2014 Favorites

At the end of December, I like to look back at my photography work and choose my favorite photos of the year. Many of these, of course, you will have already seen.

This is number one on my list because of its simplicity.  Thank you to Eileen for the title.

Winter Meditation

I really like my first attempts at creating photo silhouettes and one in particular makes my list.  The personal history of my Slovak upbringing is portrayed.

Starynka

The Montreal Museum's "Butterflies are Free Exhibit" was such fun!  Here's my favorite of my butterfly collection.  For me, it is about color--I like the emerald triangle of the butterfly, the contrasting yellow of the flower and the hint of orange at the tail.

Emerald Peacock Swallowtail

The warp of lines on the upper right of this ethereal flower entice me.

Ethereal Yellow

I can feel the raw cold of January here.  In fact, I could feel the raw cold of January when I took it from a bridge above the falls.

Middlebury Falls

Simplicity is the appeal once more.  I am also reminded of a Robert Frost poem.

Through the Woods

And here, the humor, plus the movement sensed in the poses of the swimmer and the dancer capture me.

Free floating

A hay bale mirage below water.

Mirage

And last, my favorite self-portrait, taken on Halloween.

Ravens

Website:   patricialyonsurrey.com

Five days of Black and White

Right now, Vermont is a black and white world and in December, for the most part, gray.  We also had a major storm--with 12 inches of snow, some ice and sleet and rain.  It's a wonderland out there!
I was challenged to post 5 days of Black & White photos on Facebook. This was going to be very easy!

For all of you who are not my "friends" there, here are some of them and more.

Reminder:  I still have a few 2015 calendars for purchase from my Etsy site:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/210147570/2015-calendar?ref=shop_home_feat_1

Snow laden pines

Snow stream

Backyard view

Shadows and Sparkles

Snow Storm

Ski Trees

 

Apple Trees in Snow

"The Art of Place" in Silhouettes

I was not planning on doing any exhibits until later in 2015 because I am just finishing up my 2014 showings on December 28th when exhibits at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, Vermont and the Bryan Gallery in Jeffersonville, Vermont come to an end.  Also, on January 20th I am starting a twice weekly digital media class at Johnson State College.  Surely that should be enough of a January start to creative work in the New Year!

However, a friend suggested I apply to an upcoming juried exhibit at the Chandler Gallery in Randolph, Vermont.  On a spur of the moment I sent them two of my silhouette photographs. 

The exhibit is called "Art of Place" and the call to artists states:  

"We are considering both two- and three-dimensional interpretations of this theme, which need not rely on literal depiction of location, but use the idea of place as a starting point for inspiration or source of material, art that evokes a sense of place and space".

I am happy to announce that I have been selected to participate.  2015 starts now!

The two pieces I will have in the show, Starynk and Death are based on art I created with my father and my paternal grandmother in mind. A class in silhouette photography coincided with the 6th anniversary of my father's death; he and my grandmother were in my thoughts. Although I didn't consciously work to achieve anything specific, what arose for me clearly depicts the loneliness of being left behind at death.

Death by Patricia Lyon-Surrey

My grandmother, Buchta's piece holds more nostalgia than sadness but it also depicts a certain wistfulness.  She has a special place in my heart, for she took care of me as a baby when my mother visited my dad who was stationed away from home in the Navy shortly after World War II.
Grandma Buchta was the typical starynka (slovak for grandmother) in that she wore babushkas and dresses, believed strongly in her catholic faith, and baked wonderful traditional sweets (kolachki, zazvorniki) from the old country.  She never learned to speak English but sometimes her vocabulary included words that combined the two languages.

Starynka by Patricia Lyon-Surrey

I am pleased that this experimental--and new work in silhouette photography-- has been recognized by the Chandler. Especially since it features two people that I love very much.  I haven't yet decided whether to frame them in a simple black frame as they are, or to mat and frame them.  I want the art to have as much visual impact as possible.  If you have an opinion, or a preference, you can comment here or e-mail me at pmlyon@juno.com

The exhibit runs from January 17, 2015 through March 8.  More information on the opening reception and directions to the Chandler will be forthcoming in a future post.

Free art Black Friday!

There are now over 5000 artists participating in this event.  Here is my tag, and I will be putting my art somewhere in Morrisville on Friday.

