New Red Hook featured in 'Flak Photo!'

New Photograph: 'Paris Burlesque' from the Red Hook series

Revisiting Red Hook

Recently I have returned to photographing Red Hook, Brooklyn, a neighborhood I have been exploring visually since 2003. In 2006 suddenly the neighborhood became very trendy, thanks to an Ikea and a Fairway supermarket, and suddenly folks from other areas began popping up everywhere---there were even boatloads of tourists descending upon the waterfront! Disgusted by the sudden popularity of the area, I put away my camera, for the most part, for a year or two.

This past year, I started seeing the old buildings and weed-filled lots with fresh eyes, in part thanks to the photography course I am teaching at the School of Visual Arts, Modern Ruins: Photographing Brooklyn's Industrial Landscapes. In the heat of the summer I took out the 4x5 and with the help of my assistant Alex began, once again, to photograph the neighborhood.

Seeing a project through over a long period of time is a challenge on many levels. It is not the same as making singular images, and it goes against the whole idea of trend in the art world. Something I have struggled with since finishing graduate school in 2008 is regaining a sense of 'poetic innocence' while picture-making---making photographs that are both spiritually and conceptually fulfilling. Finally I feel I am regaining that ground. It has been a struggle---this year I am a new mom, teaching a lot, and really thinking about my life's goals---but finally, I am remembering and re-appreciating what first made me love shooting architecture and its connection to the urban environment in the first place.

Happy Valentine's Day

A romantic Red Hook, Brooklyn sky for my lovely readers.

Happy valentine's day!

BENEFIT TO SAVE THE BOWERY: TONIGHT, SEPTEMBER 27TH

I am helping out with a benefit to help stop the rampant destruction along the Bowery. For those of you new to town, the Bowery only recently became home to all of those swanky hotels and high rises. Its history is much more colorful and sordid than what it has become.

In addition to music and performances, there will be a silent art auction---great opportunity to score a great piece of art and help support a grassroots organization. Artists include Mette Madsen, Aimai Reporter, Anna Sawaryn, Gilda Pervin, Phillipe Solomon, Sally Young, and an 11" x 14" by yours truly, from my ongoing photo project examining the rapid destruction of Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Hope to see you there!

Bowery Alliance of Neighbors
BAN
presents

An Evening to Save The Bowery
Saturday, September 27, 2008
6:30 - 9:30 p.m
at
Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery
one block north of Houston St.
music, poetry and film
--art auction--
--raffle--
proceeds benefit the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors (BAN)
a grassroots organization working to protect
residents, small businesses - the neighborhood
&
the historic character of the Bowery
admission: $10 per person
additional donations welcome
checks payable to:
Bowery Alliance of Neighbors
184 Bowery #4
NYC, NY 10012
∼ boweryneighbors.org ∼