OverExposed

Nat Geo Photo of the Day

2009-11-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

Nat Geo Photo of the Day - 11-10-09
Originally uploaded by Tracy Lee

November 10, 2009 - a very nice surprise to see this first thing in the morning when checking email.

-

-

Obama? whaaaa?

2009-10-09T07:21:00.004-05:00

I like Obama, I do. I voted for him, I campaigned for him, I sent him lots of $$ to help his campaign but I am disappointed that he received this award for his ~potential~ achievements instead of someone receiving it for what they have already accomplished.

This is what I really wanted to see happen with the Nobel Peace Prize. That would have sent a message.

Chinese dissidents are leading the odds of winning the Nobel Peace Prize this year, the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and the 60th since the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

I find it sadly ironic that this happens at a time when the Dalai Lama is visiting Washington DC but will not be meeting with Obama at his request for fear of jeopardizing the US relationship with the Chinese.

A new Nobel Peace Prize winner not meeting with a previous Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Also today: China on Friday accused the United States of meddling in its domestic affairs after the American lawmakers recognized the Dalai Lama with an award for his efforts to improve human rights.

"stop using the Tibet issue to interfere in China's internal affairs" so says the Chinese Government to the US Congress.

And thus the US bows down to their Chinese Overlords.

This whole situation frustrates me.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Hell No, Dalai

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

---

Last Chance

2009-07-01T11:28:00.003-05:00

Artomatic X is in the final weekend - Sunday is the last day. You've got from tonight until then to get down there and see the exhibit.

Come on, are you going to let this one go by you AGAIN without getting off your ass and seeing what all of this is about for yourself? Really?

The Nat's are back in town this weekend so check their schedule regarding parking - or just plan on taking metro and avoiding the hassle.

tick tock, tick tock, time is running out.

Artomatic

2009-06-12T08:35:00.001-05:00

tattoo
Originally uploaded by Tracy Lee

Perhaps it is become I am immersed in it but surely you already know about Artomatic by now - right? And are aware that this Saturday is just cho-full-o things to see and do.

And that are FREE. Cause we all like free stuff.

If all the workshops and kid events, musicians and dance, poetry readings, theater groups and comedy acts didn't already perk you up, how about this.

Saturday is Meet the Artist night - and a large number (not all, this is voluntary) of the artists will be on site so you can talk/ask questions, etc.

No? That still not doing it?

FINE. Jeez.

How about some PostSecret then?

Frank Warren visits Artomatic Saturday evening to sign books + chat, PostSecret style. 7th floor.

http://www.artomatic.org/events/calendar

Completed

2009-06-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Tracy_Lee
Originally uploaded by britishink

Paul Roe of BritishInk finished up my back piece this Sunday evening at Artomatic. Very pleased with it, colors just are so vibrant and I love the design.

Funny how small the drawing looked on paper and how large it is on my back, I guess I'm tinier than I thought.

from The Observer

2009-06-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

A 16-year-old model is on a photo shoot in Paris. She has very little experience of modelling and is unaccompanied by her agency or parents. She leaves the studio to go to the bathroom and meets the photographer - "a very, very famous photographer, probably one of the world's top names", according to Ziff - in the hallway. He starts fiddling with her clothes. "But you're used to this," says Ziff. "People touch you all the time. Your collar, or your breasts. It's not strange to be handled like that." Then suddenly he puts his hands between her legs and sexually assaults her. "She has no experience of boys, she hasn't even been kissed," says Ziff. "She was so shocked she just stood there and didn't say anything. He just looked at her and walked away and they did the rest of the shoot. And she never told anyone."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jun/07/sara-ziff-teen-modelling-fashion

You May Kiss the Ring...

2009-05-31T10:18:00.001-05:00

You May Kiss the Ring...
Originally uploaded by cynroux

Me and Paivi at the BritishInk Tattoo parlor at Artomatic 2009 - 3rd floor.

And the tiaras had blinky lights too.

Thanks for the photo Cyn :)

Will the Artomatic Art Princesses please stand up?

2009-05-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

Will the Artomatic Art Princesses please stand up?
Originally uploaded by Tracy Lee

Artomatic 2009 - The Rise of the Art Princesses.

