Category Archives: Laura Storck

Mystification

Mystification, Marco Hill, Yawn Jawn, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Mystification

A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

As a cult practitioner and follower monochromatic image makers, let’s just say I was a little more than excited (okay, I was ecstatic!) to see the exhibit, A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill at the Jed Williams Gallery on February 28th. In addition to the opening reception held 2 weeks prior, this reception offered a variety of additional smaller prints not shown in the exhibit at easily affordable prices for cash and carry.

Mystification, Marco Hill, Still Standing, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

According to gallery owner and fine artist Jed Williams, “These unique photographs expand on the themes currently displayed by both photographers at the gallery. The images provide a deeper look into the artistic vision of Hill and Nurick.”

After I was welcomed into the cozy and inviting space by Rebecca Nurick, Marco Hill, and Jed Williams, immediately I could witness the similarities shared between both exhibits as my eye scanned across the gallery space. Besides making some interpretations of their respective visions in black and white, I learned that both Nurick and Hill are heavily influenced from their training in film capture and processing. One fitting example is Hill’s Into the Darkness, a black and white 35-mm film capture of an ascending stairwell that appears to rise toward the cavernous and shadowy unknown.

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Train, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Other similar pieces between both artists follow street themes, such as Hill’s 9th and Mifflin Sunset and Nurick’s Train. Not only do they offer a gritty urban vibe but they are portrayed in the fashion of Kodachrome color. Common themes exist – both artists offer feelings of emotional connection and timelessness, yet both also convey ephemerality and human transience in their story telling. A dynamic interplay can be seen as dotted lines are invisibly connected back and forth amongst their works.

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Viaduct, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Many of Marco Hill‘s street photographs were captured in South Philadelphia where he resides, with this series punctuated by Still Standing, an emotionally moving image of an abandoned log cabin that harkens back to Hill’s native Virginia roots. His sense of humor, quick wit, and sense of curiosity is evident in unusual and quirky captures such as Yawn Jawn, Brick Work, and Abandoned Door.

mystification, Marco Hill Mystification, Marco Hill, 9th and Mifflin Sunset, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Marco Hill’s artist statement

“I roam the streets of the city looking for things that are unusual or things that I think would ordinarily go unnoticed…I actually got started in art as a musician, but after I found a love for photography the camera replaced the guitar as my instrument of choice. I call my approach to photography playing the blues with a camera.”

One of Rebecca Nurick‘s special prints are quite powerful: a striking image of a fearless mythological sunflower standing heroically in the face of foreboding dark cumulus clouds – with the hint of a silver lining. Her portraitures range from the human form to animal skeletons, expressed monochromatically, printed digitally, but expressed with the look of silver gelatin. I was instantly struck at how Torso, with it’s coppery tinge and grainy cloak has the look and feel of a super sized tintype. Also striking is Viaduct, another moody and cataclysmic image that instantly transported me back in time to David Lynch‘s Eraserhood.

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Nude, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Rebecca Nurick’s artist statement

“I find myself gravitating to photography, as it allows me to capture an image that is interesting to me and alter it in a way that can give it a hyper-real quality while still maintaining its true nature. The elevation of the ordinary is thrilling to me. The creative post-production of a photo is as enjoyable to me as the act of capturing the original subject.”

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Clawfoot #2, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

This exhibit consists of very well-crafted images that will appeal to fans of digital, film, and alternative processing techniques alike. Kudos to Jed Williams for this excellent pairing of photographers in one show, as both artists’ works play off each other and form a dialogue. Mystification is on display through March 15, 2015.

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Skull #2, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery

Mystification, Rebecca Nurick explains her art process, Jed Williams Gallery

ABOUT JED WILLIAMS GALLERY

Jed Williams Gallery is a unique art space owned and operated since 2010 by artist Jed Williams. Jed showcases up-and-coming and inspiring artists from the local area, including his own work, along with providing a look into the workings of an actual artist studio. The gallery shows a variety of thoughtful, cutting edge works ranging from 2D, mixed media and painting, to video, installation and sculpture.

Mystification, Jed Williams Gallery

Marco Hill Photography

website: www.marcohill.com
email: marco@marcohill.com

Rebecca Nurick Photography

(215) 880-3342
website: http://www.rebeccanurick.com
email: RPhotographic@gmail.com

Jed Williams Gallery

615 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 (267) 970-5509

email – info@jedwilliamsgallery.com
website – www.jedwilliamsgallery.com
Like Jed Williams Gallery on facebook
Instagram @jedwilliamsart

Jed Williams Gallery, Mystification, A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill, by Laura Storck

Written and photographed by Laura Storck

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurastorck/

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

Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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Mysterious

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Pop’s Not Dead, Laura Storck

Mysterious, Group Photography Show at the Markeim Arts Center, Haddonfield NJ

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

When I received an email last fall soliciting for pieces in the February group photography show at the Markeim Arts Center, I knew instantly without opening the message that I wanted to participate! Since joining the annual group photography shows at the Markeim in 2008, I’ve come to enjoy the thematic challenge that curator Norm Hinsey presents each photographer. The current show theme is “Mysterious“, in which artists were faced with presenting their most inexplicable photographs:

“Images submitted should be those that the photographer considers mysterious: the subject of the image is not what it appears to be at first glance; the photograph presents a mysterious narrative; or, the image is disorienting to the viewer in a mysterious manner.”

