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Film Construction adds the sensory talents of fine art photographer + AI imager Katya Brook

By in Photography

Film Construction adds the sensory talents of fine art photographer + AI imager Katya Brook
August 8 2023, 7:30 am | BY Kim Shaw | No Comments

Fine art photographer and AI imager Katya Brook has joined Film Construction for representation across New Zealand and Australia.

With poetic visuals and cinematic vibrancy, Brook’s photography has a devoted and ever- growing audience of fans. As an accomplished fine arts photographer and a trailblazer in AI imagery, she is an exciting new voice for commercial photography.

Born and raised in a multicultural Siberian town near Lake Baikal, Russia, her upbringing in a diverse environment has instilled adaptability and a unique lens on the world. Brook began her career at a marketing agency in Moscow with the goal of eventually pursuing her love of photography abroad. Fortunately, she chose New Zealand, where she has crafted her photography to become a fresh and compelling new artist.

Film Construction adds the sensory talents of fine art photographer + AI imager Katya Brook

Says Si Moore of Bayly & Moore: “Katya is a rare genius with a distinct vision and a beautiful, easy way about her as she works to achieve it. I’ve been privileged enough to shoot alongside her and see her in action constantly over the last five or six years – most recently on the side of Aoraki/Mt Cook for a global client in a complex shoot of set pieces that she calmly hit home runs on – she’s the real deal. A true global-level art voice with a commercial sensibility that’s instantly recognisable, I feel very lucky to have worked alongside her.”

For Brook, photography and art are her way of exploring and expressing her true self. She seeks to constantly improve her skills, see things from new perspectives and push herself creatively. Brook finds inspiration in artists such as Goya, Van Gogh and Agnes Martin. Her work exudes a timeless and otherworldly charm that is truly captivating.

Film Construction adds the sensory talents of fine art photographer + AI imager Katya Brook

Her fine art photography has been exhibited at the Image Nation Exhibition in Paris. Her impressive portfolio includes campaigns, look-books, and commercial imagery for renowned names like Hotel Britomart, Kingi, Mina For Her, Walker and Bing, Charlotte Penman, Goodnight My Darling, Foley, NZ Trio, Volvo, Range Rover, and others.

As an emerging AI artist, Brook spends hours delving into AI processes, exploring the creation of surrealistic worlds influenced by the films of Tarkovsky, Malick, Kar-wai, and Zhang Imou. Brook sees these skills as not a replacement but an extension of live capture. A little like Gene Roddenberry’s 1980s holo-deck, where your imagination is your only limitation.

Film Construction adds the sensory talents of fine art photographer + AI imager Katya Brook

View Katya’s Portfolio HERE.

Film Construction proudly houses a stable of directors, photographers and producers. Built on 25 years of production excellence. Always anticipating tomorrow.

Surge in ‘Barbie’ popularity delights artist from Great Falls

By in Native

Surge in ‘Barbie’ popularity delights artist from Great Falls

The iconic Barbie doll was released in 1959, but it wasn’t until 1998 when Great Falls native and artist Hollie Batista received her first Barbie.

Batista says she was “obsessed” with Barbie from the get-go: “She owned her own car. She had all these jobs. She was an astronaut, you know, before it was even possible for women to have those things, so, I thought that was really cool”.

Barbie continues to inspire Batista to this day. With the release of the blockbuster “Barbie” movie last month, Batista created a nine-piece art collection.

Batista describes herself as a “multi medium” artist using materials including joint compound, ink transfer, tape, paint, and string, among others, to create her finished products.

Hollie Batista

Since the completion of the collection, Batista was able to display her art at a café in Denver, Colorado, where she now resides, called Rise And Shine.

The collection displayed at the shop throughout July and was available for display and purchase in the Denver area.

Although she now resides in Colorado, Batista attributes much of her inspiration to her Montana roots.

“There’s just so much history, so many cool signs and things that have been here since my parents went to school and grew up here. Montana is at my roots for sure,” Batista explained.

