Horror in the Hollow

Given that we live in the land of the Headless Horseman, we had to do something to commemorate this spooky time of year. Last night, our local theatre had a screening of Bela Lugosi's Dracula, and we made our way to seats in the balcony where fellow enthusiasts of old black and white films were in attendance. It was perfectly campy and fit the bill. On the way home, the storefront of a nearby business beckoned with its window dressed for the occasion. This October we have not had a freak snowstorm, a horrendous weather event, or unusually cold temperatures. Tonight, trick or treaters of all ages and description should be out in droves.

Trick or Treat

It goes without saying that we seem to reside in Halloween U.S.A. and we are growing weary of the holiday hoopla. Still, it provides a chance to take a look back at some of my Halloween images and remember the many costumed moments I have photographed along the way.

Art-Full

I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the Museum of Modern Art last week with my friend Lonny. Awaiting her arrival in the lobby, where the people watching is often as interesting as the art, I heard various languages while observing my fellow visitors and their outfits, footwear, handbags and phones.

Our first stop was Magritte where no photographs were allowed. Intrigued by the exhibit I shot my camera from the hip without looking through the viewfinder- trying to stay off of the guards' and everyone's radar and hoping to get something of interest.

Wandering the rest of the museum and taking our time was a lovely respite full of culture, visions and ideas.

A Costumed Affair

I had a good time at the Y's Masquerade Ball held at The Castle last night. The rooms were wonderfully decorated and the crowd was diverse and in great costumes. It's a treat to have a nice camera and the wherewithal to use it when the occasion allows. Tonight is the haunted hayride, tomorrow is the neighborhood party and tomorrow night is Halloween. This area goes in to overdrive when October rolls around.

Selfies (& Me)

“There is a primal human urge to stand outside of ourselves and look at ourselves,” said Clive Thompson, a technology writer and the author of the new book “Smarter Than You Think: How Technology Is Changing Our Minds for the Better.”

Long before the advent of posting images of yourself on social media (as recently discussed in the NY Times),  I had a long and complicated relationship with my own image as captured in a photo booth machine. At this particular time in my life, it was virtually impossible to take your own image on demand unless you could master a Polaroid camera or loved the feeling of numerous quarters in your pocket, enjoyed making friends with Woolworth store managers hither and yon, and had the ability to survive the lengthy wait as the photo booth machine went through its paces, finally delivering your highly anticipated strip of photos into the slot on the outside- still damp with chemicals.

I created numerous self portraits in the booth, and one of my more obsessive efforts was my project Weather Report in which I documented myself for a year, trying to re-create the same pose each time. At some point, I tired of looking at my own image and started making portraits of others. I guess my "selfies" period had come to an end.

Hastings Flea

Having one kid away at school residing in her own apartment means that many of her possessions have joined her in her cozy abode. I find myself at last with a little room to explore the nooks and crannies  I have used to stash the many odd and endearing items that have found their way in to our lives. In the spirit of less is more, I am participating in the first Hastings Flea Market this Sunday, October 20th.  It's been an interesting process to assemble all the quirky collectibles, household items, books, fabrics and objets d'art (well, sounds fancy if nothing else). And my family finds it intriguing as the piles build in preparation for the day itself. I love flea markets and all the many types who stroll them in hopes of finding special. So, if you find yourself with a hankering for people, music, shopping and activity this Sunday, make your way to Hastings. Should be lots of fun!

On the Go

I spent an overnight in NY which meant more socializing than usual with lots of running around. My first stop was downtown to visit my friend Ellen. She is in the process of moving out of her loft after living and working there for many years. So, it was bittersweet to photograph her there one last time.

(And then to F.I.T. for my design class, and then uptown to my brother's apartment where I joined him and my sister-in-law Bonnie for a late dinner at a restaurant nearby.)

First thing this morning to midtown for an event sponsored by Martha Stewart Living featuring
a panel on entrepreneurship. It was great. I especially enjoyed Barbara Corcoran and found her magnetic, articulate and fascinating.

Later, at the breakfast I couldn't resist asking Martha if I could take a photo. She is a true force of nature and an inspiring individual. Glad I asked!

Mom Learns Something New

I am enjoying a quiet spell at home working in photoshop on the assignment for the textile design class that I 'm currently taking at F.I.T. The first part is to create a color story board with a color palette drawn from the inspirational imagery and then design three fabrics.  I had a lot of fun finding various photos in my files to bring all the pieces together for my story board. Nothing is nicer than learning new ways to express my ideas.

(Below find one of my first textile designs drawn on a tablet which I hope you enjoy..)

Autumn in Gallilee

I made a road trip for an overnight visit to my friends' home in rural Pennsylvania and my timing was spot on. Peak fall foliage, warmer than usual temperatures, and a chance to enjoy the creature comforts of their beautiful abode. It was a welcomed respite much appreciated by me!