09.30.07
A great week for plastic cameras!
This was a very fun week of talking, talking and more talking. Now it’s a rainy fall night in Seattle, and it’s night to be home and quiet.
I spent much of the week in San Francisco. I went into two MFA classes at the Academy of Art to talk about my work. It was nice to talk to them on a personal note about my process over the last 15 years, and show work from several different series, even non-Holga work (image that!). I’ve been speaking to James Woods’ classes for 10 years or so, and always get so much out of it. It’s really the mark of a great teacher (James) that I always learn things when I’m the one speaking in his classes!
On Thursday night I gave my talk on plastic cameras, my work and the book at SF Camerawork. When I began, most of the chairs were full, for a good crowd. Partway through though, I turned around from my spot behind my computer to see the entire room packed, and people standing against the back wall! There were 42 people there (and a couple more came afterwards, having gotten the time wrong). Afterwards, we sold a bunch of books and I chatted and signed. It was loads of fun – I have very enthusiastic readers! And a few friends showed up, making for familiar faces in the bunch. Thanks to SF Camerawork for a great evening! I hope to do more talking in SF soon!
Back home in Seattle was a different type of talking. Last night was the Photographic Center Northwest’s Photovision Awards and Auction. I was the announcer for the evening, reading off the titles of the pieces in the live auction and telling a little about the photographs and artists. I’ve been part of the PCNW community since I moved here in 1992, and it’s great to see how it’s grown and to help it out a little. And I got to get dressed up and have a great time!
I’m really enjoying speaking to groups and teaching, and am very gratified that I have things to say that people find interesting. The best though is when people tell me how inspired they get by the book or a class or talk to go out and create!
~Michelle