It took a while for Batista to make the jump to full-time artist; at a young age she always wanted to be a cartoonist – but: “I just never really thought it was a possibility as a career until I got older.”

Batista had these words for her younger self: “Just do it. I feel like I put off being an artist for so long because I didn’t think it was a possibility. Then I did one painting for myself and I put it on social media and people liked it. I’ve had commissions ever since. So you just have to put yourself out there. Like, it’s the only option.”

Click here to visit Batista’s website; click here to check out her Instagram page.

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Why The Art Market For Works By Claude And Francois-Xavier Lalanne Remains Strong

By in Art World News

Why The Art Market For Works By Claude And Francois-Xavier Lalanne Remains Strong

With more than 30 years experience representing Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, known for their highly-collectible whimsical sculptures of flora and fauna, Paris-based gallerist Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand discusses the dynamic and diverse collector base of one of the 20th century’s most famous art couples.

How have the deaths of Les Lalanne impacted the prices of their works on the secondary market? Does the death of an artist generally push up prices?

I think that depends mostly on the number of collectors who have already bought pieces, so first you have important collectors all over the world when Claude died who were already supporting the prices because when they decide to buy a new work, they accept to pay for it because they have to support their own collection of works. When an artist dies, you have no possibilities to have new works, so the number of works available on the market cannot change. That creates a desire to possess a work done before death, and so the more collectors are already trained to buy, the more the market is supported. At the same time, as both François-Xavier and Claude created like mad a lot of different works, you have so many possibilities to buy different works, but you have different levels in the market. All the prices are going up, but you have some works that are not discovered yet like the “Centaure” or “Minotaure”, and it’s always a surprise on the market. They always surprise the market, so it’s always a challenge when you sell a Lalanne to create a good surprise and to help the market to go up every year.

Who are the collectors of their works? Any notable, big-name collectors of their work?

The first collectors were European. Myself, during 20 years, I sold a lot of works to French, Belgian, German, Swiss collectors at reasonable prices. That was the first step. Then when the market was strong enough, we decided to increase the prices and the American market was reached by interior designers first. First by Alexander Iolas’ gallery with the de Ménil collection, but after that or at the same time even, you had Jacques Grange and François Catroux working with international collectors, and you had also Peter Marino who introduced the Lalannes to the best collections in the States. The best collectors are Nathalie de Noailles, Agnelli, the Rothschild family, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, the d’Ornano family, but you had also the Americans buying like my friend Leo Delli, who is a great collector and first supporter of Lalanne from the States, the Tuttle family in California, the famous Schwarzman financial tycoon, who bought from my gallery when I did exhibitions in Palm Beach, Alfred and Judy Taubman. Taubman was the owner of Sotheby’s. You had the famous Jane Holzer, who is a great friend and was Baby Jane for Andy Warhol. I think she’s the most important collector of Lalanne with Peter Marino in the States. As those people had a huge reputation as tastemakers and as collectors, the reputation of the Lalannes increased quickly in the States. Then came Paul Kasmin with his important gallery, which also developed a lot the reputation of Lalanne. There are also a lot of new young collectors. We reach the American market, but we reach also the Chinese market. Ben Brown and myself, we have a lot of collectors in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Are they influenced by European and American collectors?

Yes, but I think that the Lalannes are ambassadors of French taste in contemporary art coming from the 18th-century French tradition of high taste, which is why they fit so well in Versailles, in the Queen’s Hamlet [in the exhibition Galerie Mitterrand had organized at the Chateau de Versailles in 2021]. Marie-Antoinette was the first queen to order an English park in France when we had French-style gardens traditionally. She created a real change when she ordered an English park. This kind of relation of Marie-Antoinette with nature is really something interesting that built also the Lalanne dream because Marie-Antoinette dreamed of escaping from Versailles to the Queen’s Hamlet and to the English Gardens, to escape the rude attitude of all the people around the King, and the Lalannes help us to escape the city, pollution, all the aggressions of the city. When you are with Lalanne works, you come back to simplicity, nature and a kind of contemplation.

