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‘I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented’: Cree-Metis artist on uplifting Indigenous voices

‘I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented’: Cree-Metis artist on uplifting Indigenous voices

Jason Baerg says growing up with a single mother and aunties’ support was influential in their art.

The Cree-Metis artist, educator and art curator grew up in Prince Albert, Sask. They were taught about love and self-respect grounding their passions through art expression.

“It was just a space that nurtured my creativity,” they told CTV’s Your Morning on Wednesday, National Indigenous Peoples Day. “I had a lot of really great family and my cousins and I were extremely active. So it just really helped encourage my creativity.”

Baerg’s art comes in different mediums including drawing, painting and media installations. Over the course of two decades, their art has been seen across Canada and around the world, bringing the unique stories of Indigenous Peoples.

“I think about relationships, I think all those values that are embedded in my Indigenous way of being (which) translates to how I interact in making work formally as well,” they said.

Through their success, Baerg has been able to give back to their community, founding the Shushkitew Collective, which aims to uplift Metis culture and voices within the art world. According to Baerg, Metis people represent a small fraction of artists featured in prominent galleries.

Recently the collective opened at Saskatoon’s Remai Modern.

“I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented and I really want to make sure there’s a safe space for Metis People to make work and advance and realize their dreams, as all Indigenous artists should have,” they said.

Themes of Baerg’s work focus on ritual, urban migration, native relationality and bringing communities together.

“We have to do the work for our people and that’s my nation,” they said. “So I believe that’s part of nation-building.”

To watch the full interview click the video at the top of this article. 

 

If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

Additional mental-health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.

‘I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented’: Cree-Metis artist on uplifting Indigenous voices

‘I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented’: Cree-Metis artist on uplifting Indigenous voices

Jason Baerg says growing up with a single mother and aunties’ support was influential in their art.

The Cree-Metis artist, educator and art curator grew up in Prince Albert, Sask. They were taught about love and self-respect grounding their passions through art expression.

“It was just a space that nurtured my creativity,” they told CTV’s Your Morning on Wednesday, National Indigenous Peoples Day. “I had a lot of really great family and my cousins and I were extremely active. So it just really helped encourage my creativity.”

Baerg’s art comes in different mediums including drawing, painting and media installations. Over the course of two decades, their art has been seen across Canada and around the world, bringing the unique stories of Indigenous Peoples.

“I think about relationships, I think all those values that are embedded in my Indigenous way of being (which) translates to how I interact in making work formally as well,” they said.

Through their success, Baerg has been able to give back to their community, founding the Shushkitew Collective, which aims to uplift Metis culture and voices within the art world. According to Baerg, Metis people represent a small fraction of artists featured in prominent galleries.

Recently the collective opened at Saskatoon’s Remai Modern.

“I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented and I really want to make sure there’s a safe space for Metis People to make work and advance and realize their dreams, as all Indigenous artists should have,” they said.

Themes of Baerg’s work focus on ritual, urban migration, native relationality and bringing communities together.

“We have to do the work for our people and that’s my nation,” they said. “So I believe that’s part of nation-building.”

 

To watch the full interview click the video at the top of this article. 

Jason Baerg creating ‘safe spaces’ to showcase Metis art in Canada

Jason Baerg creating ‘safe spaces’ to showcase Metis art in Canada

Jason Baerg says growing up with a single mother and aunties’ support was influential in their art.

The Cree-Metis artist, educator and art curator grew up in Prince Albert, Sask. They were taught about love and self-respect grounding their passions through art expression.

“It was just a space that nurtured my creativity,” they told CTV’s Your Morning on Wednesday, National Indigenous Peoples Day. “I had a lot of really great family and my cousins and I were extremely active. So it just really helped encourage my creativity.”

Baerg’s art comes in different mediums including drawing, painting and media installations. Over the course of two decades, their art has been seen across Canada and around the world, bringing the unique stories of Indigenous Peoples.

“I think about relationships, I think all those values that are embedded in my Indigenous way of being (which) translates to how I interact in making work formally as well,” they said.

Through their success, Baerg has been able to give back to their community, founding the Shushkitew Collective, which aims to uplift Metis culture and voices within the art world. According to Baerg, Metis people represent a small fraction of artists featured in prominent galleries.

Recently the collective opened at Saskatoon’s Remai Modern.

“I know what it’s like to actually be underrepresented and I really want to make sure there’s a safe space for Metis People to make work and advance and realize their dreams, as all Indigenous artists should have,” they said.

