Workin' it.

I helped produce a Merrell video shoot last week right here in Burlington--good peeps, nice weather and a whole lot of running around. In the end, we produced content for 20 product videos. Solid!

Maglianero is a mouthful...of goodness!

A cafe that opens this morning near the waterfront has a couple of unusual features: An outdoor shower for your bicycle, and an indoor shower for your body.

Maglianero is in the new enterprise of JDK, a design firm on Maple Street. Its name is the merging of two Italian words and means (roughly), black jersey. The cafe is designed around the concept of the “modern mobility movement,” says Michael Jager, 51, a JDK founder/principal and its creative director. The idea is to create a gathering place that supports, celebrates and brings together the creative/artistic/athletic/green communities of Burlington, Jager said.

Art for art's sake.

A few weeks ago, I received a call from Robert at Burlington College who is teaching a seminar on photography as a vocation. He had invited a number of Vermont based photographers to visit his class to share some of their own photography related experiences. He called JDK looking for someone who could provide his class with an alternative perspective on the industry. FYI: There is almost nothing I despise more than public speaking--I'm a behind the scenes gal! After some thought, I accepted the invitation. Thankfully, I'm comfortable talking about what I do. The twist was talking to a group of college students. I wasn't 100% sure what was going to be useful and relevant to them. The day of my college visit came. I ended up being so busy at work that day that the idea of speaking to a class seemed like a welcomed change from my non-stop work day. I filled the hour pretty easily...showing images from past projects, sharing stories of shoots gone awry and answering some questions along the way.

About a week ago, I received another call from Robert. I was invited back to the same class to review some of the work the students were producing for their final project. I had the opportunity to see some great images and hear the students explain the rationale behind their concepts. Some photography classes teach students how to push a button but, the kids in this class are considering what's in their photos, why they've captured it and what it means to the audience.

It was refreshing to experience photography out of the context of JDK. I love photography--my job wouldn't exist without it. When things get as busy as they've been, it's easy to slip into auto pilot and work to get the image you're supposed to get--the one that's going to work the hardest for the client. Art that sells something and art for art's sake are two very different things. This visit was a nice reminder to relax and enjoy the experience of seeing an image with no commercial motive.

Screwheads Weekend.

I knew on Friday that the weekend would fly by and here we are! It's Monday. Working on this JDK Gallery show and planning for the two events that took place over this past weekend was a great experience. There are nuances of event planning that are very different from photography production. Mainly, communicating to the public in an effort to get them to attend an event. All of the planning for the opening on Friday and the after party on Saturday made my workdays insanely busy for a couple of weeks. Looking back on it, I learned so much from the process and of course from the many people who were a part of it. That's important after being at JDK for so many years. I didn't take any pictures during the Saturday night event but, I'm hoping to dig some up. The band Heloise and the Savoir Faire was super fun and the skate ramp was packed! Below is a picture of the upstairs gallery space showing 4 of the 17 artists we featured.

The show runs from November 5th-December 3rd. Swing by if you can!

From the show:

A machine does not make art. And despite the fact that math and precision are so much a part of successful design, no one has yet to invent a device that can create it out of thin air. So the paradigm remains: at the root of any creative visual exploration, you'll always find people.

Subterranean Screwheads is a celebration of the people who move willingly and capably and uniquely toward merging what they love with what they do for “work." These people are the process. And a human connection—not art, not design, not even a finished board graphic that encompasses both—is the final product. When you understand the depth of collaboration—from the initial brief all the way to the finished board—it's no wonder why board graphics manage to connect with people season after season in ways that normal machine-made, formula-concocted “products” never could.

The 2011 Burton Snowboards line is—as has been every line before it—an experiment in the respectful convergence of art and design. The art on display here serves as a reminder of the fact that the final, finished boards are far from the only physical artifacts of the process. There is an oft-repeated saying that art asks questions and design gives you answers. If that's true, a project such as this is truly the alpha and omega of creative questioning, a perfect circle of inspiration turning into action, again and again and again.

"Mad Men" inspired JDK Halloween Staff Meeting.

