New Collaboration Process + New Exhibit

 Carol is an artist working with the fantastic StudioWorks group at Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road.  I was asked to collaborate on an artwork with her for a show at the Weber Gallery which is pairing established artists with developmentally disabled artists.  
Working as a commercial photographer, I've made many portraits of all kinds of people. A portrait is always a sort of collaboration between the photographer and the subject, but inevitably the photographers' choices dictate the final portrait. With the same process of printing on clear acrylic that I've used to make the copper-backed pieces, a more collaborative portrait can be made. I photographed Carol and printed the image, but she gets to choose how she's presented by painting the background layer with a rainbow colored shirt, flowers, and butterflies.  My role in this artwork is minimal. The artwork is about Carol. My role is to simply assist her in making a self portrait.  I hope to continue this with non-profit organizations and do assisted self portraits with the homeless, kids, the disabled, or maybe with professional artists. 




The exhibit is called "Sisters and Brothers" and will be on view at the Weber Gallery (1151 S. 4th St in Old Louisville) April 1-June 30, 2011.  The opening reception is Friday April 1, 5:30-9:00p.m.