Art Show

Come out to The Wine Merchant during Art Walk or during the month of May to check out my work!

Rainy Hike in the Woods

There is something wonderful about hiking in the rain. I took a nice stroll through a local preserve yesterday and found that my senses came alive underneath the canopy of deciduous trees during the constant shower of rain.  When I stopped it seemed as though I could hear each individual raindrop hit each leaf.  The mayapples quaked with joy as they soaked up the much needed nourishment.  The forest and connecting prairie/savanna even had a very ethereal, out of this world look to it.  The clouds hung low, the sky was darkened, and yet the forest was lit by a very soft, even glow of white light.  Here is an image I took of a newly sprouted lupine leaf studded in raindrops!

Enjoy,

Tyler

Southern Exposure

My spring break was two weeks ago and I was lucky enough to catch a trip with Base Campus to the beautiful state of Georgia for the week.  Here is a journal entry I wrote on the way back from our trip.  So see my portfolio of work from the trip check out my website, tylerben.com and the subject titled "Southern Exposure" under my "Works". 

"March 12, 2010

 

Endless ribbons of white and golden-yellow paint strips guiding the way back home.  I looked forward to this trip mostly for the sake of escaping the frustrations of work and school temporarily.  To my satisfaction, it became more than just an escape; it became a journey, full of adventures, trials, triumphs, and bonding.  Leaving Ohio, I felt accomplished with the notion that I finally launched my website, tylerben.com, that will hopefully increase my work’s exposure.  I had no expectations or goals for the trip other than maybe adding a few more pieces to my portfolio.  The beauty of the south never ceases to expand my cultural palette either.  The charming city of Chattanooga, kitschy mountain village of Helen, Savanna’s eye to the future and appreciation for the past, and Tybee Island’s very laid-back nature (except for crazy coastal storms) fed my soul.  After reflecting on the places themselves, I remind myself that it is the people along the journey that make it what it is.  People distinguish a journey from a trip.  Anyone can drive from point A to point B, but a journey tests your limits, patience, and relationships with all the people in between.  Everyone plays their own part along the journey; even down to the kind bystander, the sketchy gas station attendant, and the knowledgeable local.  Those minor interactions, however, do not compare to the relationships between those and myself that take this journey.  My memories of our walks down the beach; opening up to each other in so many levels, and sharing moments of inspiration and awe over the picturesque landscapes will never leave my soul.  The ocean itself seems allegorical to these relationships.  Aside from instances of rough weather, the beach provides a peaceful place where two complex and completely different bodies become one in the breath of the waves.  As these ribbons of white and golden-yellow guide us home, I hope, as with all of my journeys, this connection, feeling, emotion that I feel right now will only expand after we return home.

 

 

Seven days, eight states, thirteen people, one flat tire, a few curious raccoons, and four water-logged cars: Base Campus spring break – priceless."

And I'm Off Again

I am only hours away from leaving for Georgia for a week: a WHOLE week without technology, besides my camera of course.  Minutes ago I launched my professional website. Check it out here! See you all in a week!

Anticipation

Saturday I leave for a week-long tour through Georgia on expedition that will take me into the caves of northwest Georgia, the beaches of Tybee Island, and the historic avenues of Savanna.  In the meantime I am nervously trying to have my professional website launched before I leave.  In today's New York Times: Home Section  I was totally inspired by the artist, Marina Abramovic's color selection in her SoHo loft kitchen.  Toning down the colors just a tad, I used this scheme as a model for my website color scheme.  Keeping the suspense!

Memory Remains

I noticed this decaying bouquet of flowers resting on the shores of Lake Erie at the base of Marblehead Lighthouse last week and wondered about their origins... Were they placed there in celebration or closure for pain?  So many possibilities and that mystery is why I cherish this image.

Swell Design

I recently found the company Scout Books through another blog that I follow and fell in love with this company's designs.  Here is one of my favorite notebooks that they sell but you also have the option to design your own custom notebooks. Check it out! Well I am back to finishing my entry forms for the Findlay Art League's Photo 28 show before I turn in my pieces tomorrow! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Links for You!

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend!  Thought I'd share some links of some sites that I have taken special interest in.

