Police are looking for items taken from the set of “Beetlejuice 2” in Vermont.
‘Beetlejuice 2’ sculptures, other items stolen from movie set
‘Beetlejuice 2’ sculptures, other items stolen from movie set
Police are looking for items taken from the set of “Beetlejuice 2” in Vermont.
BUSINESS MATTERS: Sandi Beaudoin explores creativity through Beaudoin Photography BDMC Art
The Australian art world pays tribute to Tim Klingender, an expert on Aboriginal art, who has died aged 59
The Australian art world is in shock after the body of the art dealer and Sotheby’s Aboriginal art consultant Tim Klingender was discovered in the sea off the Sydney Heads peninsula. Maritime police retrieved Klingender’s body on 20 July after an apparent boating accident in which one other person is still missing.
Klingender, who was 59, was senior consultant of Australian Art to Sotheby’s. He was in New York in May to oversee the auction house’s fourth standalone auction of Aboriginal art. When he returned to Sydney, he immediately indulged his love of deep-sea fishing and whale watching along the Sydney coastline.
His loss will leave a vacuum in Sotheby’s international hierarchy and market knowledge base, according to Robert Bleakley, the founder of Sotheby’s previous base in Australia. (Sotheby’s no longer operates in Australia.) “I don’t think there’s anyone who can step into the breach there,” Bleakley tells The Art Newspaper.
In the 1980s Klingender, a young graduate of the University of Melbourne, was taken on by Sotheby’s and eventually became instrumental in the establishment of a secondary market for Aboriginal art, Bleakley says. “He had a genuine love for the art and a connection with Indigenous Australians. He was right in there and deeply concerned,” he adds.
Klingender developed into a leading force in the Indigenous art market. John Albrecht, the chairman of the Australian auction house Leonard Joel, says that Klingender “literally conceived and designed the ethical secondary market for Indigenous art in Australia”.
Sources tell The Art Newspaper that Klingender was renowned for his ethical stance, his dedication to research and his emphasis on solid provenance. Luke Scholes, who was working for the Papunya Tula Artists organisation when he met Klingender 20 years ago, says Klingender was “unwavering” in his ethics. “He set the standard really high and it’s up to everyone else to uphold it now,” says Scholes, who is now a research fellow at Deakin University in Melbourne. “He’s irreplaceable. There’s no one that has the energy and passion and knowledge and the bullishness to continue to advocate on an international scale.”
According to the Sydney art consultant Annette Larkin, Klingender’s knowledge of Indigenous art and its market was peerless. “It wasn’t just on canvas, he knew a lot about barks and boards,” Larkin says. “The 1970s boards—he really developed that market and he really understood it.”
Klingender founded the Sotheby’s Aboriginal art department in 1996 and began touring highlights of its sales internationally to New York, London and Paris prior to auctions in Australia. He established Tim Klingender Fine Art in 2009. Between 2011 and 2013 he was a senior consultant to Bonhams. In that role he steered the landmark sale of the Laverty Collection of Contemporary Australian Art, which toured to London and New York prior to auction.
His New York sale over for another year, Klingender posted on Instagram on 31 May: “Such great art, energy, old friends and new friends every time… and now 26 years of having the responsibility and privilege to show some of the best Australian Indigenous art in a city like no other. Can’t wait to get home and head to sea.”
He is survived by his wife Skye McCardle and their two teenage daughters.
Chasing the Light: Why Photographing a Sunrise Location at Sunset Can
As photographers, we are constantly in pursuit of the perfect shot. Sometimes, the conditions don’t align as expected, and the location we had in mind for a stunning sunset turns out to be better suited for a breathtaking sunrise. In such situations, it’s important to embrace the opportunity and capture the beauty of the moment.
In this post, let’s explore the scenario of photographing a location that is ideal for sunrise rather than sunset, focusing on a picturesque setting with a lake, a small church on an island, great light, and the presence of midges or as I like to call them, Flying Teeth. There are valuable lessons and growth opportunities that arise from shooting in less-than-ideal conditions, and how such experiences can help improve your photography skills.
