Photographers can capture a moment out of time the way a poem can distill a fleeting feeling. On today’s Art in Your Ear (12/4/15) we talked to three photographers who see Florida in very diverse ways. Cheryl Levin, Peter Bates and Robert Winch were chosen by curator Deborah Radke to have their work in the TECO Public Art Gallery in downtown Tampa (across from Tampa Theater) for the month of December.
Peter put up this virtual slide show of the work, though seeing it in person is much more exciting. He takes twilight pictures of bodegas and convenience stores, and their owners, documenting various immigrant communities. Both he and his wife, Cheryl, then transform their pictures with added color and depth, reframing and highlighting what we often overlook. Cheryl’s pictures of junk yards and rust and discarded computer parts transform into mini-cities and symphonies of patina. Robert’s works are black and white, with patterns, shadows and symmetry as his important references.
Deborah Radke curates the shows there, and is open to hearing from artists who wish to show at TECO. She prefers group shows. She can be contacted at dradke1@tampabay.rr.com.
On the second half of the show, Frank Strunk III came by to talk about his show opening this weekend, 10 Seemingly Unrelated Objects at the Blue Goose in downtown St. Pete. Frank works primarily with steel, creating tactile work that you really want to touch, but might hurt you if you do. What does a teddy bear, a BLT (yes, a steel BLT), a stitched human heart, and other objects have to do with each other? You can write down your thoughts and they will be read at the closing party for the exhibition.
We also talked a little about keeping faith in your work, a faith that is sometimes fragile. Many artists struggle with how their work is seen through others’ eyes. Interesting to hear an artist whose work is so confident to continue doubts. Is that something, wonderful artists, that fuels you or keeps you from getting stuff done?
We also announced Nina Winter’s opening at the Clearwater Center for the Arts.
Music on today’s show:
Animal Collective’s new single, Floridada
The Head & the Heart, Let’s Be Still
Frank Sinatra, This Town
Yo La Tengo, Deeper Into Movies
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