouraged me to meet with two artists/gallery owners, Jim Draper and Steve Williams. They liked my work and were very encouraging, wanting to see more and see it framed.. but I chickened out and didn’t follow through. Who knows where my life may have led had I followed their advice and diligently pursued it? Oh how stupid we are when we are young! 🙂
A gallery owner and artist, Steve is always a source for interesting work, his own and what he features in his gallery, Florida Mining. He is also a businessman running not only his gallery but his family’s sign business, Harbinger Sign. So it’s no surprise his questions related to the business of making art!
Jackson, mixed media, 60×30
Steve Williams | What have you found to be most important to an artist’s success? What do you see as the activities an artist does that puts them in an arena of “success”, whatever that means?
Artsy Forager | Hmm.. I suppose to answer this question, you would first have to define success, which differs with each artist. For some artists, financial success, i.e., selling lots of work, taking on commissions, making a living solely by art-making, may be their touchstone. While for others, critical achievement is utmost in their minds– being lauded and accepted in the highest of art circles. Or maybe they are looking for their Andy Warholish 15 minutes of fame.
For success in both arenas, first I would say an artist has to just WORK. Create all the time. Creating work is the most important activity an artist can do because after all, it’s impossible to achieve financial or critical success without having the work to sell or show. Second, use the tools at your disposal and use them smartly. An online presence is more important for an artist now than ever– keep your website updated and make sure it loads and allows browsing easily. Post regularly on Facebook and Twitter ( Hootsuite is a great tool for social media time management ). Write a blog if you’re so inclined– but if you don’t have something interesting to say or share, whether about your work, other artist’s work, your interests, etc., don’t feel like you need to write a blog. Do it well or don’t do it at all. Third, be open to everything. Opportunities come your way when you put yourself in their path. Don’t be afraid to propose a collaboration with a dream brand or approach a dream gallery for representation. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
TV Exploration of Mars, mixed media, 12×12
SW | Is there an area in America that seems to be enjoying greater success in art sales? Or an area that seems to have less?
AF | This is a really tough question for me to answer, as I’m so ingrained in the Southeast and Northwest and I’m not truly in the business of selling art ( yet..? ). There are exciting shows happening in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but is that translating into sales? I can’t say for certain. I see some Southern galleries and artists doing really well, but I can’t say if that is a product of their location or if the galleries are just working really hard to sell art and build up a following of collectors for their artists. Artistic epicenters like NYC, Santa Fe and Miami are always going to be ahead of the game, sales-wise, I think. But there are smaller cities like Austin, Asheville and Portland that are gaining in popularity as artistic tourist destinations, which could equal greater sales.
Haiku Metaphor, mixed media, 22×30
SW | Have you seen/done research to see if people are buying art more online now? If so, what type of work is being purchased?
AF | I can only speak for what I’m witnessing on my own and hearing about from artists. Collectors ARE buying more work online these days. I see online buyers as more apt to purchase limited editions or less expensive originals than to purchase originals with a higher price tag over the internet. There is inherently less to lose by purchasing work online with a lower price tag. Also, the intricacies and textures inherent in original work are almost impossible to truly see online, so that makes some originals a tougher online sell. Perhaps as technology continues to advance, we’ll see more truly fine art originals being sold online. For now, the online market seems to be made up more of prints, limited editions and lower priced originals. I hope to see that change, as galleries continue to fold, the internet is soaking up the slack– but the technology of viewing originals online still has a long way to go. Hmm.. maybe I need to team up with a venture capitalist and some uber-smart techie and make that happen!
Marco Polo, mixed media
Thank you, my dear Mr. Williams for what may have been my toughest set of questions all week! You never fail to make me think or smile.
To see more of Steve’s artwork, please visit his website. Don’t miss tomorrow’s final Takeover when artists reveal their favorite Artsy Forager finds!
It’s Day 4 of the Artist Takeover and today Artsy Forager is being taken over by two of my favorite artists from my hometown. First up is Jacksonville artist and friend, Christina Foard. Christina and I first met back in Jacksonville and she has become a dear friend and wonderfully supportive and encouraging ear. And hopefully, she’s always able to count on me for the same. True to her nature, her questions were thoughtful and insightful.
