Monday, January 5, 2009

My First Photography Exhibit!

If you have ever received a Snapfish photoalbum from me, you know I take a lot of photographs. Maybe it's because I have fond memories of watching my dad develop black & white photos when I was a little girl in Russia. Maybe it's because after receiving a digital camera from my parents 7 years ago I feel like I can take a ton of photos without worrying about editing them as I go. Mainly, it's because I like documenting my life: places I go, things I see, food I taste, and sharing these memories with the people in my life (and my blog readers!).

About a few months ago I received an email from Touchstone Gallery about a semi-annual event they were having: "a unique, non-juried opportunity for local artists to exhibit at Touchstone's gallery." On a whim I decided to email the gallery, pay $65 for the space and put some of my photographs on display.

This has been such a learning experience. Did you know you can't translate a 4x6 photo into an 8x10 photo? Did you know an 11x14 frame actually measures 13x16? I did not. But I do now.

Everything from choosing what photographs to print, to choosing mats and frames, to naming the photos and writing an artist statement has been somewhat stressful [I apologize to all of you, who had to listen to me talk about it!]. At each and every step part of me wanted to quit. But I did not! As I'm typing this, all of my photos (9!) are hanging in the gallery! They've all been named, priced, and all I'm waiting for now is for my business cards to be ready from Kinko's and for the art lovers to come and see my and 87 other people's work. When, how and where? You can find all the information you need right here. I will be at the gallery on Friday for the official opening. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

The first 5 photos below show my 55 inches x 5 feet space and how I filled it up. Thank you Anna for your help, and thank you Jason for the level!



The photographs below are of my matted and framed photographs. Excuse the poor quality.

1. Puerto Rican Dancers
2. The Silver Spoon
3. Light & Movement, 1
4. Young Man
5. After the Meal
6. Light & Movement, 2



7. Reflections
8. Pretty in Pink (Thanks, Anna, for the name!)
9. Danger Averted



I have another 4 photographs that did not fit in the exhibit. Maybe I'll wait for the next one, or just give them as gifts :)

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Those are all so neat! I think After the Meal is my favorite. :)

Rama Lekshman said...

when i was watching those photographs, i heard "Bach - The Pianist - Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude"

you works are like a music.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your lovely comments on my site. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Good luck at your exhibit, I wish you all the success.

Anonymous said...

How fun! And you will have these wonderful images ready to hang in your own space when it's all over as an added plus.

Reader Wil said...

Your photos are excellent! Great exhibition!

Unknown said...

woah those light and movement pictures are awesome! i also like the danger tape one alot. are you still using your kodak camera or did you get something better?

--your bro

Unknown said...

oh yeah, i can see your reflection taking the pictures in some of them haha

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your exhibition! Your photos looks terrific.

Paz

PJ said...

What a thrill to have your first exhibit. I hope you were able to sell some of them.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Wow! How nice Olga - these photos are beautiful! Love the colorful dancers, and of course that spoon.....the young man - makes you wonder just what he is doing there.....very nice - Congratultions!

Dewi said...

Those are gorgeous photos Olga. Keep up the good work, and good luck!
Cheers,
Elra

maryt/theteach said...

Oh Olga, the best of luck to you on Friday! Your photos are wonderful!

Janet said...

Olga I have always thought your photos were so nice. Have you ever thought of selling them on etsy? (I've been haunting that site to find stuff to hang on the empty walls in my apartment.)