Steve Messam has created inflatable sculptures with bold protrusions, which “reimagine the architecture” of their locations at Clerkenwell Design Week.
Steve Messam creates inflatable sculptures for Clerkenwell Design Week
About
Posts by :
Cannon Beach Arts Association celebrates “Honorary Artist of Oregon Day!”
The state of Oregon instituted “Honorary Artists of Oregon Day”, also known as “Oregon Art Day” in 2015, designated to celebrate art and artists, to promote art education in Oregon and to encourage engagement in artistic endeavors.
Cannon Beach Arts Association (CBAA) honored the day by providing a variety of art workshops for students at Seaside High school on April 14th and the students at Cannon Beach Academy on April 28th. More than 400 students were able to participate in these Oregon Art Day events sponsored by the Cannon Beach Arts Association.
Summer Peterson, CBAA’s Marketing and Educational Director organized and coordinated the 2-day event. Honorary artists participating at Seaside High School included Sharon Amber, Cynthia Wolf, Monica Hanlin, Betty Gearen, Jakub Kukla, Ben Rosenberg, Marchi Wierson, Olivia Joy Carroll, Anna Hoye, Mary Lyn Gough, Michelle Valigura, Karen Weiss, Lori LaBissoniere O’Neil, Tara Spires-Bell, Jen Hoff and John Hoff.
Workshops offered at Seaside High School ranged from monotypes and printmaking, cyanotypes, graphite drawing, T-shirt design, auditioning techniques, poetry writing, sugar skull collage, pastel ink resist, paper making, and more.
Honorary artists Summer Peterson and Ashley Foster-French instructed students at Cannon Beach Academy in an ink resist workshop along with a workshop on acrylic color mixing and floral painting.
Seaside High School principal Jeff Roberts said that “Art Day is really a special event that very few students throughout the state will have an opportunity to take part in”. CBAA’S Arts Educational Director Summer Peterson added “I believe an event like Oregon Art Day is integral to self-expression and self-discovery, which benefits mental and emotional health, builds confidence, and supports students who are in the process of creating their own futures.”
Students will have another opportunity this summer to participate in amazing art events as Cannon Beach Arts Association celebrates its 21st year hosting the annual Summer Art Camp. Camp is scheduled for July 17-21, 2023 at the Cannon Beach Community Church.
Visit the CBAA’s website for detailed information on course content and registration for Summer Art Camp at https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/artcamp2023. Scholarships will be available.
The community is also encouraged to “Sponsor a Student” for Summer Art Camp, and other donation opportunities are available. This enables the organization to offer more scholarship opportunities, while keeping costs low for parents by allowing CBAA to provide all necessary materials and healthy snacks during the week. Visit the CBAA’s Summer Art Camp link for more information.
Cannon Beach Arts Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, funds and enhances the arts, and supports artists in Cannon Beach and the region through education, events and exhibits, while providing opportunities for over 200 artists each year. For more information, please visit the Cannon Beach Arts Association website https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/ or call 503-436-0744. CBAA’s Gallery is located at 1064 S. Hemlock St. Cannon Beach, OR 97110, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Mystery photographer sends homeless man portrait to be auctioned
Photo: Supplied/Pea Sea Art
Last week a package was sent to Port Chalmers gallery Pea Sea Art addressed to Allan Adams – a well known homeless man living in the area.
The gallery owners tracked Adams down to open the package and to their surprise it was two black and white photo of Adams and a letter.
In it, the photographer asked for one photo to be given to Adams and the other to be sold on his behalf.
“It was taken outside the pharmacy of Port Chalmers,” Adams told Afternoons.
“He came along and I was money begging and he was trying to give me a meal and a few dollars and then he asked me if I would like my photo taken and I said yes.
“It’s just about my situation… that I’m homeless and I do money begging along my way.”
Adams (Ngāpuhi, Chinese) was born in 1961 in Whakatāne and grew up in the Tūhoe area before leaving for Auckland with his parents in the 1970s when his father, a train driver, moved for work.
In 1979 he finished school and followed in his dad’s footsteps, working for the NZ railways.
“I was young back then, in my 20s, and just travelled around with the New Zealand Railway,” Adams said.
In 2001, he ended up in Dunedin, where he has been since. Over time he found himself homeless and in the seaside town of Port Chalmers.
“It was just the way things happened for me I suppose, as I got older.”
