Category Archives: Laura Storck

Syd

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West PhillySyd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

On March 12th, I was fortunate to attend the opening reception of Syd Torchio’s exhibit sponsored by Sarah Theilke and Stephanie Slate of Gush Gallery at Jinxed West Philly. Luckily about 10 minutes early, I had a few private moments to speak to the artist himself about his work, artistic process, training, and to spend a few moments to get better acquainted. Syd was very affable and looked very charming as he wore dark attire with his signature black fedora. Besides practicing as a painter for the past 25 years, I learned that he initally began his artistic training in ceramics in the years prior. In addition, Syd is also a musician who plays French Horn for the West Philly-based band Taupe – a true Renaissance man!

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Mr. Torchio’s gouache portraits are created with very deliberate and colorful strokes, almost as bold as the countenances they honor. Some individuals portrayed in his expressive paintings are family and friends, but several are the free-spirited, nonconformist, eccentric characters that exist on the fringes of humanity’s Venn diagram – in other words, my kind of people. These revealing images are a decisive dichotomy of the lachrymose and joyful. Although raw, edgy, and somewhat maudlin, these gorgeous and lush paintings translate well his choice of purposeful polarity as they also elevate and flaunt the essence of a human soul. The intimate gaze masterfully expressed initiates an irresistible narrative between the visage and the viewer.

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio’s beautifully candid works can be found displayed in the far end of the store, with framed portraits gracefully adorning the walls, and several centrally-located prints available scattered amongst other store ephemera for sale. It’s definitely worth a trip — come see this amazing work on exhibit at Jinxed through the end of March.

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio at Jinxed West PhillySyd Torchio at Jinxed West Philly

Syd Torchio’s website: http://hairylegs.com/sydtorchioart/

Jinxed West Philly, 4521 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia PA, 19143, (215) 921-3755, Open daily:11:00am – 7:00pm http://www.jinxedphiladelphia.com/

“Jinxed began in the 1990’s in Philadelphia as an art-based t-shirt company. After spreading around the country via tattoo conventions and retail stores, we decided to open our own retail location in the summer of 2004. Since then, we’ve expanded to five retail locations in downtown Philadelphia. Now, in addition to t-shirts, we are known for the best vintage furniture and housewares you can find at hassle-free prices. We are also committed to the local art and small business community to bring you variety that you can’t find anywhere else!

Thank you for supporting who we are and what we do!” – Jinxed West Philly

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Laura Storck Photography ARTIST. SCIENTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ROCK STAR.: https://laurastorck.wordpress.com/

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Home

Home, Markeim Art CenterWayne Klaw, Disconnected (2016), archival injket, Home, Markeim Arts Center

HOME

by Laura Storck

This exhibit is truly a diverse collection of images based on the idea of “home” from the myriad viewpoints of 35 local photographers. To be honest, I looked forward to seeing others’ interpretations of this topic with incredible anticipation and intrigue.

Home, Markeim Art CenterRichard Montemurro, Cozy Corner (2016), pigmented archival inkjet print

“There are many items throughout our home that are photographable and from time to time have been photographed. Most of them have been taken for granted as household decorations or ignored until I decide to photograph some of them. Such is the case with these figurines, tucked away on a shelf in a dark corner of our living room, behind a table lamp. Often seen and taken for granted – until now.” – Richard Montemurro

Home, Markeim Art CenterMelissa Hellwig, Mabel (2015), digital photograph

Mabel by Melissa Hellwig: “Home is where the heart is and my heart is my beautiful daughter, Mabel. I took this photo during her monthly photo shoot when she turned 6 months old. She loves having her picture taken!”

What is home? According to the prospectus: “Home” will be a show of images that presents compelling photographs on any of the aspects or themes of “home”.  Images submitted should be those that the photographer connects to an idea of “home” – this is inclusive of any definition or personal connection and could be home sweet home, home run, home town, home stretch, homey, home free, home base, etc.