Artomatic breakdown by floor

2009-05-29T14:41:00.001-05:00

sneak peak - 7th floor
Originally uploaded by Tracy Lee

Artomatic is now open!

press conference at Artomatic

2009-05-29T14:28:00.002-05:00

taken at the press conference today at Artomatic
Originally uploaded by Tracy Lee

Rebecca attended the press conference today at the opening of Artomatic and sent me this photo from her phone. It would seem I picked a very good location if I wanted to get the media to see my mural.

That big rumble of thunder just now doesn't make things sound promising for the Fire Dancers outside of Artomatic tonight, but I doubt it will dampen the crowds spirit.

Artomatic is now OPEN! Tonight till 1am, come be part of the party.

Countdown to Artomatic

2009-05-26T21:31:00.002-05:00

and so the vault door is shut on installation, the prep work begins, and Opening Night for Artomatic X is this Friday, May 29th.

Over 1,000 visual artists have their work on display, and over the course of the 5 week event there will be over 600 performances as well as workshops, lectures, children's activities, film festivals, poetry readings... the list goes on and on.

If you have never been to Artomatic before - shame on you! It's free! Come on! This year the building is literally on top of the Nany Yard Metro stop, and two blocks from the new National's Park.

(for those old skool goths - it is two blocks south of where Nation/The Ballroom used to be.)

Opens this Friday at noon until 2am, and the event is here until July 5th. Open Wednesday-Sunday, see website for hours and special events. www.artomatic.org

I know 5 weeks seems like a long time but it goes by really fast - don't miss this one!

Me? I'm looking forward to hanging out with all the other artists and exploring the building that has some really kick ass art on display. That and getting my new tattoo completed at the British Ink Tattoo Time Machine on the 3rd floor of Artomatic.

A lot of hard work has gone into getting this building ready and getting the art in place - it has taken a lot of people many many hours behind the scenes to organize this event. Come out and share in the experience.

And if that doesn't get you in, the 4 bars with cheap beer (a lot cheaper than ballpark prices for the same brands - after the games stop in for a couple of cold ones!) might persuade you to stay.

mark your calendars

2009-05-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

from the Wash Post

The Week of May 29

When it comes to regional art shows, there is nothing bigger than Artomatic. Last year hundreds of local artists (740, including a tattoo artist!) took over an empty building and showed off their works. There were also children's activities and performances by local musicians. This year Artomatic celebrates its 10th anniversary May 29 to July 5. 55 M St. SE (Metro: Navy Yard). http://www.artomatic.org. Free.

Excitement

2009-04-09T10:26:00.002-05:00

Today was already going to be a good day:

"Blackbird" has been nominated for four Helen Hayes awards, including Best Play.
Robyn Hitchcock is playing tonight at the Black Cat.

Then I checked my email and got the great news that I got a ticket to attend a one-day teaching event at the Beacon Theater in NYC with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.

I don't expect most people to understand, but I'm bouncing off the walls.

Oh. And Artomatic 2009 will open May 29th and run through July 5th.

Art Auction tonight

2009-02-21T12:25:00.004-05:00

artdc.org is holding an art auction tonight in DC - and I've donated two pieces for them to use to help raise funds for a new studio.

Both my pieces have been in previous shows, both won awards, and you might be able to get them for a really nice price. Right now (at last count) there were 26 artists that had donated one or two pieces for this auction, and the styles & mediums ran the gamut.

So if you are downtown tonight, check it out, you might walk out with some new art!

February 21, 2009
Time: 5 pm until 8 pm
Where: Wohlfarth Galleries, 3418 9th Street, NE, Washington, D.C., 20017

(The gallery is located close to Catholic University.)

Update

2009-01-28T13:35:00.003-05:00

I have been neglecting the blog. Must update more often. Sorry 'bout that.

This Thursday evening - come out to the Studio Gallery in Dupont Circle for the closing party of the Artomatic Group show. There will be a band. And I swear I'm making it to this come hell or high water or ice storm or fever. I WILL be there.

http://www.studiogallerydc.com/

Closing Reception
With Afropop Band Elikeh
Thursday, January 29, 6 - 8 pm

I had some art hung in the Artomatic Artists for Change Inaugural "Ball" (cause to me a Ball means dancing, and this was really more of a party) and all my business cards were taken (200!) but I haven't been contacted by anyone. I'm sure my barebones/stripped down website doesn't help as there isn't a portfolio posted there at the moment. It's on my list To Do. But I admit it isn't at the top.