Photo: Supplied/Pea Sea Art
Adams said he took every day as it came but would like to get into housing.
“Right now things are not looking good for me, being homeless. I rely on winning the Lotto and scratch and win more than ever before, that’s the only thing that’s gonna get me out.”
He was on the waiting list for a home.
“It’s a long waiting list, it’s going to take ages and ages to bring my name up.”
Gallery owner Robert Scotts said it would be fascinating to find out who the photographer was.
“The photograph is actually signed but of course we can’t make out the signature.”
The photo was being auctioned on Trademe and closes 2 June, with all proceeds being given to Adams.
Sony ZV-1 II vs Sony ZV-1 – Which is Better?
The ZV-1 has been a very popular compact camera for Sony since its launch back in 2020, offering lots of features designed specifically for vlogging and content creation. Now the new Mark II version of the ZV-1 has been launched in May 2023.
So how does the new ZV1 II differ from the original ZV1, and which of these cameras is the right one for you?
We’re bringing you this in-depth Sony ZV-1 II vs Sony ZV-1 head-to-head comparison to help you choose between them.
Sensor
Both the ZV-1 and the ZV-1 II use exactly the same 20.1 megapixel, 1-inch stacked Exmor RS stacked sensor, so the image quality is the same.
The stacked Exmor RS sensor in these models gives them some advantages over the APS-C sensor ZV-E10 camera, primarily in burst shooting and slow-motion video capabilities (more on those below).
Processor
Both cameras use exactly the same powerful Bionz X image processor, which allows them to shoot at up to 24 images per second using the electronic shutter!
ISO Speed
The ISO range of the Sony ZV-1 and ZV-1 II is the same, ISO 100 to ISO 12,800, which can be expanded by one stop to 25,600 using the special Multi Noise Reduction mode.
Lens
This is the single biggest difference between these two cameras.
The original ZV-1 has a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent non-removable zoom lens, as previously seen on the popular RX100 series (the RX100 IV to be specific).
The new ZV-1 II has a much wider 18-50mm f/1.8-4 equivalent zoom lens that’s better suited to vlogging, particularly when holding the camera at arm’s length for selfie recording and group shots.
We were slightly critical of the 24mm lens in our Sony ZV-1 review, so it’s great to see Sony listening to feedback and implementing this crucial change in the 2023 Mark II version.
There are some tradeoffs, though, with the zoom range being noticeably shorter – 50mm versus 70mm – and the maximum aperture being a stop slower at the telephoto end – f/4 versus f/2.8 – both of which will make it harder to throw the background out of focus when shooting at the 50mm focal length than on the previous camera.
Sony do provide the Clear Image Zoom digital zoom function on the ZV-1 II which increases the focal range from 50-100mm “without any appreciable loss in image quality”.
On the ZV-1 II the zoom can be operated by using the touchscreen in addition to using the physical rocker switch on top of the camera, with selectable zoom steps running from 1x / 1.5x / 2x / 4x plus icons for W (wide-angle) and T (telephoto) to quickly change the angle of view at the press of an onscreen icon.
Autofocus
Both cameras have the same hybrid auto-focus system with 315 phase detection and 425 contrast detection AF points.
Both of them also offer Sony’s excellent real-time tracking system, including Eye AF for humans/animals for stills and humans for video, plus the Face Priority autoexposure (AE) function, which detects and prioritises the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure the face is depicted at an ideal brightness.
New to the ZV-1 II is the Multi-face Recognition mode which has trickled down from the recently launched ZV-E1 full-frame camera.
In this mode the ZV1 II will automatically stop down the aperture when another person comes into the frame to help ensure that all the people are in focus, rather than just the original one, which is a great feature for group selfies where you want everyone to be in focus.
Also new to the Mark II version is animal AF tacking in the movie mode – on the ZV-1 it’s limited to stills shooting only.
Video
The core video specs of the two cameras are essentially the same.
So on both the Sony ZV-1 II and the ZV-1, video can be recorded in 4K resolution at up to 30fps, whilst Full HD can be recorded at up to 100/120fps depending on whether you have chosen the PAL or NTSC format.
Both models feature Sony’s S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma and HLG curves which enable them to record greater dynamic range.
Sony have added the Cinematic Vlog setting from the ZV-E1 to the new ZV-1 II model.
