leslie williamson

darkroom day/

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent in the darkroom and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious! I never get to print anymore. I think the last time I was really spending time printing regularly was getting all the images ready for Handcrafted Modern to go to the printer - I printed quite a few of the prints myself. But since then, it is computersville.
I spend a lot of time with creative people in their spaces while they are working. My friend Maria Moyer lets me just sit with her as she makes breathlessly beautiful things out of porcelain and T1. I can sit there for hours. I realized while working yesterday that the darkroom is my equivalent to maria's pottery studio. It is my happy place. I love everything about it. I love having to feel around for the focusing aid and cutting RA paper in the pitch blackness and the smell of the chemicals and paper. I love having to announce myself in the darkness to make sure I don't bump into anyone and other odd bits of darkroom etiquette. Hell, I even love bumping into people in the dark! It is always so weirdly startling and awkward. And how sublime is it to have to do everything by feel because you are in the darkness. It is primal somehow. You are working without one of your senses - an odd and ironic fact considering that photography is all about seeing! When I work long enough in the dark, I love how I start to be able to see just fine. My eyes adjust and I fancy myself some nocturnal creature, like an owl. All these wonderful things don't exist when you are working at a computer. Don't get me wrong, there are great benefits to shooting digital. But all these weird, eccentric, slightly archaic rituals aren't there. Yesterday I was reveling in them and the joy that they bring me. A really good day.

blunk residency/

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

I ran across this images yesterday and I just liked it. Something about the wrinkles on the canvas bag...

PS - loving this song by Sharon Van Etten right now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3Ly2A9mbo

nakashima/on their bookshelves

2012-01-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Ran a across a cabinet of George Nakashima's books that I shot while working on Handcrafted Modern. How I love this shot with the flare in the corners...

patrick dougherty/

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

I keep driving by this amazing piece by Patrick Dougherty in Palo Alto and I finally stopped an took a few shots this past weekend. It looks like Where the Wild Things Are!

kodak/

2012-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

Last week I shot 35mm film. It has literally been ages since I did that. But when I saw where Kodak had taken it's design of the film casing my heart literally filled with joy. Isn't it perfect? Simple. Generic. Like those weird generic grocery stores from the eighties. I am in love with it. And then the next day I find out that Kodak has declared bankruptcy. Ugh! Not a complete surprise but still...I love me my Kodak film!!! I've never been able to form the same attachment to Fuji and let me just say, Kodak and I have had a trying relationship from the start. When I was in college (and later), every kodak film I fell in love with was discontinued within four months of my discovering it. Granted it was always obscure, weird stuff...recording film, VPL (a weird green cast film...), but damn they made me work for it. And I have rolled with the punches, to the point that now I just use their basic Portra 800 and am happy when I can get it in quantity. Hope Kodak figures a way to evolve and continue to produce film. With everything digital nowadays, it is an uphill battle to say the least. But we are losing a beautiful art form. How many college photo programs even teach how to process and shoot with film? Less and less. It makes my heart heavy.

paul loebach/

2012-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite portraits from my shoot at Paul Loebach's studio earlier this week. The first one was shot when it was practically dark and it is on my new camera (which I have a tenuous relationship thus far) so there may be hope for my new little digi filly yet! It captured the light rather well and in really (really, really) low light conditions.
The second image is step one of an experiment I have been wanting to do for quite possibly years...based on a Giacometti drawing. I really like the economy of Paul's body language in this and the matter of fact expression on his face. I am kicking myself for not seeing the damn roll of paper towels, though...so irritating!
Alas, can't wait to see the images I shot on film!

travel day/

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

heading back to California. Kisses to you NY.

brooklyn loft/neo-utility

2012-01-18T06:01:00.000-08:00

I shot this the other day when I accompanied a friend over to the loft of Kip Kotzen of neo-utility. I'm in love with this picture right now. Why is it that all the images I just love are on my phone? But you can't stage things like this, can you. I love the way Esme (the kitty) is ruling the roost and you only see the rear end of Spencer (the pup). Makes me laugh! Plus Kip's loft is pretty great. It has a very Eames House feel with all the plants, layering of textiles and of course this gorgeous window.
On a sadder note, the designer of the gorgeous Butterfly Stool in the center of this shot, Sori Yanagi, passed away in late December. He is best known for this beautiful and elegant stool. It is kind of rare when objects almost feel like they are living breathing things, but I think this stool accomplishes that. To me it feels like another character in this shot - butterfly, kitty and pup.

an obliging field/

2012-01-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

I was watching Downton Abbey last night and one of the shots made me think of this image. I really have no other reason for running it except that. It is funny though, I tend to discard these types of images because on some level they feel like they have no voice. Just a pretty picture. But if you were with me that day, the wind was blowing and these little flowers (I have no idea what else to call them) we positively vibrating! It was amazing to watch, like the whole hillside was electrically charged. Wish I could have captured that for you...

brooklyn loft/

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Went on an impromptu visit to a loft in Brooklyn last Friday and I got a bit enamored by the stairwell (typical me...). The light was so pretty in there. The wind was howling outside and the casement windows were rattling but I could have stood in there for quite awhile to just bask in that glow. The view wasn't so bad either...