1. The Charms of a Sunrise Location
Photographing a location that is better suited for sunrise offers its own unique advantages and challenges. While sunsets are often associated with warm, vibrant colors, capturing a sunrise can bring a sense of calmness, serenity, and the promise of a new day. The soft, delicate light of the early morning can create a peaceful atmosphere and add a touch of magic to your images.However when you have a location that is stunning in itself, you should always at least try to see what shots you can get, and even if you don’t bag a banger, you will have learned more about compositions to try at sunrise and will have the light around you to see and find them.
2. Embracing Unexpected Lighting Conditions
When photographing a sunrise location at sunset, the lighting conditions may not be what you initially envisioned. However, it is essential to adapt and make the most of the available light. The “golden hour” before sunset still provides a warm, golden glow that can lend a soft, dreamy quality to your photographs.
Experiment with different angles and compositions to maximise the potential of the lighting conditions. Consider capturing silhouettes against the vibrant sky, using backlighting to create a halo effect, or emphasising the interplay between light and shadow.
3. The Magic of Flat Water
A lake with calm, flat water can be a photographer’s dream, regardless of whether it is at sunrise or sunset. The stillness of the water acts as a mirror, reflecting the colours of the sky and creating a captivating sense of symmetry and tranquility in your images.
Utilise the calm water to capture stunning reflections. Positioning yourself to include both the small church on the island in this example or whatever your point of interest is and its mirrored reflection in the composition. Experiment with different focal lengths and compositions to capture the scene in a way that emphasises the harmony between the subject and its reflection.
4. The Annoyance of Midges and the Beauty of Summertime
Photographing in nature often presents unexpected challenges, and the presence of midges can be one such annoyance. These tiny insects can swarm around you, making it difficult to focus on your photography. However, it’s important to remember that midges are part of the summertime experience and can even add a touch of authenticity to your images.
While they may be bothersome, try to maintain a positive perspective and embrace the situation. Consider them as temporary companions during your photography adventure. Think of their presence as a reminder of the natural world and the lively atmosphere that summertime brings. This ideology can be difficult in practice, but if you stick with it as much as possible then you are sure to at least grab a shot before they drive you away.
To cope with midges, you can take practical measures to minimise their impact. Wear appropriate clothing that covers your skin, apply insect repellent. Although dealing with midges can be frustrating, the end result is often worth it. The images you capture will serve as a testament to your perseverance and dedication to your craft. They will also evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding viewers of the lively and vibrant ambiance of summer.
In photography, as in life, challenges can be viewed as opportunities for growth. The annoyance of midges can teach us to adapt, be patient, and appreciate the beauty that coexists with the less desirable aspects of nature. By embracing these challenges and continuing to photograph stunning locations despite their nuisances, we deepen our connection with the environment and further develop our photography skills.
So, when you encounter midges during your summer photography sessions, remember to focus on the bigger picture. Let their presence serve as a reminder of the fleeting moments of summertime and the determination it takes to capture the beauty that lies within nature’s grasp.
5. The Importance of Shooting in Any Conditions
Photography is an ever-evolving journey of learning and growth. Shooting in less-than-ideal conditions, such as photographing a sunrise location at sunset, can push you to think creatively, adapt to unexpected circumstances, and overcome challenges. These experiences strengthen your problem-solving skills and expand your artistic vision.
By embracing the beauty of the moment, regardless of the anticipated conditions, you open yourself up to new possibilities and discoveries. It encourages you to explore different angles, compositions, and techniques to capture the essence and uniqueness of each location.
Photographing a location that is better suited for sunrise at sunset may initially feel like a missed opportunity. However, by embracing the moment, making the most of the available light, and creatively incorporating the elements at hand, you can capture stunning and evocative images that showcase the beauty of the location.
Remember, photography is not just about capturing perfect conditions; it is about expressing your creativity, learning from every situation, and continually improving your skills. By challenging yourself to shoot in unexpected circumstances, you develop resilience, adaptability, and a unique artistic perspective. So, next time you find yourself in a sunset location that should be a sunrise gem, don’t hesitate to explore and capture the beauty that awaits you.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below
Catspreading ‘Big Boss’ among finalists of Comedy Pet Photography Awards
Countless pet owners claim that their dog or cat is the funniest animal on the planet. And those assertions might actually not be too far from the truth, as evidenced by the 2023 finalists of the Comedy Pet Photography Awards. From a poodle flying through the air to a kitty sticking its tongue out to the camera, house pet hijinks have reached a whole new level.