This allows you to choose from a range of different cinematic Looks and Moods and combine them to your own particular style. The resulting video is the automatically shot in the widescreen Cinemascope aspect ratio (2.35:1) at 24fps with black bands above and below the image. for a true cinematic feel, all by simply selecting the Cinematic Vlog option.
Sony’s range of Picture Profiles are also present and correct, meaning you can match the footage shot with the ZV-1 II or ZV-1 with higher-end cameras such as the A7 IV.
New to the ZV-1 II are a selection of 10 different Creative Looks, again inherited form the ZV-1 E1.
The stacked sensor additionally gives both cameras the ability to offer special HFR modes where you can shoot short video clips at 250, 500 or 1000fps, with footage then saved at 25fps for super slow motion playback.
Audio
Sony have improved the microphone quality on the new Z-V1 II when compared to the original model.
The upgraded intelligent 3-capsule mic from the ZV-E10 now offers three different settings – front, rear and all directions – so that you have more control over the sound recording depending on where your subject. is positioned.
It also sports a wind reduction design with a detachable Dead Cat wind shield provided in the box. Clear voice isolation is great for recording your voice and not the background, and there’s also a dedicated Multi Interface Shoe for an external microphone and other extra accessories.
Both cameras also offer an all important 3.5mm microphone input, but there is still no headphone output.
Vlogging Features
Both camera’s offer Sony’s special vlogger-friendly features – Background Defocus, Product Showcase and a Tally light.
Both have a Background Defocus button. For vloggers the aim of this button is to switch between having the background blurred or clear. In photographic terms it is switching the aperture between the largest available for the attached lens and a stopped down value.
The Product Showcase mode is an autofocus mode that alerts the camera to switch the focus from a person’s face to an object that may be held up in front of the camera. It is a popular YouTube technique for when wanting to show an item to the viewer, but on cameras with slower autofocus it can leave the focus fixed on the presenter’s face with the product out of focus, and vice versa. The Product Showcase mode solves that issue, adding another plus point for vlogging with these cameras.
A recording lamp (tally light) is also provided on the front face of the camera body for an at-a-glance indication of the current video recording status, and a red color recording alert square is displayed on the LCD screen too (both can be turned off).
Live Streaming
Live streaming is possible directly from both cameras simply by connecting it to a computer or compatible mobile device via USB, eliminating the need for a video capture card. This allows the camera’s video and audio capabilities to be used for live social media and video conferencing. Both the UVC and UAC standards are supported for improved picture and sound quality during streaming.
ND Filter
Both of these cameras have a built-in ND filter – the Z-V1 has a 2-stop filter and the Z-V1 II has a slightly stronger 3-stop filter.
An ND filter helps you to shoot at larger apertures on bright days, which is extremely useful when shooting video and trying to stick to the shutter speed being double the frame rate rule.
Burst Shooting
Thanks to the stacked image sensor, the Sony ZV-1 and Z-V II both offer a very fast maximum burst rate of 24fps with continuous AF/AE tracking.
Body and Design
The original ZV1 and 2023’s ZV1 II cameras are virtually identical in terms of their external design, apart from the different zoom lens and a massive 2g in weight! (the Mark II version is lighter).
Where they differ is the onscreen controls, with the ZV-1 II providing a greatly improved and expanded smartphone-like user experience that better suits its target audience.
You can shoot entirely using the on-screen icons along the bottom of the screen, and a simple swipe-up from the bottom quickly accesses the Function menu screen which houses frequently used settings.
All of the same external buttons and controls are the same on both models, there’s just a lot more touchscreen control available on the new Mark II version.
One important change is the ability to charge the ZV-1 II camera via its USB-C port using an external powerbank or similar, something that was sorely lacking on the original version.
Also, if you use the external Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth shooting grip (which Sony strongly recommends), it no longer blocks the battery/memory card compartment.
Weather Resistance
Neither the ZV1 II or the ZV1 offer any certified level of weather-sealing, so you’ll need to be careful and/or protect the camera in inclement weather.
IBIS
With regards to stabilisation, there is Optical Steadyshot built-in to the ZV-1’s and ZV-1 II’s lenses. This will give you a couple of stops extra to play with when taking still images, and it will smooth out the lightest of movements when shooting video.
Both cameras offer the option to switch on Active SteadyShot in video, which is a digital form of stabilisation. This crops in to the image slightly to give the camera so digitally move the image frame around to compensate for any larger movements.
It works very well, creating very stable footage when handholding and taking out all but the heaviest of footsteps when walking. The catch is that because of the slight crop, if you are vlogging your face will appear larger when in the frame.
