Jeff Weber Photography

"Earth and Water" at CR Davidson

2009-04-19T15:57:00.002-06:00

Earth and Water is the next installment from the "Land of OZ" exhibit and runs from May 7th to June 6th

Earth and Water features new work by Jeff Weber and Michael Casey.

Jeff Weber is showing photographs from the "Mainstream" project which takes an artistic look at the connection between the Milwaukee River and city that has grown up along is banks.

Michael Casey's paintings from the "Priviledged Planet" series are wonderful abstracts that respect and honor the global environment where we live.

Opening reception: Thursday, May 7 5-8pm

Click for more info.

Mainstream - The Book

2009-04-12T20:25:00.006-06:00

"Mainstream" has hit the bookstand! Ok, not really, but it is available on Blurb!

This is my first attempt at making a book, so it may be a little rough around the edges. Hard copies are on the way and should be available for the May showing at CR Davidson Art.

For those of you not familiar with the "Mainstream" project here is a little tidbit from my artist statement:

"Mainstream" examines the delicate connection between the Milwaukee River and the rich architectural environment that has evolved along its banks. The river, once a lifeline for shipping and industry, is now a magnet for tourism and development. All of this activity along the river, although vibrant and beautiful, puts a tremendous strain on this vital resource. Care must be taken to protect the river for the future benefit of all.

From the Land of Oz - Upcoming Exhibits at CR Davidson Art

2009-03-18T21:48:00.025-06:00

Please join me for several upcoming exhibits at CR Davidson Art.

"From the Land of Oz - a journey to the Historic Third Ward" is a collaborative exhibition of fourteen Ozaukee County Artists.

This five month exhibit is kicked off by a group show on Gallery Night, April 17 with an opening reception and preview show on Thursday, April 16 5-8pm.

Featured Exhibitions and Receptions:

MAY

Michael Casey - Jeff Weber

Reception: Thursday, May 7 5-8 pm

JUNE

Lynn Rix -Marcia Boyd - Pam Ruschman
Reception: Thursday, June 11 5-8 pm

JULY

Sandra Pape - Robin M. Fleming - Susan Hale - Wallis Coffman
Reception: Thursday, July 9 5-8 pm

AUGUST

Kyle Zubatsky - Bob Hagen - Kitty Sturrock
Reception: Thursday, August 6 5-8 pm

CR Davidson Art is located at:
207 E. Buffalo Street, Suite 210
Milwaukee, WI

Gallery Hours: Thurs-Sat 12-5pm or by appointment.

Click here to download the postcard.

Another Cover - Exclusively Yours - March 2009

2009-03-04T19:17:00.010-06:00

Found out on my way to work this morning that I was given another cover for Exclusively Yours Magazine. Thanks again the Andy Patten for the opportunity.

This issue sports one of the images I captured of Pier Wisconsin back in 2007.

Mainstream #18 - Arts and the Rivers Finalist

2008-12-28T10:42:00.007-06:00

Mainstream #18, has been selected as a finalist in the Arts and the Rivers Contest from Milwaukee Riverkeeper. Come see the show on Gallery Night, January 16, 2009 from 6pm-9pm. Four awards will be announced at 8pm. Hopefully MS18 makes the cut! All work will be on display through March 15, 2009.

Please come and celebrate the art and the rivers with us!

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is located at:

1845 N. Farwell Ave. Suite 100

Milwaukee, WI 53211.

Abandoned Homestead

2008-12-21T19:28:00.002-06:00

I rediscovered this image while organizing some slides. The mood is similar to the "Corn Crib" posted earlier, so I thought it would be a good companion piece. To me this image represents decline and renewal or possibly death and resurrection.

Corn Crib

2008-12-21T19:27:00.003-06:00

A quiet, early morning on my family's farm. This empty corn crib represented the empty feelings I experienced after my grandmother's passing.

Weed Patch

2008-12-21T19:25:00.002-06:00

Now I know why my grandmother never wanted to leave home.

Exclusively Yours - November 2008 Cover

2008-11-28T13:24:00.004-06:00

My thanks goes out to Andy Patten at Exclusively Yours Magazine for granting me the cover for their November 2008 issue.

Andy selected one of my images of the Sixth Street Viaduct (#1), one of my more popular images.

www.jeffweberphoto.com - New Look

2008-09-28T18:22:00.005-06:00

I just finished uploading the new design for my website. The new design is much simpler than the original and uses flash galleries created in Pixtivity.

Take a peek when you get a chance. I'd love to get your feedback.

go to: http:\\jeffweberphoto.com

"Mainstream" - Almost Complete!