If Marie-Antoinette had been alive at the same time as the Lalannes, would she have been a collector?

I’m sure she would have been. If you saw a rabbit made by Claude, “Lapin de Victoire”, it was exactly in the perfect position to seduce Marie-Antoinette, I think. And if you saw the sheep by François in front of the Queen’s Hamlet, it’s exactly the dream of Marie-Antoinette.

Tell me about Christie’s New York 2021 sale of the “Troupeau d’Éléphants dans les Arbres” table that achieved $6.63 million.

I had sold myself those works to Mrs Sydell Miller in the early 2000s, and because she built this extraordinary house in Miami that was done with Peter Marino, she came to my gallery and discovered and bought the “Singes”. Then she came back and she saw the famous table with elephants. The table with elephants was something very special by François-Xavier Lalanne because as he put elephants under the table, you cannot use the table; it’s a room centerpiece, you put it in a big entrance, so you need a huge house to place this table and she knew how to use it. She did an extraordinary decor, and the house was famous for the quality and the collections inside. The table is very rare. I think François-Xavier did two or three of it, not more. In the States, you have so much money. You never know if there will be two or three very rich people who want the same thing. They don’t care about the price. The quality of the work is extraordinary because the table looks like a tree and you have a herd of elephants of different sizes under it, each of them different from the other. It has a safari look, something very special, full of imagination and so well done. It’s a beauty. It was more than $6 million because it depends on the number of collectors competing to buy, but the piece is really something impressive and rare.

Why is it that works that the Lalannes made individually have achieved higher prices at auction than works they made together?

I think firstly because I never saw any “Minotaure” or “Centaure” at auction. They’re very rare. Secondly because I think the subjects they did together are a tribute to mythology, but mythology is a little far from their own universe. It’s a little fantasy for them, and they did it because they had the idea, but in fact, it’s not their usual way of working. They worked separately and on more modest models. I had sold a beautiful “Centaure” to the city of Taipei in Taiwan and a “Minotaure” to some good collections, but they’re less specific than their usual works and never appeared at auction.

The Pillar of Stability: The Importance of Choosing the Right Tripod

By in Photography

The Pillar of Stability: The Importance of Choosing the Right Tripod

In the world of photography, capturing the perfect shot often requires meticulous attention to detail. From adjusting camera settings to framing the subject just right, photographers invest significant effort in creating stunning visuals. However, amidst all the technicalities, there is one often overlooked but indispensable tool that can make or break the outcome of a photograph: the tripod.

Acting as the pillar of stability, the tripod provides an essential foundation for photographers to achieve sharpness, clarity, and creative control in their images. Choosing the right tripod is of paramount importance and can significantly impact the quality of a photograph.

Weight: Finding the Perfect Balance 

The weight of your tripod is a crucial consideration, especially if you frequently shoot in different locations or need to carry your gear for extended periods. Opting for a tripod that strikes a balance between being lightweight and sturdy is essential. Lightweight tripods are ideal for travel and long hikes, as they are easier to carry. However, ensure that the tripod is still robust enough to provide stability for your camera and lens combination.

Sturdiness: A Solid Foundation 

A sturdy tripod is the backbone of stability in photography. It provides a solid foundation for your camera, preventing unwanted camera shake and allowing you to capture sharp images, particularly in low-light situations or during long exposures. Look for tripods made from durable materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum, as these provide excellent stability without adding excessive weight.

Ease of Use: Streamlining Your Workflow 

An easy-to-use tripod enhances your workflow and allows you to focus on capturing the perfect shot. Consider the tripod’s leg-locking mechanism—whether it uses clasps, twist locks, or a combination of both. Clasps provide quick and convenient adjustments, while twist locks offer added security once locked into position.

Another factor to consider is the ease of adjusting the tripod’s height and angle. Look for intuitive leg-lock mechanisms that allow for smooth adjustments and quick setup. Some tripods also offer features such as a center column with a rapid adjustment system or a reversible center column that enables low-angle shooting, further enhancing versatility and ease of use.