Themes of Baerg’s work focus on ritual, urban migration, native relationality and bringing communities together.

“We have to do the work for our people and that’s my nation,” they said. “So I believe that’s part of nation-building.”

 

To watch the full interview click the video at the top of this article. 

Keilhauer Introduces the Sophisticated Tailored Collection

Keilhauer’s new releases at NeoCon 2023 never disappoint, and this year’s launch was no different. The Tailored collection, designed by frequent collaborator EOOS and made by Keilhauer, addresses the high-end market need of a more dressed-up, sophisticated workplace. The focus is on the details: clean lines, perfect stitching, and final touches. This is a furniture collection comprising four product families – Symm, Swav, Neesh, and Fold – that’s at home where suits are still in the dress code. Keilhauer President Mike Keilhauer shared, “Tailored features classic furniture pieces we know and love, such as the tuxedo sofa, but with smart, elevated twists.”

“With this collection, the idea was to design something warm and sophisticated by having furniture archetypes as the starting point – one product in each category for the different rituals in the office,” says EOOS and designers Gernot Bohmann, Martin Bergmann, and Harald Gründl. “Within Tailored, you will find different scales, footprints, and functions – but with one language throughout all the products.”

From classic seating with modern touches to refined occasional tables, each piece in Tailored has been thoughtfully designed and carefully curated, making it easier than ever to create cohesive, sophisticated spaces that address every need in the contemporary workplace. Watch below to learn more about Tailored:

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Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

Chilton resident receives awards for photography

Chilton resident receives awards for photography
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It was a very good day for Jason Johnson of Chilton, formerly of Hixton, when he learned that two of his photographs were voted as favorites at a photo exhibit held in his home county.

Johnson won the Viewer’s Choice with his photo of a peacock in all its glory. He also received an Honorable Mention for his photo of the Montello Granite waterfalls.

This is not the first time that Johnson has taken home an award from this event at the Black River Falls Public Library Photo Exhibit. The very first time he entered, his photo of a sleeping fox won top spot as Viewer’s Choice. His photo of Green Bay Packer Randall Cobb also has received recognition.

“Our library in Black River Falls has sponsored this exhibit for many years,” he said. “My dad and I have taken photos there several times, and enjoy looking at all the awesome pictures that people bring. This year there were over 40.”

Johnson added, “I had just gotten my peacock picture all framed and ready to go when COVID cancelled the exhibit in 2020. This was the first year the exhibit was back, so it’s been ready and waiting all this time. Back when she first saw the peacock picture, my mom said, ‘That photo is a winner—I want it.’ We made a deal. I told her, ‘If it’s a winner, it’s yours!’”

Nature and wildlife are favorites to focus his camera on, but Johnson also loves creating photo ops with various action figures in realistic settings and especially taking photos of his Green Bay Packers and can often be seen at training camps getting action shots of his favorite players. “I entered a photo of Jordy Nelson in a fancy frame one year. Overheard how someone said it looked like something someone got in a sports shop. I didn’t win that year, but I took that comment as a compliment. Maybe I should have attached a photo meeting him and of Jordy signing it for me.”

He had camera in hand for a couple of Lambeau Leaps coming straight for him and had a great time with the “Leap” celebrating experiences. Johnson also has found a lot of photo opportunities right in Chilton and is often seen around town finding the perfect shot.

So what does Johnson do with all his pictures? “I recently left apartment life and bought a home in Chilton and it has lots of wall space. And as far as the peacock picture goes, she had to wait a long time, but ‘Happy Belated Mother’s Day, Mom!’”

A Beginner’s Guide to Smartphone Photography in 2023

A Beginner’s Guide to Smartphone Photography in 2023

Smartphone cameras have come a long way in recent years. Today, even the most basic smartphones have cameras that are capable of taking stunning photos. But with so many features and settings to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through the basics of smartphone photography, from understanding the different camera settings to composing your shots like a pro. By the end of this guide, you’ll be taking better photos with your smartphone than ever before.

What You’ll Need

To get started with smartphone photography, you’ll need a smartphone with a camera. Most smartphones have cameras these days, so you’re probably good to go. However, if you’re serious about smartphone photography, you may want to consider investing in a smartphone with a high-quality camera.

You’ll also need a few accessories to help you take better photos. These include:

  • A tripod: A tripod will help you keep your phone steady, which will prevent blurry photos.
  • A lens kit: A lens kit can give you more creative control over your photos.
  • A photo editing app: A photo editing app can help you improve your photos after you’ve taken them.