2008-09-11T22:53:00.014-06:00

"Mainstream - Reflections on the Milwaukee River" is almost complete. The project is coming together nicely. I have done some editing and added some new images to the project.

Look for a sneak peak during the Historic Third Ward's Gallery Night on October 17 at the new LUMA Gallery and Studio.

LUMA Gallery is located at:

P.H. Dye House

320 E. Buffalo St., Suite 350

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Look for formal announcements coming soon!

To read the artist statement for this project, click here.

CoPA Juried Show Opens - Sept. 12

2008-09-11T22:32:00.004-06:00

Come join me at the Coalition of Photographic Arts 2nd Annual Juried Show. This year I was fortunate to be selected by George Slade from the Minnesota Center for Photography.

The opening reception is at the Walker's Point Center for the Arts located at 911 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and runs from 5-9pm. The show will be at WPCA until October 18, with a closing reception on Gallery Night, October 17, 5-9pm.

Hope to see you there!

Someone at JPG Magazine Thinks I'm Hot!

2008-08-11T19:21:00.001-06:00

Alright...not me, just one of my photos!

Looks like "Sunrise at Chimney Rock" is getting some legs.

When I found this place a few years ago, I was captured by the incredible sense of light and limitless space.

This image is very special to me on a personal level. I never expected that so many other people would have found interest in it as well.

Check out this and other images at JPG Magazine Online.
JDW

"Footbridge" Selected for 2nd CoPA Juried Exhibition

2008-08-10T18:41:00.009-06:00

George Slade, juror for the 2nd Annual CoPA Juried Exhibition, has selected "Footbridge" as one of the 60 images for this year's show.

I feel fortunate to make the cut this year. One hundred fifty artists submitted nearly 700 images making the selection process all that more difficult.

Find out more about the show at CoPA's website.
JDW

Reflection Project

2008-08-05T20:25:00.005-06:00

It's been a long time since any of you have seen or heard anything from me. Thought it was time to share some of my new inspiration.

A special thanks to Cardi Toellner, a fellow LUMAnary, who helped me get off my butt.

p.s. click here to see the entire project.

JDW

Preview Party - You Are Invited!

2008-04-13T14:24:00.007-06:00

You are cordially invited to the preview party for Photography 2008

Thursday, April 17th, 5-7pm

This event will mark the unveiling of FOCUS, UWM's new photography organization, and my debut at CR Davidson Art.

CR Davidson Art is located at:
207 E. Buffalo St., Ste. 210
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.220.9389

Hope to see you there!
JDW

Photography 2008: April 15-June 15

2008-04-13T13:58:00.014-06:00

Photography 2008: An exhibition of photographs by members of FOCUS: the newly formed UWM Photography Organization. Also featuring original photographs by Jeff Weber.

Exhibit April 15 through June 15 at CR Davidson Art. Make sure visit during Spring Gallery Night: April 18 an 19.

Open on Friday and Saturday afternoons or by appointment. Friday: 3 to 9pm; Saturday: 11am to 5pm

CR Davidson Art is located at:
207 E. Buffalo St., Ste. 210
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.220.9389

Words of Wisdom...

2008-04-10T20:04:00.009-06:00

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending a seminar sponsored by the Cedarburg Artists Guild. The subject was on how to present yourself to potential galleries. The guest speakers were C.T. Whitehouse, a metal sculptor and former gallery owner, and Catherine Davidson of CR Davidson Art Consultants.

Each speaker presented their thoughts and opinions on how one should research galleries and approach them for representation. The evening closed with a lively question and answer session.
C.T. left us with a list of things to contemplate. This list was very insightful and I thought it might be nice to share with you.