Stability: Ensuring Shake-Free Shots 

Stability is paramount when it comes to tripods. A wobbly or unstable tripod defeats its purpose and can compromise image quality. Look for tripods with features that enhance stability, such as leg angles that allow for low-level shooting or adjustable leg sections that enable setting up on uneven terrain.

Additionally, consider the tripod’s maximum load capacity. Ensure it can support the weight of your camera and lens combination comfortably, with some margin for added accessories like a flash or telephoto lens. Choosing a tripod with a higher load capacity than your current setup allows for future equipment upgrades without needing to invest in a new tripod.

Ball Heads: Enhancing Flexibility and Precision 

Tripod ball heads are critical components that determine the versatility and precision of your tripod setup. Choose one that is smooth and offers precise control over the movement of your camera. A high-quality ball head enables you to easily adjust the camera’s position for framing and composition. Look for features such as a separate locking knob for panning and a built-in spirit level for precise leveling.

Selecting the right tripod is a crucial decision for photographers looking to achieve stability, ease of use, and exceptional image quality. By considering factors such as weight, sturdiness, ease of use, stability, and the different types of clasps and ball heads available, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your photography needs.

Remember, a high-quality tripod is an investment in the foundation of your photographic work. It provides stability, eliminates camera shake, and allows you to explore various shooting techniques such as long exposures and low-light photography. So, take the time to research and choose a tripod that complements your gear, style, and shooting requirements. With the right tripod supporting your camera, you’ll have the confidence to capture stunning images and elevate your photography to new heights.

Do you have more to add to this article? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below 

Art Beat: The Hottest Galleries Of The Year

By in Native

Art Beat: The Hottest Galleries Of The Year

From Charles M. Russell to Barbara Meikle and beyond, summer 2023 is looking pretty good for art lovers. Get out of the heat with these summer art events and galleries.

Want to beat the heat this summer? Step into a gallery or art show to experience the best of Western and Indigenous culture.

Through September 2
Billy Schenck: Mystic Visions of the West

This exhibition features 65 works by Billy Schenck, one of the pioneers of the contemporary art movement of the 1960s. Schenck, along with Fritz Scholder and Luis Jimenez, presented a conceptual and aesthetic counterpoint to the traditionalism provided by groups such as the Cowboy Artists of America. Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, Texas, 830.896.2553, museumofwesternart.com.

Billy Schenck, The Legend of Gregorio Cortez, 2019, oil, 28″ x 22″

Through September 4
With the Grain

Focusing on the story of wood carving in Northern New Mexico and the deep-rooted relationship wood carvers have with the materials they use for their art, this exhibition explores the work of modern and contemporary Hispanic carvers in Northern New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, 505.476.5072, nmartmuseum.org.

Patrocinio Barela, Carreta de la Muerte, 1953, carved wood and leather, 16.25” x 31.25” x 16.25”, National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum Permanent Collection, 2006.1.56 a-f. Anonymous gift in honor of Virginia and Edward Lujan. Photo credit: Addison Doty

Through September 10
Nexo Entre Raíces / Nexus Between Roots

Featuring prints from artists with Mexican roots working in both Mexico and the U.S., this printmaking exhibition comprises a total of 64 prints, 33 artworks exchanged for a print portfolio between the participating artists, as well as additional pieces contextualizing the artists’ work. The artworks traverse themes—including culture, tradition, identity, and place—that connect those with Mexican roots across borders. National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, nhccnm.org.

Juan de Dios Mora, Canícula, 2022, linograbado/linecut, 15” x 22”. Photo courtesy of Marco Sánchez

Through September 17
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Pearlman Collection

Some 30 works by Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, and others are explored within the context of the artists’ experience of transience. The exhibition also examines the friendships they developed in Paris, as well as the varied locations and sites that shaped their work. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 713.639.7300, mfah.org.

