"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.

February 10th - Contact Sheets of My Loves

Wow, already Day 10 of Thing-A-Day. Lately, I have been testing my film cameras. I have 5 SLRs left over from my film days. Some are in rough shape and some are good but I needed to test them so I know which ones are which, since 3 of the bodies are exactly the same. I tested three of the five so far, and the contact sheets are here. Quin & Emmanuelle helped me and we had a ton of fun. Q wore several hats and even a fact full of jam for one roll. I really do love shooting film. It makes my heart all aflutter in a way I can't real explain, I just feel it and it makes me happy... stay tuned for more.

February 8th - Cozy Cave Cupcakes Shoot

I have been collaborating with a friend who makes truly amazing cupcakes at her bake shoppe, Cozy Cave. I am creating a line of greeting cards with cupcake images to sell in her shoppe and other places. She made me five gorgeous cupcakes to start with. I had a great shoot today but have not edited down the photos yet. Here is a selection...

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.

Kiki's Wedding - Polaroid Emulsion Lift Series

I originally published this letter and these images over on my Polaroid blog. I started this series of Polaroid Emulsion Lifts with the aim to submit them to a magazine which has ceased publication. I was happy to complete it, publication or not, for my very dear friend, Kirsten. The series is called Kiki's Wedding.

Dearest Kiki
Your friendship is something that I cherish even more than words can say. And the best part about it is that I know you know exactly what I mean without my even needing to say anything. I consider you a sister.


I have been working on a series of images from the amazing weekend during which you wed Chris. While I had already made these images into Polaroid transfers, I felt I should push them a bit further and try making them as Polaroid emulsion lifts. They are one of a kind, hand placed on handmade paper from India. They are even lovelier in person. I wish I was at your kitchen table right now, showing them to you while drinking tea, or wine, and eating chocolate...


I will never forget the weekend you got married. It was a wonderful trip for Andre and I, and to be able to stay at the Inn, with you, and friends of yours who have since become friends of ours. I would not have missed being there for the world. Thank you for treating us as if we are part of your family. It was good for my soul to be back in Maine and good for my heart to see you so very very happy. Remember when used to we wonder if we would find our true loves? How lucky for us both that we have...


I have so many rich memories from that cold, gray, rainy weekend in Maine in May. I must say that is how I like Maine best. Call me crazy, many people would, but my favorite Maine is moody Maine. And they say it is good luck to be married when it is raining. That weekend was perfect. The cold dampness only made the Inn, the chapel, tent, and the barn seem more cozy. It was magical to look out over all of your dining friends and family and to see their breath on the air, as they talked and laughed together. They had come together to witness your wedding and nothing could dampen their love for you and Chris. It was beautiful.


All of the other memories in my mind have to do with the timeless elements of your special day and the days surrounding it. The Inn was brought me back in time to an era in which I must have once lived, it just seems so familiar. The curve of the gleaming banister on the wooden stairs; the gilded empty frame that hung above the fireplace, flanked on either side by creamy white antique lamps; the old ornate wing backed chair next to the lacy curtains that let in a bright white light; the antique photographs of both of your grand parents, when they were young; the daffodils and pine boughs on our tables; your lovely dress that was truly made for you to wear, it came alive when you stepped into it; your enchantingly scrumptious cake dressed with twigs and birds a top a round of birch, such a shame to cut it apart but to much of a temptation not to. These remembrances and so many more will live on in my mind and heart for the rest of my days. I am grateful to have been a witness to the first day of the rest of your life.

Love to you and Chris,
Tiffany


(Images and Text by Tiffany Teske)

Light Leaks Issue 14

I have been so behind since returning from Holidays. I saw the newest issue of Light Leaks in my pile of mail, and I knew that one of my images was in it. But since I like to savor these moments, I waited until I could take the time to properly look through the issue. So, yesterday, the time arrived, and I tore off the envelope to find what I think is my favorite issue of Light Leaks. The theme is childhood. As some of you know, I use nostalgia and memory in a lot of my work, and childhood naturally comes into play. And since becoming a mom, I spend a lot of time photographing my children. I jumped for joy when one of my images was chosen to be in this issue. It is a beautiful issue, filled with emotional images, from some amazing photographers who I am excited to check out further. Great job again, Light Leaks!


