Inspiration
Supermodels, noir, spookiness!
I’m going to post more frequently about what inspires me. I recently found some people blogging about this month’s UK Harper’s Bazaar photoshoot with model Claudia Schiffer shot by Michelangelo di Battista, with drawings by by Jon Rogers and styling by Alison Edmond.
It combines a lighting style and color scheme I strive for with pulp and the supernatural. It’s the kind of thing I wish I had done.
Here’s one of them, and then there’s a link to a blog with the series.
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-claudia-schiffer-gets-spooked-harpers-bazaar-uk/
kencredible at the Amberella Gallery until 9/15/09
I’m hoping to go see this show this weekend. I’ve been a fan of the artist for a while and from what I’ve seen, I really like the atmosphere of the gallery. Would love to show there.
Epic Birthday: Kencredible Exhibition @ Amberella
You can see pictures (90!) of the show from Phrequency. Try and find Tanya in there…
Here’s the write up of the show:
Amberella Sugary & Sweet Gallery and Boutique is pleased to present to you the delicious work of photographer Ken Penn… otherwise known as KENCREDIBLE! The Solo Exhibition, “EPIC BIRTHDAYâ€, opens August 15th, 2009 from 8-11pm to celebrate, most appropriately, the photographers actual birthday and show opening! With fashion photography being a strong focus of his work, Penn has worked with a long list of independent designers and models around the United States, Canada and Europe, and is currently in the process of establishing a name for himself within the high fashion industry. He has developed an avant-garde flair in his work. Whether it is ironic conceptual contrasts to haunting dramatic light, Ken hopes to invoke thought or emotion with every image. The solo exhibition, “Epic Birthdayâ€, showcases a collection of Penns photographs that are saturated with color and emotion. The smorgasbord of truly “EPIC†fashion driven photographs are sure to delight.
Established in May 2009, Amberella Sugary & Sweet Gallery and Boutique was born out of Amber Lynn’s desire to sprinkle fairy dust, cotton candy and glittering jewels through dramatic and ultra feminine monthly art shows. The gallery serves to expose local, upcoming artists as well as established and emerging artists from across the country. Committed to showing work that challenges and illuminates the notions of womanhood vs. girlhood and modern fairytales, the gallery serves as a space for exploration and delight. The owner can often be found singing songs from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ as she hand rolls ghostly cotton candy that resembles the delicate pink wigs of old ladies. C.E.O. Miss Pinky Polka Dots, Amber’s cute as a button Boston Terrier is always underfoot with a silky bow tied around her neck. Always available are the newest jewelry lines by L.A. designer Tarina Tarantino and handmade jewelry by Tai Starr.
KEN PENN
Contact info: Kencredible.com
kencrediblebooking @ gmail.com
215.900.1443
Ken Penn’s photographic work began while attending high school in Richmond, VA — a city on the James River with a rich art scene and history. It was the late 80’s and Penn’s original subjects were the punk rock bands emerging in the Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach and Richmond area. After high school, Penn attended the Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Art Foundation, which has repeatedly been ranked the #1 public university school of arts and design in the country by U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and continued to cultivate his interest in photography during his time at VCU.
Penn’s experience ranges from well known non-profit organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (where he was adorned the nickname “Kencredible”) to multimillion dollar household brands such as Circuit City Stores, Inc. Always eager to try something new, Penn has never been afraid to take on any task, and in 2007 he photographed the Senior PGA Golf Tournament held on Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. His subjects range from fashion to fine art to entertainment, with a strong emphasis on fashion.
With fashion photography being a strong focus of his work, Penn has worked with a long list of independent designers and models around the United States, Canada and Europe, and is currently in the process of establishing a name for himself within the high fashion industry.
Ken is considered an artist by those who know him. He has developed an avant-garde flair in his work. Whether it is ironic conceptual contrasts to haunting dramatic light, Ken hopes to invoke thought or emotion with every image.
Specializing in bringing you the “epic” shot you have been waiting for, Ken Penn is pushing boundaries.
Penn was born in Lynchburg, VA. in 1972 and currently resides in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, PA. He works out of his North East Philadelphia Studio, Studio 5 South, located at 3237 Amber Street.
Daniel Edwards
As I try to figure out what types of projects I would or would not work on, Daniel Edwards’ work always catches my attention. I’m interested in pop culture and portraits (or in his case liknesses) and I see his work as a path I could have taken.
I think it’s great what he does, though I don’t know that I agree with it. It makes me question what I think is an appropriate use of a celebrity’s image. It’s one of the reasons I’m glad I’m not famous because I don’t think I’d like being one of his subjects. These celebrities are used to represent ideas, but they are people. Who’s rights or needs are more important, the society that uses celebrities – like societies once used the Gods of Greek Myths – to explain/represent aspirations/fears, or the people who are being used in this way? I used to think it was society, but now I think it’s the people. I think you should have to volunteer to be an idea or an ideal.
Anyway, here’s this dude sculpting this chick:
Fallen Princesses Essay by Dina Goldstein
Here’s a photo essay that caught my eye. It’s more of a sad message than I’d like, but the technique is similar to some things I’ve been working on. Since I’m expecting a kid later this year, I’m really distracted by the urge to smack Snow White’s Prince Charming in the head. Also, if you’re intrigued by this work, you may want to check our Bill Willingham’s Fables comic. I’m a regular reader.
Fallen Princess at JPGMagazine
By Dina Goldstein
8 June 2009These works place Fairy Tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the Princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict. The ‘…happily ever after’ is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues.
100-Year-Old Artist Unveils 60-Meter Mural
“Swiss artist Hans Erni at age 100 unveiled one of his largest works Saturday - a massive mural on the outside wall of a U.N. building in Geneva. The irrepressible Erni … had to cover up some of the muscular nudes in his mural after concerns were expressed in Geneva that his original design might shock some viewers.” Boston Globe (AP) 06/06/09
Bill Sienkiewicz
Bill Sienkiewicz is my favorite living artist. His storytelling ability, rendering skills, use of color, and evolution as an artist are all inspirations to me.
A few years ago I did a painting of Delirium inspired by Mr. Sienkiewicz for my 2003 Halloween series.
My favorite piece he’s ever done is this unpublished Batman sketch:
Here’s some of his paintings from his site
Sketchy’s 3
Had an amazing day. Met up with Julie, one of the first models I ever worked with, more on that later. Also saw lots of original art from my heroes from the 90s more on that later, too
Sketchy’s pic.
Inspiration
An artist who’s work I like was interviewed recently and said that they were inspired by the following people:
Karl Lagerfeld
Stan Brakhage
Kenneth Anger
Francis Bacon
Helmut Newton
Posting these here so they’re easy to find when I have time to research their work.