Urban Leak, acrylic and oil on canvas, 109×66
Christina Foard | My first question is possibly a bit broad, but something makes me think it’s a cornerstone for you, and may have application for all of us in any field. What are your beliefs about generosity – you know, giving without a foreseeable or tangible return on investment? What role does it play in your strategic plan for your future as an arts advocate/blogger?
Artsy Forager | I purposefully don’t talk much about my spiritual beliefs on the blog. I would never want anyone to be put off by spiritual talk. But your question brings it forward, so I’ll lay it out there. I am a Christian. I believe in God & the salvation of Christ. A cornerstone of my faith is a belief in service to others. My husband and I both try to practice giving freely of ourselves and our resources. We believe in the joy of giving.
Through Artsy Forager, I’m able to give of my time and resources to help people whose talent I believe in. Right now, I receive no financial benefit from Artsy Forager. What it is giving back to me is a sense of purpose and a knowledge that I am doing my part to help someone else. My strategic plan for the future is pretty fluid at the moment– I have ideas and short-term goals for broadening my audience and scope of services through the blog, but I also want to be open to whatever comes my way. I want to be able to help artists in a tangible way– I’ve found that is where I receive the greatest satisfaction! In the short term, that may be achieved through the blog and through doing the type of art consulting/project management I’m already familiar with. I’m not sure what will happen long term, but I would love to be able to incorporate charitable giving into my long term business plan, once I figure out what that is. 😉
Guggenheim
CF | Are there characteristics that you think many/most artists share? Are there commonalities in their approach, energy, psychological make-up that you’ve experienced?
AF| I’ve been so fortunate to be able to meet and befriend some spectacularly talented artists and incredible people. Every artist is different, but I’ve found that many of the artists with whom I’ve developed relationships do share some characteristics–
Many of the most talented artists I’ve come across are incredibly humble, they are often open to all types of inspiration and stimulation, whether it be through other visual artwork, music, literature or other creative talk. They see the world through a broader lens, often much more open than others may be to differing points of view. I love the way so many artists support and encourage each other. The arts are a business but one that I personally think is enhanced by cooperation, not competition.
Bouchon
CF | You’ve been roaming nomadically for a while, clearly devoted and adoring your husband all the while, what do you think are the most exciting art markets amongst the cities you’ve gotten to know? What makes them vibrant in your opinion?
AF| Oh what a fun question!! My husband George & I feel so fortunate to be living this unique nomadic lifestyle. It has opened our eyes to so many places we may not have discovered otherwise. Here are a few of my favorite artsy spots I’ve found so far–
Seattle, WA— I may be a bit biased toward Seattle, as it was where George & I truly fell in love, so I see the city through love-colored glasses! That being said, the artistic energy in Seattle is phenomenal and the quality of the work being done there is, in my opinion, among the best in the world. For a large city, the sense of community and camaraderie among the artists in Seattle is amazing. Every time George is up for a new assignment, I hope and cross my fingers for Seattle. I would love to be there for a while to really immerse myself in the art community and just soak it all in.
Portland, OR— Another obvious one. 😉 I’m not as familiar with Portland as I am with Seattle, having only visited on a few day trips last summer but the art scene there is comparable. The arts in Portland seem a bit more laid back than Seattle.. almost like Portland is Seattle’s younger sibling.. I think it is still coming into its own. It’s truly becoming a creative destination for all kinds of art, which I find really exciting. It’s another city I would love to live in for a while and get to know better.
Astoria, OR— When we moved to our first Northwest assignment in Aberdeen, WA last summer, I was desperate for some cultural stimulation ( not currently to be had in Aberdeen, but we have hope for that little town ). We took a day trip to Astoria one Saturday and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the galleries there. Many small Northwest towns have thriving art scenes, but the focus is usually on Western/Native American art– which is great, but not my cup of tea. Astoria has a fantastic photography gallery, Lightbox Gallery , a large multi-discipline contemporary gallery, RiverSea Contemporary as well as a fun, more cutting edge space, Lunar Boy Gallery and others. An artwalk, shops, bookstores, etc., make Astoria a great little artsy town. If only it didn’t get almost 200 days of rain a year..