My Image - The Invisible Thread of Time, a double exposure Holgaroid shot using a Holga CFN 120, with a Polaroid Back, using Polaroid Chocolate Type 80 F film from PolaPremium


My image in Light Leaks


One of my favorite images from another photographer in this issue. Image by Rebecca Tolk

More 2009 'Roid Week Images

Man, that was fast, it is already over for 2009... NOOOOOOOOOO! I did make images each day, but just got home from being away, so have yet to scan most of them. I was able to scan this mini series today. I love to shoot little series with Polaroid. 3-5 images work well. This is my daughter, just being free.




All Images Copyright Tiffany Teske

It IS Almost Spring BUT...

... I just found these images in a photo folder from earlier this year and thought I should post them before old Jack Frost goes a packing...

Self Portraits with My Babes

Images by Tiffany Teske

I took these images of my 2 1/2 year old daughter and my blossoming belly, which contains another little girl, whom we can't wait to meet. I love having the time to spend with my girl. To photograph her, and myself in the process. Here is an image of the Polaroids developing...

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.

Sold Polaroid

I sold one of the Polaroid Spectra double exposures from my local show Seeing Double: Reflections of Human/Nature in Banff. You can read more here and here. The man who bought it has lived in Banff for 8 years, he works for the Banff Springs Hotel. He is moving to Washington, D.C., presumably to continue working for the Fairmont Hotel chain. I love D.C. and I am sure he will, too, since he mentioned appreciating arts and culture. He wanted one of my images from the show to remind him of his time in Banff. The image that he chose is of the Banff Springs and a large pine tree. This guy thinks like me, remember a place by a photograph you or someone has made there, or by some other form of original art. It helps support local artists, beautifies your space, and helps you build a nice collection. I certainly appreciate that this guy went out of his way to contact me to buy my art. And just days before Christmas, it really helps us to go ahead and buy the wooden kitchen we are planning to pick up on Wednesday for Quin. She is going to be thrilled!! Happy holidays to everyone!!

Patty's Sky

I created a series of sky Polaroid transfers for my dear friend, Patty. She saw a sky image I had in my Etsy shop and asked me if I could make a series. I knew just which images I would use. I had photographed the sky outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2004, and I had been wanting to make them into transfers.


Patty used to rehabilitate birds and wishes she could fly, so I hope these images help her to soar...

New Works

I have been working on Polaroid transfers lately... but I only have about 30 pieces of film left... period. I am headed to the states in early December, and am hoping that B&H still has a bit of 669 available. If not, I may be force to scrounge the internet for anything I can get my hands on. I truly am at peace with the fact that at some point, I will never make a Polaroid transfer again. However, I like the idea of having this just sort of creep upon me and happen, without my being aware of it until it is over, kind of like the way my child stops doing things, like when she weened, I didn't know it was the end until it was over. This made it much more easy to take...


I enjoyed working on transfers this week. My friend, Patty had asked me to make some transfers of the sky, a series. I will post those later but for now I will post what I uploaded to my Etsy shop. These are images I took while with my Dad, husband, and sister several years ago. They look nostalgic, like a lot of my work, and they are bringing back memories...


On a fun note, Number 3 in this series was featured today on the Photographer's of Etsy Blog, in a feature on New Works. Pam Hardy who also lives in Alberta. Thanks, Pam!

Article in the Rocky Mountain Outlook

Thanks to Michelle Macullo, who wrote a really good article about my current show at the Banff Public Library. She really "got" me. It is always a bit strange when someone interviews you for an article, because you say what you have to say, and then don't read the article until it is in print, which at that point it is final, and if anything you said was misunderstood, there is no way to clarify. Michelle did awesome. If you would like to read the article you can go to the site or read on...

Vintage Polaroid Creates Innovative Art
Published: October 16, 2008 7:00 AM
Updated: October 16, 2008 7:34 AM

By Michelle Macullo BANFF

Making one's passion a career is a dream for most. But for Bow Valley photographer Tiffany Teske, it's a reality.

Over the years, she's made the time and effort to keep her skills sharp. More importantly, she indulges in the craft, simply for the sake of art.

During the month of October, Teske steps away from the business aspect of her career and enchants audiences with Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff, a playful look at the artist's view of Banff.

The exhibit features 23 unnamed colour, double-exposure images taken with the soon-to-be-extinct Polaroid Spectra film. The juxtaposition between the human and natural elements results in an entertaining and unique peek into why Banff enchants Teske. The project took her nearly one year to complete, while she explored the relationship of humans and nature during all four seasons.

While drawn to Banff's beauty Teske, unlike many local artists, isn't driven to capture the mountain landscape on paper.