A Few Things to Contemplate - C.T. Whitehouse
1. Rejection is an essential and never-ending aspect of being an artist.
2. There are differences between and "artist" and a professional artist. It is not so much about the quality of you work - it is about your attitude towards your work. A professional artist is a risk taker. A professional artist is an entrepreneur. A professional artist is passionate about using his or her talent, skills, intelligence, and resources to create the life he or she deserves.
3. The "arts" are not for "free." Your are not entitled - neither are those who ask for your contribution.
4. It occurs to good artists at some point that they can do this one thing for the rest of their lives, and they can be successful to the outside world, but not successful to themselves. That's the moment when an artist decides who he or she is. If they keep risking failure, they're still artists.
5. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you NOT to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. When we let out light shine, we give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
6. This is how it works:
- The source of true creation is pure consciousness seeking to manifest expression. Align yourself with the power that manifests everything in the universe.
- Giving and receiving are the same. Both actions keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.
- Choose actions that bring success and happiness to you and to others.
- Nature's intelligence functions with effortless ease. Feel your efforts as they will teach you what you are doing right.
- Intention and desire hold the power behind fulfillment. Put them to work.
- In our willingness to step into the unknown, we surrender ourselves. Do not become attached to the outcome.
- Understand your unique purpose. Think of it as a gift to others.
7. A professional artist has an obligation to learn, know and use his medium exceptionally well. Quality is expected. Integrity is the value the we are willing to pay for.
8. A professional artist wears many hats - holds many job titles such as; accountant, truck driver, salesman, writer, janitor, designer, receptionist, event planner, researcher, mechanic, travel agent, parent, child, spouse, computer geek, delivery and installation specialist, weatherman, human resources manager, bill collector and many others that require our attention.
9. There is no honor in being a "starving artist." Don't starve.
10. Once successful, the professional artist is lucky to spend 15% of his time actually creating his art.
11. It takes sixty pieces of art to sell ten. Invest in your inventory. This is your business.
12. Always present your work and yourself with confidence, pride and joy. When someone wants your artwork, they want you.

Great advice! Thanks C.T.
JDW

Riverwalk

2008-04-06T07:53:00.011-06:00

Three images along Milwaukee's emerging riverwalk. These views are just a few of the spectacular sites along the Milwaukee River. JDW

PS: My apologies for letting the blog go dark for so long. I'll make a concerted effort to keep the blog updated this year.

Fallen - New Series

2008-01-13T17:23:00.001-06:00

Fallen is a new project I'm working on. Although this is the beginning stages, I have thought about this for a long time. The fading of our "greatest generation" combined with the conflict in the Middle East have helped me solidify my thoughts and to begin creating these images. Much more to come...JDW

Sixth Street Images Sold!

2008-01-08T21:12:00.000-06:00

My images of the Sixth Street Viaduct have been purchased for the State of Wisconsin Collection and will be on permanent display at UW-Platteville's Ullrich Hall. These two images, captured a year apart, are very minimalistic. The simple, graphic nature of these photographs helps emphasize the iconic status of the first cable-stayed vehicular bridge in Wisconsin. JDW

www.jeffweberphoto.com relaunched!

2008-01-06T20:50:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time coming but I have finally updated and relaunched my website! I've blown away most of the old content and created new, simpler pages with a new flash based gallery. Go to www.jeffweberphoto.com and check out the new site! JDW

The Creative Spirit...

2007-11-25T19:58:00.000-06:00

As the holidays are warming up, my deadlines at work are coming to a close. My new, more reasonable schedule allows me to turn my attentions back to my true love affair (don't tell my wife).

One of the projects that I've pondered over the past year involves the history of Lake Park. We're blessed with the wonderful park system in Milwaukee. As an architect, I have always had a particular interest with Lake Park overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. It's fascinating how F.L. Olmstead's original design for the park has aged and evolved. JDW

It's been a while...

2007-10-24T19:55:00.001-06:00

It seems like a lifetime since I last posted. I've been so completely absorbed at work that I've negelected my artistic nature. In the past few weeks there have been many times when I've wanted to pack it in and just run away with my camera. Alas, responsibilities to my job and my family keep me focused on the task at hand.

These are some "new" images. New in the sense that they are finally being revealed. I created these photos almost one year ago. My process often entails waiting weeks or months before looking at my latest notes and transparancies. This way I feel I can get a more objective outlook on what I was trying to communicate.

Portals...

An abandoned powerhouse destined for demolition. This cold, confining space, left me with a feeling of being trapped. The door, the window and the opening in the ceiling, all represent a means of escape. The door represents a physical escape. The window is a way for the imagination to wander away. And finally, the circular opening in the ceiling provides a path for the restless spirit to escape.

JDW

Cornered...

To me this image represents fear and desparation. The twisted pipe is tortured soul backed into a corner. The scratches and holes in the plaster are the scars left after the struggle. As in the image "Portals", the circular opening represents the spiritual escape.

JDW

Image of the Week

2007-09-18T19:44:00.000-06:00

An image of the concrete footbridge at Lake Park in Milwaukee. Taken the same day as the photo posted on Sept 9th.

Sometimes the apparant subject of an image isn't what's important. Many times my images are about the light. In many ways the quality of light in a photograph can say more than the objects recorded in the frame.
JDW

Image of the Week

2007-09-09T12:08:00.000-06:00

Artisitically, I find myself being drawn to subjects that appear to be discarded by the public at large. More and more I search out places and objects that have been left behind or forgotten.