Vincent van Gogh, Tarascon Stagecoach, 1888, oil on canvas, the Henry and Rose Pearlman Foundation, on loan to the Princeton University Art Museum. Photo credit: Bruce M. White

Through September 24
Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion

Artworks exploring lowrider and skateboard culture in Denver and across the American Southwest comprise this exhibition that delves into the diverse ways artists who self-identify as Indigenous and Latinx express identity, pride, and sense of community by transforming vehicles associated with the American West. Denver Art Museum, Denver, 720.865.5000, denverartmuseum.org.

Cara Romero (Chemehuevi), Liquid Sunshine (Sol Liquid), 2021, digital chromogenic print, 24” x 32”. Courtesy of Cara Romero © Cara Romero

Through September 24
Hold Your Horses! Exhibit and Sale

Celebrating the horse’s interaction with cowboys through ranch life and showmanship, this annual event features artists known specifically for their exceptional equine art. Participating artists this year include Shawn Cameron, Barbara Meikle, Scott Ewen, and Gary Byrd. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org.

Barbara Meikle, I’ve Got Your Back, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”. Courtesy of the artist.

August 10 – 13
Objects of Art & American Indian/Tribal Santa Fe

These shows offer an extensive collection of historic and contemporary material that includes unique objects, fashion and jewelry, furniture, works on paper and canvas, as well as classics in tribal, folk, and American Indian art. El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, objectsofartshows.com.

August 11–13
Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival

This juried outdoor fine arts and crafts show features a wide range of original artwork as well as live music, food trucks, a picnic area, and kids’ activity area. Atkinson Park, Ketchum, Idaho, 208.720.5095, sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com.

August 12 – 14
Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show

The “one show with endless treasures” kicks off August 11 with an opening night preview of Native American and ethnographic arts and jewelry. Items include devotional pieces, furniture, rugs, baskets, pottery, textiles, paintings, and more. Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, 805.340.0384, objectsofartshows.com.

August 11 – 13
Sculpture in the Park

The country’s largest outdoor juried sculpture show gets underway with a ticketed Friday night preview of the 2,000 artworks by 162 sculptors (including 27 new to the show). Proceeds go toward the purchase of sculpture for the garden. Currently 178 permanent pieces grace the grounds. Benson Sculpture Park, Loveland, Colorado, 970.663.2940, sculptureinthepark.org.

August 12 – October 14
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale

The 2023 show and sale comprises artworks depicting the American Quarter Horse lifestyle. Art goes on sale (in person or by phone or proxy bid) directly following an opening reception with the artists August 12 and is available for purchase through October 14. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Amarillo, Texas, 806.376.5181, aqha.com/artshow.

August 16 – 19
The Russell

Inspired by the artist and storyteller Charlie Russell, the C.M. Russell Museum’s fundraising events include a summer sale, art preview party, the First Strike Thursday Night auction, as well as an Art in Action/The Russell Live Auction combined event on Friday and more. Various venues, Great Falls, Montana, 406.727.1939, cmrussell.org.

August 17–19
Wheelwright Indian Market Events

The museum’s annual benefit event (August 17–18)—featuring donated and consigned Native art including jewelry, pottery, textiles, kachinas, folk art, and more—kicks off with a ticketed affair August 16. A Native artist market August 18–19 includes artists Cippy Crazyhorse, Waddie Crazyhorse, Benjamin Harjo Jr., Yazzie Johnson and Gail Bird, Raynard Lalo, Shanna Peterson, Christopher Yazzie, and others. Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, 505.982.4636, wheelwright.org.

September 6 – 17
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Over 50 art events make up the cultural extravaganza Celebrating Arts in the Tetons, Jackson Hole’s fall arts festival. Attractions include the Western Design Conference exhibit and sale, a quick-draw auction, food and wine tastings, gallery open houses, artist receptions, sales, and live art auctions. Various venues, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.3316, jacksonholechamber.com/events.