Home, Markeim Art CenterEllie Wright, Twenty Gammons Road (2012), laser print

“Twenty Gammons Road passed into memory February, 2012. Its passing was attended by its most recent resident as witness to the 94 years of shelter it provided beginning in 1918. Twenty Gammons Road is survived by the memories of life lived within its walls.” – Ellie Wright

Home, Markeim Art CenterChristine Foster, Joey’s House (2013). archival giclee print, shot on film with a Holga

Home, Markeim Art CenterPat E. Fitzgerald, Homemade Apple Pie (2015), chromogenic print

“Ever since I ate a piece of Carolyn’s homemade apple pie, I have not been able to eat one that is bought at a store, served in a restaurant, or homemade by anyone else. As you can see from the photo, the consistency of the crust enhances its taste, but what makes Carolyn’s apple pie so perfect is that every apple slice is deliciously soft–there isn’t one hard apple slice in the entire pie!” – Pat E. Fitzgerald

Home, Markeim Art CenterSandra C. Davis, Home Invasion-Stealing Fruit (2015), archival pigment print

“The Home Invasion series are images which will be published in book telling the story of old toys that have been put away in a box and left forgotten in the basement. They come to life and make their way out of the basement and into the home to begin making mischief while the humans sleep. Did you ever wonder how that piece of fruit ended up in the middle of the floor? Or what happened to that other sock? How did that book get knocked from the shelf? Perhaps they are in your home and are answer to those unsolved mysteries.” – Sandra C. Davis

Home, Markeim Art CenterErik James Montgomery, Home (1998), chromogenic print

“My friend and I participated in a community outreach at a housing project in Newark where residents received free food and clothing.  While there I noticed an elderly woman looking at us from a distance through her window. I was intrigued so I grabbed my camera and took the first photo. As I walked closer to the subject I saw all of the broken and boarded up windows in her building. Amazingly, she secured her windows with store grates! I’ve seen a lot of peculiar things over my life but having store grates inside someone’s apartment was incredulous.

I approached the senior and asked if I could take her picture. She obliged and then told me that she has lived there for over 40 years and has seen her community decline because of crime and drugs. I asked her why she doesn’t simply move away from there because it’s so dangerous. She replied, “Baby, I can’t leave, this is my home.” Her weighty words taught me that compassion plus commitment is the foundation of any community.” – Erik James Montgomery

When I was invited by curator Norm Hinsey to participate in the group photography show themed HOME at the Markeim Arts Center, I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to participate. To me, the word home evokes ideas of a warm, fuzzy, safe, and nurturing place — also a place of which I have never felt connected. After much pondering, Billy Joel’s ballad “You’re My Home” came to mind. Yes, that’s it. This song resonates with me. Home for me is not a physical place, but a feeling. Relationships. Comfort. Self-acceptance. Authenticity. Love. “Look within yourself”, my inner voice whispered, “and you’ll find your meaning.”

Home, Markeim Art CenterLaura Storck, Revelation as a Wife and Mother (You’re so cramped here.), 2011, silver gelatin print

After much recollection and pondering, I realized that because of my nomadic spirit and constant cravings, the concept of home isn’t a place, it’s a sensibility. It’s the notion of feeling secure within myself.

My image “Revelation of a Wife and Mother (You’re so cramped here.)” was a decisive moment for me. Several years ago, I had just started a Holga camera and darkroom class at the University of the Arts and was playing around with the new detachable flash that had arrived in the mail. While watching a Serbian film with English subtitles made in the late 1960’s, I randomly snapped a photo while firing off the flash to figure out how it worked. It wasn’t until printing the enlarged 120mm film image in the darkroom did I hold a clear vision of what I had captured — not just a black and white image of my messy living room, but a snapshot which perfectly conveyed how I truly felt on that cool October afternoon in 2011.

Home, Markeim Art CenterAnne M. Ferara, Grandma’s China (2016), chromogenic print

“This image evokes memories of home and family gatherings.” – Anne M. Ferara

Home, Markeim Art CenterOla Wilk, Suzy (Walkersville, Maryland), 2014, chromagenic print

“Suzy, a proud teenage horse trainer and show competitor, at the entrance to a trailer on her horse farm in rural Maryland.” – Ola Wilk

Home, Markeim Art CenterSteve Tornone, Home-cooked Meal (2015), silver halide print

Home, Markeim Art CenterLionel Goodman, Home Sweet Home (2015), archival pigmented inkjet