The environment that surrounds these places and things is equally important to my thought process. The light, weather, and time of year all play an important role in what forms these images in my mind.
JDW

"Water" - Cedarburg Artists Guild Annual Show - Sep 7-Oct 28

2007-09-04T22:45:00.000-06:00

Just received notice that two of my images were juried into the Cedarburg Artists Guild's Annual Fall Show. This years theme is "Water." I chose to be literal in my interpretation of the theme and submitted images of 2 waterfalls that I recently found.

"Dam on Milwaukee River" (posted on August 19) and "Below Fern Falls" are the selected images.

The show is at the Cedarburg Cultural Center and opens with an artist's reception on Friday, Sep 7 from 6-9pm. The show runs until October 28. Map to Show

Stop in an see the show.
JDW

Image of the Week

2007-08-19T17:54:00.000-06:00

My images seek to expose details in our lives that we might overlook going about our daily routine. This image of the dam on the Milwaukee River in Grafton, Wisconsin is one such example. I pass this place almost daily and failed to notice the graceful detail in this simple structure

Not this time. By chance, I was able to take advantage of the low water levels and overcast skies to create this long exposure.

JDW

Forty...

2007-08-19T17:39:00.000-06:00

Forty years! I can't believe I'm 40 years old this week! If you had asked me 15 years ago, I would have told you I'd be dead by 30. Funny how the years change us. I used to lead a pretty crazy lifestyle. Now I'm the responsible professional...yeah right!

Looking back at the years, I wouldn't have changed anything. I'm grateful for all of the experiences and the things I've learned along the way. In some ways I know these experiences have shaped my artisitic vision and help me frame the images I create today.

There are some things I miss from the past, but I'm looking forward to what the future has in store!

It's all good...
JDW

Image of the Week

2007-08-12T21:00:00.001-06:00

"Lost Complements" is an image I captured last year and have recently reexamined.

What originally struck me about this scene is how the early morning light revealed the contents of this abandoned industrial building. But what was even more dramatic for me was how the scene is framed by the two complementary swatches of red and green.

Much of my work is about finding those bits of color trying to reveal themselves buried beneath years of dust and neglect.

16x20 Limited Edition of 15 prints
JDW

CoPA Resignation...

2007-08-12T20:44:00.000-06:00

A few months ago, after much soul searching, I made the tough decision to resign from the Coalition of Photographic Arts' board of directors. This past week was the end of my tour.

I have arrived at a point in my life where personal and professional responsbilities outweighed my duties to this fine organization. Much of my life has been devoted to helping others achieve their goals. I need to spend sometime examining my own motivations and artistic desire.

The members of CoPA are a fine group of artists with great enthusiasm for all photographic art forms.

Good luck to CoPA. May your future be bright and your vision clear!

JDW

Photography Classes with Larry D'attilio

2007-08-09T19:26:00.000-06:00

Master photographer and close friend, Larry D'attilio is holding several inspirational photography classes starting this month and running through October.

Larry has always been a positive influence on my photography. His enthusiasm for the art form is contagious and his teaching methods are impeccable.

He has just returned from an artist residency in Ha Noi, Vietnam. Check out the online portfolio.
His classes start very soon, so sign up fast.
Check out the class offerings.

JDW

Finally...Licensure!!!!

2007-08-09T19:14:00.000-06:00

It's finally official! The State of Wisconsin in it's infinite wisdom has granted me the honor of an Architect's license!

After nearly eight years of detours and procrastination, I finally finished my exams last month. I just recieved the paperwork from the State with the good news. It still doesn't seem quite real.

Now let's see if I can find a little time to start some new projects, photography projects, that is.
JDW

Image of the Week

2007-08-05T16:15:00.000-06:00

Another image from the Artifacts series. This one comes from Building 21, now being slowly demolished. This is one of the few images I was able to collect of this area.

Now that I see the complex being dismantled, I feel a sense of urgency to capture what remains.

12x18 Limited Edition of 15 Prints
JDW

Image of the Week

2007-07-22T16:29:00.000-06:00

This image comes from the abandoned brew house (Building 20) at the former Pabst Brewery.

Stay tuned for more images of this fading Milwaukee icon.

JDW

The Delusion of Freedom

2007-07-15T13:24:00.000-06:00

What is becoming of our artistic freedoms?

As artists we must be delusional to think that we are living in a free society. We live in a country that touts the virtues of freedom, but seems to take a bit of it away each day. Every day we run into more obstacles blocking our artistic vision. Corporations want "property releases" preventing us from using images that might not fit their branding or corporate culture. Government agencies prevent you from photographing public monuments or require us to purchase licenses and permits to photograph in public places. These are just a couple of instances to how our artistic freedoms are eroding.