We had a little fun during last Friday's staff meeting...

Photos: Greg C.

Subterranean Screwheads.

Over the past few weeks, I've been working on a project with the JDK team that works exclusively with our client, Burton Snowboards. We're producing/curating a show in the JDK Gallery that opens this Friday night. This show has slowly evolved from a large gallery opening featuring 17 artists from around the world to a two-day event featuring DJ A-Dog and the band Heloise and the Savoir Faire. It's going to be lots of fun but, MAN has it been exhausting. Below is the poster that JDK designer Marin Horikawa created for the event. Here is a bit about the show itself...

These are the Screwheads. From the sublime and cynical to the notable and notorious, these are the artists, designers, engineers, and riders who worked for a full year to create the Burton 2011 snowboard collection. Subterranean Screwheads tells their story, going underground and undercover to reveal the voices, personalities, and soul behind the JDK Design and Burton Snowboards creative process.

Opening Reception

JDK Gallery, 47 Maple Street

November 5th, 2010

6-10pm

DJ A-Dog

Queen City Rail Jam After Party

JDK Gallery, 47 Maple Street

November 6th, 2010

8-11pm

Heloise and the Savoir Faire

Hope to see you there!

Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park

Hi there! I haven't updated in a really long time. I wanted to share a few pics before I arrive at my 5th airport of the day and my final destination. FYI: Bar Harbor, ME is really far from Palm Springs, CA.

So, I've been busy. This past week, we did a photo shoot in Bar Harbor, ME. It was challenging but, good. We worked long days and got very little sleep. I've posted a few iphone photos below of my favorite spots along the way. I didn't end up with almost any pictures on my little point-and-shoot this time so, these will have to do.

Bar Harbor is such a quintessential New England town and Acadia National Park has the most amazing views! My favorite part of the trip had to be our first shoot day. Our crew of 17 hiked the Precipice Trail, which the locals deem the most challenging hike in Acadia. It was was a bit hairy a times. There are a bunch of iron ladders towards the top that dangle you over 1,000 foot drops. The last 1/4 of the hike is pretty much vertical. We just held our breath and decided the hike was worth doing together to loosen people up and get some great shots! We didn't go all the way but, we went far enough to see the DANGER! We had great weather until the end of our second day, at which point we received flash flood warnings and had to stop shooting. After a late start on our third day, we got things going again and finished up on a high note. Our RV driver was the best ever and made us warm cookies, homemade guacamole, mini pizzas and smoothies. Food drives a crew...especially when it's cold and rainy. Ok, off to the desert. See you soon.

TGIF

I've had one focus this week-the Terry Shoot-which was the culmination of about a month's worth of work. Today was our third and final shoot day. I'm tired but, I feel good. Things went smoothly and that's a satisfying feeling. Tonight, I'm going to have a glass of wine with some friends and relish in the fact that I don't have to get up at 5:30AM tomorrow morning. At some point, I'll begin the process of catching up on all the things that were set aside this week while the shoot was in progress. For now, those things can wait.

"Room 525 doesn't look like it exists...but, it's there!"

I arrived in NYC late on Sunday night. After lots and lots and lots of prep, we finally met yesterday for one last day of prep before our shoot began today. After our pre production meeting was complete, a couple of us went out for dinner at Bond Street Sushi. Pretty tasty! I really wish there were hot towels at the beginning of every meal-so soothing. Our favorite dish was the big-eye Tuna Tart topped with micro shiso and white truffle oil. They come on a thin cracker type thing made by pressing wonton wrappers together through a pasta maker and searing them. It was the perfect amount of crisp!

When I woke up this morning, I felt like 6:30am came too soon. I was tired! Off to the shoot I went. Things went really smoothly overall despite the one model who got stuck in traffic and arrived almost an hour late. We wrapped things up on time and I headed out to meet my lovely friend Alex for some dinner. Dinner tasted good but, the service was flat. Thanks goodness the company was 5 STAR! Ew. After dinner, we made a few attempts to go shoe shopping but, alas (and probably for the best) the store we wanted to visit was closed. So, we walked and talked about the days events including: spying on Diane Von Furstenburg, lost mail...found by an unknown neighbor, NYC thieves (successfully) scamming for cash and creepy professional acquaintances. Be safe out there!