Artomatic 2009 is coming. Must start thinking about what I'm going to do this year, and work with the kids will be showing.

Studio Gallery presents...

2009-01-05T18:19:00.003-05:00

Studio Gallery Presents Artomatic Artists
Curated by Ellyn Weiss
January 7 - January 31, 2009

First Friday Reception
(part of Dupont Circle Galleries openings)
January 9, 6 - 8 pm

Meet the Artists Reception
Friday, January 16, 6 - 8 pm

Closing Reception
Thursday, January 29, 6 - 8 pm

FEATURING:
Erin Antognoli
Kanchan Balse
Joan Belmar
BRASH
Gregory Ferrand
Pat Goslee
Genna Gurvich
Brian Hamill
Kate Hardy
Peter Harper
Brie Husted
Joanna Knox
Tracy Lee
Laurel Lukaszewski
Laura Peery
Fabián H. Ríos Rubino
Luba Sterlikova
Veronica Szalus
Novie Trump

PERFORMANCES
Poetry by BRASH: January 16, 6 - 8 pm
Afropop band Elikeh rocks the gallery: January 29, 6 - 8 pm

Blackbird at The Studio Theater

2008-12-01T22:41:00.001-05:00

Pay What You Can Preview, Saturday, Dec 6 at 2 pm

Blackbird by David Harrower. “a controversial and mesmerizing drama about love and regret.” Studio Theatre.

Tickets available 2 hours before the show. Limit 2 per person. Cash only.

Play opens Dec 3 and runs through Dec 21. More info: 202 332-3300.

http://www.studiotheatre.org/plays/plays_details.php?plays_id=160

Election Overload

2008-10-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

This about sums up my feelings. 6 days feels like a lifetime.

i feel the need to share

2008-09-19T13:34:00.000-05:00

http://www.meanmag.net/

Sir Ben Kingsley STOMPS into the shoes of Minor Threats' Ian MacKaye

I am absolutely fascinated.

busy weekend

2008-09-12T22:01:00.003-05:00

Looking for something to do? Want to buy some art? This weekend is overflowing with street festivals and artists set up showing their wares. No excuses.

Today & Saturday in DC: Arts on Foot

Saturday in Arlington: Ballston Art + Crafts Market

Saturday in DC: Kennedy Center's 24th Annual Open House Arts Festival

Saturday & Sunday in Alexandria: Festival of the Arts

Sunday in DC: Adams Morgan Day

-

Water Lilies

2008-09-12T16:15:00.001-05:00

080912_002, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

While the lotus blossoms have all just about turned into seed pods there was quite the array of water lilies today at the park that required photographic documentation. A very gray, overcast day with rain threatening but that didn't materialize until later in the afternoon (and then only damped everything before blowing off) it was a good day for photos.

Get Your Art On

2008-08-27T14:53:00.003-05:00

The FLIK Interactive show is being extended through the holiday weekend - if you are near National Harbor stop by Art Whino and check it out!
http://artoutlet.org/content/view/119/63/

The Blue Moon Art Festival continues through Sept 6, but is having special events this weekend including body painting by artist Kim Reyes on Saturday afternoon, after 2pm
603 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
www.BlueMoonFestival.com

Pancake Mountain was part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Ben's Chili Bowl (pancakes and chili - we're all about food) and had our first live "show" at the 9:30 Club this past Sunday. Was a bit different this time as we were the ones with the "talent" passes and hanging out in the Green Room. It was fun though, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

FLIK Interactive at Art Whino

2008-07-27T14:04:00.002-05:00

FLIK Interactive at Art Whino, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

FLIK interactive is a show of 2 and 3-D and interactive new media art about the influence of technology at Art Whino July 25 - August 29, 2008.

Computing, virtual worlds, online social networking and mechanical and electronic technologies have transformed how we humans hook up and how we view the world. Is this influence utopic or dystopic? Sublime or irrelevant? Is this about beauty? FLIK interactive will reflect on these technologies and forms of computer mediated social interaction.

Curator Andrea Collins, selected the following FLIK interactive artists for FLIK interactive to be held at Art Whino on July 25 - August 29, 2008. There will be an artist dialog on Thursday, August 14 at 7:30pm.