Jacksonville, FL— Of course, I had to include my hometown! The resilience of the artists and art community in Jacksonville continues to amaze me. The economic downturn hit the art market hard in Jacksonville, resulting in a lot of gallery closings, but it is so encouraging to watch artists and arts supporters finding new ways to rebuild. I’m afraid they are often running up against bureaucratic opposition and conservative political silliness but yet they keep fighting. And I’m cheering them on from afar. I’m looking forward to being back for a visit later in the year and seeing first hand exciting new ventures like Florida Mining and CoRK Studios.
Ashland, OR— This small town in Southern Oregon has a really booming and exciting art scene. Being a tourist destination known for its outdoor Shakespeare Festival, Ashland was a favorite spot while we were living in Southern Oregon. We have a good friend moving to the area and are looking forward to visiting again. I’ve discovered some really fabulous artists through Ashland galleries. It’s a liberal town in the midst of a very conservative area, which makes it kind of a mecca for culture in the southern part of the state.
Port Townsend, WA— Another small town that completely charmed me. It’s proximity to Seattle ( a ferry-ride away ) and touristy appeal gives this little town great potential for its art market. I don’t think it is quite where it could be yet, but I see it moving forward toward becoming an arts destination. Port Townsend is one of those towns where I immediately wanted to open a gallery. 😉
There are a few places we haven’t made it to yet, but I am anxious to see what their art communities have to offer– San Francisco, Los Angeles ( I’m seeing some really incredible art coming out of LA ), Santa Fe, New Orleans, Chicago, just to name a few. And perhaps it’s my proximity to Canada these days, but we have some really talented neighbors to the north.. it almost tempts me to talk George into changing our citizenship!
Summer Rain, oil on canvas, 48×60
CF | How can artists help your business grow?
AF | Right now, the biggest way artists can help is to share the Artsy Forager page with friends, help me get the word out with social media, etc. When you share a quote, status, post, etc., you’re helping AF reach a wider audience. There are web tools that estimate your potential social media reach and it really is incredible to think about. It reminds me of that old shampoo commercial, “then she tells 2 friends and they tell 2 friends and so on..“.. wow, I just really dated myself! In sharing, you’re not just helping AF but every artist that is featured.
Keep me updated with new work, shows, etc. It would be very time consuming for me to periodically check for new work on each artist’s site. I love it when an artist emails me to let me know of an upcoming show or new work just posted to their site. It helps keep you & your work on my mind, which in turn, usually prompts me to post about it on the blog or social media. Win-win for both of us!
I am always open to new ideas and dialogues, too. This interview process idea came from artist Christina Baker and I was thrilled with all the artists’ enthusiasm! I would really love to have artists even more involved with the website.
Flow
To see more of Christina’s work, please visit her website. Stay tuned this afternoon for Steve Williams’ takeover!
I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Takeover with M.A. Tateishi! Today’s Artist Takeover is courtesy of Christina Baker, the artist whose idea to turn the tables led to this special week at Artsy Forager. I first met Christina while working at a gallery/ consulting firm in Jacksonville, Florida. We carried Christina’s work from time to time and placed it in healthcare settings around the area, but it wasn’t until she moved to Nashville and started focusing on abstract compositions that her work really took off. I’m happy to report she’s a super busy, in-demand artist and it’s been thrilling watching her career blossom!
C and I have bonded over our love of art, coffee and our super-adorable husbands ( she married her true love just a few months before I married mine ). Here’s a peek inside one of our online conversations..
Blueberry Martini, acrylic on canvas, 60×48
Christina Baker | You love most everything beautiful to the eye and what I have grown to admire about your eye so much as how authentic it is to “you.” You have such a myriad of taste yet it always goes back to seeing a little glimpse of you in each and everything you share with others.
Have you ever thought of Artsy Forager as sort of a personal home away from home, not just a vehicle to promote art but a place you feel that is part of you and you are the hostess?
Artsy Forager | You know, I’ve never really thought about it that way, but given that George & I are living such a vagabond-ish lifestyle, it makes sense that I’ve crafted Artsy Forager as a sort of home! I hope that AF feels like a warm and inviting place, where visitors feel welcomed and want to linger over a cup o’ jo and some fantastic artwork. I’m a nester by nature, so I put my personal stamp on any place I inhabit, even an online home.
Locked Doors, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
CB| I have totally taken note of how much you love nature. You have even seemed to have met the man of your dreams who also loves and respects nature. I have also noticed your taste leans more contemporary yet you show appreciation for such a variety of styles and genres. Is there any connection to your passion for nature and your taste in the contemporary arts?