"I think there's an expectation that if you're a photographer in Banff, people assume you do landscape photography," she said. "I prefer to examine little nooks and crannies - the interplay of people."

Teske took a minimalist approach to Seeing Double, relying on "lots of junk that's useful for art," including use of a $5 Polaroid camera purchased at a thrift store, recycled mats, frames and expired film. Not only was she able to reduce her footprint, she was surprised by her efforts.

"I was thrilled when I discovered the camera worked," she grins. "I never knew what I was going to get. And because of the size (of the photos), people have to get up close to really see what the images are about."

Teske's career as a photographer was accidental. While she enjoyed the craft and tinkered from the age of seven, she didn't take formal classes until her post-secondary years of education at the University of Maine in Augusta. She intended to study nursing, but "the pieces (acquiring the necessary pre-requisites) just never fell into place." And before she knew it, she was studying photography full-time.

Since then, she's achieved renown for her work with the analog photographic process, particularly using the Polaroid films. She regularly exhibits her work in solo and group exhibitions in both Canada and the U.S.

The show's one-of-a-kind images are available framed or unframed. More information on Teske's services and products is available at www.oldesage.com

Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff runs until the end of the month at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery.

Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff Part Three

My Lovely Family

I had many, many wonderful people show up to my exhibit opening at the Banff Public Library. Unlike a public or private gallery on Main Street, where people may wander into an opening or vernissage in the course of an evening because they happen by, the Library openings are mostly attended by people who are invited. I did put announcements in the paper, but in the end, it was mostly people I knew at the show. I was deeply touched by the people who took the time to come and see my work, at my first solo show in Banff.


My friend and chiropractor, Dr. Dorothy and her husband.


My friend and show coordinator, Kim.

I want to thank Kim, Dr. Dorothy, Pam, Drew, and Silver, Megan and Corinne, JT, all the Mom and Kids from our neighborhood, Maureen, Annie, Louise, and William, Cheryl, Michelle, and their friends, and anyone who I hope I have not forgotten... blame it on Mommy brain :)

The icing on the cake, which really, really made me feel special, was that my friends at Victory Thrift Store, sent me flowers!! I had called the Library earlier in the day, and Kim said, "Someone sent you flowers". It had me thinking all day, who sent me flowers? When I opened them and read who they were from, I was so grateful. I go to Victory about once a week. It is the perfect place for me to find toys for Quin, and things for me to repurpose in my artwork or to use in our home. Our friends there, Nathan, Wendy, Shelley, Maureen, and Keely, are very welcoming and friendly. They even save me old books, camera, and photographs! Maureen sent the flowers on their behalf. I was so shocked by the flowers and the starting of the opening, that when Maureen walked in the door, I didn't even have the flowers out on the table :( She chided me about that! It was so good to see her, she has been sick, and I have not seen her in months, just email. I was touched that she not only sent the flowers but that she and a friend came to the show. They used it as an excuse to go out to dinner in Banff and then to come to the show. Maureen is a crafty lady, who enjoys collage and mixed media, and the work of Claudine Helmuth. We are always planning to get together and create but have not been able to. Maureen also encourages me to continue practicing how to sew. She find me books and spurs me on. Thanks to Victory! They mean so much to me that I have always given 10% of the sales in my Etsy shop to their Operation Jacket Frost Program, which provided jackets, snowsuits, boots, and other winter items to children in need.



I am a foodie, so there was plenty of food and drink to be had by our friends. I ordered mini cupcakes for the kids and adults alike, from Cozy Cave Bakery. We were also supposed to have soft pretzels from JK Bakery in Canmore, but they forgot to make my order. We had cheese, baguette, meats (which being a vegetarian I didn't order on the specified CHEESE tray), and juice from Nester's Market. And wine and spirits.

Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff Part Deux

This is the second part post about my solo show at the Banff Public Library. To catch up on the first post go here. As I revealed in my post below, I found out a day before the show that I am pregnant (while battling the stomach flu)! I was glowing inside at the opening. My friend, Kim, who is also pregnant, is the one who was coordinating the show for the Banff Public Library. When I had found out she was pregnant we were talking about how fun it would be if I was pregnant at the same time, and now I am! I could barely get in the back door of the library before I told her the news :) And then I broke out the bottle of denatured wine, so we could celebrate. I was not ready to let everyone know, so this gave me a cover and Kim is due in March, so she is showing, but this allowed her to celebrate with me and during the show.



Here are some more images from the show. I also have images from that night that I will put into another post along with some stories...