“This photograph of a Roma (gypsy) was taken summer 2014 on the busy Paris left-bank boulevard, Rue Vaugirard. It is noteworthy that the photograph depicts a common Parisian street scene well before the Syrian migration. These (illegal) homes on the street frequently include tents, babies and even pets. Except for the Champs Elysees right-bank quarter they are generally tolerated by the police. These Roma encampments in Paris reflect a long standing internal European migration problem.” – Lionel Goodman

I draw much contentment and energy from the beautiful relationships I’ve formed over the years. Most of all, I’m learning to feel completely whole by allowing myself to pursue my deepest interests and passions without abandon — my art — thus evolving to self-actualization (finally) without judgment but with encouragement, patience, and pride. This is home to me — being comfortable in my own skin. I haven’t made it home yet but the journey is an interesting, poignant, and exciting adventure.

Home, Markeim Art CenterCollection of Norm Hinsey, Marvin’s Photo Album, Polaroid SX-70

Participating artists in HOME include: Anne Ferara, Ava Hartline, Blaise Tobia, Christine Foster, Dave Magyar, Ellie Wright, Erik James Montgomery, Geoff McClain, Gloria Whitney, Heather Siple, Hope Ardizzone, Joan Wheeler, Joel Blum, Joseph Gilchrist, Kate McGovern, Kevin Provost, Laura Storck, Lionel Goodman, Melissa Hellwig, Ola WIlk, Pat Fitzgerald, Peter Burt, Richard Montemurro, Ruth Haines, S Gili Post, Sandra Davis, Scott Johnson, Sky McClain, Steve Tornone, Susan Spitz, Valerie Williams, Vera Hinsey, Vera Resnik, Wayne Klaw, and Whit McGinley.

Curator Norm Hinsey is a photographer, as well as director of CREON Gallery in New York City. He has curated several shows at the Markeim, including  MYSTERIOUS, ALL NATURAL, INSPIRED, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, and PORTRAIT. CREON has recently shown a retrospective of photographs by Krzysztof Zarebski; and hosted EXPOSED, an exhibition that included work by Ellen Carey and Amanda Means exploring new and unique photographic processes.

HOME will be on exhibit at the Markeim Art Center, 104 Walnut Street
(Lincoln Ave & Walnut St) Haddonfield, NJ 08033
through March 5, 2016856-429-8585 info@markeimartscenter.org

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

Laura Storck Photography ARTIST. SCIENTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ROCK STAR.: https://laurastorck.wordpress.com/

Instagramhttp://instagram.com/laurastorck/

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Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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Billy Joel – You’re My Home (Live 1981)

Walk

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryTheresa Stigale

Philadelphia Photo League’s Photo Walk Exhibition at the

National Realty Art Gallery

by Laura Storck

I recently attended the Philadelphia Photo League‘s Photo Walk Exhibition at the National Realty Art Gallery in Old City on First Friday — and WOW! This exhibition documents very beautiful and insightful images from neighborhoods across the Philadelphia area from the varied perspectives of members of the Philadelphia Photo League.  

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryMike Klusek, South Kensington (top}, Fitler Square (bottom)

Over the course of several months, the PPL documented several neighborhoods as part of an on-going photo walk series. The creation of the work was coordinated by the PPL’s “neighborhood expert”, photographer Mike Klusek. This impressive exhibit will be on display through early March.

Philadelphia Photo LeaguePhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryTrevor Mayo, Navy Yard

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryJudy Murray

Philadelphia Photo Society at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery, Jennifer Brinton Robkin

Philadelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty GalleryJano Cohen, Brewerytown

The history and mission of the Philadelphia Photo League (PPL):

The Philadelphia Photo League is a cooperative of amateur and professional photographers who have come together around a range of common social and creative causes. The League was founded in July 2012 by a group of Philadelphia area photographers / activists who are committed to social change through the use of documentary photography. Our core mission is to help civic organization drive change through the use of photography. Our organization was inspired by the historic New York Photo League which was active from 1936 to 1951 and included among its members some of the most noted American Photographers of the mid-20th century.  