The winners of the contest will be announced August 11.
A life changing event
Alex is the shy one. Max is the playful one. Together they form a lethally cute duo. I had more fun taking photos of these two than during my most adventurous wildlife photography trips.
Barking
In March 2019 I sat in the dog run in Union Square in New York City when I spotted a lady with a pink bag on her hand (to keep her hand clean) throwing a ball to her dog, which sat facing her. The dog then launched itself and flipped in midair to face me and snap! As you can see, the lady with her hand on her head was as surprised as me and I think she is saying “phew.” I have searched in vain via the New York media to find the owner so that I can send her a copy. No [luck], so I’m hoping this Pet Comedy competition can help me find the mystery woman and her leaping dog. You never know!
The big boss
Big Boss is the boss around here. He is gentle and [his] kindness just [as] big.
Kylian’s sleep
Kylian could not sleep in another bed. Maybe he dreamt of [the] jungle….
When digging gets serious
Shadow was digging holes as normal at the beach, when all of a sudden he was showing off his new technique! Luckily the camera was at the ready for this crazy position!
Victory
Perfect landing pose, right?
The three greys
Karin and her two dogs. Don’t they all look almost the same?
Albert Einstein
He [stuck] out his tongue at me [just like the] famous Einstein photo.
The 498th round of hide and seek
Misty the spaniel desperately wanted to play with Nala, the dignified older lady of the menagerie. She wasn’t that keen; fortunately Misty was pretty terrible at hide and seek.
Football free kick
The pressure of football and waiting for the free kick.
So, this is the source of happiness
That explains so much. (Don’t worry, it’s just regular hemp for industry.)
The first outdoor walk
Tiny happy ferret Boudicca (only 2.5 months old) enjoys her first outdoor walk.
Oscar
Yes, his name is Oscar. He is an Afghan greyhound and is very pleased with himself.
Bidule as goalkeeper
We were playing with our cat named Bidule, with a [ball of paper].
Keep your eye on the ball
Trying in vain to catch the ball.
Pop up
He seems to pop out of the autumn leaves, doesn’t he?
Ball play silhouette
Bobby reaching for the ball against a beautiful sunset. We were taking photos of Bobby as the sun was quickly setting and disappearing behind the hill. I was changing the setting on my camera, to keep the detail on a black dog against a nice sky and soon realized to just go with the simple option and shoot him as a silhouette.
Zorro reborn
The avenger of the poor is back, but this time as a dog and not on a horse, but in a car! The obligatory black mask is a must, of course.
A lovely couple
I couldn’t get past this couple!
Little Daisy and her big future
Two sisters from different litters: self-confident Crystal and cute baby Daisy.
Is it a seal or a dog?
There’s a hiding place under the sofa where Louis likes to hide. That day I took his tennis ball from “his place,” he got angry and put his head out through the hole barking asking for his ball back. That’s when he turned into this angry seal, and I decided to register the moment.
Edgar’s dandelion
Beautiful Edgar’s favorite foods are the leaves and dandelions. Here she’s seen taking her time to savor the flavor.
Who are you?
Our cat Lilly played with a mouse. We saved the mouse, and our dog Amy was fascinated by it.
My face when my crush says “hi”
We tried to get a dreamy autumn photo of Milo. Instead of lying a bit on his side he rolled around like crazy. His family loves this shot because it shows his personality better than any other picture.
Flying poodle
This is Barney, our toy poodle, caught mid-flight while running.
Join Us This September in Chicago for Two Embroidery Workshops with Artist Danielle Clough
All images © Danielle Clough, shared with permission
Colossal is beyond thrilled to welcome South African artist Danielle Clough (previously) to Chicago for a pair of in-person workshops this September. Whether working on tennis rackets, clothing, or scraps of fabric, Clough is widely known for her vibrant embroideries that expertly translate the principles of color theory into bold, fiber-based works.