Eric Celarier, Duncan Guthery, Rita Elsner, Roman Gershkovich , Michael Gordon, Sean Hennessy, Shawn Lawson, Rob Lindsay, David London, James Mallos, Phelan Meek, Bono Mitchell, Bill Mould, Chris Peloso, Tariq Rafiq, Joe Reinsel, Nikolas Schiller, Pindar Van Arman, Andrew Wodzianski

http://artoutlet.org/

The End of Artomatic

2008-06-23T11:43:00.002-05:00

watch out for that armadillo!, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

The construction crew shows up today to start tearing down walls and generally assisting in removing everything that we brought in (all the drywall, the plywood, the wiring, the lighting, all electrical boxes, etc). Most of the artists have removed their work. The rooms have been emptied. The tattoo parlour shut down and Paul and Cynthia are back in their regular studio. The signs have been taken down, all the furniture is off to their new homes. The bars are gone, the beer storage closet is empty, and the ice freezer has been hauled away. We're pulling out nails and slapping on spackle.

It has been a year of records for Artomatic. A record number of participating artists (740), more performers than ever (800), the largest building and space we've ever had to work with, and the largest number of visitors = over 52 thousand people walked through those doors to experience Artomatic.

A Wild Ride for sure.

we are your queens and you will worship us

2008-06-09T17:52:00.002-05:00

we are your queens and you will worship us, originally uploaded by meanlouise.

My home away from home. One more week of Artomatic.

I'd really like to figure out how to move this section of wall and door into my house.

Kriza took the photo of myself and Rebecca outside the Artomatic office. We don't always wear the same clothes. Not always. Though people with a tendency to wear black a lot sorta can't help but match.

(it's okay to think I look tired - I am. The 98 degrees and Code Red air isn't helping all that much either.)

He Has Returned

2008-06-06T21:54:00.002-05:00

The Collector is back at Artomatic.

stay tuned

The End is Near

2008-06-04T19:45:00.004-05:00

Two weeks left for Artomatic. It closes on Sunday, June 15.

Two weeks. Two weeks.Two weeks.Two weeks.Two weeks.Two weeks.Two weeks.Two weeks.

You've been - right? A couple of times, of course you have.

Last weekend was the party for the Peeps. And there was bellydancing. And fire outside. And a cardboard car race.

This weekend we've got Frank Warren from PostSecret in the house signing books, Tango on the dance stage, poetry of all types in the SpeakEasy lounge (including Russian), "Craigslist: The Musical" on the downstairs stage, Fire outdoors, and Spooky Movies in the Film room - just for starters.

Saturday begins with workshops galore, The Marketplace in the afternoon (come buy art!), bands all evening and night, Comedians and Open Mic Night in the SpeakEasy, Burlesque in the Cabaret - and the crazy wildness of the night will be on the 5th floor with the hip-hop dancers - The Street Dance All Stars Jam. They were at Artomatic two weekends ago and it was insane - probably 300 people on the floor, it must have been 15 degrees hotter due to the body heat and ~everybody~ was dancing - it was so cool. We had to kick them all out at 2am so we could clean up and go home, I think they would have gone all night long.

Then on Sunday I fall down from exhaustion and try to figure out how many cases of Red Bull I'm going to need to make it through one more week. Because while this weekend's calendar is packed you ain't seen nothin' till you've been to closing weekend. We plan on taking this thing out with a big BANG. Or huge Fire at least.

Artomatic Event Calendar

See what you have been missing - the Flickr Aromatic Photo Group

Oh, and the tattoo has healed quite nicely, thankyouverymuch, and I'm very happy with it. And now have to go back to the gym so I can confidently show it off. (You know, once Artomatic is over. Of course.)

Artomatic (continued)

2008-05-23T09:10:00.002-05:00

If you haven't come out you really need to. I promise you that you'll have a good time.

Workshops on all sorts of subjects, we've got belly dancers tonight and fire dancers most weekends too. Bands all through the night, comedians performing in the SpeakEasy lounge.

The building is such a great design, and at night I think it looks even better.

Check out the photos people are posting from Artomatic in the Artomatic Flickr Group.

