rare chance
January 16, 2013
Seen Light ©2013 Gary Garbett
Rarely is there a better chance to see the light than with open eyes.
art viewing me viewing art
January 7, 2013
I’ve had days where I’ve wondered if I was the one viewing the art. Then other days it seems to be just the other way around.
13 is lucky, ya’ll
January 1, 2013
Without creating an exhaustive list of spectacular days, loving people, fab experiences, life rich opportunities, or unforgettable moments, I’ll just say that each of those from my path in 2012 certainly left a personal creative mark on my soul. I spend far more days with a camera or two at my side than not, if for no other reason than to document where I’ve been. Those days are important because they also share with me where I need to go. Over the past 365 days, I captured thousands and thousands of images. Most were ordinary places, regular people, and all perfectly real life.
Two years ago today I began this blog specifically as a one year commitment for daily photo postings. Doing so forced me to be creative and strengthened my skills with my tools, but far more important, it taught me to open my eyes.
As I turn the corner on the New Year, I’m committing myself once again to at least one photo-a-day posting. These posts will assist me as I prepare my Graduate School thesis concentrating on innovative and experimental processes in film, instant, and digital photographic mediums.
13 is a lucky, ya’ll. Follow along.
seen yesterday today
June 22, 2012
Instant Pair ©2012 Gary Garbett
In the heyday of Polaroid’s instant camera days, this just wouldn’t have happened.
Today I took a digital image of this pair of cameras. I then processed the RAW data to represent an 800 ASA color film look. Afterwards I posted the image to the web where I could share to the world that I’d added two more vintage instant film cameras to my stable today.
I can’t decide if goodness follows me or I follow goodness. #px600
the look of goodness
February 26, 2012
goodness looks ©2012 Gary Garbett
I spend fewer days in the studio than I wish I could. Life has a fascinating way of getting in it’s own way sometimes. Those days when I am able to lock myself away in that creative place are treasures. Today was one of those days. When I’m able to share that time with my closest friend, we both own the day… together.
This is exactly how goodness looks. I love goodness.
best i can
January 4, 2012
best i can ©2012 Gary Garbett
Relaxation has never come easy for me. I’ve always been one of those “I must always be doing something” sorts of people. I love working for the university. It forces me to take time off when the campus is closed. This year with the way the holidays fell on the calendar and my adding four additional vacation days, I ended up with a good spell of two and a half weeks away from the office.
Of course I had all of these lists of chores and tasks that I knew I’d accomplish during the time off. As usual though, things, projects, and days change. I did accomplish quite a bit and after working through the holiday and family commitments, I was able to make some healthy time for me in the studio. It may not have been the most artistically productive time, but it was great spending several days in the space that’s become more and more difficult for me to find time for. I still have a few more days to bask in this down time thing. As difficult as it is for me to do, I’m finally in relaxation mode and to my surprise I’m actually enjoying the idea.
Today was day fourteen of vacation. I walked two miles, ate tacos for lunch, read liner notes, conditioned my hair, and got a zit. I’m doing the best I can and with only four more days to get it right, I promise to do my best… whatever it is, including getting better with this whole relaxing concept.
creatively hip
December 10, 2011
The Studio ©2011 Gary Garbett
Six days ago, I began my mission to transform our unused upstairs bedroom into a comfortable creative space… a place to listen to music, to write, to read, to think, to sew, and just a place of focused creativity. For nearly two years we’ve used the vacant room primarily for storage. Last Sunday, with a vacuum and a few hodgepodge items I’d picked up over the years, I began my mission to create a unique and engaging space.
This morning we set out on a thrift store road trip in search for pieces to finish the room. We had a great day and were anything but disappointed.
Aside from a few minor knickknack embellishments that I’d still like to add, my new retro studio lounge is nearly complete following our days finds. We located a beautiful Natuzzi suede mod sofa, a hip coffee table, and a fab chrome and red naugahyde chair. We also found a couple of nice lamps, and a gem of 1948 Fodeco 8mm film projector in pristine working condition.
Santa arrived two weeks early this year. And from the look of things, I’m guessing he’s been listening to a lot of the Rat Pack. Thanks Santa… you’re groovy!
chock filled
December 5, 2011
night day ©2011 Gary Garbett
I dig being surrounded by those environments that create energy. Good energy. I crave it. I find it in good people, good spaces, good music, good art, and good days of me. Certain times of the day are chock filled with it. Late nights and early mornings book end it. My studios absorb it, even on those days when I fail to locate the energy or the studio.
I spent nearly the entire day yesterday converting our son’s old bedroom into a brand new studio space for my sewing room and misfit dolls creation. The space has gone unused for nearly two years and it’s exciting to have life breathing in it again. It’s chock filled with a healthy mix of old and new energy, lots of good light, gorgeous guitars, inspiring art, classic cinema, vintage toys, discarded fabrics, my sewing machine …and a vcr player. The space is a welcome mat for creativity.
There looks to be plenty good days of me ahead.
threads of neverminds
December 4, 2011
the neverminds ©2011 Gary Garbett
I added a sewing machine to my studio last week. It’s my new creative tool. I spent months researching numerous machines before finally committing to my Brother machine. A big thank-you to Angie at Little Voice for her great recommendations. Be sure to take a look at her wonderful creative work.
After purchasing my machine, it sat in the sealed box, in the middle of my office floor for two days before I finally opened it. Fear. Finally, hours into the late evening of day three and my rookiedom became overly ecstatic after spooling my very, VERY first bobbin.
My plan is to explore one of a kind non-traditional doll making. Yep, doll making, but not your sister’s doll. My sketchbook already has several pages of designs, doodles, and ideas waiting for a little fabric and thread. The Neverminds are misfits. They dig late nights and love reading liner notes. They’re the culprits behind my new creative spin and each is made from recycled, discarded, “i don’t want you anymore” clothing. They remind me of me.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have plenty to learn. I’m ready. The way I see it, with my diverse record collection and their loose threads, this new friendship may be the perfect calling for each of us.
drawing uncovered faith
November 15, 2011
tin soldiers ©2011 Gary Garbett
i found it in fatherhood;
in the liner notes of
rhythmic black vinyl poetry;
in a worn, brown
leatherette pocket bible
with gold-gilded pages.
the inside cover still
frames the pencil sketch
i drew of jesus in 1966.