sunsets/

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

A California image even though I am in nyc at the moment. This one I shot last week on my NorCal coastal excursion.
Have a lovely weekend friends and happy Friday the 13th - such a good luck day!!!

travel day/

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Heading to NYC today. Be there by sundown.

sea ranch lodge/

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

One more from Sea Ranch Lodge. Sunsets have been sooo gorgeous in California for the past month. We need rain desperately at this point (it is bone dry!), but what a gorgeous winter it has been.

sea ranch/

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

I ran away from home last Friday night. I finally found a 24 hour stretch and I grabbed it and drove away! Hwy 1 to Sea Ranch and a stay at the Sea Ranch Lodge was just what I needed. This shot was late afternoon just after I check in. Such a peaceful place. 24 hours was just not enough, though...

reflections/

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick shot from the other day but I do love it. Helloooo sexy lady....
Have a good weekend everyone!

Eva Zeisel/RIP

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

On December 30, 2011, Eva Zeisel passed away. I was lucky enough to photograph her country home for Handcrafted Modern and ended up hanging out with the family for lunch and dinner while I was there. When I met her she was 102 or maybe 103. Crazy, right? And yet, she was all there. She asked me who was in my book and when I mentioned Gropius, she said she approved. What I rememeber most about her is that she was all about enjoying her life. The sun was out that day (it was May) and she just wanted to sit in the sun. At dinner, although we had a delicious spread, she ate 2 bites and said, "Ok, I'm ready for my chocolate!" But when her red wine was almost cleared before she was done, she put her foot down. Sun, chocolate, and red wine. my kind of girl! She kind of cracked me up! I mean, god knows if you have lived to be 102 you should be able to eat and drink whatever you want and soak up as much sun too! She had a prolific, long life to be sure, but also witnessed so many changes in our society as well as art. I cannot say I was surprised when I saw the news but frankly, I was reduced to a puddle of tears anyway. She was a love.
This image is of her chair in her studio in New City, NY. And that is her butt print...I'm pretty sure....

testing, testing.../

2012-01-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...I was gone a bit longer than I had planned. I just needed the R&R so bad! But I'm back! Happy 2012 everyone!
Kind of a weird pic today. It is the result of trying to fall in love. Not really something you can try to do, I know. But this is a test with my newest digital camera. I need to love this thing as much as my RZ. But you never get over your first love, do you (insert melancholy sigh here)? More experiments eminent. But I do like the shallow depth of field. This surprised me. So maybe there is hope for me and my new lover yet!

PS - Happy Birthday to the lovely Ms. Michele Janezic.

Happy 2012/

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just one more post for you all til the new year. I have a bit if a deadline coming up for some writing and I am right in the thick of it now so I am going to concentrate on that and come back to you refreshed and deadline free(ish) in the New Year. But I leave you with a calming image to reflect on that I shot it in Long Island a couple of weeks ago. The light is different there than California but I am equally in love with it. I look forward to getting to know this lovely east coast light in the new year. Thanks for helping to make my 2011 one of the best years of my life! Kisses you lovely people!

christmas gifts/

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

This year's holiday season has been a bit of a weird one for me. I usually get in the holiday spirit, but this year, I have felt like I am in a bubble. I definitely sense that the year is ending but the whole Christmas gift thing I have not participated in. You see, my family decided just to do charitable donations as gifts this year (except for my niece and nephew, who were FULL ON in the holiday spirit!!). I have to say, it was rather nice. I was grateful just to be with my family, and know a tree would be planted and a hive of bees given to someone needy. And then I started driving home. This was the sight as I got into my car. The crows were cawing to each other as I drove away and those cloud formations? It was just stunning. And as I continued on my way back to San Francisco, it just was getting prettier and prettier. There are perks to a "Spare the Air" day. Pink sunsets is one of them. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled off the freeway and drove along the reservoir for awhile. And just on that stretch of road I watched the sky turn a brilliant pink, the first star of the night, the tiny sliver that is the moon tonight (barely perceptible if you aren't looking for it), and a bunch of deer having their evening meal including a gorgeous buck. Seeing all these things in the space of an hour felt like the most stunning Christmas gift of all. How lucky am I?

happy holidays/

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hoping you and yours have a wonderful holiday season. Me? I'll be mixing cement...(noooo...not really). That is a cement mixer, isn't it? This just cracked me up as I drove down the hill from the Blunk Residency. I love the odd things people do. I wish I knew the story behind this one...I cannot even begin to imagine.
Kisses you lovely people!

winter solstice/

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Winter Solstice my friends! I am not really big on New Year's Resolutions, but I do reflect on things past and future on the Winter's Solstice. It seems more fitting to me to obey the earth's rhythms.
Take a moment today to just reflect on all the beautiful things that have occurred in your life and all the wonderful things to come. It is going to be a great year. I look forward to sharing mine with you.