A week in NYC.

After a bumpy flight into JFK last Thursday, I headed into Brooklyn to meet up with my friend Alex. She arrived home from work a few minutes before I walked through her door so, we decided to keep dinner simple. We hit up a Mexican restaurant around the corner from her place: a short walk and some delicious food! It's always nice to Jude, Alex and Lily (meow).

On Friday morning, I headed into the city for our pre production meeting at Hudson Studios. Everything went smoothly and we were able to finish up a few minutes early. Here is the studio we're shooting in, (lots of beautiful light) and another picture of our view from the 13th floor.

I had a nice long walk from the studio to my hotel. My plans for the evening were up in the air. It's kind of rare and really neat that I had two, mostly free, days in NYC. I wanted to do something since it was a Friday but, I was running low on energy. I ended up at Le Poisson Rouge to see the band Asobi Seksu. It was such good music and just my speed. I was at home in bed by 11pm. Oh, and here is a picture of the scandalous tank filled with coy fish that was hanging in the lobby.
I woke up on Saturday with plans to head to the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMa. I checked on line to get more info. They were offering timed tickets sales only during the weekend and every slot was SOLD OUT!! I wasn't sure when I would be back in the city again so, I was a little disappointed. I decided to make the MoMa my destination and walk from 29th street to 53rd just to see what I could see. I picked up a coffee and a treat (yes, I like to take pictures of my food) and headed out.

It was very cold, (not as cold as Vermont this week but, still cold). I made a few stops along the way to sip my coffee and warm up. I finally made it to the MoMa and lucky me, they were still selling Tim Burton tickets for the 2:00 pm time slot. Lucky me!

Here is a picture of an installation created by Gabriel Orozco that was dangling in the entry way of the MoMa.
The Tim Burton show was great but, at max capacity, a little too crowded for most people. I caught a cab back to my hotel and got ready to head to Williamsburg to meet my friend Deena. She and I dined at a place called The D.O.C Wine Bar, (If you ever find yourself there, please check out the bathroom. SO COOL). Deena is wonderful. She always will be!

Tim Burton's timeline:

This morning, I sent a few work emails in preparation for the shoot tomorrow and then coordinated to have brunch with my long lost friend Brooke. I met her at this little spot in Carroll Gardens called Char No. 4. They are known for their whiskey drinks but, it was brunch so I decided upon a mimosa instead. Brooke had a bloody mary with the special house whiskey in it. It's been a few years since we've gotten together so, we didn't really ever stop talking!
After a little shopping session in SoHo, I arrived back at my hotel, had some dinner and retired to my room. I'm going to sleep shortly to help ease the blow of an early morning wake up call. Goodnight!

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful place with an old soul. Ghosts? I guess there are ghost tours given in hearses with the top cut off! If only I had more time... I've only been here for about 5 hours but, I've packed a lot in - mostly meetings with the local production resources working with us on this week's shoot and hotel staff. Our hotel, The Mansion on Forsyth Park, is located right next to downtown and Bull Street, the oldest street in Savannah. At 4:30 I finally got away from my computer for a quick walk to see the gnarled old trees and Spanish Moss. I snapped a couple of photos along the way. Neat! I'm off to find some dinner before heading to bed. We're up early tomorrow for pre-production. Onwards.

Dried up weeds never looked so good!

Yesterday was the 3rd and final day of the shoot. It's been a busy few weeks and an intense couple of days but, it went well. There is nothing like the moment when things wrap up and you realize the list of tasks is getting shorter and shorter. David, Douglas, Georgia, Fabienne and I took some time after the shoot to walk The High Line. I have been wanting to see it for some time. What a delightful experience it was! I took a few pictures along the way with an unsteady hand. Sorry about that. I was carrying a laptop, small printer and two giant binders. 

Oh...and for those of you who don't know about The High Line, here is a quicky explanation from their site. 