After taking a walk on the beach in Sandusky and Lakeside Thursday, I was reminded of my minor obsession with beach combing! Only lately I have considered it an obsession because I have realized I have not been able to visit a beach without bringing driftwood, pebbles, big smooth stones, sea glass, pieces of china plates, or net buoys home with me.  Here is another artist with similar interests in twigs, stones, n' such.  Josie Iselin's work is fanatastic! Be sure to check out her blog here as well.

Another artist worth checking out is Jessie Paige.  Her photography has a very ethereal feel to it that I love.  The texture, depth, emotion is brilliant!

Last but not least, if you are from the Findlay, Ohio area and am interested in exhibiting your work (photos) in a great space among other great photographers, the Findlay Art League's Photo 28 show deadline is coming this week! 

Cheers!

Snowy Scenes from Ohio

As promised... here are a few of my recent snowy photos from around Bowling Green, Lakeside, and Sandusky, Ohio. I hope this winter weather is nearing its end. I can smell spring in the air.

Disappointment

Walking through the art building I read an announcement for a lecture series at the University of Michigan about the history/future of documentary photography. To my brief excitment and sudden disappointment I read that Alec Soth would be one of the two speakers...the lecture was last week.  Check out his site by clicking on his name. Very interesting work.

The photo above is from his series "Sleeping by the Mississippi."

Keepin' the Winter Blues Out

When I don't find myself studying for the coming storm of exams this week and the next, I have found myself making time for my own art and some commercial photography.  I drew the poppy in ink and then painted it with Muji marker ink (Shh...its a secret).  I actually got the idea to paint with Muji markers from the artist Shanan Campanaro.  Click the link on her name and check out her amazing art.  My favorite work of hers is the series Icelandic Horses.   The second photo of mine is a commercial piece that I produced for a GeoJourney promotional piece that will have text overlay and sent to all BGSU students. Still to come... the wintery photos I promised from my Bowling Green walk the other day.

Crazy Blizzard

My drive back to Bowling Green from Findlay Friday night was TERRIFYING! First off I got stuck on the little road beside Outback (my excuse for a truck refused to drive in 6 inches of snow covering the road). Then an entire track team pulled up in a van and pushed me up to Coldstone where my truck finally gained momentum! The entire drive took me over an hour and a half (normally would only take about 20 minutes) and I drove 20 mph on I-75!  At least we didn't get the full force of the storm that the Philly and D.C. got.  I am so very thankful everyone made it home from work that night safe and sound.  I can still picture myself all tensed up praying over and over again, "please don't go off the road."  I will post a few photos this week sometime!  I am going to go back to the curled up position (the most comfortable position as I experience caffeine withdraw--trust me, it wasn't my choice). Cheers!

The Color of Winter

This little guy looks like a comma

Despite my aching belly I was bound to get outside today to enjoy the heat-wave.  I headed over to Wintergarden Park and put my little Lensbaby to work on my new camera.  To my surprise, I discovered that there IS color in an Ohio winter! Enjoy!

Coming Soon!

Aside from spending most of my weekend working and doing calculus homework, I did accomplish some photography "homework."  Carole Elchert, a great friend of mine, edited my biography and artist statement and we discussed and finalized these two pieces. So finally it is time to arrange my professional website! I will keep y'all posted and hope by the end of February, I will have a website up and running! Back to writing an art history paper :)

Weekend Well-Wishing

Coffee and tea on

a winter day; tea for you,

the other for me

~Charles de Lint

Sense of Style

I remember when I was in high school and would visit college friends in their apartments that one thing stuck in my mind: unlivable. Maybe its because I consider myself a creative person that craves to be surrounded by things that stimulate my creativity or that I want my room to feel "home-y." I don't know why I felt this way, all I knew was the beer-soaked carpets and boring walls with rapper posters wouldn't be in my room. When I finally moved into my first home away from home, I needed a theme to boost my sense of creativity as I spend my evenings editing photographs, printing, drawing, and writing. I decided on a mix of Mid-Century, Modern, and natural abstract styles.  Making a room more comfortable isn't expense you just have to know what you are looking for (and hope for a few surprises). Spray-painting a gnarly willow branch blue, organizing my nerdy rock collection in sweet patterns, and using other natural material to contrast against the clean lines of my modern-style dresser and side-tables. Here's just a few pictures of what I have done... Like I always say--"I'm the most sensitive straight guy your gonna meet."

