Busy, busy, busy. And that's a good thing.
It’s four months before my photo show. Lots of stuff has gone down recently, and a TON more to do. If you're reading this, then you’re probably interested in an update, so the latest details are sketched out below. For those of you who are new to this, you can scroll down to find earlier blog posts, or you can see where this all started (a year or more ago...) at the home page, www.movementcolor.com.
THE PICTURES: What is this thing really all about? The work! If you've been involved in a creative project, you understand that one of the biggest enemies is procrastination. Doing something new, putting yourself out there, going into creative areas you haven't been before - all stuff that shouldn't be scary, but for whatever reason, it is. And when something is scary, our brains look to run and do something else. I have been doing a pretty good job (some practice shooting, some practice editing, studying editing and color techniques online, etc.) and my procrastinating 'something else' has been stuff related to the project (see below), but I am now to the spot where I am going to have to ramp up - like crazy, and like now. If you see me on the street, you have full permission to come up and ask me what I have done today to practice my shooting and editing. Really. Track me down and kick me in the ass. Thank you! :-)
THE LOCATIONS: Pretty good progress here. The Chazen Museum on the campus of UW Madison has agreed to let me shoot there. BEAUTIFUL space, a real winner. In this location (and also close by in around around the Humanities building), we will have dancers expressing their stuff about art, buildings, rooms and spaces. Magical Helper Anne has also helped me coordinate permission to shoot on the new stage at American Players Theater. If you haven’t been to APT recently, WOW! The space is amazing! (Anne has also achieved Platinum Magical Helper status by taking on a bi-weekly ‘sounding board’ role for me as well. Everyone needs an Anne!). We'll look to get some brave dancers to APT in late January or February, bundle them up and shoot outside...in winter...and explore some of the heart of storytelling and dance. Still looking for a connection to a rough, open warehouse location. Let me know if you have a lead. Overall we're in good shape so far and just need to get to some final shooting.
THE DANCERS: Things are good here, too. Magical Helper Lauren has been amazing in opening the door to the folks at UW-Madison's Dance Department. Soon (like, now...) I am working to coordinate some of these amazing young artistic folks for the first official final shoot. This is the best, and it is the scariest. Actual talented people giving me their time. What could possibly go wrong, other than me totally screwing the whole thing up. Whatever, let's go. On a side note, at the risk of leaning too hard on the good will of this group - if you have connections with other dancer folks that might also want to participate, please let me know.
THE PRODUCTION: I have to make the images, but then I also have to make them presentable. Magic Helper Michelle at Monroe Street Framing has been a champ with tips and assistance once we are looking to get things ready for the show (printing, framing, other aesthetic stuff). Lots of others in my circle have been excellent about meeting up and answering questions about the little things that go into a show. As with everything on this journey, good hearted folks have been there to help around every corner.
THE EVENT. We are in great shape for the actual April 21st show. The Chorus Public House is locked and loaded. Carol and Christi at Chorus are fantastic supporters; the 'nuts and bolts' of the event should go smoothly. My Big Sis Terry is now a Magical Helper, having tossed her hat in the ring for day-of event help, and lovely Daughter Maggie will be another set of great day-of hands to help. My 'Two Josh's' (Taco Josh and Beer Josh) continue to be in communication and are heading towards giving you all a GREAT meal the day of the event. Magical Cupcake Jen has also recently confirmed her participation, too. Pictures, tacos, beer, cupcakes - good stuff right there.
I expect to have a ticketing system up and running within the next month and will hopefully start heading towards securing my magic number of 200 paid attendees. You're going to have to pay to come to my birthday party, folks (Probably $25? Makes me sweat to say that), but you're going to get fed, you're going to have some fun, and I want to give a nice donation check to the wonderful people at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services at the end of the evening. I am currently shooting to have around 20 images on display as well, and I will be looking to sell as many of those as possible to donate more to DAIS.
If you’re interested in attending, keep your eyes peeled over the next month. I plan on letting my Facebook hive know about the tickets once things are up and running. Thanks for reading, have a great Christmas and New Year.
A 'practice' image for some of the techniques I am working on.