bedrooms/

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

I swear, it is one of those times...I am wandering aimlessly through my images thinking what do I want to share with all of you today. And the fact is, there is SO MUCH I want to share that I have been shooting, but for one reason or another, I cannot share it! Many are jobs, and others are my own projects that will be seen somewhere else first, but still. I feel thwarted! And then I ran across this image and it calmed me down. This is Heath Ceramics owners, Cathy Bailey and Robin Petravic's home. Simple and so them, right down to the Adam Silverman/Heath light.
The music I just stumbled across (in my own collection) is calming me down as well. Forgot I had this but it is amazing! Johan Johannsson's IBM 1401, A User's Manual. Take a listen to a bit...

christmas house/orinda

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

inverness/

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just a pretty picture today. Lots of work to finish up this week, but I can almost taste that sweet little bit of free time waiting for me...cannot wait!

ps - I love Morgan Freeman.

erica wilson/RIP

2011-12-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Late Tuesday afternoon I received the sad new that Erica Wilson, Vladimir Kagan's amazing wife, had passed away from a stroke. Erica Wilson was a legend in her own right, known as the foremost expert of needle-work. She is credited with the mid twentieth century rebirth of needlework in the US, but to hear her tell it, as I was lucky enough to, all that was a bit of an accident. I remember her telling me that she came to the US for a teaching job and found herself "teaching the Rockefellars and all the society ladies how to cross stitch". I thought about Wilson years later when I shot the Miller House and found out that Xenia Miller did all the needlework on the cushions of her custom Saarinen Tulip chairs. I wondered if she had taken one of those classes.
When I walked into the Kagan's apartment for the first time to shoot their apartment for Handcrafted Modern, I will admit I had no idea who she was. She was just so incredibly sweet and welcoming to me that I instantly liked her. The funny thing is, when I talked to my Mom that first night, I mentioned who Kagan was married to (my Mom is an avid needlepointer) and she was so excited about my meeting Erica Wilson (Valdimir Kagan? she had no idea who he was.) Throughout the two days of my shoot at the Kagan's apartment, Erica would pop into the room I was photographing and check on me. She told me some great stories, too. There was one wood stool in the living room that was rather organic and rough. It was a departure from most everything in their apartment so I asked her about it. She told me that it was from one of her old boyfriends. "Way before Vlady..." she clarified. Apparently this old beau was Norwegian and very handy with the woodworking. He like to give her gifts...and who wouldn't? It was obvious she was quite a hottie and she had one of those accents where you almost lost what she was saying because her accent was so intriguing and enticing. It is always rather interesting to me when two legends are married to each other. The Kagans are the only pair I have ever actually met in person. I feel privileged to have been able to do so and to know Erica just the little tiny bit that I did. She made an impression on me.
Read more about Erica Wilson here.

june schwarcz/yesterday

2011-12-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy fall my friends. Lots of client work and not as much of my own projects as I would like, but yesterday that all changed. I finally got myself back to June Schwarcz's home in Sausalito. We had tea and chatted about her work and life and I shot a few new pieces (yep! She still is working everyday!). The beauty of my work more often than not is that these people end up being friends. And June is a bit beyond that for me. I love this woman. I go over there and have to remind myself to shoot because I love just sitting around having tea (and her lovely melted chocolate snow flakes!) and just talking. Her history is long, which happens when you are 92 (?). But she is also just so open and frank about every subject under the sun.
As I was shooting yesterday I looked back and saw her just sitting there watching me. The light on her was so beautiful, a bit Vermeer like. So I had to take a few shots. That beautiful little figure in front of the window on the right is a Japanese religious figure of some kind (she told me exactly what it was and of course it has flown out of my head). But it is exquisite, as is her taste.

brooklyn/lawn piles

2011-12-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

While shooting a portrait in Brooklyn I ran across this empty lot. All there was in it were these piles of yard clippings, but it seemed like they were not from this yard. It was kind of strange. My kind of strange actually...you see, I have a deep love of lawn piles. Have we talked about this before? This is one of my half realized projects that I always want to get back to but never have the time. In San Jose, where I grew up, the way they get rid of yard waste and clippings in some areas is people just pile it in the street. It is a careless, utilitarian act and yet some of these piles end up being beautiful little (or big) sculptures. I'm going to have to dig some up to share.
But this image struck me for the wonderful patterns on the wall. Especially that slatted panel on the wall. It is like some weird screen that they would project subliminal suggestive messages on...

travel day/

2011-12-13T10:16:00.001-08:00

Be back tomorrow!
; )

sunset/long island

2011-12-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is what I was rewarded with at the end of my shoot on Long Island last Friday. Not bad at all...

Handcrafted Modern/AIGA 50 Books 50 Covers Winner!