We would suggest only using it when walking or zooming in to show something, and when presenting to camera stick to using the Standard Steadyshot mode.
Finally, camera-shake metadata is recorded by the built-in gyro sensor that’s inside both cameras, allowing handheld footage to be smoothed out and stabilised in post-production using Sony’s Catalyst Browse / Catalyst Prepare desktop application.
Viewfinder
Neither camera has a viewfinder, so if you don’t enjoy using an LCD screen for composition, you’ll need to look elsewhere entirely.
LCD Screen
Both cameras have a 3-inch, 921,000 dot LCD screen which is hinged to the side of the camera and offers 180 degree rotation.
This means it can be flipped out to the side and rotated forwards by 180 degrees for vlogging or self-portraits (or selfies as they are now known), as well as being able to fold the screen in to the camera body to offer protection when you just want to carry the camera loose in a bag or pocket.
Memory Cards
The ZV-1 and ZV-1 II both have a single memory card slot which supports UHS-I type SD cards.
Battery Life
Both cameras use the NP-BX1 battery, with battery life quoted as being between 45-75mins of video or 260 stills.
Price
The older Sony ZV-1 is priced at £700 in the UK and $800 in the US.
The new Sony ZV-1 II costs €1000 in Europe, £XXX in the UK and $XXX in the US.
Conclusion
The new Sony ZV-1 II and older ZV-1 are both excellent vlogging options, with the former improving on the latter principally by widening the lens, enhancing the screen operability and enabling power delivery via the USB-C port.
With the ZV-1 continuing in the range, are those upgrades enough to justify the extra cash for the new 2023 version?
So what do you think? Would you choose the Sony ZV-1 II or the Sony ZV-1, and why? Leave a comment below!
Your Comments
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Review: Mobile Photography Powerhouse
US Haircare Brand DS Laboratories Expands into China Market via Tmall Global
Hair and skincare specialist DS Laboratories has seen its sales in China soar over the last two years after partnering with Alibaba Group, according to brand executives.
The Miami-based dermatological brand teamed up with Alibaba’s cross-border B2C marketplace Tmall Global in 2021 to reach Chinese consumers.
By 2025, China’s haircare sector will be worth over $8.6 billion, according to market research firm Mintel. This presents a massive opportunity for foreign brands – if they can navigate its complexities.
“We tried entering the Chinese market without any success until we met Alibaba,” said DS Laboratories CEO Fernando Tamez.
Tmall Global guided DS Laboratories through every step of the process as they prepared to launch in China. Now, the country is on track to become the brand’s second-largest market after the U.S..
Alizila spoke with Tamez and Pablo Palatnik, Vice President of E-commerce and Digital Strategy at DS Laboratories, to learn more about the brand’s growth.
Below is a transcript of this video, edited for clarity and brevity
Fernando Tamez: The mission of DS Labs is to offer cutting-edge technology products. We work like a pharmaceutical company. All our equipment is pharmaceutical grade. All of our facilities are state-of-the-art automatized. We do clinical trials on every single active ingredient that we have in our formulas.
My dad was bald when he was 30, and every single cousin and uncle I had was bald. So I was going to do everything to not be bald and not lose my hair. I think it feels great to help other people with the same problems that I had and offer them real results and products that actually deliver the results.
Pablo Palatnik: The success of our products anywhere in the world comes from our uniqueness. They really are, bar none, the best quality products in the marketplace. As a global company, China was extremely important to break into for us. It’s the second biggest economy in the world.
Fernando Tamez: We’ve tried entering the Chinese market without any success until we met Alibaba. When they launched our flagship store on Tmall Global, we were very surprised with the quality, marketing materials, images, and pictures. They were able to communicate all our values, and that’s why we had explosive growth.
Pablo Palatnik: Since we launched on Tmall Global, we’ve had [sales growth] 50% over expectations.
Fernando Tamez: We went from not selling a single unit in China to being recognized by Vogue Business as one of the top ten companies to watch.
Pablo Palatnik: Tmall Global and China exposure gives the brand more credibility as a global brand, which is our vision for the future, being a true global leader in the hair loss and thinning hair space.
Fernando Tamez: We’re expanding our facilities by 30%. We had to buy other filling tanks and stations. We’re going to launch several other products, and we’re going to solidify our position as one of the market leaders. We’re very happy and very thankful for Alibaba.
