I Will Be Teaching Fuji Transfer, Fuji Emulsion Lift, & Other Photo Transfer Techniques at CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in California

I am very excited to be one of 30 instructors at the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in Irvine, California, May 30th - June 3rd, 2012! It has been five years, to the day, since I travelled to teach. Back then, I brought my 1.5 year old daughter to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to teach digital travel photography. Now, I have a 5.5 year old and a 2.5 year old, and I am ready to embark on a new adventure, solo this time, in the company of my amazing friend, Dea Fischer. If you love mixed media and are in the area, or if you would like to take a little vacation in Orange County, check out the 60 courses offered at this amazing retreat. There are courses in book making and art journaling, print making and surface design, mixed media stitch, collage and assemblage, mixed media jewlery... wow! The workshops are listed by order of day and can be seen here. I will be teaching Fuji transfers, Fuji emulsion lifts, and Creating the Vision; Printing and Transferring Your Images (with my wonderful friend, Dea!) If you would like to know more please see examples and course descriptions below.

Fuji Emulsion Lifts
Ha Ling By Tiffany Teske 

Fuji Emulsion Lifts (3-Hour)

Date: Saturday, June 2 Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Technique: Printmaking & Surface Design

Instructor: Tiffany Teske

Price: $85.00

Materials Fee: $20.00

Looking for a new way to add your images to your art? Let Tiffany teach you how to make Fuji Emulsion Lifts using Daylabs & Polaroid cameras. Whether you are a skilled photographer or a novice you will learn how to turn your images into one-of-a-kind emulsion lifts that can be displayed on their own or used to enhance your mixed-media pieces. If you have experience with Polaroid emulsion lifts, this class shows you a similar way to work with a more readily available film. Participants will leave with up to 20 Fuji images, on watercolor paper, glass, and metal, to use in other workshops.

Students Should Bring: 90 or 140 lb hot press (smooth) watercolor paper in 4x5” pieces (up to 20), 4x6” prints of photographs to work with and/or 35mm slides, Acrylic gel medium (matte or gloss), a 1" brush for applying medium, any porous or non porous surfaces you would like to put an emulsion lift on (examples: shell, metal, mirror, glass, wood, fabric

 

Fuji transfer

By Tiffany Teske

Fuji Image Transfers (3-Hour)

Date: Sunday, June 3 Time: 9:00am-12noon

Technique: Printmaking & Surface Design

Instructor: Tiffany Teske

Price: $85.00

Materials Fee: $10.00

Do you use your own images in your art? Join Tiffany for an introduction to Fuji image transfers using Daylabs and Polaroid cameras. Whether you are a skilled photographer or a novice you will learn how to turn your images into one-of-a-kind transfers that can be displayed on their own or used to enhance your mixed media pieces. If you have experience with Polaroid transfers this class shows you a new (and different) way to work with a more readily available film. Participants will leave with up to 10 finished transfers on watercolor paper which can be used in other workshops.

Students Should Bring: 10 pieces of 90 or 140 lb hot press (smooth) watercolor paper cut into 4x5” pieces, 4x6” prints of personal photographs to work with and/or 35mm slides

Gel medium transfer on glass 

Maine by Tiffany Teske

Creating the Vision: Printing and Transferring Your Images (6-Hour)

Date: Friday, June 1 Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Technique: Printmaking & Surface Design

Instructor: Tiffany Teske & Dea Fischer

Price: $149.00

Materials Fee: $25.00

You've mastered the photography and you've created images you love. Deepen your layers of creative engagement by learning to incorporate images of your own creation into your mixed-media artwork. Join Tiffany Teske and Dea Fischer to explore fascinating image printing and transfer techniques that can be tricky to master effectively. You will create cyanotype or "sun" prints from negatives, and practice making gel medium skins and transfers, blender pen transfers, encaustic and heat transfers. You will produce several pieces during this workshop that you can take away to use in your work

Students Should Bring: Negatives (large format if you have them or know how to make them, but we will teach you); photocopies (not prints) of non-copyrighted or self-created material; soft gel acrylic medium; 1" soft-bristle paint brush, blender pen (a solvent-based art marker like Copic with no pigment, available from your art supplier); an old spoon.

If you would like to sign up for any of these courses, or would like to know more about CREATE, please go to the CREATE website by click this link. If you can't make it to California, but will be in Banff, Alberta, or near here, please contact me for a private workshop. Cheers!

Featured in the Light Leaks Gallery, the LAST Issue, Sniff, Sniff....