September 8 – 10
Quest for the West Art Show & Sale

This premier art event known for its festive atmosphere features newly created paintings and sculptures by 50 of today’s leading Western artists. Among the opening weekend events are a miniature art sale and fixed-price, luck-of-the-draw main sale (absentee bids accepted). The show opens to the public September 10, and all art will remain on view through October 8. Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, quest.eiteljorg.org.

Brad Teare (American, b. 1956), Majesty of Morning Light, 2023, oil on canvas, 42” x 42”. Image courtesy of the artist and the Eiteljorg Museum

September 9 – 16
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Artists capture the beauty of the canyon “en plein air” along the South Rim, September 9–16; these artworks will hang in the historic Kolb Studio for an exhibition and sale, September 17, 2023–January 16, 2024. A quick draw with on-site purchases takes place September 15. Various locations, Grand Canyon NP, Arizona, 480.277.0458, grandcanyon.org.

September 9 – 23
Bosque Art Classic

Drawings, paintings, and sculptures are among the 175–200 juried artworks featured in this year’s exhibition and sale opening to the public September 10. An awards ceremony is scheduled for September 9; the online sale opens September 11. All art remains on view through the end of the show. Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, Texas, 254.675.3724, bosqueartscenter.org.

Matt Atkinson; Sunka Wakan; 2022; graphite on Bristol Board; 20” x 24”; Silver Medal Drawing Winner, 2022 Bosque Art Classic. Photo courtesy of the artist

September 14 – 16
Trappings of Texas

This annual exhibition and sale of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear celebrates this year with 40-plus artists. Ticketed opening weekend activities include artist demonstrations, a preview party, opening reception, exhibit, sale, breakfast at the museum, and Ranch Roundup party. The exhibition remains up through November 4. Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, Texas, 432.837.8143, museumofthebigbend.com.

September 14–17
Reno Tahoe International Art Show

Just two years old, this event has already made a name for itself with art from more than 200 independent artists and 60 galleries, a First Nation exhibition with 30-plus artists, the country’s largest indoor/outdoor sculpture exhibition, live music performances, short film screenings, and more. Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, rtiashow.com.

September 14 – October 1
Western Visions Art Show + Sale

Artworks by more than 170 contemporary wildlife artists come up for live auction and an intent-to-purchase sale at this year’s annual fundraiser. The exhibit opens September 9. Attend the signature event September 14 in person, online, or by proxy. Unsold works remain available September 15 – October 1; all art stays on display through October 1. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeartevents.org.

September 15–24
Escalante Canyons Art Festival

In the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this festival celebrates Utah’s canyon country with plein air competitions, art exhibits and sales, workshops, an arts and crafts fair, live music, guided walks, and more. Various locations, Escalante, Utah, 435.616.1075, escalantecanyonsartfestival.org.

September 16
Jackson Hole Art Auction

The signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the auction offers quality art by renowned past masters as well as contemporary artists. This year’s artists include Bob Kuhn, Howard Terpning, Carl Rungius, Conrad Schwiering, and Carl Brenders. Center for the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming, 866.549.9278, jacksonholeartauction.com.

September 16 – 17
Prescott Indian Art Market

This juried Indian art market features traditional and contemporary artwork from artists representing many tribes and pueblos. You’ll find wood and stone carvings, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, baskets, blankets, clothing, and jewelry as well as Native musicians, dancers, and storytellers. Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.445.3122, sharlothallmuseum.org/piam.

This article appears in our August/September 2023 issue, available on newsstands now or through our C&I Shop.

Lead Image: Charles M. Russell; Assiniboine War Party; 1902; watercolor and ink; 9” x 13”.

Urban art comes to pop-up market

By in Art World News

Urban art comes to pop-up market

Urban Collectibles, a pop-up market of urban art, will return to Public House, Sukhumvit 31, with a selection of mind-blowing artworks on Friday from 6pm to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm.

Organised by Mango Art Festival, this is another chance to get immersed in original artwork on canvas and limited edition art toys of various styles by local and international urban artists which will be exhibited in a boutique hotel setting.