Discover how Alibaba’s platforms are empowering other small businesses
Additional reporting by Yashan Zhao
Deschutes Library seeking artwork for new and renovated buildings
The Deschutes Public Library is looking for new art for its new and renovated libraries.
Companies eye street art in Japan
ElonComm 2023 grads set for variety of professional, educational experiences
Alanna Arabian, Special Event Planner Intern, Dee’s Wood Fired Pizza + Kitchen (New York)
Gray Aust, Assistant Director for Athletic Communications, Elon University (Elon, North Carolina)
Kendall Battles, Marketing Consultant Professional AdFellow, AdCouncil (New York)
Annemarie Bonner, Jayne Miller Investigative Fellow, WBAL-TV (Baltimore)
Ellis Chandler, News Producer, WYFF News 4 (Greenville, South Carolina)
Wellsley Cohen, B-Launch Sales Associate, Bloomberg Industry Group (Arlington, Virginia)
Molly Craig, Associate Brand Manager, Stanley Black & Decker (Baltimore)
Megan Curling, Year of Service Fellow at Alamance Regional Medical Center, Elon University/Cone Health (Elon, North Carolina)
Elizabeth Driggers, Data Analyst, Webconnex (Austin, Texas)
Genevieve Emerson, Summer Assistant Director, Apogee Adventures (Brunswick, Maine)
Katie Everitt, Integrate Marketing Intern for Healthcare Team, Lippe Taylor (New York)
Miranda Ferrante, Graduate Student, New York University Magazine & Digital Storytelling (New York)
Lindsay Gelman, Intern, Squared Communications (Washington, D.C.)
Lauren Gibbons-Neff, Health Team Intern, Porter Novelli (Washington, D.C.)
Madison Gilgo, Year of Service Fellow for the Harwood Institute/Impact Alamance, Elon University/Cone Health (Elon, North Carolina)
Megan Gillogly, Ignite Coordinator, George P. Johnson (Boston)
Clare Grant, Pulliam Photojournalism Fellow, IndyStar (Indianapolis)
Addie Holden, Design Specialist, Flywheel Digital (Baltimore)
Anelisa Holder, Associate in Rotational Associate’s Program, Ogilvy (Washington, D.C.)
Carter Horan, Partnerships Manager, Equativ (New York)
Sarah Hyde, Account Coordinator, Pep Promotions (Boston)
Luke Johnson, Photojournalism Intern, The Seattle Times (Seattle)
Jessica Kliman, Project Management Fellowship, Spectrum Science
Brooke Little, Public Relations Graduate Internship, Golin (Chicago)
Ian Myers, Junior Art Director, Gelia (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Olivia Parks, Junior Packaging Designer, AS Beauty Group (New York)
Jonathan Pensiero, Director of Media, Gerenwich Polo Club (Greenwich Connecticut); Graduate Student, University of Southern California Communication Management (Los Angeles)
Nyah Phengsitthy, Reporter, Bloomberg Law (Washington, D.C.)
Emily Prins, Digital Content Intern, PBS North Carolina (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina)
Ridley Randolph, Graduate Student, Columbia University Writing for Film & TV (New York)
Maria Rossi, Insights Analyst, Sales Factory (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Skylar Rubin, Public Relations Policy Analyst, BGR Group (Washington, D.C.)
Kendall Saulsby, Editor, Blue Ox Films (Portland, Oregon)
Alexandra Schneider, Editorial Associate, Hearst (New York)
Leah Schultz, Executive Associate of Marketing and Communications Research, The Wildcard Alliance
Kennedy Smith, Press Intern, The Brand Guild (Washington, D.C.)
Chantal Spendiff, Public Relations Coordinator, Dunn Pellier Media Inc. (Los Angeles)
Anna Terry, Digital Marketing Associate, Three Ships (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Connor Thomas, Senior Content Technical Director, Accenture (Washington, D.C.)
Taylor Truitt, Associate UX/UI Designer, Pillar4 Media (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Jake Twer, Fellow, Venture for America
Amaya Waddy, Graduate Student, Elon University Interactive Media (Elon, North Carolina
Local Briefs
Senior fitness classes offered WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is offering Geri-Fit, a 45-minute strength training class for older adults. Participants start lifting light weights, usually while seated and can work at their own pace. They should bring a set of light dumbbells, a stretch band and water to drink. The video fitness […]