Light Leaks Magazine, Issue 19, Secrets

Light Leaks, Issue #19, arrived in my mailbox yesterday. It was a bittersweet moment, because I knew one of my images was being featured in the gallery, but I also knew it was the last issue ever. Yet another one of my favourite magazines is no longer being printed. Here is what Mike Barnes and his wife, Rachel, had to say about their decision, in an email sent out about 2.5 months ago:

"As you know, we have struggled to keep Light Leaks in print over the past year. We had an excellent plan—with the addition of the Light Leaks Shop and Holgapalooza we felt the financial difficulties could be resolved. Unfortunately those additions required more of our own time. With a growing young family, free time has quickly become our most precious commodity.

While we enjoyed working on Light Leaks over the years, we have come to a point where we must focus on our own careers to support our family. My own interest in toy camera photography has always been a hobby, not a profession. Unfortunately as much as I loved putting together Light Leaks I spent most of my time putting together a magazine about toy cameras, but not actually being able to use those toy cameras myself!

Contributing to each issue of Light Leaks magazine was (I think) an excellent use of my time, and I think all those who contributed will feel the same way. It was always a labour of love for an end product that never lacked in quality. For all of you that have been scoffed at for wielding your beloved low-fi cameras, Light Leaks represented you and why you love what you do.

For current subscribers, you believed in us, and we thank you for that. We would be honoured to have you consider your unfulfilled subscription a donation into helping us pay our final printing payments. We can offer you some of the remaining back issues that we have left, or some of the digital versions we have created (which also includes The Toycam Handbook), however supplies are limited. In addition to creating some revenue from the digital issues, we have had to sell off our entire store inventory to help get this last issue to you.

We will be closing the Light Leaks shop, but keeping www.lightleaks.org open along with links to the digital versions.

We want to thank you all for supporting our humble magazine, and especially to those who contributed over the years, particularly Gary Moyer, Steph Parke, and of course my wife, Rachel who did a lot of the work behind the scenes. Best to you all in your future low-fi photographic adventures!

Mike Barnes (toycamera@rogers.com)"

My little one...

...hamming it up

My image, Talking Walls, is a Holgaroid double exposure, made using a Holga CNF 120 with a Polaroid back. The original image is on chocolate Type 80 film from impossible project, which has shades of brown and pink, but it was printed in black and white for the magazine.

 My photography also appeared in Issue 13, Road Trip and Issue 14, Childhood.

Goodbye, Light Leaks. You were a stellar Canadian publication that toy camera lovers around the world will always remember fondly. Thanks so much!

Capture the Colour of Fall Exhibition at the Whyte Museum

Bankhead #2 by Tiffany Teske Original Fuji Emulsion Lifts approx. 3x8", matted & framed 8x10"

Fall is my favourite time of year. I smile when I see the yellow leaves blowing past my feet and when I hear them crunching underfoot. The fresh, crisp air makes me feel alive as I play outdoors with my kiddos. I have always enjoyed capturing fall with my camera so I was excited when I saw the Whyte Museums call for local art with an autumn theme. One of the places I love the most in Banff is the Whyte Museum. This area is steeped in history and there is so much to learn about it at the Whyte. They also regularly host juried shows that feature local artists. I currently have work in an exhibition in their Swiss Guides Room, as part of their Blossoms and Botanicals Show. The next show is, Capture the Colour of Fall, and I had three pieces selected from my submission. I delivered them today, as the wind blew the leaves from the trees. The show runs from October 1st to November 15th and the opening reception will be on October 1st from 1 - 4 PM. This opening coincides with Alberta Arts Days. I will be at the opening from 1 - 2 PM that day, if you would like to come by and say hi. And if you can't make it, the pieces are shown here... have a happy fall!

Golden Leaf by Tiffany Teske 

Original Fuji Emulsion Lift 

approx. 3x4", matted & framed 8x10"

Bankhead #1 by Tiffany Teske 

Original Fuji Emulsion Lifts

approx. 3x8", matted & framed 8x10"

"UFOs on display at library" Rocky Mountain Outlook Article About My Current Show "Decidedly Undecided"

UFOs on display at library
Feb 03, 2011 12:33 pm | MICHELLE MACULLO

submitted
BUCKET STUDY #2 by Tiffany Teske

January was a busy month for Banff photographer and artist Tiffany Teske.

Rarely one to say no, even with little notice, she jumped at the opportunity to host the February art show at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery. With little more than a month to pull off an exhibit, operating on a-few-minutes-here and an-hour-there schedule, she did what she does best – making visual magic out of what she calls UFOs – unfinished objects.