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Well don't I feel fancy! I was walking back from a meeting in NY yesterday and popped in to the AIGA National Design Center to check out what was on view. It was the exhibition for the 50 Books/50 Covers Competition and there was Handcrafted Modern! I totally forgot it was in the show! A big congratulations to Adam Brodsley and all the wonderful people over at Volume Inc. for the beautiful design on my book. What a lovely surprise! So proud that my book is sitting alongside so many beautifully designed brethren!

nick's cove/marshall, ca

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie post as I am jumping on the redeye in a bit for a quick jaunt to nyc.

jb blunk residency/studio

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

The great thing about being able to return to a place repeatedly to shoot, like I have been at the JB Blunk Residency, is that the place starts to seep into your bones. JB's house has become a part of me now. And because of what I do, I notice all the tiny changes - they patched the roof or changed the configuration of the closet - you get the idea.
The other day in the studio, I noticed this little fan that I never noticed before. From the looks of it it isn't new. But I am rather enamored with this shot now. No clue why except that this fan seems like a little secret creature that I just discovered. It is wise somehow.

blunk residency/tara tucker

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite portrait of Tara Tucker that I shot at the JB Blunk Residency last week and one of her works in progress featuring the famous poodle of Pt. Reyes (yes, I know...who knew?!?). Isn't the intricacy and detail in her drawings amazing? Plus I have a lifelong love of owls! In fact, I have a couple of owls that live in the trees behind my house and as I write this I can hear one of them hooing! Isn't that perfect!?! Easily one of my favorite sounds...
Tara has an upcoming show at Rena Bransten in SF opening on the 15th. Check it out if you can!

jb blunk residency/self portrait

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

A quick self portrait I took last week at the JB Blunk Residency. Happy Monday!

jb blunk residency/tara tucker

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

As mentioned, I shot artist Tara Tucker yesterday who is currently in residence at the JB Blunk Residency in Inverness. I love Tara's work for it's intricacies and whimsy. Talking to her about why she painted each animal ended up being an eduction in the wildlife of the area (and not so wild...the famous poodle of Pt. Reyes?). As I was shooting in the bedroom, where most of her pieces on canvas are at the moment, I got a bit taken with the play of these shafts of light with her work. I am familiar with this light from having shot here so many times, but they were calling out to me yesterday.
More images from the residency shoot on Monday. Have a fantastic weekend friends! Let's hope this glorious weather holds for a bit longer. It is really nirvana in SF lately!

inverness/

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

How lucky am I? I get to go to Inverness again today to shoot the artist at the Blunk Residency, Tara Tucker.
Another outtake from my shoot yesterday - actually a phone pic. Don't you just want to stare out this window forever?

inverness/yesterday

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was heading to a shoot in Inverness and I tell you, it was almost impossible to get there on time! I mean look at this! The fog was patchy and the light was dancing in absolutely gorgeous ways. I pulled over for this quick shot. It was all there was time for. Unspeakable beauty. And this really does not capture it fully...

Isa/Casa Brutus

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

My image of Isa in Williamsburg (super yummy food!!!) is in the new Casa Brutus (pg 13). My first time to appear in this lovely magazine. Of course I have zero idea what it says, but I love it anyway! This is the image they ran.

Miller House/Dwell Magazine

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other day that around this time last year, I was heading to Columbus, Indiana to shoot the Miller House for Dwell. They just came out with a really nice, slightly expanded, version of the original story for their Best Homes in America special edition (on newsstands now!).
I love the rug in this shot designed for the Millers by Alexander Girard. All the symbols are specific to the Millers life, including a bank, their initials and even a Y for Yale, Irwin's alma mater.

words/grateful

2011-11-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Grateful is a word bandied about rather a lot this time of year for obvious reasons. And of course, Oprah (among others) has helped make gratitude a part of our everyday existence. All wonderful and valuable things.
But I also like to look at the word grateful as a reminder of how full of greatness each and every one of us are. Maybe it is feeling gratitude that unlocks our greatest selves. Just a thought. And a reminder. With all this black Friday consumerism whipping around, the greatest gift you can give your loved ones (and the world...and yourself!) is acknowledging and realizing your true greatness. And live life from that deep reservoir of fulfillment that this knowledge provides.

all things have moods/

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

at least that is how I see the world. This image illustrates that perfectly. I called this Sat On Shack for so long...but now I see it as a tired old guy with an extreme slump - weary from years of service as a little house.
Happy 11.22.11
It has to mean something great, don't you think?

seascape/

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

needs no comment, does it?

sunrise/pt.reyes station

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I think one of the main benefits of sunrise shoots (besides the sunrise, of course), is the sounds of the waking earth. Yesterday the dew just clung on to every blade of grass and birds sang as the sun crept up. And directly over my head was the moon watching over the whole affair. It was quite an amazing morning. Have a wonderful weekend friends.

ocean beach/

2011-11-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here we go...two days of sunrise shoots. an hour and a half away. Nothing like waking up at 3h30am! Whoohoo!!!

the brain/a mysterious beast

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about when I shot this brain surgery years ago. It was still, to this day, one of the most interesting and amazing experiences of my life. But whereas then I was removed - an observer - now I see it from a second viewpoint. The brain is an incredibly mysterious beast and all of us are so beholden to our own. Without our brains, we are not even ourselves really. My stepfather was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few months ago and in this past week, I have watched him ebb and flow into himself and back out. Is it the radiation? Is it the tumor growing back? Is it the swelling on his brain that is causing the problems? All of these questions are for the doctors, but on a most basic level, every question is trying to find a way to bring David back to himself - to bring his tide back in. I have no answers to anything and no proper way to end this post. All this just keeps bringing up more and more questions for me about what makes us who we truly are.