AF | I do see my love of nature coming out in the works I’m most attracted to. Many of my favorite artists find a way to combine natural themes or elements in a thought provoking and contemporary way. Artists like Rachel Denny, Jennifer Bain and Brenda Mallory come to mind. The natural world is full of abstract shapes and textures, it’s an unending source of inspiration and I’m most intrigued by artists who interpret that world in abstract ways vs. a realistic landscape or still life. Being outdoors and immersed in nature, away from the hustle of traffic and pressure to be connected to technology refreshes us in so many ways. I find myself at my most creative and thoughtful after a day of hiking. George & I have been batting around a long-term dream of opening an artists’ retreat in a gorgeous, secluded location. Kind of like summer camp for artists and other creative types. It’s my favorite dream right now!
Birds in the Dryer, acrylic on canvas, 24×30
CB| Do you still own any of your childhood art projects? This could include anything from your college years as well. If so, have you ever pulled them out and studied them as well as had the urge to create a new body of work in the present moment of your life? I think it would be really cool to see a blog post of something you have or plan to create.
AF | I have stacks of paintings from my college days hanging out in our storage unit in Florida. My mom and brother/sister-in-law each have several paintings of mine hanging in their homes. There is a large portfolio full of figure drawings from my senior year in college that I can’t bear to get rid of. Most of them are on newsprint and have at some point or another been rolled up, so they aren’t in the greatest shape, but I just can’t part with them. I struggled when I first began taking Figure Drawing with the amazing Paul Ladnier— I got so frustrated with myself, yet he was incredibly encouraging, telling me that one day it would just click. And that’s exactly what happened! I grew to love it so much I took 3 semesters of Figure Drawing with him and was probably at the height of my skill level then.
Playing Catch, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
But here’s the thing. Painting and drawing are skills, like anything else. They must continually be practiced and developed or they lessen over time. I haven’t painted or drawn really consistently since college. Every once in a while I create something I’m proud of, but more often than not, I’m disappointed with my efforts. I would love to get back into painting, as few activities energize me as much ( when the work goes well, anyway! ). But I’m also humbled by the amazing talent I see every day. It would be difficult to keep from measuring myself against so many incredible artists and falling short. Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to post about my own work. It’s definitely something I would have to work up to!
To see more of Christina Baker’s work, please visit her website. A special treat tomorrow– a double takeover with Christina Foard and Steve Williams!
I warned you, Artsies! The Artists are Taking Over Artsy Forager this week! While Mr. Forager & I are finding inspiration in Glacier & Yellowstone, a few of the artists featured on the blog are turning the tables on moi, asking all sorts of interesting questions about blogging, the art world and little ol’ me.
First up is Seattle artist Deborah Scott, who knocked me out with her work when she emailed me last year asking if I might like to feature her on the blog. I was blown away by Deborah’s work and I’m not the only one. Recently Eric Fischl ( yes THAT Eric Fischl ) recently chose two of Deborah’s paintings for his America: Now & Here national project! Hope you enjoy this conversation between the artist and the Artsy Forager.
Without Their Permission ( File 1: Baby Bear ), oil and mixed media on canvas, 24×40
Deborah Scott | What is the most exciting part about being an arts enabler and making connections for art, artists, and art appreciators?
Artsy Forager | So many things excite me about what I’m doing at Artsy Forager! But THE most important and exciting for me is when I hear that it was through Artsy Forager that an artist has connected with a new gallery, a new collector, a new opportunity to promote and/or sell their work. As noble as the art world may seem, artists have to eat and if anything I do helps an artist make a sale or get connected to a gallery, art consultant, designer or collector to generate future sales, well, that makes everything I do worthwhile.
Without a Sound, oil and mixed media on canvas, 24×40
DS | What work(s) of art do you wish you owned?
AF | Oh wow. I don’t even know where to begin! Obviously, if I had the funds, I would love to own works by my favorite masters.. Picasso, O’Keeffe, Rothko, Pollock, just to name a few. Not to be a suck-up, but I would love to own one of your pieces one day! 😉 I am finding new favorites every day, but there are certain artists whose work I keep coming back to and that both George and I really adore– which I think is very important, we would have to both love any artwork purchase.