“A lot of people in crafts and arts would know what that is,” she said.

The past four weeks were a blur, and now that she’s playing catch-up, she’s wondering how it is she is no longer considered a scorpio, given the recent astrological decision detailing the misalignment of the stars to their signs.

“I’m flabbergasted,” she says in disbelief. “There’s no way I’m not a scorpio.”

But perhaps there is some truth up in the sky.

Unlike a scorpio, Teske was ambivalent about a name for her exhibit. And then it dawned on her.

During February, Teske presents Decidedly Undecided, a rich blend of new and revamped photography, mixed media and mosaic pieces on display at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery. An opening reception with the artist in attendance takes place on Saturday (Feb. 5) from 7-9 p.m.

Most impressive pieces in the show include Cold Heart of the Sun, Balance and Bucket Study #2.

Teske says her career choice was deliberate and made for a number of reasons, the least being money. And while she’s had the opportunity to follow more traditional artistic paths with a meatier paycheque, she’s comfortable with who she is and what she does. And she has a good support network to boot.

“I make it work,” she said. “There’s a statistic out there that says most artists quit by the time they’re 40. My husband won’t let me quit.

“It’s who I am. It’s my sanity. When I don’t do it I get stressed out.” Teske uses her house as an informal gallery, displaying many of her efforts, those of her friends and pieces acquired through art trades. While her skills and interests have evolved since she first picked up a 110 camera at the age of seven, she’s a firm believer that her past has provided her with the foundation for continual inspiration, and a constant supply of artwork for her walls.

“I’m not old enough for a retrospective,” she says. “But I’m proud of all of it.”

The majority of the show’s pieces are for sale. For more information on Teske or her artwork, email tiffany@oldesage.com or visit her blog at www.tiffanyteske.com.

Decidedly Undecided is on display until Feb. 28.

Creative Challenge - Make Handmade Goodies for Your Facebook Friends

Crayon cakes I make from old broken crayons... (you can make them too, just check out this post...)

The other day I was updating my Facebook fan page and soon I was checking out what my friends were up to on my Facebook home page. My friend, Michelle's status read:
Pay it forward 2011: I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must re-post this status, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011. Sometime.

Well, I pretty much only buy or make handmade items for people so this is right up my alley. First, I made sure I would be one of the five getting in on Michelle's action. Then, I posted this on my status, late at night, and by morning I had 5 takers. The fun part was, I went right their pages to be one of the people they are making for. Then, I decided to open my offer up to another 5 people. Right now, I am taking one more person... it could be you!

I challenge you to post this on your Facebook. Your handmade items can be something you bake, cook, write, or make. I am thinking of giving crayon cakes to people with kids and maybe pendants, magnets, photographs, or tiny collages to the others. Whatever it is I am bound to record it here. I love how inspiration can come from anywhere. I hope you are expired to make something for someone sometime soon...

Tutorial - Camera Strap Cover - Revamp an Old Camera Strap Using Thrifted Upholstery Samples and Embroidery

You may or may not know that I hold two University degrees in photography (one as the major and the other as a minor to studio art). I am an artist, crafter, writer, and all around creative, but I usually say I am a photographer first when I am asked what I "do". Six months after I had my first child we moved across the country for my husband's job and I pretty much gave up my commercial photography business. I specialized in shooting black and white film images at the homes of my clients. I shot enough sessions that I would burn out motors and shutters so I would buy "new" used bodies for back ups. Last month, I started going through all of my analog camera equipment. I have 7 SLR bodies, from good working order to parts cameras, that I needed to test. I have gotten through 5 of them, with some of the results here. I love and miss shooting film and now that I know which cameras to keep, I will probably be doing more of it...

This brings me to the project. In the course of going through all my gear, I decided it was time to make my camera straps pretty. My recent sewing class has inspired me to find new sewing projects and a wide, boring, black neoprene camera strap volunteered to undergo a make over. This project can be adapted to your vision. The sky is really the limit on fabric and embellishments. You can even hand sew this project entirely if you don't have a sewing machine. If you don't have a camera strap you can find many boring and suitable candidates at the thrift store. I will walk you through a few simple steps and then off you go...

How-to Cover a Boring Camera Strap to Make it Pretty...

What you need...

- Wide camera strap
- Fabric, I used upholstery samples
- Sewing Machine and thread (or needle & thread to hand sew)
- Items for embellishment like buttons & embroidery thread


1) Using your camera strap to measure against, decide where to cut your fabric. My piece had some grommets I cut off. Here you can see I pinned the fabric up against the edge of the strap. You will need to make a tube around your strap that fits snugly. I think I only had about 1/2" of fabric beyond my strap on each side (so cut fabric 1" wider than strap).