They include fun and fabulous pieces by artists from Gallery Benetti, captivating creations from Street Star Gallery, folk art-inspired classic cartoon characters by Luck Maisalee, and unique works by the ever-talented Lolay and his artistic family members.

Also, prepare to witness the raw artistic prowess of many local art groups including Boo_x_ Project, Tuktunteung Warehouse and The Meeting Room Gallery. Their works will be showcased alongside paintings by Narayan from the Philippines, exquisite creations by Art Gyeonggi from Korea, and stunning neon art pieces by Giles Ryder from Australia.

The event will also feature a specially curated room showcasing many rare vintage Louis Vuitton trunks from De Siam’s exclusive collection, as well as Club 21 x Wishulada, a collaborative exhibition featuring creative works that touch on pollution and world sustainability.

Left Vintage Louis Vuitton trunks. photos courtesy of Mango Art Festival

Artwork by Art Gyeonggi. Mango Art Festival

There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/MangoArtFestival.

Photography in the Valley

By in Photography

Photography in the Valley
image

The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce a program by photographer Rhett Arens on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Washington County Heritage Center.

Arens is a photographer who has had the good fortune to travel extensively, visiting more than 60 countries over the last 30 years. Arens finds that photography often triggers a give-and-take moment when strangers meet. It becomes an opportunity to exchange stories and find common ground. His work has appeared in several publications, including The Paris Review, Travel + Leisure, Taproot, The Golfers Journal, Fifty Grande, Lake Superior Magazine, Islands, The Whitefish Review, Boundary Waters Journal and more.

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Beyond the selfie: A new view of travel photography

By in Photography

Beyond the selfie: A new view of travel photography

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Learn how to create more compelling travel photos through a talk by international photographer, author, and documentary producer, Russ Johnson, entitled, Way to Go: Traveling with an Artist’s Eye. The Sonoma-based artist will teach how to go beyond the selfie to observe and capture people and places and see the world in a different way.

Johnson’s talk and reception takes place Wednesday August 9, 2023 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Vintage House, Sonoma, 264 1st St. East, and is open to the public. The Vintage House gallery will also host an exhibit of more than 20 of his best local and worldwide photographs available for purchase August 7 – 31, 2023. 

Vintage House showcases the work of Arts Guild of Sonoma artists each month and regularly presents a variety of speakers and performers on Wednesday evenings.

Johnson has worked as a photographer, filmmaker, and writer in more than sixty countries for clients including several cruise lines, American Express the UN, the countries of Nepal and Thailand and the State of California.

He will demonstrate how to use a camera as a tool to look closely and dive deeply into the subjects that reveal themselves while traveling. He will be joined by his wife, Pat Meier-Johnson, Sonoma’s Treasure Artist of 2022 whose painting tips are relevant to photography as well. 

Over the years the couple has photographed and painted scenes around the world while engaging in an exciting dialogue about art: what is meaningful, what is beautiful, what is funny or troubling, examining subjects, shapes, colors, and light. 

Russ will also introduce two photo books: Street Level: Walking the Streets and Backroads of the World and Patterns and Distractions, his collection of patterns, shapes, shadows, and natural and human-made abstracts.  

Johnson has donated his talents to produce more than 25 short documentaries for Sonoma non-profits since moving to Sonoma with his wife, Pat Meier-Johnson, in 2011. He has produced documentaries ranging from the California prison system to the future of travel, with Arthur C. Clarke. His audio stories have been featured on NPR stations and on his satirical podcast Gone Astray.  He is author of “Tales of the Radio Traveler,” which combines radio lore with a romp around the world. 

You can find more of his work on and his Gone Astray podcast on russelljohnson.com and on his pioneering online travel magazine, www.connectedtraveler.com, which has been featured on CNN, CBS, the BBC, Time and USA Today, among others.  Lonely Planet has praised it as “Armchair travel at its best.” 

Photo: Winding Way-Lakeville Highway, by Russell Johnson

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