Today is the Day That...

I decided to start using all of my creative talents more than I have been.

Christopher Bailey
ThursAug272009

Coming soon.... "Trundle Talk"....

Every few days, a friend of mine & I go for 'trundles'. Basically walks with no real destination or purpose other than the conversation, scenery, and joy of doing it. I believe the term itself is slang and arises from the, [often] circular nature of the journey (eventually you do need to make it home). There are no official rules for trundling; but generally a predefined route, simply following a known trail, doing it for the exercise, trying to make it a certain distance, etc, should be frowned upon because they take away from the spirit & 'adventure'. Alright, I admit that it is difficult to explain... but you know it when you do it. Trust me :-)

Our latest journey took an unexpected turn into the trails down by the river, just as dusk was arriving, ... the result: Suddenly my friend became Indiana Jones. While trudling, I always have my camera - you just never know - be prepared.

Another set of custom prints

A set of two custom prints is in the mail. These prints are not based on my artwork, but a talent artist in Calgary.

These prints are part of the promotion program that I'm starting up to help other local artists. The prints are all for sale at a standard price of $60, with profits (and exposure) going to the original artists & photographers.

So far I have two locations - a hair salon & a chiropractor's office - that have displays of assorted prints on their walls. They get free, ever changing, displays of art in their offices, and the artists get exposure & potential sales.

I'm currently looking to branch out to new locations and have groups of 11" square canvas prints for sale all over Edmonton. Win-Win :-)

Changes, choices, challenges....

Interesting thoughts processing....

A few challenges and some choices to be made. My artwork.... Support Local Art.... life.... are all at a potential turning point.

Stay tuned.

Here's some art to look at: :-)

Before & After

Here's an example of the adjustment work that I do for custom photo prints.

If you're interested in getting a photo printed onto canvas, I would provide you with the choice of the original photo 'as is', and also show you my version (below).

I use Photoshop CS3 and simply try to bring out the very best from each photo. The choice in the end is up to the client (of course :-)

When the world gives you LEMONS....

sure, we all know that we're supposed to make lemonade.

But what about when the world gives you SPAM?
WRITE HAIKUs!!

Glad You Could Make It
Call for your diploma now
Money save its good

lose weight fast TODAY
loose that unsightly tummy
look hot and skinny


Each line is from an actual spam subject line that I received (today!). It's fun, all you need to do is look for is lines with either 5 or 7 syllables. Sometimes the poems make sense; other times they don't at all (or, they have some really deep meaning... which is just not understood by anyone :-)

Now, I'm thirsty.... mmm, some lemonade would sure hit the spot.

The Runner

My Rule #1. I always have my camera with me.
My Rule #2. I always have my camera close at hand.
My Rule #3. I always take photos of things that attract my interest... even if it's just because it's funny or odd.

Life Rule #5754. Don't get all geared up, "go running", and then sit for half-an-hour playing with your blackberry. Or, at least if you do, don't do it a couple floors below where I am.

I present: "The Runner"

:-)

From my personal collection: not for sale

:-O

It's in the details.... custom photo prints

Are you interested in having your own personal photos printed on canvas? I think that it's better to have them done by an artist, instead of a corporate photo-hut or retail chain store. Here's a few reasons why:

Quality and Care.
As an artist, I take great pride in the prints that I create - whether they are based on my own works, or somebody else's custom photo print. I look at each photo as if it were my own art piece - how would I crop it to maximize the composition? what adjustments would I make to the contrast, highlights, saturation, white balance? I don't just think about how I would adjust each photo, I go ahead and do it. I then show both images (basically before & after), and let the client decide which they prefer. Not only do I get to provide the option for a 'better' quality image/print, I get to practice and delvelop my skills, and also receive instant real-world feedback. It's definitely a win-win.

Supporting the Arts.
Individually printed & stretched canvas prints allow artists (who have invested in the equipment for themselves) the ability to earn additional income by utilizing their skills for your benefit. Technology has provided visual artists with a new opportunity.

Price.
Comparing quality & price vs. quality & price, you are going to receive better value from a small studio based artist with low overheard, than from any type of costly retail store. I use very high quality materials and do not 'maximize my profits' by reducing the quality of my custom prints (I would never do that for my personal art prints, why would I do that for a clients?). As far as I know my price of $60 for a custom photo 11" pigment ink, UV protected, stretched canvas giclée, is quite low - the only way that I can offer this price (while retaining the quality that I demand) is by having few overhead costs.


I will be posting some 'before & after' photos to demonstrate my visions.

"The World of....

... the Spring River Valley" -

Currently available as a limited edition of only 20 prints. Showing Edmonton's River Valley in the springtime, this image has taken on a natural form of it's own.

Displaying and selling my works at the market each week give me great direct feedback from individuals and have they view my photograph and art. "The World of the Spring River Valley" often catches people by surprise.... 'oh, I thought it might have been a flower. It's so natural looking.'. It has been selling very well so far.

Signed & numbered limited edition prints are $80 each - with signed open edition being $60. Both are my standard 11" square ready-to-hang giclée. They are not available for online sale yet, but anyone wanting to make sure they get a limited edition can contact me directly. Thanks.