2) If the ends of your fabric are not finished, finish them now. My sample had finished ends which I just turned under when I put my cover on. It was too short, however, to be used as one piece, so I did sew two pieces if it together. I didn't bother to line up the pattern because I knew I would embellish one end... I sewed the buttons where my obvious seam from joining the two pieces is.


3) You can embellish the top front side of your fabric (the part you will be able to see) now or at the end. I actually did all of my embellishing at the end, when my cover was already on, using a curved tapestry needle. I would suggest doing the embellishing before if you want to remove the strap (since I may have sewn through parts of the strap). I just embellished one end. I did it on the end because I knew that part would show while wearing my camera. If your hair is short you could embellish the whole strap, since it won't be hidden under your hair. I cut a flower and paisley from my fabric and appliqued them on, using embroidery thread.


4) Put wrong sides of fabric together, pin, and sew, using a straight stitch, reinforcing each end by front and back stitching. I used a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn your tube right side out.


5) Slide your cover onto your strap. If you already embellished, you are now done, If not, go ahead and do it now.


Voila! Now go, shoot something, and wear your camera with pride...

Our Little Holiday Photo Shoot: Featuring Ten Tips For Photographing Your Own Kids

My mom lives in Minneapolis, a three hour flight and one and a half hour drive from the airport from us. Due to Andre's job, which is busier in the winter, we always stay put for the holidays. My mom likes to send photo Christmas cards to friends and family and as soon as she started having grandchildren they became the stars of her cards. She now has four granddaughters so this year she is creating a collage card. Here is where I come in. Since we are so far away, I need to take the up-to-date image of my girls. A couple of days ago I dressed the girls up in holidays clothing sent by grandma and we had a little photo shoot, something that is a bit common around here. Having a mom as a professional photographer comes with some obligation to pose when called upon to do so. I always try to make sure my kiddos are have fun with it so that we can enjoy having shoots for years to come...


Here are my tips for a better Christmas card photo shoot...

Some Things To Keep in Mind To Help Photograph Kids Without Pain

1) Cut yourself and your kids some slack. It can be difficult to photograph your own kids. I have been photographing children professionally for 11 years and I still find it difficult to photograph my own. This is in part because your kids are used to you and they may or may not feel like cooperating. When a stranger is asking them to do something, they may be in awe of the situation or at least curious so they just follow along. It is different when Mom is asking, especially if Mom has a camera pointed at them all the time and they are desensitized to it. Don't push the issue. You may have to try more than once.
2) Make sure your kids are well rested, well fed, and in a good mood. Explain what you are after while at the same time making it sound fun. If you want to use bribery, it is up to you. I don't like to flat out bribe, but I do set things up in such a way that the kiddos know that once we have done our job of getting the photos we can then move on to baking cookies and making hot chocolate. Try to get the images you want within 30 minutes. Professionally, I have worked with kids for up to one and a half hours, but these were exceptional kiddos. Also, keep in mind that at different ages kids do different things. For example, it can be hard to get a very young baby to smile, then many two and three year olds ham it up and can't smile "right", and the more kids of different ages in the mix, the more difficult it can be to have everyone smiling, looking at the camera, keeping their hands off their faces, etc, etc, etc. For that matter, the more kids of the SAME ages, the more difficult it can be. I once had two Christmas photo shoots on the same day, one was with quintuplets, the other with twins. I earned my keep that day.


