About

Come out to the Thompson Center next week (3/11-3/15), and check out the “Women are getting Stronger” group exhibit. Women are indeed getting stronger as evidenced by Chicago’s mayoral race between two women. The show features Marjorie David, Nora Moore Lloyd, Michel Strutts and my work (select images from the Beauties of Age series). We will have an artist talk on Monday March 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM CST at the JRTC Atrium, 1st floor, 100 W. Randolph.

Rally in Chicago

On this scorching-hot summer day, thousands of protesters poured into the streets of Chicago’s Loop and Daley Plaza for a day of dissent.  They voiced their discontent on immigration, Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), human rights violations, the caging of refugee children at the U.S –Mexican border, and overall lack of  human decency within our federal government. The intense heat of the march surged beyond the day’s literal temperature, a fiery expression of mass outrage by everyday citizens.  Washington Avenue teemed with parents, their children and determined citizen marching from Daley Plaza to the city’s ICE building. Protesters held aloft signs with urgent political messages and joined into chants like, ‘No Hate No Fear, Immigrants are Welcome Here!’ The heat continued to rise, and by the end of the march, Chicago’s finest pushed the crowd to instantly disperse, an unusual action as these rallies tend to disperse quite well on their own.  Police officers start closing ranks on the remaining protesters by creating a barricade with their bikes and lining up paddy wagons. This unnecessary show of muscle was unusual in an otherwise peaceful and violence-free rally. As one protest sign read ‘You don’t see any torches at our rallies!‘

– Adeline Sides, Chicago

Check out my digitally  imaged art nudes that were accepted in the Fusion Art Quarterly Group  Exhibition. It will be up until October 14th
I do love the Rodin quote they use:
“Man’s naked form belongs to no particular moment in history; it is eternal, and can be looked upon with joy by the people of all ages.”~Auguste Rodin

I am very excited to share that I am getting ready to have the first showing of my “Beauties of Age” project.  This has been a work in progress for almost 2 years, during which I made friends and spend time with the Beauties, as I love to call my new friends.  It has been a great journey getting to know these ladies while photographing them, listening and documenting their life stories, going out for dinner or to the movies, playing pool, making trips to the thrift store, hanging out at the lake… the list goes on and so does the project.  I plan to expand on this collection so stay tuned!  But now, join us for the opening reception and a panel discussion a few weeks thereafter. Here is the Press Release with more details.

A couple of weeks ago my photographer friend Thom asks whether I want to shoot a model with a peacock outfit. Well, it goes without saying that is an opportunity not to miss. Little did I know I was about to learn the intricacies of lacing up a corset … with all my might, I may add. Christa, a very creative model and designer of the outfit, somehow managed to get through the photo shoot without passing out. The peacock outfit was fun to shoot but it gets better. Amongst the many items that quickly filled up my studio, was a bag with nothing but old junky cords, wires, connectors even an old Polaroid camera that takes a floppy disk. It’s going down a techie’s memory lane.  Did I mention the spiked heels to boot? The ingredients for a fun shoot arrived. Here are a couple of teasers.

Christmas is right around the corner and  you are still looking for that special gift.  Check out the Silver Series, it is not too late to arrive just in time to find a place under  your tree.

Silver Series couples archetypal black and white nude photographs with selected poetry in modern design. It presents a series of elegant images; a depiction of the human body that comes from a traditional approach yet conveys a sense of movement that lends it a contemporary feeling.
The unique narrative structure of the Silver Series provides an opportunity to relax and escape reality in this time of unsettling economic and political news. The poems are spiritual and uplifting, touching on topics of human concerns ranging from motherhood and singular existence to relationships and freedom.
The book addresses two audiences in one, the visual connoisseur and the literarily inclined. The poetry adds ideas that connect the reader to the book. Words capture a sentiment beyond the image, they inspire and create a dialogue and make the reader want to return for more.

As promised here are more excerpts of  beautiful model Alexis Crystal Coates, showing off her sultry side next to some stately columns.  She is a particular fun model to work with, as her many-faceted artist self knows how to present a new and different persona whenever she steps in front of the camera.  Needless to say,  we are already planning on a new shoot … stay tuned.

A big shout-out goes to  our ‘Zen’ assistant Bob Long, who has about all of the best qualities one could wish for: punctual, patient, unassuming and pleasant … I could go on.

With the last days of summer upon us, beautiful model and multi-talented artist Alexis Crystal Coates, assistant extraordinaire Bob Long and I decide to head out to the beach for a photoshoot. The three of us had a marvelous time, capturing Alexis’ free spirit, accentuated by her wild tousled hair and the feeling of the water and sandy beach.  Alexis even fished a butterfly out of the water.

Thank you Alexis and Bob.  Much kudos to Bob, who knew just what to do with a reflector and is quite the talented photographer himself.

Her are a couple of teasers, keep your eyes peeled there are more images of the wonderful Alexis Crystal Coates to come.

I had the pleasure to accompany my friend, photographer Jennifer Girard, to Joel Hall’s dress rehearsal for his new production “Anja: The Unexpected”.  It was an exceptional collaboration of Chicago Jazz artists and Joel Hall Dance Company.  The graceful emotional moves of the dancers,  combined with live music, enveloped in spectacular lighting in front of a mystical backdrop energized the stage and was a feast for all the senses.

Make a point to support this extraordinary and all so Chicago event, there are only four shows scheduled, August 7, 8, 14, & 15 at 7:30 PM at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts.

Below are a few images from the dress rehearsal and here is more from the actual show on the last day.