Held at 21c Museum Hotel on September 8 and 9, these workshops are the first Clough has taught in Chicago.
During the Friday night session, spend three hours immersed in the artist’s unique thread-blending techniques as she shares tips and tricks for creating dimension and stitching with vivid color. On Saturday, Clough offers her signature Sew Far Sew Good class, which guides students through a six-hour session in learning to embroider from photographs and develop their own styles.
Clough even designed a kit of materials specially for Colossal, which includes everything you need to start embroidering and keep your practice going at home. All skill levels are welcome, and each workshop is different, so we urge you to register for both sessions.
If you’re a Colossal Member, be sure to use the discount code in your account for $10 off. If you plan to travel and stay at 21c Museum Hotel in Chicago for the workshop, you can receive a 25 percent discount on rooms. Reach out to us at hello@colossal.art so we can help you book your accommodation.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Join Us This September in Chicago for Two Embroidery Workshops with Artist Danielle Clough appeared first on Colossal.
Behind the Lens: Meet the Photographers Capturing the Museum’s Most Stunning Shots
James Di Loreto, NMNH
On the National Museum of Natural History’s photography team, the answer is almost always yes. Can you capture every tiny vascular detail in the wing of a fly? Yes. Can you photograph a gigantic stegosaurus skeleton in an exhibition full of visitors? Yes. Can you travel thousands of miles with unwieldy camera gear to bring vital field research to life? Yes.
In a museum brimming with astounding collections, diverse research, constantly changing exhibitions, and events that attract visitors from around the world, photographers need to be ready for anything. And if their stunning shots are any indication, they always are.
Members of the museum’s Photography and Media team step out from behind the camera to pose for a rare self-portrait. From left to right: Lucia Martino, Sarah Bradley, James Di Loreto, James Tiller, Brittany Hance, Fred Cochard, and Kristen Quarles. James D. Tiller, NMNH
A common saying among the Photo and Media team members is that their office has photographed everything you can find between 190 feet below the surface and 35,000 feet above. “I spend most of my time with rocks and dead stuff,” said NMNH photographer Brittany Hance with a laugh. “But we have done such a wide variety of work from digitizing specimens of birds and gems to human forensics, underwater expeditions, field research, events, staff photographs, and exhibits.”
Although they can spend days or even weeks on a single photo shoot, the team doesn’t always know where their work will end up. The photographs can often be found in books, research studies, articles for popular publications, documentaries, and a select few have even been used as Facebook profile photos. Team members keep tabs on their work by searching their names on the internet, often discovering that their photos will appear in new digital and physical locations years after they are taken.
The photography team works to document the museum’s constantly changing exhibitions and displays, like this miniature model of a prehistoric cat from the Hall of Fossils in the Deep Time exhibition. James D. Tiller and Lucia R. Martino, NMNH
The museum maintains one of the largest and most unique collections of natural objects in the world, and the team’s photography methods have become equally unique as a result. “As a commercial photographer, you are used to taking some hot glue and positioning your subjects exactly the way you want them,” said NMNH chief photographer James Di Loreto. “But here, every specimen we photograph is a one-off, and there is no other object exactly like it in the world.” To prioritize the safety of all collections and staff, the photographers have become experts at designing non-destructive mounts on the fly – without hot glue.
Every couple of years the team buckles down for a series of oversized photography days. This is an opportunity for the museum’s curators to pull out all the enormous objects in their collections that have never been photographed. Most of these items have not been moved in decades, and the team stresses that their goal is to disrupt the delicate specimens and artifacts as little as possible.
In order to get high quality shots without manipulating and destabilizing these towering wonders, which range from Easter Island Moai and canoes to sprawling whale skeletons, the photography team has learned to adapt their equipment to fit each situation. They now manufacture their own mounts to hold the objects and have developed a cache of camera creations that swing across vast collection spaces and rotate to capture every possible angle.