Some Things To Consider Before Getting Started

3) Use natural light. I feel it provides the best results with kids, much better than on-camera flash, especially the built in flash on a point and shoot camera. Pick a room that is well lit with window light. You do not want strong, direct sunlight to fall on your kids because it will cause squinting. You want soft, even light and for these photos you probably want it to fall directly on your kids faces, so position them facing the window and yourself with your back to the window. This does limit where you can move around to... For more options, go outside and have the kids sit in an evenly light place that is not in direct sunlight. We live where it was -22 C on the day of our shoot, so we set ourselves up in the living room, in front of the sliding glass door at a time of day when the most indirect light was coming in.
4) Select an uncluttered background. Keeping in mind which one has the best natural light. If you do need to use an on-camera flash do not position your kids directly against the background, as you will get a strong shadow against it from the flash, especially when taking a vertical photo. To minimize this, move your kids away from the wall, try to have some natural light coming in to also illuminate the kids, and take the image horizontally, then crop out extra background on the computer.
5) Have some poses in mind. You can put the kids on a couch, chair, bench, or on the floor. In my case, I have a three year old and a 6 month old. The 6 month old doesn't sit on her own. Her sister loves to hold her but because she is only three, it makes the baby (and me) a bit nervous. For my session I decided to have them on the ground, on a white shag rug. It was neutral but comfortable so they could lay on it for several photos.
6) Have a chair or sturdy step stool that you can climb up on so you can photograph your kids from above. It is not only flattering for subjects to look up at the camera (especially older people as it lengthens the neck and gets rid of double chins) but it also helps you to screen out all of the visual clutter. When you are above something, you only see the floor, bed, chair, that the child is sitting on, not the background. Where you stand when taking an image is called vantage point. Think about yours. Get up and down, and move around.
7) Do not have your kids say "cheese". This always makes them look unnatural. In fact, it is pretty easy to tell just by looking at a photograph that a child is saying "cheese". Let the true personalities of your kids show through. This is not always easy to capture, especially when kids are strictly posed by an adult. Kids are kids and I never strive for perfection in this kind of a shoot. I would rather get the true essence of the kids. If you want something very formal and you are not a photographer, maybe you should consider scheduling a session with a pro. For holiday cards, most people will be happy to receive cute photos of your adorable kids being, well, kids.


Start Snapping Away
8) Take lots of pictures in lots of different poses. Mixing things up is a good way to keep your kids from getting bored and it gives you lots to chose from while avoiding having to do the whole thing over again.
9) Let your kids decide on some of the ways they want to pose. Including them in decision making does wonders for cooperation.
10) Try to get what you want, without pushing it. Once kids have gone over the edge they rarely come back. Keep that half an hour in mind and be sure you have gotten the images that you want to work with, because unless you enjoy fix problems with imaging software, it is much simpler to get what you need in camera at the shoot then to edit the images.

If you have any questions or additional advice please feel free to leave me a comment.

All Over The Map - Solo Exhibition at the Banff Public Library

Wow! The month of October was spent getting ready for my show. And the past week has been spent shooting and posting for Polaroid week. And my in laws were here, and now my dad is here. Add play dates and preschool, crafting with friends, hunting treasures, baking and cooking, etc etc etc, man oh man I am tired.

Tomorrow night, Saturday, November 7th, I am having an opening for my latest show at the Banff Public Library from 7-9 PM. If you are local, please come! I am thrilled to have already sold two pieces in the show. And friend and writer Michelle Macullo wrote an awesome article about the show in this week's Rocky Mountain Outlook. She writes about all of the art shows for the library. It was so fun to chat with her and then to see what she would write. She is so sweet, I can't believe she said I give people the same feeling hot chocolate does! Below you will find the article and my artist statement for the show.


Image by Craig Douce of the Rocky Mountain Outlook

Artist all over the map with new exhibition
Published: November 04, 2009 10:00 PM
Updated: November 04, 2009 11:05 PM

MICHELLE MACULLO, BANFF

There’s something remarkable about Banff photographer Tiffany Teske.

Within minutes of sitting down with her, she puts you at ease. She’s that friend who loves you unconditionally, flaws and all – the kind of person who makes you feel the way hot chocolate does.

And while her Twitter page claims she’s “trying to get a handle on all the projects running around in her head,” it’s clear she’s got a gift for getting things done. With more than one blog, various projects on the go and two young daughters, she still manages to pursue her love of photography.

During the month of November, Teske presents All Over the Map – a solo exhibition of previously displayed and new photo-based works at the Banff Library Public Art Gallery. An opening reception with the artist and family in attendance takes place at the library, Saturday (Nov. 7) from 7-9 p.m.

Whether Polaroid transfers, collages or photos embellished with hand-sewn details, the end result is curiously pleasing, inspiring and peaceful. Noteworthy pieces include Wedding Cake from Kiki’s Wedding Series (Polaroid emulsion lift), Tremendous Journey from the Series Wanderlust (mixed media collage on a recycled album jacket) and Amazing Grace (Polaroid Transfer).

Since becoming a mother, Teske’s managed to weave visual arts into her regular routine. With 22 group shows and three solo efforts, there’s little doubt she’s adjusted. While the amount of time she spends on her craft has changed, her love of art hasn’t.

“I have no illusion that I’ve got it all together,” she laughs. “I’m not happy if I’m not creating. I have to feed the need to be creative. So even though I’m not getting into the studio as much as I’d like, I cook more and I bake more.”