Hell, you can even get an appointment for a tattoo while you are there, or just watch someone get inked. ;)

I think it is a great event, and even if you are a fan of Artomatic and been to past events that you will say that this is the best one yet.

Be sure to come up to the 11th floor - not only where one of the bars is located ($1 Red Bull! Flying Dog beer! cheap!) but that is where my installation is located.

The Denver Post likens Artomatic to "the Woodstock of Art" and they mean that in a good way. Minus the mud, of course.

Artomatic closes on June 15th (Sunday, Father's Day) so you still have time to check it out.

Pancake Mountain and Artomatic

2008-05-17T21:49:00.002-05:00

The new issue of TIME has a small article about Pancake Mountain. The print version has one of my photos with the article, it's not included with the on-line version. Last month Rolling Stone, this month it's Time - not bad, eh?

Artomatic is rolling along and going well - good attendance, lots of positive energy, and lots of artists all working together for the same goal. Which is pretty much a 5-week party, but what is wrong with that?

There was a special meet-up tonight for bloggers at Artomatic - I didn't attend (took the night off) but thought I could compensate by blogging about Artomatic.

SPEED QUIZ!

2008-05-09T23:21:00.002-05:00

Here's the result from our interview with Kate last week. Doesn't she look just great? And she was so much fun too.
Yeah Kate!

Pancake Mountain's Rufus Leaking and Kate Pierson of the B-52's

exhausted

2008-05-08T23:23:00.003-05:00

but also happy. The prep work for Aromatic is just about complete. 99% is done. The finishing touches tomorrow morning before we open, just to put that final shine on things. I feel like I can relax for a couple minutes and actually breathe.

The site looks fantastic. Fan. Tas. Tic.

and I might get a few hours sleep tonight. Perhaps something to eat might be a good idea too.

I'm really satisfied with how my space came out. Maybe that doesn't sound right but "happy" doesn't either. I like it, I feel like I did want I wanted to do and I'm pleased with how it all turned out. That better?

I've been using the stairs too often while on site putting out fires and such so I'm not getting a whole lot of roller skating time in. And with tomorrow being opening night and a gazillion people expect I'm thinking the skates aren't getting any use this weekend.

(ahh, but after we close down for the night... watch out!)

Artomatic 2008

2008-05-07T08:34:00.006-05:00

The Biggest Artomatic EVAR!!1!!! opens this Friday.

With over 1,000 artists. Really, I counted. In fact, as of yesterday when I last did a tally there were exactly 1,115 participating artists.

There will be music every night. Workshops of all sorts. Activities for kids on the weekends (workshops, kid movies), Fire dancers, Belly Dancers, Comedians, Dance groups, Theater performance...

and Tattoos.

Yup. Not only is there a Poetry Lounge, a Dance stage, a Film room, two large music venues, an Education room, a Visual Arts Resource Center, an Artomatic Store there is also a working Victorian styled tattoo parlour on the 12th floor, courtesy of the fine folks at British Ink.

Something for everyone - and then some.

I'm on the 11th floor - the floor with the bar :) and one of the super cool fancy lounges. Come by and see the show, you won't be dissapointed.

Artomatic opens Friday, May 9th and runs through Sunday, June 15. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. New York Ave metro stop, M street exit. Paid parking will be available in the garage under the building.

Check out the photos on the Artomatic Flickr Group:http://www.flickr.com/groups/artomatic/

Artomatic is a free event - check out the event calendar at http://www.artomatic.org/event for a complete listing of all the happenings.

Artomatic 2008

2008-04-23T22:18:00.002-05:00

We have hit the 1,000 mark and it keeps going up. 1,000 artists participating in the 2008 Artomatic.

(1,013 to be exact, last time I checked the registration files.)

Artomatic has floors 4-12, and the very large rooms on the main floor (which are going to be the music areas/stages) and something special on every floor: a tattoo parlor on 12, the bar on 11, an education workshop, a huge theater/film room, a poetry lounge, a Visual Artist Resource Center, the Artomatic store, and open lounges on every floor. I made a list one day of all the special section and what floors they were on, and left it there on site. Trust me - something for everyone. (Even workshops for kids on Saturdays!)

And, yes, the Fire Dancers will be back. Our performance calendar is packed this year, we've got bands and happenings every single night we're open.