In 1936 a group of young, idealistic photographers, formed an organization in Manhattan called the Photo League. Their solidarity centered on a belief in the expressive power of the documentary photograph and on a progressive alliance of ideas and what photography could become. A unique complex of school, darkroom, gallery, and salon, the League was also a place where you learned about yourself. One of its leading members was Sid Grossman who pushed students to discover not only the meaning of their work but also their relationship to it. This transformative approach was one of the League’s most innovative and influential contributions to the medium. Sixty years ago, the Photo League fell victim to Cold War witch-hunts and blacklists, closing its doors after 15 intense years of trailblazing – and sometimes hell-raising – documentary photography. From unabashedly leftist roots, the group influenced a generation of photographers who transformed the documentary tradition, elevating it to heady aesthetic heights. We hope to continue, and advance, this legacy.

We pursue our mission by creating a unique environment, where all types of serious photographers, using all types of media, can gather together to share knowledge, ideas and inspiration – plus enjoy a sense of community, while fostering positive change in our world.

The PPL is actively seeking members in order to actively contribute to it’s growth and influence.  If you are a devotee of documentary or street photography, and have an interest in social causes, consider joining today. The PPL is open to all photographers, from amateur to professional.

See their amazing work on the PPL Flickr page, check out the official blog , or follow them on Facebook.  The Philadelphia Photo League advertises their upcoming events via their meetup page: photo walks, classes, critiques, and exhibits, and photographing events to support and document social activism and awareness.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, at The Philadelphia Building, 1315 Walnut Street at 7 p.m.  Come meet the members of PPL, see their work and accomplishments, network, and socialize. I’ve been a member of the PPL for 2 years and I currently serve as an assistant event organizer and communications leader. Feel free to reach out to me or any of the other members of the PPL leadership team if you’d like to share any social causes or events that need promotion towards a greater awareness.

Philadelphia Photo League At National Realty GalleryPhiladelphia Photo League at National Realty Gallery

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

Laura Storck Photography ARTIST. SCIENTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ROCK STAR.: https://laurastorck.wordpress.com/

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Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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Mannequin

Mannequin, Laura StorckLauraquin, Laura Storck and Addison Geary, Mannequin at Da Vinci Art Alliance

Mannequin: A Group Photography Exhibition At Da Vinci Art Alliance – Opening January 6th

(Philadelphia, PA December 15th, 2015) Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine  Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 invites the public to Mannequin: A Group Photography Exhibition January 6th – 31st. Regular gallery hours for this exhibition will be Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:00PM,Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 – 5:00PM with an opening reception on January 6th from 6:00 – 9:00PM.

This exhibition shows the collective work of 30 Philadelphia-area photographers, each who share their own unique viewpoint of mannequins and their roles as life size models. The zany appeal of these articulated dolls prove both attractive and disconcerting at the same time; mysterious yet strangely familiar. This interesting dichotomy is being explored and interpreted through the vision of each artists’ lens.

“As this project has unfolded, I’ve come to observe and photograph mannequins of several different configurations, located in windows and within merchandizing displays,” says curator Laura Storck.

Mannequin, Laura StorckChelseaquin by Laura StorckMannequin: A Group Photography Exhibition at Da Vinci Art Alliance

“These models can vary demographically by neighborhood – even though the stores could be selling essentially the same product, each has a unique style and ambience which is reflected in their mannequins – the pose, color, and choice of whether or not to use a realistic face versus abstract, or even headless versions. The more expensive the clothing, the more rich-looking the mannequin seems. Mannequins in windows tend to have faces and are more eye catching, whereas those within the retail environment appear utilitarian. These silent salespeople were held in high regard during the surrealism movement of the early 20th century, as these objects blurred the lines between animate and inanimate, human and machine, the sexualized and the sexless, and ultimately life and death.”

Mannequin, Ed SnyderMannequin at Da Vinci Art Alliance, Ed Snyder, Heads

Written by Laura Storck

View more of Laura Storck’s work on Instagram @laurastorck under #philly_mannequins.

ABOUT DA VINCI ART ALLIANCEDa Vinci Art Alliance is a public, non-profit!501(c)(3) artists’ organization located in South Philadelphia. The organization was founded in 1931 to serve the needs of professional artists and artisans in the Delaware Valley. Da Vinci currently has over 140 members and is supported through membership dues, gallery/studio rentals, sales commissions, grants, and donations. It holds exhibitions of members’ and nonmembers’ artwork as well as special events, workshops, performances, poetry readings, and lectures. The mission of the non-profit artists-run organization is to support its members and to further community-based arts, cultural, and educational exchanges.