And while she’s good at many things, she has no interest in being the best.

“It’s hard to be a perfectionist in art because you stand in your own way,” Teske says.

The transition from straight photography to mixed media has been a natural progression for Teske. Her inspiration is found in family, spirit, recycled objects and creative genius – something old, something new, something borrowed and hand-made glue.

All pieces in the show are for sale either framed or unframed. For additional details, or to contact the artist directly, please e-mail tiffany@oldesage.com.

All Over the Map runs until Nov. 30 at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery.


Metamorphosis
Mixed Media Collage
By Tiffany Teske
SOLD

All Over the Map ~ Mixed Media Works by Tiffany Teske

I have to admit that this exhibition has turned out differently than I originally planned. It makes total sense, in fact, it is truly perfect. Not the work perhaps, but the way it all came together. It is a bit like the way my husband and I travel. We have a map, we have a guidebook, but in the end we hop on some mode of transport and just let the experience take over and dictate where we will go. In the end, we have the most amazing adventures because we are open to not only all good experiences, but also to the occasional mishaps and misadventures. The ups come with some downs and in the end it is absolutely sublime. Like life. Like making art while at the same time mothering my two children.

Maybe someday I will present the body of work I had originally intended to create, a cohesive group of art like I was trained to create while in University. The kind of work I used to be able to create, before I became a mother. However, I am a much different person now and since I just keep changing, as does my life, whatever I plan to make in the future can not be what I had envisioned in would have been in the past. So, I am realising as I write this that what I have created in this retrospective body of work, that is sprinkled with some new pieces, is exactly what I meant to create. All Over the Map is real, it is true, it is me, and how I am creating art right now.

I used to be really good at my life. I looked as if I had it “all together” and truthfully I did. I could juggle dozens of balls in the air without dropping one. I could work on several projects at once and finish what I started in good time. I was not ruthlessly structured, I had a map and would use it, but I would also meander in appropriate ways. I had 24 hours 7 days a week to be me; a wife, a daughter, a friend, an artist, an activist, a traveler, an adventurer. Now, I am also a mother.

Lately, I have taken to calling myself the Artist Currently and Forever Known as Mama. I had no idea what I was in for. I thought for some reason babies would just be extra balls to juggle in the beautiful circus of my life. But, I am pleased to say, that in fact, they are the main attractions upon which my spotlight is permanently fixed. Their beauty transfixes me in a way that I can scarcely take my eyes off of them in order to catch the balls that now fall from time to time, some occasionally rolling away. Now, instead of seamless working on several things at once, I can barely start what I finish artistically because I am too busy relearning the wonder of being a child. It is sublime in a way that I could not have imagined. Yet, I must admit that there is a darker side, that my muse does become cranky, frustrated, and sometimes down right angry when I don’t create but she is appeased by snippets of time that I can spin into art; the art that you see here. In the three and a half years I have been a mother, I have been able to create and to participate in 22 group and three solo shows. All while watching my children grow and while joining them in play. All by learning that perfection is not my goal. I freed myself by truly not caring if others think I have it all together. I can honestly and happily say I don’t. All Over the Map is showcases my current adventure. Thanks for coming along.

Feature on POE Blog (Photographers of Etsy) - My Internship with Wegman

I have been on vacation with my family for so long (no complaints!) that I am getting behind on my posts. I would be posting each night but my darn hotel internet is a bit unreliable, especially when it comes to uploading images. C'est la vie! Technology is great when it works...




I want to thank Ann Wilkinson for interviewing me about an internship I completed in University with William Wegman for the Photographer's of Etsy blog. You can check it out here. It was a fun trip down memory lane. I really haven't thought about it much in recent years. It is only when people have read my CV and ask me about it that I remember it. I was able to find these photographs, which now seem like they were taken AGES ago. I have changed a lot in going on 10 years... Ann's article was pretty accurate (although Wegman's "cabin" is more like a mansion) which I appreciate and expected from Ann. As the article states, if you are interested in interning for another photographer, just be brave and ask. It worked for me...

Feature Article in PhotoEd Magazine

I have long been a fan of PhotoEd Magazine. I was first alerted to this publication when my friend and fellow photographer, Angela Marklew, was featured in their book arts issue. I have submitted to them twice, and the first time I had one of my Polaroid transfers featured in their Reader's Gallery. I blogged about it here.

