Weaving – Day 2 at Columbus Cultural Arts Center

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Posted in Columbus Ohio Photographer,Personal

Today’s weaving class was more of a watch and learn day than a hands-on day.  As part of our watching and learning, we watched a fellow student load her warp onto a loom, a process that required the efforts of at least two people.  At one point, I jumped in to turn the crank that kept falling on the floor and threatening to break toes if it wasn’t held in place, so technically it took three people to put thread on a loom.  As we’ve now graduated into the “moving parts” part, I found myself again asking what I was thinking signing up for such a brain-busting task.

After we finished with that, it was time to cut another student’s blanket off her loom.  I can’t imagine tackling such an immense project my first time out as this girl did.  And it was truly immense.  Not only was the finished project very large in size, but the fact that it was folded in half to actually weave it (because it was too wide to fit on the loom) – well, let’s just say this girl was a real go-getter.

So, after we all applauded her and learned how to twist fringe with a tool designed for braiding hair, my classmate JoAnn and I were instructed on tying off our warps and got our loom assignments.

I chose a baby loom, a smallish Dorset with string ties on the treadles.  It’s quite a bit smaller than most of the looms in the room, but it’s sweet and named after a sheep, so I like it.

I’m still happy with the threads I chose for making my scarf and look forward to actually getting started.  In the meantime, I’ve arranged my threads on top of the loom for a pre-scarf portrait.

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And now, for something completely different

Thursday, January 5, 2012 Posted in Columbus Ohio Photographer,Personal

Aaaah, winter.  The time of year for staying indoors and burying your head under the covers, or the time of year when things slow down enough that you can tackle some fun projects you don’t otherwise have time for.

I’ve opted for the latter and signed up for a weaving class, the first of which was held today at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center.  This class will last for eight weeks, or until I finish my scarf (if it takes longer, which is entirely possible since I’ve never in my life done anything remotely like this).

OK, first, I have to say, who knew that weaving was so complicated??  Holy cannoli.  I could not have chosen a more complex, convoluted and confounding “fun” project if that had been my goal.  Ten minutes in, and I am seriously wondering what I’d got myself into.  It’s like learning a new language with words you’ve seen and used but that now have entirely new meanings; or with words you’ve never heard of and have to relate to something you’re unfamiliar with.  Combine this with a teacher who teaches in bits and pieces instead of starting with the overall Big Picture (my way of learning), and it’s, well, it’s challenging!

I did, however, choose my project (the scarf) and the pattern (a peacock twill – which looks nothing like a peacock) and the threads (a multicolor jewel-toned mohair with a blue contrasting “warp”.  See, I told you . . . “warp” – it’s not what you think anymore!).

Near the end of the class I was actually starting to prepare the thread for my warp – the vertical thread that runs through a design – and really got into the rhythm of weaving it around the staggered pegs, swaying back and forth, left and right and left and right, with the thread lightly dancing through my fingers.  By the time I left, I felt like I’d had a massage.  You know that feeling – all calm and relaxed.

I’d say it’s a pretty good start.

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Why I like this picture – Columbus Ohio wedding photography

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Posted in Columbus Athenaeum,Columbus Ohio Photographer,Families,Personal,PORTRAITS,Weddings,Why I Like This Picture

Well, it’s the slow season here in Winterville (although I do have a wedding this Saturday, for which I am extremely excited!), so thoughts turn to what to blog in the absence of the typical.

So, I thought I’d post an image (or two) and talk about why I like it and what about it I think makes it special.

This image is from a couple of years ago, from Michelle and Mike’s wedding.  After the ceremony, we had a lot of time to kill before heading to the reception so we went to their house to hang out for a while.  A few friends and relatives came along with us and we decided that we’d do a group portrait in the backyard.  This first picture is the group shot:

This is a perfectly nice group shot.  Michelle and Mike in front, with Michelle’s daughter Taylor, and the rest of the family/friends in the background.  Nice.

But, THIS:

THIS is the picture from that series that speaks most to me.  That everyone is just going about their business, shot is over, let’s go back in the house, THIS is what makes this picture so appealing to me.

I LOVE in-between moments.  A lot of times, so much more happens in those tiny spaces than in the orchestrated moments, where you catch a glimpse of people as they really are and not just the face they put on for the public.

I will always always always choose these moments to include in my client galleries and blog and website because they truly represent who I am as a photographer.  And, if these little slices of life appeal to you, then you are my kind of client!

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