Understanding the Basic Camera Settings

iPhone 15 camera

The first step to taking better smartphone photos is to understand the different camera settings. Here are a few of the most important ones:

  • Exposure: Exposure is the brightness of your photo. You can adjust the exposure by moving the slider in your camera app.
  • ISO: ISO is a measure of how sensitive your camera is to light. A higher ISO will make your photos brighter, but it can also introduce noise.
  • White balance: White balance is the setting that determines how your camera renders colors. If the white balance is off, your photos will have a blue or orange tint.
  • Focus: Focus is the setting that determines which part of your photo is in sharp focus. You can adjust the focus by tapping on the part of the photo you want to be in focus.
  • Shutter speed: Shutter speed is the length of time the camera’s shutter is open. A longer shutter speed will let in more light, but it can also make your photos blurry if your subject is moving.

Composing Your Shots

Once you understand the basic camera settings, it’s time to start thinking about composition. Composition is the arrangement of elements in your photo. A well-composed photo will be visually appealing and tell a story.

There are many different composition techniques you can use. Here are a few of the most common ones:

  • The rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a simple but effective composition technique. To use it, imagine your photo divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Then, place your subject at the intersection of these lines.
  • Leading lines: Leading lines are lines that lead the viewer’s eye into your photo. They can be natural lines, like roads, rivers, fences or buildings.
  • Negative space: Negative space is the empty space in your photo. It can be used to create a sense of balance or to draw attention to your subject.

Taking Better Photos with Your Smartphone

iPhone camera bump

Now that you know the basics of camera settings and composition, it’s time to start taking better photos with your smartphone. Here are a few tips:

  • Use natural light: Natural light is the best light for taking photos. If you can, try to shoot outdoors in the shade or on a cloudy day.
  • Keep your phone steady: A shaky camera will make your photos blurry. Hold your phone steady or use a tripod to keep it from moving.
  • Pay attention to the background: The background of your photo can be just as important as your subject. Make sure the background is clean and uncluttered.
  • Experiment with different settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different camera settings. See what different settings do to your photos and find what you like best.
  • Have fun! Photography is a great way to capture memories and express your creativity. So relax, have fun, and take some great photos!

Editing Your Photos

Once you’ve taken your photos, you can edit them to improve them even further. There are many different photo editing apps available, both free and paid. Some of the most popular ones include Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and VSCO.

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Editing your photos can help you to correct any imperfections, adjust the colors, and add creative effects. With a little practice, you’ll be good to go.

Advanced Smartphone Photography Techniques

S22 Camera

Once you’ve mastered the basics of smartphone photography, you can start to experiment with more advanced techniques. Here are a few ideas:

  • Night photography: Night photography can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. To take good night photos, you’ll need to use a tripod and a slow shutter speed. You can also use a flash, but be careful not to overexpose your photos.
  • Macro photography: Macro photography is the art of taking close-up photos of small objects. To take good macro photos, you’ll need a macro lens or a phone with a macro mode.
  • HDR photography: HDR photography is a technique that combines multiple photos taken at different exposures to create a photo with a wider range of dynamic range. This can be useful for photos that have both bright and dark areas.
  • Panorama photography: Panorama photography is a technique that allows you to stitch together multiple photos to create a wide-angle photo. This can be useful for capturing landscapes or cityscapes.
  • Long exposure photography: Long exposure photography is a technique that uses a slow shutter speed to capture motion blur. This can be used to create creative effects, such as blurring water or car headlights.

Photography as a Creative Outlet

Smartphone photography can be a great way to express your creativity. You can use your phone to capture your unique perspective on the world, and to tell stories through your photos.

There are many different ways to be creative with smartphone photography. You can experiment with different composition techniques, use different filters and effects, or even create your own custom edits. The possibilities are endless!

Photography as a Way to Connect with Others

Smartphone photography can also be a great way to connect with others. You can share your photos on social media, or you can print them out and share them with friends and family.

Sharing your photos is a great way to show others your creativity, and to connect with them on a deeper level. It can also be a great way to document your life and share your memories with others.

Photography as a Hobby

If you enjoy taking photos, smartphone photography can be a great hobby to pursue. There are many different ways to get involved in smartphone photography, such as joining a photography club, taking online courses, or attending workshops.

Photography can be a challenging but rewarding hobby. It can help you to develop your creativity, your technical skills, and your eye for composition. It can also be a great way to relax and de-stress.