The second time I submitted, they were looking for portfolio submissions by photographers who were working in historic processes. I contacted Felix Russo, the magazine's publisher, and asked if Polaroid processes would be considered. He was looking for photographers working in all alternative processes and asked me to submit some of my tranfer work. I sent him two bodies of work, my Seeing Double Polaroid Spectra Series, and Personally Created Iconic Memories (which I need to upload to Picasa or Flickr...). Six images from Iconic Memories were selected to appear in the magazine and I was asked to write about the series. I received both a contributor's credit on the magazine's masthead, as a writer, and then had my article in the contents and in the magazine.

No matter how many times I have seen my work in print, as a professional photographer, it is always exciting. I am thrilled to be in full color, across two pages, of this wonderful Canadian publication. And especially to be in THIS issue. It is the 25 issue, called Photography Revisited. It features many talented photographers working in processes from albumen printing to cyanotype toning to pinhole and toy camera photography. I have read about half way through the issue, and I can't wait to get online to check out even more of these artists' work.





Here is Mr. Russo's editorial for this issue:
"With this issue we celebrate a milestone, our 25th issue — a good time to reflect on what photography is and why photographers are fascinated with their art of choice. PhotoEd has always considered that photography is not a singular activity with a uniform approach. In fact, one of the lures of photography is the almost infinite paths that it offers to anyone setting out on a journey of photographic exploration. The sum total of all photographic discoveries, inventions, and processes are available for you to discover. The relation of past processes and present practices is symbiotic—mutually beneficial. Encompass the entirety of photography and you will be rewarded with many rich experiences. Thank you for taking PhotoEd along on your journey and for your support over the years.

The fall 2009 issue of PhotoEd will be a survey of post-secondary colleges, universities, and professional schools offering an education in photography. Consider having your school featured in this issue. Students attending these schools are welcome to submit their portfolios. The photographic universe is expanding at an accelerating pace and education will be your ticket to this new world."

If you are a student, what are you waiting for? Get together your best work and submit to PhotoEd....

I am a photographer for exactly the reason Mr. Russo talks about in his editorial. Photography doesn't present just one option, it is compilation of all things within its history. The options are unlimited, the possibilities endless. It is never the same. I am obsessed with photography. It is my passion. I am so grateful to be able to turn my passion into something that speaks to others.

National Pinhole Photography Day

Detail #3 by IMRE BECSI

Yippee!! I have to admit, in all of my time as a student of photography, which started in high school, went through two university degrees, and now I teach, I have never made or used a pinhole camera. It is on my list of things to do... which is what I love so much about photography, there are so many possibilities when it comes to processes. Anyway, I want to get into pinhole photography. And since I am such a Polaroid addict, I think I will either buy a Polaroid pinhole camera or make one. When I was researching for this post, I found several very helpful and generous how-tos on making a Polaroid pinhole camera. Check them out, and if you make one, and use it, sent me some photos so I can blog about you.


How to Make a Polaroid Pinhole from Make Magazine.

How to Make a Pinhole Polaroid Camera by DuChamp on Flickr.

Pimp My Polaroid on Silverbased Blog.

Where to Buy A Polaroid Pinhole Camera (Daylab).

A Polaroid pinhole can use Fuji instant films.

Here are some wonderful images I found online made with Polaroid pinhole cameras... Just click on the info below each photograph to be taken to that person's website or blog.


Dandelions By Adrian Hanft


Pinhole 24 by Moominsean


By Katier


By Cecil Rimes


Fish Market by Marcelo Saraiva

I hope you are inspired! Now go, make some images...

Check This Out - Simon Hoegsburg

Part of "We Are All Going to Die" by photographer Simon Hoegsburg

Friend and fellow photographer, William Dunniway sent me this link. I am glad I opened it. It gives you a virtual experience of viewing a 100 meter long photograph of 178 people, taken over 20 days, at the same spot on a railroad bridge in Berlin during the summer of 2007. Most people were unaware that they were being photographed. And the people who were aware are quite interesting. I can't say I have ever viewed an image of people in quite this way and it is very powerful. As are many of the images in the rest of Hoegsburg's galleries. I especially like the Thought Project.

Still Catching Up...

This ran in the Banff Crag & Canyon, just after the opening of the Women's Art Show on March 7th, 2009. I wish I had a link to it online, but alas there is none. So, I took a photo to commemorate it here. I must say once again that I am so happy to have been part of this show. I currently have some new friendships blossoming because of it.

QQ Boutique

Image by Karina Bergmans

My daughter, who is almost 3 (!!Where does the time go!!) has the initials QQ. My wonderful friend, Karina, made this image in Toronto. She sent me this AGES ago and I am just getting around to posting it. I really do do everything EVENTUALLY... thanks, K!