Flood The Streets With Art!

The goal of this event is simple, yet far reaching.   On BLACK FRIDAY (Nov. 28th, 2014) all over the worldt will drop one piece of free art, that they've created, on a street in their community.  A random gift for a random stranger--- to find, pick up, and take home.

I am participating in "the flood" and will be dropping off my free art somewhere in Vermont. I haven't decided what to drop: calendar? set of cards? small framed piece?

Last year  2,600+ individual artists dropped art on every continent. Art was given free in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 different countries. 

If  you are an artist keep the momentum going and join this event!   You can focus on making a simple act of kindness the most important part of your Black Friday this year.  Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/649474495168252/682860298496338/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

A sweet way to say: Let's stop the craziness!

And if you would rather support an artist then go out for Black Friday, here is my Etsy Shop: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lyonsurreyphotos

Naming of the Helen Day Exhibit Photograph

Last month I asked for help in naming one of my photographs which will be part of the Holiday Member's Show at Helen Day Art Center .  It now has a name!
Here is the photograph and it's name--thanks to Eileen!

Winter Meditation---20 5/8 x 16 3/4 framed  $350

My second entry into the show is:

Ethereal Yellow  10 x 10 framed  $160

  Always a great holiday show, and a tradition in Stowe for many years, the gallery walls are given over to the art of Helen Day's  members; the Festival of Trees runs in conjunction with the exhibit.  

Courtesy of Helen Day

This year the exhibit runs from December 5--December 28 and the opening reception (with great food)  is Friday, December 5 from 5-8pm.  Get there early to enjoy the food donated by local restaurants and Helen Day members.  Then enjoy the art and sing along to the Holiday music.

Purchases of art at the members' show supports both the Helen Day Art Center and local artists. 

 Location: Helen Day Art Center, Pond Street, Stowe, Vermont.

OTHER ART NEWS

The first printing of my calendar has sold out!  I will be picking up a second printing this coming week and even that one is going fast.  When I pick it up I will again have to put another print order in.  I am not complaining...Thank you everyone!

If you would like a copy, you can buy them from me by ordering through my e-mail   pmlyon@ juno.com or directly from my Etsy Shop: lyonsurreyphotos

In Vermont, they are currently available at River Bend Market and Haymaker Press in Morrisville; Elnore General Store;  the Capitol  City Visitor's Center in Montpelier.  I will be adding other locations soon.

Brazenly Commercial And Not Apologizing...

As we moved into November, I started thinking about how to market my art as gifts.  I decided brazen and crass would do!  Here goes...

I am absolutely loving the way my new 2015 calendar came out and I know you will, too.
 Here is the cover:

It is 81/2 x 11, opening to 81/2 x 22, sells for $20 if you buy it from me;  $25 in the retail stores of Vermont. Contact me at pmlyon@juno.com or buy it from my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/lyonsurreyphotos for the $20 price.

Of course if you need to have it shipped to you it will be $5,00 for the postage either way!

On my Etsy shop you can also buy cards, my book The Essence of Trees, and of course, photographs. You can purchase any of the photographs as simple prints, matted prints or even finished art in a frame.  Prices vary depending on how you want to buy the photographs and the sizes you desire.  The best way to get accurate prices is to contact me at pmlyon@juno.com with your wishes.

The Essence of Trees is a 26 page hard cover 8 x 11 photo book that features fine art photographs of trees, and quotations about trees on the page opposite the photo.

$35.00

I also have many more photographs on my website and most of them are also available as archival prints.  http://patricialyonsurrey.wordpress.com/

You don't even have to wait until Black Friday to buy!

Here are a few sample of my work:

Silhouette Photography

Polaroid Transfers

Montage

Traditional Photos

If you live in Vermont and want to see my finished art before you buy, here are some of the places it is on display(and for sale).

Helen Day Art Center
90 Pond Street
Stowe, Vermont

Stowe/Morrisville Airport
Route 100
Morrisville, Vermont

Bryan Gallery
180 Main Street
Jeffersonville, Vermont

Stowe Family Dentistry
Rt 100
Stowe, Vermont
I know this seems like a strange place to have an exhibit but you should see
Stowe Family Dentistry's wonderful new space--architecturally designed in Vermont, built with all materials and products from Vermont including wood, granite and now, Vermont artists' works on the walls.