Maribel Angel— I loved Maribel’s work from the first moment I saw it and completely regret not investing in a painting while I was getting a gallery discount. 😉 “Shangri-La” is a piece of Maribel’s that I adore.
Rachel Denny— Rachel’s “Domestic Trophies” are so fabulous and after we saw them at Foster/White Gallery in Seattle, George loved them just as much as I already did. I would give any of them a good home!
Susan Hall— Susan’s work is incredibly soft and ethereal. There’s a quiet intricacy to it that I don’t think I would ever tire of. “April” reminds me of the serenity of the wildlife here in the Northwest. I love it.
Joe Segal— Joe’s work has always appealed to me. It bridges the gap between the raw natural quality of the wood and his contemporary vision so beautifully. His “Cleave” series really fits our aesthetic perfectly, it echoes my hubby’s “mountain man” personality with my own more urban style.
I could go on and on! Suffice it to say that I would love to own the work of any artist I’ve featured so far on Artsy Forager!
Plummet, oil and mixed media on canvas, 24×40
DS: What is your art world pet peeve?
AF: I hate it when artwork isn’t credited along with other sources. I’ve seen some gorgeous work on blogs and in magazines and often every element in the room except the artwork is credited down to the paint on the walls, often not for lack of trying on the designer’s part. One of my favorite artists recently had his work featured as part of a home design in House Beautiful and although the designer lobbied heavily for him, his name was still not listed among the source credits. It just devalues the work of the artist as not as important as, say, the sofa or a table lamp. It’s so irritating!
Into Flat Space, oil and mixed media on canvas, 24×40
To see more work from Deborah Scott, please check out her website. Tomorrow’s Takeover Artist: M.A. Tateishi!
Photography, more than any other medium possesses such a power to transport us to anywhere in the world. And because of it’s documentary nature, we often believe what a photograph is telling us. When New York based photographer Jenna Gang contacted me, I was especially intrigued by her series of images from Israel. It turns out this controversial country has very special meaning for Jenna. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing her talk about the series in this email interview we conducted recently.
Artsy Forager | Your series of photographs from Israel have such a different, more quiet focus than most imagery coming from that country. What was your catalyst for the series? Did it evolve over time or did you begin with your concept already in mind?
Jenna Gang | The catalyst for this series was my grandfather. As a holocaust survivor, he expressed throughout my childhood how important it was for me to visit the holy land. After he passed away, his 35mm camera was given to me by my grandmother. By merging his camera with his aspirations for me, I thought it only fitting to honor his memory by shooting this series.
Throughout my development as a photographer, I have always been drawn to images that were minimalistic and left interpretation to the viewer. Through photographs, the world sees Israel as a conflict. I wanted to show that Israel is so much more than that. I simplified my subject to lines and shapes to reflect the natural beauty of the country.
AF | Who do you count among your photographic heroes?
JG | In hopes of not sounding too generic, most of my fellow FIT alumni are my heroes. This is because although our foundation was built in the same way our results vary so widely. Erin Kennedy, Christian Thorman and Nadirah Zakariya were each given the same tools that I was and yet we all emerged with distinct individual styles. I wait in anticipation to see what they create next.
AF | What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a photographer?
JG | If I weren’t a photographer, I’d be a food critic. Since I love to eat, this would be a worthy profession. I understand that I would have to eat some bad food along the way, but it would all be worth it for that one good dish.
AF | What is your dream photography project?
JG | During my free time, I enjoy travelling the world via Google Earth, planning how I would capture each of the different landscapes. I am fascinated with Japan and would enjoy a trip to the countrysides of Tokyo, Samurai sword in tow.
To see more of Jenna Gang’s work, please check out her website.
As they always seem to be in the habit of doing, Facebook pages recently changed! If you’re a fan and don’t want to miss any news, go to the Artsy Forager page and hover over the “Liked” button and select “Show In My Newsfeed”. Otherwise, you may not receive updates in your feed from Artsy Forager. Sorry for the extra step, but I don’t want you to miss out on any of the inspiring artsy stuff being posted on Facebook!
PS– If you aren’t following Artsy Forager on Facebook, please join in the fun! Lots of artsy goodies are posted over on Facebook between the features here on the blog.