Shopping Cart Double Exposure Featured on Try Handmade

Image copyright Tiffany Teske.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out via Google Alerts that this image was used to illustrate a blog post on the blog Try Handmade. The post, called How You Spend Matters: The Case for Buying Handmade, was written by Beverly Rustica. Thank you so much, Beverly! I am so happy to have found Try Handmade, and I have subscribed, so I look forward to future column posts.

This image is from my Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff series. It is available for purchase here.

Light Leaks 13 Submission

I just emailed my lastest submission to Light Leaks Magazine. Someday, I hope to appear in it's pages.... The theme is Road Trip. Submitted images must have been made with a toy camera or Polaroid camera. This is an image I made on SX-70 film with a Polaroid Land Camera back in 2001 or 2002. It is of my friend Mat, when he, my friend, Gaetane from Belgium, and I took a road trip to NYC. It is a bit mundane but truly captures the essence of being in the car on a road trip...

Women's Day Annual Art Show at the Banff Public Library

Today was a big day in many ways. Quin and I baked up a mess of Amish Friendship Bread (more on this in another post), delivered the t-shirts to and attended the friendly rally in support of keeping obstetrics at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital (more on this in tomorrow's post), and to top it off, we attended the opening of the Women's Art Show at the Banff Public Library.


This is a great show to be a part of. This year there are 9 pieces, created by 9 different women, all local. Quin & I arrived with rosy cheeks from our two hours outside at the rally. Barbara, the head librarian, was kind enough to get Quin out of all her outdoor clothes, while I removed my rally t-shirt and put out our bread and non-alcoholic wine (it is just not the same, but I am pregnant...). Then, people started to arrive, each with more and more delicious offerings. The table soon held everything from grapes, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and baby honey oranges, to hummus, guacamole with three colors of chips, cheese & crackers, and spanakopita, to decadent bars, and TONS of chocolate donated by local chocolatier, Bernard Callebaut.


My Little Cindy Who enjoys some guac...

Quin got to work eating, and everyone complimented her on her wonderful behavior. Soon a couple of kids arrived and she hung out with them and their grandparents in the little book room for kids. She and I just spent a lovely hour alone there the other day, she loves the library, like her mom. She is such a good girl, happy to be anywhere for the most part.


There was good public attendance, as well as a reporter, Hagen Hopkins, from the local newspaper, The Crag and Canyon. Last year I left this show disappointed that I had not really mingled with and met the other artists, but this year was great. I met Max Elliot, Cindy Gibson, & Jane Newman. I really enjoyed talking with them. And Max arranged a group photo, which was fun. I didn't get a good one on my camera but I think it will appear in the newspaper. All is all, it was a wonderful event. Thanks to Barbara and the Banff Public Library, and Yosh and the YWCA!!

Town of Banff HomeGrown Art Show

Tonight we had a ball at the annual Town of Banff HomeGrown Art Exhibition. 48 local members of the community, ranging from amateur to well-known professional, gathered to show off their talent. I really appreciate the concept behind this show; it is open to all, no jurying, the more, the merrier! And when you have that many artists showing their work, it becomes a HUGE party... there were a couple hundred people there. The Town takes a small fee from each artist and then furnishes a spread of awesome food, desserts, and wine from local businesses. Yum yum!



My piece was in the main room with the food. I was happy to see it there, partially because it is a nice open room with good light and you can back up and view the work well, but also because I am pregnant so being near the food it important... My piece, titled "Visions of Banff" looked really good. The photo doesn't do it justice... I could not use a flash without glare, so I had to shoot it hand held without flash and it is a bit off kilter. I am going to write a post about the piece in coming days, along with a step by step tutorial. It is a photo quilt. Something new for me. I am planning to do a series of these quilts. I learned a lot while making this one, through trial and error, and I look forward to honing the technique.





Our daughter, Quin, has been attending art shows with us since conception, and she likes the art, but loves the food. As she looked over the food table she said, "This place is great!" One of the artists even sketched her portrait.


When we got back in the truck to leave she said, "We had a great day!" It is always fun to bring her with. And man, does the girl love a balloon. She is in heaven!


Thanks to the Town of Banff for putting on such a fun family event where the residents of our community can shine!

On a really fun note, my friend, Michelle, is finally back from the sticks of Fort Chippewa, for good! I bumped into her at the show and am so excited she is back. We had our daughters on the same day, and she has a little boy now, too. Throw in our little one on the way and fun times are ahead...