Opportunities Ahead

How daunting! I decided I would start organizing some folders on my Mac to apply to some juried exhibitions for this spring, and boy-oh-boy was I surprised at how indecisive I would be. I realized how much is on the line (my reputation as an artist and as a good person, and financing). On top of the one show in Toledo, one in Findlay, another in Annapolis, MD., one in Youngstown, and two international shows (Washington D.C. and London), I also have a fellowship scholarship at a worth of $6000 to fund the Van Buren Elementary living sculpture that I am helping to design to complete by Friday! I will stay busy in the next few weeks :) Enjoy your weekend!

Gloomy Day Glimmer

I thought I would post an image that brightens anyone's day (especially during this grey, gloomy day in Ohio). I took this photo on my climb to the top of my first "fourteener" (a mountain above 14,000 ft in elevation). On this trip, I met up with my cousin Casey in Denver over the summer so we could climb Mount Bierstadt. At moments my heart and lungs raced so hard to keep up with the change in altitude that I thought I could have fainted. We made it to the top finally and to my excitement (I am such a nature-nerd) found LIFE! Marmots (like our groundhogs), pikas (indescribable little squealing rodents), and many species of alpine wildflowers such as this one thrived in the extreme habitat. What a delight! What memories have you experienced that you find yourself returning to on days like this?

Oh Winter

Isn't it pathetic to think that today's heat-wave is only 33 degrees Fahrenheit! Still, the walk to the bus stop is kind of peaceful on mornings like this. The crunch of the icy-snow beneath my feet, my foggy breath blowing back into my face... I love it. Every day the temperature raises a degree, my heart races in hopes that spring will arrive a little sooner. Until then I will spend my mornings staying toasty and enjoying my cup of house coffee at Grounds for Thought. I swear my European roots are showing because I need my dose of coffee, newspaper, and people-watching everyday. Well I am off to Findlay this afternoon to set up my photo "show" in the front windows of Imagine That! Photography on East Sandusky Street!

Foggy Afternoon

I have to admit although the winter months give me really bad cabin fever (or seasonal depression or whatever the heck you wanna call it), foggy days are my favorite! Today was one of those days! With snow partially melting, a bright gray sky, and a layer of thick, saturating fog, I was in paradise for a few good photo op's! I think I feel so alive when its foggy because when a layer of fog entrenches the landscape, the sky blends into the ground and my senses become more acute to the things closest in proximity to me. I am able to focus on the tree branches dripping with water, birds rustling in the bushes, or just listen to the silence of a fog. One of my favorites of the day is this scene I caught at the Findlay Reservoir. I've officially nicknamed this one "The Other Blue Man Group."

New Inspiration

Although this has been a while ago, I wanted to share a story that gave me the inspiration I needed while in the middle of my frequent "funks." About two weeks ago during an extremely cold Arctic spell, I was visiting my grandparents home. As I was coming outside to my truck that was already on, I heard a God-awful racket that was louder than the engine of my little old blue. I thought for sure that it was done in this time... but then this strange feeling inside me told me to stop worrying and look up. To my amazement there was a flock of about seventy-five sandhill cranes raising hell as they conversed among one another on their trip south. The hair on my neck stood up and I felt a feeling of unexplainable happiness, creativity, and warmth throughout my body. My wintertime "funk" was hushed for the few minutes that I witnessed this beautiful scene that I was able to share with my grandparents. I included a photo of a white-napped crane that I took while at the Toledo Zoo last week to try to show the impressiveness of cranes.

Guiding My Journey

Recently I got a tattoo of a compass inscribed on my shoulder. This tattoo is my first and probably my last but I want to point out that I did not get this done out of an impulse (although the timing may have been a little spontaneous). I got this to symbolize the focus that I need to keep when it comes to my spirituality, family & friend relationships, and goals wherever my life compass leads me. It will stay relevant all my life and thats what I love about it.

First Posting

I am getting ready to set up a professional website to exhibit my photography to a broader audience and thought that I could set up a blog that would give a little more insight to my thoughts and processes about my photography and travels. I am not too familiar with web/blog design so hopefully I will get used to it quickly!

Cheers!
Ty