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I’ve finally realized over all these years drinking bourbon that I prefer the weaker 80 proof blends. Basil Hayden’s has been a long time favorite for just that reason and now I’m liking the “80 Strong” brand. Its taste is pleasant and certainly not bland. The best part is that it costs only $28, which is less than most. They have a cooll label too with a retro pin-up style.

I shot this on a trip to Jamu Masjid mosque in New Delhi. I don’t know that I was aware of the moment that I caught when I took the picture, but it looks great printed 24×30″. Every character seems to be in just the right pose. Nick Hamilton said it reminded him of Rolande Barthes “Punctum.” (punctum denoting the wounding, personally touching detail which establishes a direct relationship with the object or person within it)
“A photograph’s punctum is that accident [of photographic detail] which pricks me (but also bruises me, is poignant to me)” – Roland Barthes.

My cousin Jack and his girlfriend Holly were back in town for a few days so I went up to see them and get some headshots to refresh their portfolio (with a bonus roast beef dinner thrown in as temptation) I was pretty happy with the results.

1. One who, or that which, serves to bring to, or keep in, mind; a memento; a memorial; a reminder. “Premature consolation is but the remembrancer of sorrow.” Goldsmith. “Ye that are the lord’s remembrancers.” Isa. lxii. 6. (Rev. Ver. ).
2. A term applied in England to several officers, having various functions, their duty originally being to bring certain matters to the attention of the proper persons at the proper time. “The remembrancer of the lord treasurer in the exchequer.” Bacon.

I’m watching the Sally Mann documentary on Ovation TV called “Sally Mann – What Remains.” I’m not a massive fan of her work, although I do think it has a lot of value, but I have some spare time as the labs at Pratt close early on Friday. She’s apparently moved on from photographing her children and is now facing death by photographing her decomposing greyhound, going to forensic decomposition grounds and going to old battle fields. The death project was inspired by watching her father die, and seeing a convict shot down on her property in Virginia. She’s using 8×10 glass plate collodiun negatives. Here’s her photograph of where the convict was killed.

I didn’t see the show at Pace Wildenstein in 2003 (apparently because it was canceled because they were worried about sales) so I can’t really say, but I think I’d prefer her old work that seems more honest.

I have always thought that dolls are super creep little replicas of things that never seem to be anything close to human. These “enchanted dolls” take the creepiness pretty far.

And then these reborns take the life-like thing way too far but don’t lose any of the creepiness.

If anyone feels like buying me dinner, I think we should go to Tom Colicchio’s “Craft Steak House.” I know what I’ll be ordering!

wagyu

New York Strip (gold)  12 oz.  102.

Strube Ranch, Texas

Filet Mignon (grade 9)  10 oz.  90.

Sher Ranch, Australia

Skirt Steak (gold)  10 oz.  75.

Snake River Farm, Idaho

A big thanks to Justin for designing the cards and helping me change the name of my show.

I thought it funny watching this video on BBC News, that the Dalai Lama’s image owuld be used directly after Che. I guess he’s seen as one of those iconic faces (alongside Paris Hilton too!). In a strange and very nerdy way, it’s pretty compelling watching these videos.

It’s actually more fun thaN I thought I’d have, and all the parents seem incredibly happy with me. These are shots from the dress rehearsal on Thursday, the final performance is tonight and I’m heading up for that.

Here’s the big empty room I have to fill with photos. Quite a daunting task, and one I need to get to work on soon. We’ve begun the shows to the semester, Woojin being in this weeks slot with some others (all Korean). I especially like this guys paintings.

We went to a really nice dinner with my parents after seeing the Eggleston show at the Whitney. The show was quite amazing, full of incredible and classic dye transfer prints of images I have idolised. Of course there were some images that were too picturesque and some that I thought didn’t fit. Overall it’s well worth the $15 entry. It’s also fun to see work with your parents when the images are so familiar and influential. I think and hope it helped them understand my work some more. We’re guilty because I squeezed into the tightest parking spot ever and probably ruined some guys departure.He left us this lovely note…