hope/

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

11.11.11/a day to wonder

2011-11-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

So much is said about this date today. 11/11/11.
Frankly, I love numbers, so I kind of love this day. But what I like most is wondering about it. Wonder is something that is integral to my life. I realize now, I have based my life on it somehow. Every project, every person I call up to shoot, everything I do in my personal work begins from wondering. Why did this person do this? What do designers live like? Why is this furniture designer more interesting to me than this other one? It all starts with my mind just wondering. and wandering. I hope you have time to do both of these today, this weekend and everyday.
And as for the whole 11/11/11 thing? It is pretty great but I kind of like number progressions too. I really enjoyed 9/10/11 this year. And I'm looking forward to 11/12/13. I wonder where I'll be then?
PS-this shot is a classic of mine. Probably my most collected image. The Wonder Bread factory in Memphis, TN as the sun was setting. It smelled absolutely ghastly! They were baking...

seascape/

2011-11-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

What is there to say? I look at this and I feel calmer. I am one of those people that goes to the water when I need to clear my head, to figure out perplexing issues, you name it. All answers come to me and all feels right when I am sitting near a large body of water. Where do you go?

wanderlust/it has gripped me...

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

I was digging through a box of prints looking for an image I am working on and I ran across this bad boy. Damn I love this picture! I think every car should paint their tires to match their paint! It cracks me up!!!
But it also just ignites an intense wanderlust in me. I look at this and I see, hear and smell the River Road in Louisiana. The wet heat in the air, the cicadas singing and the endless fields that surrounded us, it fills my heart and head with great memories. I stopped so much we barely made it very far each day, but no matter. That is what road trips are for - experiencing the road and the country, one little piece at a time. And damn! This country has some damn good flavors! I need another road trip really soon...

off limits?/

2011-11-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Off Limits. I know for most people this would mean just what it says. But to me...well...it just makes me want to get in more. It's like saying something in there is soooo interesting. Every photo student participates in a bit of B&E (breaking and entering) in their time. It is just how you have to do things when you start. There is no money to rent a location but you have to get the assignment finished. To be clear, I have never broken anything, but lord knows I have entered! I have quite a few stories of being where I should not be...the curiosity is sometimes just too much!
At the bunkers in the Marin Headlands, where I shot this, I was peering through those holes in the door. No entering though...it was locked up tight!

daily life/location scouting

2011-11-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

A little more location scouting in the Marin Headlands on Friday yielded a bunch of images but this is my absolute favorite. I was giggling when I shot it...to me it looks like a big fluffy white toupee that has finally found a place to land! ha!
The clouds were so great on Friday. They all had personalities...

janezic/fall 2011

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a couple of my shots of the Janezic Fall collection since it is in stores now. I'm living in this coat, btw...
Janezic is available at Dish in San Francisco. For more stores go to the Janezic website.

daily life/location scouting

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love location scouting. Yesterday it was the Headlands Center for the Arts. Just my cup of decaying tea...

roman and williams/

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

One last image from the offices of Roman and Williams. I love me a good bookshelf...this one in Stephen Alesch's office.

roman and williams/

2011-11-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I visited the Roman and Williams offices, this is what I remembered most (and obsessed over...even had a dream about them once). These little blocks of the different kinds of woods in Robin's office, each labeled with it's type. Sometimes I have to laugh at myself for the things I fixate on, but I like to think that Robin gets it. It is obvious to me that she has a bit of a crush on these wood blocks too.

roman and williams/

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

I guess most people would be posting some Halloween type image, but of course I have none. I did see a funny dog yesterday dressed up like a chicken taco (no I am not kidding...it was specified...a chicken taco), but of course, in my mind that does not warrant a photograph. Roman and Williams conference room, however...that is a different story. Happy Halloween everyone!

roman and williams/

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

OK...I know...so many images from Roman and Williams!
But this is my tight edit. There are just so many good ones...so more today!
The second shot of Stephen's books is close to my heart. It is a simple shot, but my curiosity about what is in those books is kind of killing me...what do you think?

roman and williams/

2011-10-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

These are my two favorite shots from Stephen's office at Roman and Williams and I have actually labored over the idea of posting them together. You know why? Because they are both kind of odd in a way. I have been sitting here analyzing why I like them so much and I think it comes down to the negative space in them. Beyond that, I have no idea...I just really like 'em!

roman and williams/

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of images from Stephen's office at Roman and Williams. Love the crows...

roman and williams/

2011-10-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

A few more details of the Roman and Williams offices. I just kind of marvel at the fantastic mix of objects that so harmoniously sit together.