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Every, Laura Storck

This challenge resulted in the culling of 50 unusual and perplexing images by more than 35 photographers. And the “Mysterious” exhibit itself pushes the envelope even further – By not having artists’ labels on the wall next to their respective pieces, viewers are charged with testing their powers of observation and deduction. As a result, this exciting photography show is both cerebrally stimulating and visually provocative. Fortunately, patrons are able to learn more about each piece and artist with a checklist that provides pertinent information for each image, artist, process, and the artist’s attribution toward the theme, if so desired.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Steamer Trunk, Bodie, Sandra DavisGrace, Patrick Rodio

What I find most fascinating about each of the artists’ works is the multitudinous points-of-view from which mystery is perceived; it certainly runs the gamut in variety, opinion, and consciousness. Interestingly, the photographers in this group show chose to express their artistry in a variety of photographic processes, ranging from traditional anthotypes to digital inkjet prints, including a hybrid of both old and new techniques.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Crowded Crypt, Ed SnyderChemo Port, Wayne Klaw

As I have a strong interest in street art, I chose to showcase 2 photographs which I find mysterious, and rightfully so, as I haven’t been able to yet determine the story or source behind the origin of the respective creators. My rationale: Street art is far from static in the ever-changing urban landscape, and these impermanent physical works can quickly become nothing but a distant memory. However, street art and graffiti has escaped geographic and temporal constraints through the swift capture and sharing by way of photography and the internet. Street art can be buffed or dismantled in an instant, yet, once it’s been photographed it never truly disappears. The short lifespan of these works hardly matters anymore, as each piece can be seen simultaneously by the masses, and in turn, may inspire other similar actions.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Autumn Colors, Marianne LeoneMysterious II, Elisabeth Bard

The photographers represented in the “Mysterious” show are: Aleja Estronza, Anne Boychuck, Anne R. Jorgensen, Anthony Malave, Bonnie Rovere, Cynthia Guerra, Daniel Anthony, Danielle Rochford, Denis Sivack, Ed Snyder, Elisabeth Bard, Ellie Wright, Gary Koenitzer, Harry Stainrook, Heather JM Siple, Joan Wheeler, John F. McAdams, Joseph Gilchrist, Laura Storck, Lionel Goodman, Lori Jo Jamieson, Maggie McCutcheon, Marianne Leone, Michael Anthony Spitz, Pat Fitzgerald, Patricia S. Worley, Patrick J. Rodio, Richard Montemurro, Ruth Haines, Samuel Vovsi, Sandra C. Davis, Sue Reehm, Susan Spitz, Valerie Williams, Vera Resnik, Wayne Klaw, Whit McGinley.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Sandra Davis with her photograph, Steamer Trunk, Bodie

“Mysterious” is open to the public February 3 – February 28, 2015.

Markeim Arts Center is a nonprofit community art center founded in 1956. Markeim offers programs for the entire family including a yearlong schedule of exhibitions, musical performances, studio classes and art camps. Now over 50 years later, the renovation of the gallery and development of expanded programs and services for artists ensures that the Markeim Arts Center will continue to fulfill its commitment to the community.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Patrons at Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center

Norm Hinsey is a photographer as well as director of CREON Gallery in New York City. He has curated several shows at the Markeim Arts Center, including INSPIRATION, ALL NATURAL, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, and PORTRAIT. In 2009, Norm Hinsey founded CREON, a gallery which presents a diverse and serendipitous mix of events in a Gramercy/Flat Iron hideaway location.

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Patrons at Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center

Norm Hinsey, CREON Gallery 238 East 24 St, 1B New York, NY 10010 norm@creongallery.com 646.265.5508 http://www.creongallery.com/

Markeim Arts Center, 104 Walnut Street, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 markeim@verizon.net 856-429-8585 www.markeimartscenter.org

Mysterious, Markeim Arts Center Executive Director Liz Madden of Markeim Arts Center

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

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Gravy

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Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

On First Friday this month, I was excited to finally visit Gravy Studio, located in Fishtown, which serves as a space that promotes local photographers and their work. As a photographer with a particular fondness for the darkroom, I was especially interested in attending the opening reception for Northeast Kingdom by Andrew Frost. Not only does this body of work contain black and white images captured on film, but I felt compelled to learn more about the mystery surrounding his project.

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Artist Statement:

“These photographs were made in the Northeast area of the state of Vermont, an area known as the Northeast Kingdom. It’s where my family has lived for more than 200 years. My father joined the Navy when he was a teenager as a way to get out of the rural area, and growing up we never went back, though I always imagined what it was like. Over the past several years, I’ve been traveling there, exploring my past, and making photographs.”

Andrew Frost has been making large format photographs within and surrounding the small town of Groton, Vermont, where his relatives have lived for more that two hundred years. In the late 1970’s, his father left and joined the Navy as a teenager. As Andrew was growing up, his family moved constantly, and he had never personally experienced his heritage in Vermont. He always imagined “a magical place, with mountains, rivers, and lakes, and a land of tree houses and caves — the kind of place where kids were free to ride their bikes to the village store.”