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Paths

Deirdre Murphy, URBNDeirdre Murphy – Migratory Paths at URBN at the Navy Yard

Deirdre Murphy – Migratory Paths at URBN

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

The concept of the symbiotic relationship between art and science is nothing new – many would affirm that it has been in existence since the dawn of time. Many artists and scientists (perhaps one in the same?) have studied the relationships and potential intersections of these phenomena (DaVinci, Seurat, and Hershel, to name a few).

Deirdre Murphy, URBNDeirdre Murphy – Migratory Paths at URBN at the Navy Yard

The brain ambidexterity that informs the esoteric outlook of those fortunate enough to possess those qualities still pervades. Deirdre Murphy is a contemporary artist whose work is influenced by the connections between art and science, as can be seen by one of her current exhibitions, “Migratory Paths”, is currently on view  at URBN at the Navy Yard.  This series explores the migratory flight patterns of birds and how they may be affected by climate change.  Her abstract works are extremely eye-catching, attractive, and thought-provoking her with use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and repetition.

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory Paths

Deirdre MurphyThe Boundless (2012)_silkscreen and mixed media on paper, at URBN at the Navy Yard

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Laura StorckDeirdre Murphy,  Synchronized Formation (2012), silkscreen and mixed media on paper, at URBN at the Navy Yard

According to a recent interview with PennDesign about a summer residency a Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Ms. Murphy explained that:

“The collective intelligence of flocking birds and the unpredictable patters have been a source of inspiration to me.  I wanted to work directly with the Hawk Mountain Scientists and ask the how global warming has changed the raptors migratory flight patterns and then to see how I might translate that information into paintings.”

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory Paths
Deirdre MurphySentinel II (2008), oil on canvas, at URBN at the Navy Yard

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory PathsDeirdre Murphy, Flamingo, 2008, oil on canvas, at URBN at the Navy Yard

In case you weren’t aware,  I should mention that I’m an artist and scientist myself. I have a great fondness for the use of bold pigments, as well as a natural affinity towards the cleanliness and mechanics of simple lines and angular structures.  This sensibility applies not only in my personal design preferences and photographic compositions, but in life itself.

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory Paths
Nocturnal Migration (2010), silkscreen on paper, Deirdre Murphyat URBN at the Navy Yard

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory PathsDeirdre MurphyLibra (2015), gouache on paper

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory PathsPigeon Flight (2009), oil on canvas, Deirdre Murphy at URBN at the Navy Yard

I engaged with this beautifully celestial and otherworldly exhibit on it’s opening day, and after some pondering, I concluded that “Migratory Paths” not only applies to migratory patterns of birds, but to all lifeforms. To my chagrin, I had received a polite yet disappointing email that day that I did not land a coveted job that I desperately wanted, also located at the Navy Yard, and was feeling quite crestfallen.  On that bright and warm afternoon, Ms. Murphy’s art spoke to my resilient self in URBN’s sleek headquarters, and expressed to me that nature endures, perseveres, and maneuvers along it’s own migratory path,  and we must follow our instincts to find our way.

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory PathsDeirdre Murphy at URBN at the Navy Yard

I highly recommend everyone to take a flight of fancy to URBN to see this exhibit in this amazing and ethereal space. Enjoy a light lunch at Shop 543 or a warm cup of java at Jharoka while taking a gander at the Ms. Murphy’s artwork with the zen feeling of the nearby koi pond just a few steps away. “Migratory Paths” are works on paper that span from 2010-2015 and will be on display at URBN until December 7, 2015.

Deirdre Murphy, URBN, Migratory PathsDeirdre MurphyDome of the Sky (2010), silkscreen on paper, at URBN at the Navy Yard

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

Laura Storck Photography ARTIST. SCIENTIST. PHOTOGRAPHER. ROCK STAR.: https://laurastorck.wordpress.com/

Instagramhttp://instagram.com/laurastorck/

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/laura.h.storck

Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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