This building was completely empty when we took it over - we have had to run electricity, lights, build all the rooms, build the partitions for artists to have walls to display on... it has been an incredibly huge undertaking. And I'm very impressed at how quickly so much has been done. I haven't hammered a single nail (I've been in meetings for most of my time. Or maybe it just seems that way.) but the folks in the EM committee have been working their asses off. I think some of them have moved into the building, or maybe it just seems that way because they are always there making sure everything is being built and set up properly.

But now comes the hard/fun part - less than two weeks to get my space ready to show. Let the craziness begin!!

Artomatic opens on Friday, May 9th.

Pancake Mountain in Rolling Stone

2008-04-04T16:04:00.002-05:00

Pancake Mountain in Rolling Stone, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

They like us, they really like us.

#4 in their Top 10 of TV and the Web

Photo by me, the byline is along the spine, Tracy Lee

the Cave of Caerbannog - revisited

2008-04-02T00:35:00.001-05:00

What I did during my Spring Break

2008-03-27T20:40:00.004-05:00

glued to my chair in front of the computer for over a week.

but it's done. The Artomatic site went live last night and registration was turned on this afternoon. Web things seem to be rolling along quite smoothly so I can now turn my focus to the numerous meetings I need to either arrange or attend. Wheeeee.

For the next three months Artomatic is my life.

Hopefully I will have time when I'm not working FOR Artomatic to create some new art to hang IN Artomatic.

testing

2008-03-10T12:24:00.000-05:00

is flickr breaking the code?

Friday

2008-03-07T15:14:00.002-05:00

my new favorite camera, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

My new favorite camera.

Trying some different things photo-wise which means moving away from the Perfect Million Pixel Digital Image and towards the Crappy Cheap Plastic Camera with Film, and just going to see where that takes me.

And I'm keeping my eye on the Polaroid stock to see if I need to grab up what remains or if Fuji will swoop in and take over production - and make it cheaper. Buy now and pay more or wait and risk not getting any?

The DCist Photo Exposed show opens tonight, I'm going to head into the city early to beat the Christmas rush. That and so I can get into Jaleo for a dinner of tapas shark and calamari. And some sangria to wash it all down.

Glass3 in Georgetown is having an event tonight as well so if you haven't seen that show it closes this weekend and it is worthy of a trip.

So - Amazon has been pushing this new Bauhaus album on me for the past month in my recomendations and I've just been ignoring it because - what, another remake? Another best of?

NO! It's a new album. As in NEW new: all new songs - wtf? I did a quick check - yup, Siouxsie is still out there cranking out the records as well. If the Smiths get back together then the 80s will have come full circle and I will fully expect the apocolpyse to be around the corner.

(Yes, I ordered it.)

The new NIN is interesting, he's been sneaking new stuff in when I wasn't paying attention. When was the last time I went to a concert that didn't involve Pancake Mountain? I can't remember.

Stuff

2008-02-29T14:11:00.001-05:00

orchid, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

Flickr has been flaky this week and I've lost the ability to see when all my friends have posted new photos. I miss my daily photo stream!

Daniel Johnston Dance Party last weekend at the Black Cat for Pancake Mountain, tonight we've got a photo shoot for the next DVD cover.

And my weekend is packed with Artomatic meetings.

I did some macro photos yesterday as I'm working on growing orchids. A new crop of flowers all bursting at once. When I let the camera choose the exposure & d.o.f. it prefers to go with a very low depth of field. When I'm shooting macro sometimes I want to up this so more than a tiny little bit of the shot is in focus. The problem with this is with an increased depth-of-field suddenly ~everything~ is in focus... including all the dust on the lens and the sensor. Suddenly I'm spotting negatives again.

Never realized how dirty all my gear was. Ick.

The Days are just packed

2008-02-24T17:57:00.002-05:00

Self Portrait in the Ladies Room with Duncan at the Black Cat, originally uploaded by Tracy Lee.

Daniel Johnston last night at the Black Cat. It was a very interesting evening (still processing photos).