Large collection pieces, like this 25-foot oil painting from the museum’s Anthropology Department, can take weeks to photograph, requiring custom camera rigs and hours of preparation. James Di Loreto and Brittany M. Hance, NMNH
Some of the largest items that the team has ever had to photograph were murals by artist Ely Kish that were installed in the museum’s old fossil hall. In order to take uniform shots across the entire length of the murals, the team had to build an entirely new camera rig. “His name is Frank N. Stand, and he’s really cool,” said Hance. “He is two camera stands that we combined to create cross polarized lights that travel simultaneously with the camera, and the whole thing is rolling down a janky train track we built.” The largest mural, Life in the Ancient Seas, took the team over 16 hours to photograph, and the resulting image is a combination of 307 photographs that were stitched together on a high-performance computer.
While many of their photographs are carefully orchestrated with every detail planned, the team admits that some of their favorite shots come when they have time to let their creativity run free. After a particularly long day of photographing a Tyrannosaurus rex skull in the middle of a tourist-filled exhibition in 2013, the photo team decided to pull out their color gels and have fun with their equipment. The resulting image features a haunting red glow that illuminates the frightening fossil. The T. rex jack-o’-lantern has remained a Halloween favorite around the museum ever since.
The above T. rex images emphasize a juxtaposition between light and dark, highlighting the photography team’s creativity and lighting skills. Brittany M. Hance and Donald E. Hurlbert, NMNH
The photography team is essential not only to public engagement, but also to the research functions of the museum. In the past, researchers spent extraordinary amounts of time photographing each of their specimens for inventory records. Now NMNH photographers can take over and allow researchers to spend their time in the field rather than in the office.
“Every specimen we photograph is a one-off, and there is no other object exactly like it in the world.” — James Di Loreto, NMNH Chief Photographer
A little-known but extremely important aspect of the team’s work is their participation in active forensic cases with the FBI or local and state law enforcement. NMNH photographer James Tiller has a background in biological anthropology and has accompanied numerous Smithsonian anthropologists as they conduct field studies on skeletal material.
“I have firsthand knowledge of skeletal anatomy, so I have been able to help implement actual forensic procedures to design a process for how to handle these types of photographs,” Tiller said. “It has to be very specific because the pictures are used as evidence in court.” Although these forensic images are rarely seen by the public, the photography team agrees that their ability to aid in legal procedures is one of the most unique and meaningful aspects of their work.
The NMNH Skeletal Biology Program staff assists with a sunrise excavation of a surgeon’s limb pit at Manassas National Battlefield. James D. Tiller, NMNH
While the museum’s photographers spend most of their time behind the lens, another team is hard at work processing and archiving the images to make them accessible for future generations. The digital asset management team cares for an archive of over half a million digital image files, contributing to the preservation of an essential record of the museum’s collections and history that can be viewed for public interest and used to further research efforts across the globe.
“My hope is always that our photos inspire anyone who sees them,” said Kristen Quarles, a digital collections specialist at the museum. “I want the public to appreciate the surprising beauty of our natural world, the awesome diversity of human cultures, and the profound importance of caring for and learning from both.”
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Photographer to host demonstration at Smiley
The ArtRoom Collective First Friday Art Crawl is from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave.
Ray Martinez will demonstrate his photography techniques through a white seamless portrait.
The Smiley Cafe will be open for a warm beverage, glass of wine or a treat.
The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where artists create, collaborate and share their passion with the community.
Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art to host Paul McCartney photo exhibit
You can see more than 250 photographs taken between Nov. 1963 and Feb. 1964, all taken by McCartney himself.
NORFOLK, Va. — If you’re a Beatles fan, you’re in luck!
Starting this December, you can get an inside look at what Paul McCartney was photographing from 1963 to 1964.
The exhibition, “Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm,” is coming to The Chrysler Museum of Art from Dec. 5 to April 7. The Chrysler Museum will be the first venue in the U.S. to host this exhibition.
You can see more than 250 photographs taken between Nov. 1963 and Feb. 1964, all taken by McCartney himself with his own Pentax Camera.
“Paul describes this collection as ‘the eyes of the storm,’ chronologically documenting the experiences of the band on their travels beginning in November 1963 at the height of Beatlemania and culminating with photographs taken in February 1964 during the final days of the band’s first triumphant trip to America,” according to McCartney’s team.
For more information on the exhibition, click here.