Photography as a Career

If you’re serious about photography, you can even turn it into a career. There are many different jobs available in the photography industry, such as photographer, photojournalist, or editor.

Photography can be a great way to make a living, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a lot of hard work. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in photography, you’ll need to be prepared to put in the time and effort.

Here are some additional tips for taking better smartphone photos:

  • Pay attention to the light: The quality of your photos will depend on the quality of the light. Natural light is usually the best, but you can also use artificial light if you need to.
  • Experiment with different angles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles when you’re taking photos. This can help you to create more interesting and dynamic photos.
  • Get close to your subject: If you want to capture the details of your subject, get close to it. This will help you to create more intimate and engaging photos.
  • Be patient: Sometimes, the best photos are the ones that you take after you’ve been patient and waited for the right moment. So don’t be afraid to take your time and wait for the perfect shot.

Conclusion

smartphone photography

Smartphone photography is a great way to capture memories and express your creativity. With a little practice, you can take stunning photos with your smartphone that will rival those taken with a DSLR camera. So what are you waiting for? Start taking better photos with your smartphone today!

I hope this article has helped you to learn more about smartphone photography. With a little practice, you’ll be taking great photos with your smartphone in no time!

U of M launches semiconductor consortium, paving way for high-paying jobs

U of M launches semiconductor consortium, paving way for high-paying jobs

Semiconductors are essential components in all electronics, powering everything from the chips in our smartphones to medical devices. The United States is a leader in the global semiconductor manufacturing and design market, which is expected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030. 

The University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) recently launched the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at teaching new skills to Minnesota’s technical workforce for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. 

With the generous support of stakeholders including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Polar Semiconductor, and the Minnesota Nano Center, as well as a significant contribution from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this consortium will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in the region.

“The launch of the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium represents a huge step forward  in our ongoing efforts to drive technological innovation and economic growth in Minnesota,” said Travis Thul, operations director at the Technological Leadership Institute. “We are grateful for the support of our corporate partners and DEED, and we look forward to empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the semiconductor industry.”

Under the leadership of TLI, the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium will develop and implement asynchronous training programs covering essential areas such as microfabrication process flow, lithography, etching and other cutting-edge techniques. These comprehensive training modules will equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required for high-paying positions within the semiconductor sector. 

Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and resources, consortium partners will also provide students with invaluable hands-on experience through laboratory components hosted by the Minnesota Nano Center.

“The demand for semiconductor job opportunities in Minnesota is of paramount importance, as they contribute to significant advancements on a global scale,” Vanessa Jimenez-Shapiro, director of marketing, defense and space for Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell’s Radiation Hardened Microelectronics has already achieved remarkable milestones, journeying to Mars with the rover and surpassing Jupiter. However, the most extraordinary and demanding missions still lie ahead, requiring the expertise of exceptionally skilled technicians to accomplish them.”

In addition to its immediate impact on workforce development, the consortium is poised to foster further collaborations with regional semiconductor firms and capitalize on opportunities presented by the Biden administration’s economic plan to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry. The CHIPS and Science Act provides access to billions of dollars for semiconductor technology hubs which will support thousands of high-skill job opportunities within the region.

About the Technological Leadership Institute
Founded in 1987 with major support from the Honeywell corporation, TLI was created as a bridge between academia and industry, training tech professionals for high-level leadership roles. The Institute offers three graduate programs as well as numerous short courses and certificates. For more information, visit the Institute’s website.

About the Minnesota Nano Center
The Minnesota Nano Center, is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and applied nanotechnology. Located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, the MNC’s mission is to support the fabrication, synthesis, and characterization of nanoscale devices and materials for both academic and industrial users. For more information, visit the MNC website.

Dennis Radermacher Shares His Solutions for Architectural Photography Data Management With His “Three Places” System

Dennis Radermacher Shares His Solutions for Architectural Photography Data Management With His “Three Places” System

Business Commentary Post-production

Architectural photographer and helpful tip sharer Dennis Radermacher used to be an IT systems engineer before he jumped ship to photography. He knows that as artists, we don’t necessarily love thinking or talking about mundane office tasks like backups and data management. Dennis has generously shared a breakdown of data management and backup solutions on his Lightforge blog, and both he and I think you’ll find it particularly handy — especially if you don’t know where to start when it comes to keeping your images safe from crashes and corruption!

You can read Dennis’s Three Places blog post here on his website. Thanks for sharing Dennis!