Today I had lunch with John McCain. There was a distinct lack of Secret Service (which is surprising). His wife was on her cell phone most of the time while he kept his baseball cap on throughout the meal. I am taking the wearing of the hat to mean "I am not who you think I am, and I'm off-duty anyway, let me eat my noodles in peace." I couldn't think of anything to say to him other than I HOPES YOU DON'T WIN so I didn't bother him. Now that I'm home and watching the news with Nader hoping back into the race and Clinton firing "I'm more patriotic than you" bullshit comments to Obama (Dear Democrats: Please to be stopping arguing amongst yourselves, you are not the enemy, please focus attention on the Republicans and at least try to appear to have a united front - k? thnx,bye) I'm thinking if i see McCain again I'll go shake the hand of the man who will become President.

Stopped by the Glass3 exhibit today in Georgetown, was very impressed by the show, took some photos. Some really good stuff, some weird stuff, some funny pieces and a couple ?er?? but overall it was a very good representation of the artistic glass movement.

photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyleephoto/sets/72157603976524064/

On the way home I went by the gym and re-upped my membership. What the hell. My work-out regime - when left to myself - is non-existent and admitting this to myself means joining the gym and making myself get on some sort of exercise schedule. Left to the "when I have the time" means I never have the time, but paying a monthly fee is motivation enough to get my ass into gear and go use the facility.

Upcoming

2008-02-03T19:46:00.000-05:00

Photo 08
Ellipse Art Center
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 21, 6 - 9 p.m.
4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA

DCist Exposed 2008
Civilian Arts Project
Opening Reception: Friday, March 7, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
406 7th Street NW, 3rd Floor,Washington DC

No

2007-09-08T13:48:00.001-05:00

You are not allowed the luxury of picking and choosing when it is convenient to have contact with your children.

You do not get to decide.

You Are Not Welcome.

You Are Not Wanted.

You Do Not Get To Decide.

You Do Not Get To Decide.

my "Top Ten" for artomatic

2007-04-29T00:58:00.000-05:00

The Artomatic website has a "picks" section where you can make a list of your favorite works. I can do it, you can do it, anybody can do it. And you can read everyone else's - which is cool because you will find things that you might have missed and make note to go back and see those.

However the interface isn't exactly what I'd call ideal - through no fault of its own but because quite a few artists (myself included) haven't uploaded artwork to their catalog entry. (I have a photo of my space so you know it's me but with everything of mine posted here I didn't see the point in doing it all again. I mean, haven't we seen that all enough?)

Big Artist Pet Peeve - what the hell is it with artists and websites? Christ, it's the 21st century, get thee to a web designer and FTP that sucker now! Ouch!

I've come across rooms of art where

no name or business cards anywhere I could find. I liked the art, would like to let the artist know this but I can't contact them.
The artist does leave a business card with an email address.... THAT BOUNCES! Giving me incorrect information is worse than giving me no information.
The url on the business card (if they bother to include it) either doesn't work/404/expired or is "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" with no other information. Tease. Buying a domain name does not entitle you to say you have a website.

I was really thinking I was overdoing it with my multiple promotional items but I'd really rather get a lot from an artist than nothing at all.

Now, without further ado, my Top Ten List.... of 17 artists :)

Michael Janis - Glass
http://www.michaeljanis.com
Space: 6th floor Red 6A01

Alison Sigethy - Glass
Home page: http://www.GoingToGreenland.com
Space: 6th floor Yellow 6A17

Geoff Ault - Photography
http://geoff333.deviantart.com/gallery/
Space: 6th floor Red 6D11

Kim Reyes - Mixed media
http://www.kimreyesart.com
Space: 6th Floor Red 6D03

Sergio OlivosM - MixedMedia
http://SergiOlivosM.com
Space: 6th floor Blue 6A48

Anne Benolken - 3-D Standalone
Space: 8th floor Orange 8D13

Bernard Willis - Photography
Home page: http://www.bernardphoto.com
Space: 6th floor - in a hallway, towards the Ants... keep looking

Jesse Thomas
Home page: http://www.jess3.com
Space: 6th floor Blue 6Y02

Lynn Putney - Painting
Space: 6th floor Red 6A11

Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette - 3-D Standalone
Home page: http://elmorisette.blogspot.com
Space: 6th floor Red 6R01
(macro detail)

Pat Goslee - Painting
Home page: http://www.patgoslee.com
Space: 6th floor Red 6A11

Tim Hayes - Photography
Home page: http://www.hayesimages.com
Space: 6th floor Blue 6Y05

