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2006 Archive

Henri Cartier Bresson on Charlie Rose, 2000
Davin — December 6th, 2006

Recently noted on Alec Soth’s blog, this lengthy interview with Henri Cartier Bresson is interesting although much of his motives/ideology are already quite well known. I do find that there is too much reverence for Cartier Bresson than even he may have preferred but it’s not surprising as much of our society is quick to need “heroic” figures. There’s no question of Cartier Bresson’s impact but I think there’s a separate problem in our need to make finite the number of people who mattered — people who set that example that all others must have followed. It’s our unfortunate nature (and certainly that of art history) that the hero in history is propelled forth.

On this it might be interesting to re-visit a text from my highschool history class, “The Hero in History: A Study in Limitation and Possibility” Sidney Hook, 1943

Posted in Video — Comment
Ed Burtynsky on TEDTalks
Davin — November 24th, 2006

TEDTalks: “Photographer Ed Burtynsky accepts the 2005 TEDPrize, and presents a stunning slideshow of his work, which explores human impact on the natural world in eerily beautiful large-scale landscapes. He also unveils his three wishes: To use his artwork to encourage a worldwide conversation about the planet; to launch a ground-breaking competition that motivates kids to invent new ideas in sustainable living; and to create a IMAX movie of his work. (Recorded February 2005 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 35:10)”

Posted in Video — Comment
Artists with Blogs
Davin — September 29th, 2006

While MakingRoom may be on unintentioned hiatus you can get a lot of horse’s mouth insight by reading the blogs that many wonderful artists now have.

Here are just a few sites out of many to check out:

- Alec Soth started a blog this month and it became a quick favourite with open and honest entries about his own work, family, theory, and more.

- Christian Patterson has been updating his blog more regularly lately and has also begun an on-going “Friday friends” series of featured artists.

- William Greiner has shown many beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking photos from his native Louisiana in the past months.

- Conscientious Joerg Colberg writes one of the most frequently updated and consistently interesting blogs on photography.

- Mexican Pictures: Heading East Raul Gutierrez’s blog is wonderful and personal.

- Journal of a Photographer Martin Fuchs works for Magnum in Motion and is also a photojournalist.

- Brian Ulrich writes about his own work but also posts frequent announcements of events and releases.

- David Byrne’s journal is wide-ranging and vivid and personal in its detail.

- Sasha Frere Jones is a musician, writer, and artist. His blog is just as varied and exciting as his talents.

There are, of course, countless other sites by artists but these few will do a great job of connecting those tangents anyhow. Ross and I will produce more issues of MakingRoom sometime soon — hopefully we can pull some of you back despite our lax publishing schedule.

Back soon — Davin

Posted in Websites — Comment
The New Orleans Kid Camera Project
Davin — April 24th, 2006

The New Orleans Kid Camera Project was created to address the psychological and emotional impacts of Hurricane Katrina on children returning home to New Orleans. Through the use of photography, creative writing and mixed media, children from flooded neighborhoods explore their environment and express themselves, their stories and feelings with their friends. This project provides a venue for growth and recovery. By teaching the children tangible skills and exposing them to new means of expression, we hope to empower them to impact their lives and environment.

http://www.kidcameraproject.org

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