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Finally in 2010, he visited his roots for the first time and began photographing the world he had often envisioned. Because of his nomadic upbringing, the Northeast Kingdom held a mythical sense of history for Frost as he had been enamored by the stories of his father’s youth. On his initial visit to Vermont, he had instantly felt a deep connection and a sense of belonging. For the next 3 years, Frost had made frequent trips to the area, and brought his 8 x 10 view camera to record and discover his origins on a journey of self-exploration.

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy StudioNortheast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Documenting with a view camera was a slow and gradual process, which complimented the way of life in rural Vermont. Some of his subjects are relatives, others are strangers. Frost’s images are beautiful and expressively rich in their black and white tonality. Several of the captures could easily be mistaken as having been made in the distant past – including an image containing elements of a wall photo of a vintage car combined with an antiquated radio, to a photograph of a soldier leaving for boot camp. Before I knew any of the backstory regarding this project, I asked Andrew about the timeline and for details as for when these particular images were captured (as I initially thought that these could have been enlargements made from old negatives).

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

Andrew Frost explained:

“I don’t know for certain what type of car is in the photo, and as far as I know it’s a clock radio – it’s at my grandmother’s house, and she’s had it for a very long time. The photograph of the soldier, Jeremy, was made the day he left for boot camp. It was the 4th of July in 2011. He’s my aunt’s husband’s sister’s son, and in that area there aren’t a lot of career options. Your choices are mostly limited to farming, ministry, or the military, and he chose to enlist when he finished high school.”

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost, Gravy Studio

This poignant collection of work initially evokes feelings of melancholy, isolation, sterility, and stagnation in a pastoral land where time appears to be standing still. Yet these observations will eventually transition the viewer towards feelings of hope, beauty, tenderness, and human connection. The exhalation and inner peace that has resulted in this journey of self-realization and reflection are undoubtedly witnessed when viewing Northeast Kingdom.

Northeast Kingdom, Andrew Frost at Gravy Studio is on display through December 31st. Gravy Studio & Gallery, 155 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (267) 825-7071, gravy-studio.com, gravy.photo@gmail.com

Andrew Frost was born in Yokosuka, Japan. He has an MFA from Syracuse University, and currently lives in Northern New Jersey where he makes books for Conveyor Arts.

Gravy Studio & Gallery is a collaborative photography workspace and gallery located near the Frankford Arts Corridor. Serving as a multifunctional space that promotes the work of local photographers, opening receptions are held on the First Friday of every month.

http://www.andrewpfrost.com

http://conveyorarts.org

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

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candy flippin

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Calling the Ancestors, work on paper, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery

“candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery,

Written and Photographed by Laura Storck

Like witnessing the vibrant and dreamy panorama that cloaked the room, meeting visionary artist Jombi Supastar was a truly surrealistic experience. As I entered the Jed Williams Gallery, Jombi proffered a warm welcome as if it was the reunion of old friends. Much appreciative of his candor and hospitality, he instantly instilled a feeling of peace and reverence. Jombi’s whimsical works are also evocative of that experience, as they magically transport you to another place, time, and dimension.

Flowering Aquatic Sparkle, mixed media on canvas, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery

Jombi Supastar‘s pieces are a multi-faceted assemblage of paint, collage, and mixed media, in which each piece consist of a storied narrative left for the viewer to interpret. His works are thematic, consisting of many common elements and patterns: human and animal hieroglyphical forms, as well as bold colors and fluid shapes – all adorned with glitter, jewels, and found objects and sealed with layers of shiny epoxy.

Dreaming, mixed media with objects, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery

The pieces contain these eye-catching tactile elements in order to engage the viewer and offer a sense of child-like and free-spirited simplicity. One recurrent element throughout his work is a singular eye, which lends the overarching feelings of spirituality, calamity, redemption, and fortune. Jombi admits that he is drawn toward the use of red and orange, which elicit sensations of passion, fire, spirituality, and lust.

Dream Time Down Under #2, work on paper, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery

Various artistic sources of inspiration range from the historical, such as Hieronymus Bosch, William Blake, and Henri Matisse, to the contemporary, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kara Walker.

Dream Time Down Under #1, work on paper with collage, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery

ARTIST STATEMENT

“My art is an expression of the multi-dimensionality of perception, and of the many-layered nature of my spirituality and sexuality. I’ve been painting for two decades now quite simply because I love to paint. I feel the most grounded and joyful when creating works of art. In that sense, my art is good for me. I like to think it can be good for others as well. I want to bring a sense of magic and a touch of humor to this sometimes troubling world―beauty, too. I like bold images and vivid colors. Often now my works begin as paintings but turn into mixed medium pieces because I want to make the work as layered and spectacular as it can be. I can like just-paint paintings, but see no reason to limit myself to paint alone. I take a child’s delight in glittery, shiny objects. They excite me. I want my work to communicate that sense of excitement, and to create excitement of its own.” – Jombi Supastar