The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park. The project gained the City's support in 2002. The High Line south of 30th Street was donated to the City by CSX Transportation Inc. in 2005. The design team of landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, created the High Line's public landscape with guidance from a diverse community of High Line supporters. Construction on the park began in 2006. The first section, from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street, is projected to open in June 2009.   

This is the hotel where the lovely couple were spotted sowing their wild oats. They were perfectly back lit and knew they had an audience. The best part was when this 60ish year old woman said, "I hear what you're saying but, I just can't see. Where are they?"

Pretty in purple:

A tiny army.

This morning, my shower worked! I picked up my delicious coffee, hailed a cab in about :05, arrived to the studio early, and finally met the photo shoot crew members in person. There were so many hands to help get things done. Then, breakfast. Where was it? At 8:15, I wondered. At 8:20, I called. At 8:30, I got a call back. "Delivered to the wrong address?" What can you do.  At 9:05 our crew ate and things really got rolling. We spent the rest of the day about an hour behind for one reason or another. 

There are so many details on a shoot that are flexible. When it comes the number of required shots vs. the number of hours in a day, there isn't much room to move. If there are too many you either need to eliminate shots or choose to go over the negotiated 10 hour day. Today, we scaled back as needed but, still went an hour over. On the bright side, we learned an awful lot about what will make tomorrow and Thursday run more efficiently. Thank goodness for that.  

I'm back at the hotel. I just dove into my dinner...room service and emails. Tomorrow night's post shoot activities are keeping me going just now. Looking forward to seeing you!

The Breslin Burger: 

My tiny army of condiments:

Tomorrow, Day 2. 

Scrap metal and 1000 thread count sheets.

I started the day with a coffee from Stumptown, located just off the lobby of the Ace Hotel. Their coffee is some of the best I've had...and lovely to look at too. 

Overall, today went smoothly despite the fact that it started with a broken shower. I had to use the bathroom across the hall until mine was fixed. That caused me to be a bit late but, all was well when I arrived at the studio to start the prep work. It was a long day but, many questions were answer and just as many decisions were made final. I think we've got a great crew on this one.

We went to dinner at Resto located just a few blocks away from our hotel. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, get the deviled eggs. They will be the best thing you've had in a long, long time. Delicious! Our photographer wowed us with her knowledge about scrap metal (what it's made up of) followed up by a breakdown of how higher thread count sheets are actually made. We were riveted? Then we laughed. Then she blushed. She's charming.

I'm off to bed to get some sleep before our first shoot day. Wish me luck! Loveyoubye.

Not my best week ever...but, I sure did my best.

This week I...

sent 535 emails

drank 7 coffees

skipped lunch twice

missed my mom's call-4 times

still didn't get new tires

had sushi

woke up at 7:05 everyday

brought my laptop with me to a doctor's appt.

was reminded that laughing is one of the best stress relievers

saw the movie Whip It

had to wear another layer

found an eyebrow waxing appt. to be very relaxing

got to know the show 30 Rock

had coffee with a stranger

should have had more water

couldn’t believe cnn:

A 6-year-old climbed into a balloon-like experimental aircraft built by his parents and floated into the Colorado sky.

stayed in on Friday night

JDK Staff Picnic at North Beach.

Today was JDK's annual summer picnic. This year, we met at North Beach at 9am to start the day. The weather was pretty epic and despite the forecast for temps in the 90's, it was surprisingly comfortable in the shade! 

This year's theme was, "Old Fashioned Fun" and "Armadillos." Yes, armadillos. They are a different kind of creature. Unique, like JDK. Today, they were the perfect mammal to represent where we fit within the industry. It was a super fun morning filled with all sorts of activities and lots inappropriate maniacal laughter. 

Here Nelia and I are prepping for our tug of war victory. Too bad we lost. 

We ate lots of yummy food...

...there were surprise water gun attacks, water balloons and potato sack races...

...some light drinking...

...armadillos...

...and of course, protection from the sun on this steamy summer day. 

Byron knows how to work it!

What a day it was!