If you have read this far down, I have a deal for you!
20% discount on Essence of Trees if purchased before December 1.
Contact me for your discounted book at pmlyon@juno,com

Art Work And Exhibits Keep Coming Around

After a summer of art exhibits and sales events I took some time off from showing my work. That did not mean I stopped working. I updated my website, downloaded a Lightroom e-book and will soon be teaching myself more about that program. And this week I am in the process of updating my Etsy shop. 

I would appreciate any comments you may have about ways to improve the website and the Etsy shop.  Please feel free to e-mail me with any thoughts: pmlyon@juno.com

Website:  http://patricialyonsurrey.wordpress.com/

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lyonsurreyphotos

In November there will be a book release party at Lost Nation Theater in Montpelier, Vermont for Ron Thompson's new book, On Cue--for which I took the photos documenting the concepts in the book.  More on the book and the party in a later post.

And exhibits don't stop coming around even if I am busy doing other things. Here is one current exhibit and two upcoming ones.

University of Vermont

4th Annual Alumni Art Exhibit

Burlington, Vermont

In celebration of Homecoming Week and in partnership with the Alumni Association, this exhibit showcases the artistic talent of UVM alumni.

Where: Livak Fireplace Lounge and Gallery, Davis Center 4th floor
When: Wednesday, October 8th through Sunday, November 2nd
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 11, 2:00-3:30 PM

Patricia Lyon-Surrey photograph chosen by committee:

Point Reyes Illusion, a composite montage

16x20 matted print   $100

framed $200

 

 

 

 

 Bryan Memorial Gallery

180 Main Street

Jeffersonville, Vermont

Exhibit:  Gems

November 7-November 28, 2014

Opening Reception:  Friday, November 7    6-8 PM

 

 Adobe Blue

 8 x 10  Framed  Polaroid Transfer Print

$160 

 

 

 

Point Reyes Morning

 8 x 10 Framed and Matted Print

$160

 

Helen Day Art Center

90 Pond Street

Stowe, Vermont

Member's Show

Always a great holiday show and a tradition in Stowe for many years, the gallery walls are given over to the art of Helen Day's  members and the Festival of Trees runs in conjunction with the exhibit.  

Courtesy of Helen Day

This year the exhibit runs from December 2-December 28 and the opening reception (with great food)  is on Friday, December 5 at 5:00.

I haven't chosen my second entry; you can see my first below. It will be matted and framed and available for sale at the show.  

What to name it?  Simplicity of Winter?  Cat-o Nines in Winter?  If you have an idea for a name, e-mail me at  pmlyon@juno.com  

The first 5 people who send in an idea for a name will get 2 of my photo cards as a thank you.

 

My two photo entries will be matted and framed and available for sale at the exhibit.  This is a great opportunity to support an artist and an art center--Helen Day gets a percentage of the sale.

 

 

 

Wall Art

I visited the Kent Museum in Calais, Vermont to see an exhibit of contemporary art.  The Kent Museum is an historic 1837 tavern/general store at Kents’ Corner—a crossroads hamlet in Calais, Vermont—just 10 miles north of Montpelier. Operated for over 40 years as a seasonal museum by the Vermont Historical Society, the Museum today is owned by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and currently hosts shows of contemporary art within the complex.  What resulted was my fascination, not of the art, but of a plaster walled room that was kept "as Is" and included writings from former tenants.  I started taking pictures of various parts of the walls.  Contemporary Art?

The Reluctant Fall Photographer

I find myself wanting less and less to take "ordinary photos."  Maybe it has something to do with everyone having a cell phone and using it constantly... Maybe it's because so many pictures are the same: streams caught in stillness, landscapes that show bucolic settings, reflections of everything, HD exaggerated colors ....
Maybe it is because I've been doing this a long time--been there, done that syndrome.
So, when a friend asked me to go on a photo shoot to capture the colors of fall in Vermont, I cringed.  And then I agreed to go.

Bucolic Landscape 1

Bucolic Landscape 2

Fall Close-up

Mustard Field in Fall

At some point I decided to start playing...

Tree Pan

Quarry 1

Quarry 2

Sumac Pan

Tell me what you think.  Are you an "ordinary picture" person?  Is it important for art to be new and different?  What is beautiful?  intriguing?  inspiring?