Thanks to Zan for the wonderful comments on yesterday's post. I agree with Dorthea Lange that every image a photographer takes is a self portrait and even every subject choice expresses something of the photographer. It is all a beautiful web isn't it?

roman and williams/

2011-10-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Let's face it everyone...this is the money shot at the offices of Roman and Williams. This is Robin Standefer's office and it is such a beautiful and well photographed space. So much so that I knew I would be taking this very shot before I walked in. But I have to admit, that made me feel strange...it has been done, I thought. I tend to want to make things somehow my own...if it has been shot I want to make sure I do something (anything!) differently. But my god...it is just sitting here like this, who am I to ignore this?!? It is a bit like walking into Wharton Esherick's house...it is just perfect! Don't touch anything...just shoot it and be glad it exists. So here is my version of this well documented shot...I didn't move anything except one piece of pottery (from the table on the lower right so I could see the coral).
More Roman and Williams this week. Stay tuned!

daily life/location scouting

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

This gives you a taste of my day yesterday. A little location scouting and a little admiration of old signage that I ran across. Yes, it was quite a random, all over the place day, but pretty fun and fascinating. Have a great weekend friends!

daily life/down in san jo

2011-10-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

some lovely pics of my hometown of San Jose, CA that I shot yesterday.
Le suburbs...

manhattan/

2011-10-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Missing all my friends in New York today...you know who you are...xx

handcrafted modern/outtake/eames

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

A couple more from the Eames House. From the area you can't usually see...

happy birthday handcrafted modern!!!

2011-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

It suddenly occurred to me this weekend as I was nursing a whopper of a cold, that my book is a year old! It is so strange, it seems like it has been out longer...so crazy!
I decided to run an outtake of the Eames house today to commemorate this milestone and to coincide with the California Design show at LACMA. They have disassembled the Eames living room and moved it there for the exhibition. So this room is now empty. I am so thankful I got to shoot it before this happened. Something about knowing that Charles and Ray were the ones that put this room together makes it different for me somehow.

love letter to my grandmother/

2011-10-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

I had dinner with a friend the other night and when I was driving home, I just started thinking about my grandma. I think it was because I didn't have dessert - she was definitely a dessert person. My Grandma used to make the best chocolate sauce and when she was making it, she would always stick her finger in it, give it a taste and say, "mmm, good!"
The whole drive home that night I could hear her saying that in my head and it made me feel so happy. I even left the radio off so I could hear it more clearly in the dark of the drive. I still miss her (she passed a few years ago), but I am finally to a place where the thoughts I have of her just make me happy. Isn't she the cutest thing ever? And super sexy shoulders at 91 years old!!!

bolinas/

2011-10-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Not a lot to say today. I've caught a cold. Super irritating...

inverness/cuckoo crazy beautiful!!!

2011-10-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Some days are just blessed and yesterday was one of those days. First, I got to shoot a fantastic job in one of my favorite places on the planet, Inverness, CA. And second, after it rained all the night before, the storm cleared and that crisp fall light illuminated the day. I mean look at this! Yes, the east coast has it's fall colors (which I love beyond reason), but in California this is what fall looks like.
And even though it was a 12 hour day, my assistant, Adam, and I sang Billy Bragg's Workers Playtime (from beginning to end) at the top of our lungs all the way back to San Francisco. We were greeted by a full moon reflecting off the bay as we crossed the Golden Gate. Pinch me, it really did feel like a dream!

ocean beach/san francisco

2011-10-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just need to stare out at the ocean and let my mind go blank. It is a kind of meditation. So yesterday I did just that. And it rained, which made it better.
Back to work today. Shooting in Inverness again. Getting paid to go to one of my favorite spots on the planet is just too good for words!

roman and williams/

2011-10-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

More prettiness from the offices of Roman and Williams - a couple from Robin's office today. I do love the painting of the mama bear and cub in the upper right. There is joy in that image! And I marvel at this hand. It must be from a mannequin but it is the most graceful hand I have ever seen! I wonder what era it is from... The beauty in the arrangement and choice in her objects goes without saying...
Have a great weekend everyone, I'll be back on Tuesday. I'm gonna try and run away this weekend!
; )

roman and williams/

2011-10-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

During my recent trip to NY, I had the pleasure of shooting the offices of Roman & Williams for a new project. I was there on a Saturday and the offices were empty except for a few associates working in the back. I have to say, sometimes I just love shooting places when they are empty. It is almost like being in a church.
As you can see, their offices are just so beautiful and filled with the most beautiful objects and furniture. I continually found myself wondering, though, where the heck do they find all these beautiful things?!?! I want to go to a flea market with Robin and Stephen some time, that's all I have to say...
These are two of my favorites images so far, but then I have just started editing. More tomorrow.

paul loebach/west elm

2011-10-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Another of my images from Paul Loebach's studio in Brooklyn today because his collaboration with West Elm is now available and it looks so great! I noticed this grey chair in his studio, but wasn't sure what the story was behind it...a prototype maybe? I tend to be an intense observer when I am shooting, really involved in the seeing, but not always wanting to ask about things. And sometimes the answers just reveal themselves to me - like this chair - which is from the WE collection.
I love it when things just appear to you unexpectedly. It is life telling me I am doing the right thing, shooting the right places, following the right path. Everything in my life is like this more and more...I really love it! It tells me to keep going!

