Objects...how do we look at objects, think about them, and consider their meaning? While an inanimate object can't necessarily have meaning, an individual can attach their own meaning to that object/possession. Isn't that how things become important to us? When I visited the NYC MOMA over the holidays I had taken note of a work by Joseph Kosuth, his piece One and Three Chairs I had seen and studied in art history but had overlooked in my research of objects. This image from the MOMA site (http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A3228&page_number=1&template_id=1&sort_order=1) provides the viewer with a photograph of a chair, a chair, and the dictionary definition. This work presents different ways to view the object, as I continue to think about objects and question how we perceive our belongings it seemed pertinent. As well as in thinking about how we view the semiotics of objects.

A few weeks ago I saw the work of Sandi Haber Fifield (http://sandihaberfifield.com/) at Gallery Kayafas in Boston. I was intrigued by the way she juxtaposes her images together as well as some of her interior subject matter.

Hoping to soon start making some new audio recordings and photographing in and around my neighborhood.

I find each time I post it's been a little bit longer since the last one. In this new year I would like to be posting more and using this as a place to work out ideas and really start making new work. A lot has been happening some major changes in my life will be occurring soon. A very sad event happened my wonderful friend Dave Poole passed away before new years. This was sudden, shocking, and very upsetting. I am still saddened by his loss and going through a range of emotions...he left this life too soon. But as his brother said at his memorial "We have to remember the good times with Dave he was an amazing person."

While I have not been making new work I am still applying to shows and going to see new work. The other night I went the 2010 DeCordova Biennial opening, it was packed! The place to be and last night hit up First Friday on Harrison ave with some grad school friends. I'm hoping to see the show Domesticated: Modern Dioramas of Our New Natural History. Photographs by Amy Stein at the Harvard Museum of Natural History this weekend as well.

I have been continuing to think and ponder new work...I need to just start shooting new work while I think about it! I have been going through files on my computer and organizing myself and clearing things out of my studio. Working on a fresh slate. I still want to continue work on the objects in the home I can't seem to stop thinking about why our possessions are important to us. I also think about the media, economy, and how these could connect to singular images of objects. Which may look like product shots but in turn are possessions that hold personal meaning. How do I continue to tell stories the triptychs may not be the way and what about the sound. How else can we consider a story what are other ways to pass information. How do I place myself as a contemporary artist?

I have been enjoying domestic bliss as we get the apartment settled. While I have not been shooting I have been thinking a lot about the home as I make adjustments to mine again for the 3rd time in three years. I continue to consider all of my stuff, as well as my boyfriends especially as we edit things in the apartment and decide to donate clothes, books, etc... I question when does a possession lose it's value to an individual? I consider value vs. memory does one make an object more important than the other?

Moving forward I would like to photograph more in the home, perhaps revisit photographing my own space now that things have changed again. Now that I have some distance I want to revisit my thesis work, is there space to make changes? Or do I just need to move on to a new body of work? I would like to spend some more time with it and see where else I can take the interviews and photographs of objects. Does the work need a sound component? Or can I make the photographs stand alone?

It's been a great summer of relaxing after a very busy two years. I am getting ready to start teaching again. My boyfriend and I just moved in together so I have been converting the spare room into my studio. After giving up my studio space after my residency I have felt a little lost especially with most of my things packed in my basement. Yesterday I spent most of the day unpacking books, my printer, and getting settled into the space, which was a wonderful feeling. There is more organizing to do but I'm so excited to have a dedicated space again!

This week I found out my piece, Paula was accepted into the 2009 Salem Arts Association Photography Exhibit. The juror was Philip Prodger, Curator of Photography - Peabody Essex Museum. I'm very excited and I'm dropping the work off this weekend.
http://www.salemartsassociation.org/

The exhibit is from Friday 9/4 - Sunday 9/27, 2009
Opening reception for the show is Saturday 9/12, 2009 from 4-7pm

My last residency is complete, I gave my artist talk, had my MFA thesis show, and my defense, and it's all still settling in that it's complete. I have taken this summer off to relax and rejuvenate before I begin teaching again this fall.
At the same time I have been looking at show opportunities and other ways to expand my work. As I question what's next? and where to go next with my photographs. I hope to continue to use this blog as a place to track my work and challenge myself as I continue my studio practice after graduate school.

Five months since my last post...my thesis semester was challenging which I new it would be. But as of May 15th I turned in my thesis!!! Now I have less than a month to prepare my work for my show and my artist talk. Can't believe this program is almost over. I have been applying to shows and updating my website. Looking forward to a summer of rest and making.

MFA Graduate Exhibition
June 20th - 27th, 2009

Opening Reception
The Main Gallery 700 Beacon
Saturday, June 27, 2009 8-10pm

The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University
700 Beacon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
617.585.6600
www.aiboston.edu