In a post 911 world, some might say that these tactics are meant to protect our safety and freedom. I argue that they are intended to impose tighter controls over what we see and think.

Where will it stop?
JDW

NYC To Seek Permits and Insurance for Many Kinds of Public Photography

Tourists, photographers, and amateur filmmakers may become subject to city permit fees if the Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting in New York decide in favor of a new regulations for doing any sort of filming on city sidewalks. Under the ruling, a permit and proof of liability insurance would be required for two or more people to use a camera in a single public location for more than ten minutes. The New York Civil Liberties Union says the proposed rules, as strictly interpreted, could cause selective and perhaps discriminatory enforcement by police. The ruling was designed with professional photographers and filmmakers in mind, but the obscure language draws no distinctions.

Info from NYCLU's website
Link to PDN Article on Property Releases
Link to Millenium Park Article
Link to Article on National Parks Permits

John Szarkowski dies at 81

2007-07-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

John Szarkowski, one of the biggest influences on my photographic journey, died this past week after suffering a stroke. His death leaves me feeling like I have lost a close friend. I was fortunate to have met him last year during his exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum. His work as curator of photographs at MoMA has helped elevate photography to an accepted and respected art form. John will truly be missed.

Link to NY Times Obitiuary
Link to PDN Article

New Work at One Way Cafe: Aug 19 - Sep 15

2007-06-25T19:08:00.000-06:00

My next show will be at the One Way Cafe in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I have been invited to be part of a group show running from August 19 through September 15.

Opening Reception: August 24 6-8pm (Refreshments will be served)

1425 Underwood Ave

Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 258-7979

7am-4pm daily

Map

John Szarkowski in Focus, May 2007

2007-06-15T20:22:00.000-06:00

I found this interesting article on John Szarkowski in Focus Magazine (May 2007) by Kay Kenny. These are two snipets from this great article.

"Photography is the easiest thing in the world, if one is willing to accept pictures that are flaccid, limp, bland, banal, indiscriminately informative and pointless, but if one insists on a photograph that is both complex and vigorous, it is almost impossible. One can, like an unreformed gambler, keep going out, keep trying, hoping that one might one more time be visited by luck or grace and make one more photograph that is exactly right... and if one is to photograph seriously, that also takes one’s best, concentrated attention. It cannot be picked up on Friday night and put away on Sunday—except perhaps by the greatest geniuses or talented beginners..."

-John Szarkowski

Now that the digital revolution has made everyone a "photographer," we seem to be inundated with superficial images. There seems to be little interaction or connection between the photograph and the photographer. JDW

"Size is a very interesting problem and deserves a thick book. Big is not bad; consider the pyramids and the elephants.Furthermore, I will say without equivocation that the first pictures that Talbot made with cameras were too small. They were a little smaller than 35 mm contacts, and his wife called his cameras mousetraps. It is hard to do serious work while one’s wife is making jokes about how one goes about it. On the other hand, I think it would not be unfair to ask the Germans exactly what they think they are achieving by making photographs that seem to compete—at least in size—with Raphael during his Roman years. To my mind something is lost in these gigantic prints..."

-John Szarkowski

I guess size does matter. I find myself thinking the same thing lately. This trend to make bigger and bigger prints is alarming. It's as if the artists (and the buyers) believe that a gigantic print is somehow more artistically creative than a smaller image. I've seen many great photographs printed so large that the viewer cannot relate to the artist's vision. JDW

Jeff Weber at VP Gallery

2007-06-11T21:39:00.000-06:00

VP Gallery has begun representing my work. Many of the Artifacts series images are on display as well as some of my older images. If you are in the area, stop in and see the images in person.

VP Gallery is located in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

320 E. Buffalo Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

www.vpphotogallery.com

Artifacts - New Work

2007-06-06T18:14:00.000-06:00

Exit Stair - Former Pabst Brewery

Artifacts Series

“Artifacts” is an ongoing, long term project focused on capturing the remnants of human culture found in the decaying spaces of abandoned and derelict buildings. Ordinary places and objects are seen as cultural artifacts resonating with traces of the people who once used them. This project explores the periphery of our culture, exposing places on the edge of everyday life that have been discarded or taken for granted. Many of these places are destined for destruction to make way for so-called social or economic progress. In the rusted and crumbling shells of these spaces I explore themes of loss and decline. Each image attempts to reveal the aspirations and regrets of occupants and times long since past.