ps - I just noticed Paul's new website is up! Check it out and begin to covet his work as I do. http://paulloebach.com/

lindsey adelman/studio visit

2011-10-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Imagine walking into a studio and seeing this...an elaborate satellite of lights being built in front of you. This is what I saw when I walked into Lindsey Adelman's studio in NY a couple of weeks ago. It is funny, but until then, I just never really thought about how they figured out the configurations. I just loved her work. But this is like a huge intricate puzzle. Just fascinating to see!
Her studio is a bit like a mad scientists laboratoire (in the best way) and the mood she has created there feels wonderfully collaborative and open. I like her work more because of it (if that is possible). And that huge new piece they are working on? Well, hell...it is just so damn gorgeous. I would love to see it installed and just lie on the floor underneath it for a long time. Maybe doze off and then wake up and see it with sleepy eyes, a little blurry... More images from her studio follow and one from the Sight Unseen Pop Up from last may.
See more of her work on her website and at Roll & Hill. Pretty, pretty stuff...

lindsey adelman/studio visit

2011-10-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

During my trip to NY a couple of weeks ago, I finally made it by Lindsey Adelman's studio. Lindsey designs some of the most delicious lighting. I'll show you more of the studio tomorrow, so you'll see her gorgeous lights then (or if you are impatient like me, click on her name and go to her website). Today, I just chose my three favorite shots from my visit. I love seeing people working and then looking at what they were working on. And it feels like a gift from the color gods when the colors are working like this...her chair color completely working with the colors in the design she was working on? You can't plan that, but I do love when it happens!

light/

2011-09-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post has me thinking about light. I guess every photographer has to be a little in love with it. Some love to create it, some to manipulate it and some just wait and utilize what is there. But being a photographer, or maybe just a lover of light, changes your view of the world. My friends will tell you, often times mid sentence I just stop talking because I have been captured by a wild reflection off a window, or the quality of light that is hidden behind a cloud. Maybe it is just being a visual person...I don't know. I freely admit I have no answers as to why some of us notice this stuff and some don't. I just know what is true for me. Light moves me...more specifically, natural light moves me. It is a fickle, seductive mistress at times but we have come to have a beautiful and deep relationship. My love for light makes my experience of the world deeper, more rooted in the ephemeral quality that is life itself.

PS - Sometimes I hear music and I feel it sounds like light somehow. This Bon Iver song sounds like dawn to me.

Have a great weekend, friends.

maria moyer/light

2011-09-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day with Maria Moyer, photographing her home for my project on craftsmen (and women). One of my favorite things about working on my own projects is being able to take a bit of time with these people and shooting their space. You can't really get to know a space by just showing up and shooting it right away. Spaces, like people, have moods. They change with the light, with the season, with what is going on in the person's life. Yesterday, I was able to just watch the light in Maria's house as it bounced off walls and ebbed and flowed with the day (see the two shots today of the same room only a couple of hours apart). I love being able to watch light. It is how you get the most beautiful image. Patience. And the beauty of being able to go back a second (or third, fourth or fifth) day to see what mood the space is in is how you really reveal what a space is really like. And somehow, I think it reveals what the person that lives there is like as well.

isa, williamsburg

2011-09-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

I think this is my favorite image from my shoot at Isa a couple weeks ago. The attention to detail in this place is really inspiring. That AND the food is absolutely delicious. You should all try and stop by!

blunk residency/

2011-09-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

The view from the jb blunk residency was amazing on friday. pure heaven.

jb blunk residency/peter maclean

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Heading back to Inverness today to shoot the latest resident at the JB Blunk Artists Residency, Peter Maclean. I shot these a few weeks ago...I cannot wait to see what he has been doing for the past months! It is going to be a fun day!!!

isa, williamsburg

2011-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

While I was in New York last week, I shot the new restaurant, Isa, in Williamsburg. It is such a joy to shoot such a beautiful space with so much meticulous attention to detail. This is just a quick shot I took on my phone so you can imagine how gorgeous the proper shots are.

bed stuy/brooklyn

2011-09-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

While I was scouting locations for a portrait in Bed-Stuy I saw this and for some reason it made me happy. That razor wire is so vicious looking but nature just changed it.

Just arrived back in San Francisco to a shining sun and hopefully a little Indian summer heat!

travel day/

2011-09-20T06:29:00.001-07:00

back in california tonight! and I hear it is Indian Summer!!!

self portrait/roman and williams

2011-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a great weekend. I have just finished a marathon week of shooting on Sunday afternoon. Today a quick little self portrait of me at the offices of Roman & Williams on Saturday. Stephen Alesch has the most beautiful 8x10 land camera in his office just looking out the window. It made my heart hurt (sigh...large format film!!!) but also inspired me to pull out my 4x5 upon my return to California this week. So many more beautiful shots from the shoot there on Saturday for one of my projects. I truly think the Roman and Williams office is the most photogenic place on the planet. I could shoot there for a month and still discover one more beautiful thing after another. Don't worry...you'll see more...

williamsburg/brooklyn

2011-09-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

I shot this rather quickly on my way to grab a coffee in Williamsburg a couple of days ago. I love a good line of laundry. And I kind of wanted to steal the Mickey Mouse shirt (I resisted).
On another note, I am shooting straight thru the weekend so next week should be full of new stuff assuming I have a moment to edit. I'll rally for you all!
Have a great weekend friends!