Scott Davis - Photography
Home page: http://www.photographotica.com
Space: 6th floor Blue 6A55

Raju Singh - Photography
Home page: http://www.rajusingh.30art.com
Space: 6th floor Blue 6C31

William Winton - Mixed Media
Space: 6th floor Yellow 6A39

Gabriel Thy - Painting
Home page: http://www.scenewash.org
Space: 6th floor Blue 6A43
(detail)

Laurel Lukaszewski - Installation (ceramic)
Space: 8th floor Green 8B03

Eileen Colton - B&W Photography
Space: 8th floor, Green 8C07

(no photo yet - but she is showing B&W concert photographs
from the 70s. The Clash, Devo, Talking Heads, The Ramones,
Patti Smith - wonderful stuff!)

Lessons Learned

2007-02-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

There are a few lessons that I keep bumping into and feel worthy of making note of as they keep being proved true. Not only something to pass along to the kids but to post for myself as a reminder so that I can stop falling down those same holes. At least at this point in my life (being so old and wise - phbttt) I usually do see the pitfalls coming. If I manage to stumble into them anyway I recognize the situation so much faster, remove myself and move on without the damage I'd gone through in earlier years. My reaction time is much quicker. We do learn from our mistakes.

(Thank god there really is something about this getting older/getting wiser thing. It's not just about gray hair and wrinkles.)

1. Trust Your Instincts. Your brain is trying to tell you something. All your excuses as to why your First Impression was incorrect are just that: excuses. If that guy seems creepy, if that woman seems slightly off-balanced, if something seems odd... run. Turn and run now. Don't even go there. You will dismiss your Early Warning System ("but everybody else likes him, he seems so harmless", "she's a little weird", "he seems a bit too eager to please, I wonder what that is all about", "I wonder why I wasn't introduced to anyone else", "How strange that they made the offer so fast", "That explanation doesn't quite seem to add up...") and forge ahead anyway.

You won't run. You'll stay and dismiss those nagging warning bells. And in the end those warnings will be proven true. But you'd have felt silly if you had walked away from a situation just based on your gut feelings - at least that first time. You'll learn though, and you'll learn fast. Trust Your Guts. Your Guts Are Right.

2. Value Yourself. Life is Too Short to Deal with Other People's Shit. Or - to put it in slightly more kid friendly language: You Deserve to Be Happy and Treated with Respect: the happiness part if your responsibility, no one can make you happy, that is up to you. But you must Stand Up and Demand Respect. Don't take crap from anybody. If your "Friend" is giving you grief, making you unhappy, teasing you - this person is not your friend. Find a new friend. If your job is stressing you out and making you miserable - find a new job. The stress is not worth it. The money is good? What does that matter if you are a miserable fuck? I'd rather be poor and happy than rich and addicted to Xanax. Sometimes you've got to do whatcha gotta do - and that means taking the shitty job and putting up the crap. But not your whole life. Have a plan. Don't be stuck being miserable because you have no other options.

To which I'd like to point out that I'm so incredibly happy with my life right now and where I'm going. I'm not sure where exactly that may be but having recently taking these two lessons to heart I feel so much better now in all aspects and confident that I'm heading in a better direction. It really is amazing how much stress affects everything about you - and how much lighter and happier I feel after having removed that stress.javascript:void(0)
Publish

This post has been brought to you by:

Quitting my job
Buying the Canon 30D that I have lusted over
Running again, and signing up for a 10K
Getting myself organized artistically and putting energy back into being creative

For me it's about knowing what my priorities are and keeping that in focus.

Engrish is Fun

2007-02-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

Pancake Mountain

2007-01-30T13:27:00.000-05:00

DVD #5 is in production, filming this week. I swear we have enough footage for two more DVDs but let's get this one out first.

SPIN magazine ran one of my photos (from the Jenny Lewis dance party) in their Jan 2007 article on Indie Kid Rock, and the Houston Press ran a big photo two weeks ago from the Guster shoot. I knew about SPIN because they contacted me for credit information but the Houston publication was a surprise - I was checking out our updated media kits and there is one of my photos larger than life - with my son prominently displayed dancing away. I like surprises like that.

Dance Parties coming up - after our winter hibernation. February and March could be very busy months. Bring it on - I'm ready for some fun.