brooklyn heights loft/

2011-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

I have been staying with one of my dearest friends and her family in Brooklyn for the past few days and I have to say, it is a beautiful thing to know someone since you were 22. How else are you able to watch the evolution of a person from a wild young 21 year old to a mother of two. To witness a consistency through it all is even more remarkable, and yet, that is what I see every time I am with her and her family. An innate trueness to who she. Who she always has been. Her home is as consistent as she is. Always flea market and a bit of a carnival...a bit of craziness...in the best possible way. As you can see here. For the record, her daughter put the hat on the horse.

paul loebach/brooklyn

2011-09-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Spent another day shooting at Paul Loebach's studio yesterday for my new project. Always such a fun day discovering what he is thinking of and designing. This is a shot from last time I was there in late July. More on him soon!

battery park city, ny

2011-09-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

This is the sight I saw walking to my friends place for dinner last night. yeah...I have no words either (though I believe my exact words were "holy shit!").

the sounds of summer/part 2

2011-09-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I was lamenting about how I missed the sounds of summer. In San Francisco, this summer has been really cold and foggy. Yes, I know... typical...but this year has seemed unusually bad (or my threshold low?). An unexpected invite to a friends lake house rental has cured me of this craving for awhile. When I opened the car door after the drive from brooklyn, there it was...crickets! (I think I gasped.) I fell asleep to a fantastic bug serenade!
The view was pretty nice as well as you can see. A perfect little rest before this intense week of shooting and meetings.

june schwarcz/

2011-09-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

Not too many words today. Just a picture I love from June Schwarz's place in Sausalito. Have a great weekend friends!

maria moyer/tonight at the rogan store, ny

2011-09-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful story on porcelain artist Maria Moyer, this time in T style. Truly worth stopping into the Rogan store tonight to see Maria's work. She'll be there so go up and give her a hug for me!

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/07/water-works/

clouds/above jfk

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know....it seems like a cop out to post another image of clouds, but I have to say, yesterday's clouds right before I landed at JFK we just damn spectacular! Look at those babies!!! Like cuckoo mashed potatoes! Ha!
Shooting and work begins in earnest next week so lots of new things to show soon. So excited!

travel day/

2011-09-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Heading to nyc for some super fun photo shoots! I'll be back on Thursday.

maria moyer/go see her work starting sept. 8th!

2011-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

So excited to feature Maria Moyer again today. I have been photographing her for my project of craftspeople. To say I love her porcelain work is a bit of an understatement. I have a necklace of porcelain rings (a lot like what she is wearing in this image) and it is one of my favorite things. It makes the most glorious sound when I move. Everyone in NYC is going to have a treat starting this Thursday, September 8th. A series Maria has been working on, Blue, will be showing at the Rogan store. Read more about it here. I even think there will be some of her porcelain necklaces available...

heath ceramics la/

2011-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

What is it about tools that are so beautiful? I just found this on my iphone - some tools sitting out in the workshop at Heath LA. I really love the text on that ruler, though...it really adds something...

have a wonderful weekend my friends.

daily life/nameless friends

2011-09-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

I don't really know this guy, but I feel like I do.
I see him almost every time I go walk out near Sutro Baths. He is always sitting on this bench, usually reading (his John Le Carre novel is tucked behind the log there). Yesterday when I saw him, I was going at a pretty steady clip and he was looking wonderously into the bushes (yeah...no idea what that was about), but he made me smile as usual. On the day I shot this image, I was location scouting and I finally chatted with him. He's a talker in the best sense and when his words began spilling out they were tinged with the best southern accent (I love a good accent!). He told me all about other good places to shoot and the vets that usually are walking around there (including one that carries around a hammock so he can rest. his meds make him drowsy). He's full of stories and a complete sweetheart! But I was so enthralled listening to his stories (and his accent) that I completely forgot to ask his name!

chairs/john kapel

2011-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am a bit preoccupied by chairs right now. I know it is because I am getting ready to sell one of my absolute favorites (a vintage PK-9), but still, it has made me reflect on this crazy love. None of my chairs match. I just got crushes on them and they ended up coming home with me. But they all co-habitate very nicely at the table.
These images are of some of John Kapel's latest creations. The last shot is of John's chair room, where he keeps all his prototypes - another outtake from HCMod.

louis kahn/esherick house

2011-08-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Last one from Kahn's Esherick house. I would look out this window endlessly...

louis kahn/esherick house

2011-08-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

A couple more from Louis Kahn's Esherick House. This is the chimney. It makes a really lovely cast shadow on the wood opposite. So pretty...

louis kahn/esherick house

2011-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

I saw a picture awhile back of a Shaker interior and it got me thinking about these images I shot of the Kahn's Esherick house is PA. Today I finally layed eyes on them again (after quite some time) and I am wondering what I never shared more of these with you all...
Such an amazing house and the wood details are just damn gorgeous. So here are a couple to tie you over through the weekend...kisses my friends!