Zatista The premier source for original art online

Night Shadows by Edward Hopper on whitney.org

It’s been said that in art what isn’t there is sometimes just as important as what is. There is something about things unclear, hidden, or absent that captures our attention. When faced with such mysteries, we naturally want to solve the riddle, finish the story, fill in the blank. Perhaps this is why so many artists use shadows in their work to draw us in.

Wave in the Sand by Doug Hockman on Zatista.com

Whether they are attached to figures or landscapes, the presence of a cast shadow in a composition can create many effects. Shadows can add both visual contrast and emotional depth to a two dimensional image. Along with a mastery of perspective, accurate and effective use of cast shadows is considered a milestone in the history of art.

April Shadows by Nikolai Kraneis on Zatista.com

With varying colors and length, shadows can suggest specific hours of the day or different seasons, and instantly take us to a familiar place and time. As they reach across a scene they can give a sense of human mortality or human longing, even when – perhaps especially when – human beings are not present.

Wandering Washington by Jennifer Childs on Zatista.com

Shadows cast by something not visible in the frame of the photograph or painting can be particularly haunting, implying a world continuing beyond the confines of the artwork and of our own grasp, but inviting us to use our imaginations to supply what’s missing.

Seeing Double by Katya Belilovsky on Zatista.com

At one time or another we have all played with our own shadows, but shadows can also play with us, challenging our perceptions, presenting a world of opposites and parallels, where everything has its dark twin, and who can tell which is real and which is the reflection? Without shadows, our world would not be nearly as interesting. The next time you are browsing for original art on Zatista look for the shadows!

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

Winter Winds by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

Photographer Doug Hockman lives in Middletown, Connecticut, which is midway between Boston and New York. He is a regular participant in the art market circuit in the Northeast and has been a Zatista artist since 2010. To the casual observer, his work is highly influenced by the beauty of the natural surroundings of the Northeast.

I had the opportunity to ask him about his process and his view of the art market:

Off Season by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

How long have you been a photographer, and what got you started?

Photography has been a hobby for years. I have been selling my work for the past 4-5 years, but this past season was my first selling full time.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

I love my Canon 7D, but I feel you can make great photos with any equipment.

Look Up by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

What are your ideal working conditions?

Taking photos on stormy days is my biggest inspiration. I love weather and am more likely to be out with the camera in the rain and snow than on any other day.

Do you have any advice for someone just getting started with photography?

Regarding shows and art fairs, be ready to go everywhere and be willing to sit through slow market days with no sales. That way you will learn what works best.

Spring Forest by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

Are you interested in working in other mediums?

My main interest is photography but learning new camera techniques and capturing things in unique ways appeal to me as well.

Where do you see your work going?

I am looking to expand to shows in more parts of the country, as well as expanding to new gallery work.

Breaking Waves by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

How’s business?

2011 was a great year for me. I met many people at shows that have made it possible to move forward with new ventures. I am looking forward to an even better 2012.

Do you have any advice about buying and collecting photography?

I buy whatever appeals to me. Personally, I’m interested in modern and abstract pieces. But everyone has different likes and tastes. I like buying pieces from fellow photographers, and I enjoy seeking out photography of all kinds at shows and online.  The choices are limitless so you’ve just got to buy what you like.

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

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wikipedia.org

Innovation usually leads to a thirst for the way things “used to be.”  The widespread use of digital cameras, and the slow demise of film have led to a resurgence of plastic box cameras. These cameras are often referred to as “toy” cameras because of their basic construction and inexpensive price point.

microsites.lomograpy.com

The Diana first appeared in the early 1960s, and the Holga in the early 1980s.  Both were produced as  inexpensive novelty cameras and became widely popular with the public. These cameras have light weight plastic bodies, manual film advance and most have no flash. They are as basic as basic can get.

Daniel Grant "Twins" Zatista.com

Because of the nature of their design, these plastic-bodied cameras are known for their quirkiness, including light leaks and double exposures. While modern digital cameras offer the ultimate level of control, toy cameras, such as the Diana and Holga offer the exact opposite – a lack of control that can sometimes lead to effects otherwise not possible.

Daniel Grant "Surf Motel" Zatista.com

Images from these cameras are usually grainy and have a very dream like and nostalgic feel to them. The images are imperfect, just like the cameras themselves. What these cameras offer,  to professionals and novices alike, is another tool to capture images using very basic equipment.

nonphotography.com

If necessity is the mother of invention, then the Diana and Holga are perfect examples of bare-bones devices that can help photographers using traditional cameras step outside of their normal comfort zones. While they might not be for everyone, one just needs to look at their current popularity to see their appeal. Trend or not, I predict these cameras and the unique images they produce are here to stay.

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

One of my favorite past times is playing a little game I call “Film or Digital” while browsing through photographs on Zatista. With all the advancements in digital photography in recent years, it has rapidly become the tool of choice for amateurs and professionals alike.

It’s getting harder and harder to tell who is shooting what, but I really enjoy looking for that little je ne sais quoi that film offers. Sometimes it’s a little more depth, an uneven exposure, some tell-tale grain or distinct colors that can only be produced by way of a chemical reaction. It’s true that you can’t touch digital for clarity and, increasingly, depth of field in a shot, but in our rapidly modernizing world it’s sometimes better to take the low-fidelity, less is more approach.

With Urban Outfitters selling Holga’s and vintage medium format cameras passing for home decor these days, it’s clear that we have a bona fide trend on our hands.

A group of concerned citizens known as The Impossible Project have even succeeded in producing instant film to replace the discontinued Polaroid products. But despite the grumblings of many progression-minded image capturers out there, there’s more to the regression movement than empty calorie hip hype. For many photographers who have come of age in the digital era, probing the depths of obscurity for outmoded methodology is a means of learning how the current state of technology came to be. Most find that fiddling with obsolete knobs, clinky shutter mechanism, pin hole exposures and for some, Civil War era equipment, enriches their craft as a whole and is an important part of learning to produce outstanding images with modern digital equipment.

You can see for yourself by playing the “Film or Digital” game here on Zatista. Most often the truth is revealed somewhere in an image’s detail sheet, so take a guess and then check to see if you’re right–

"Pride" by Daniel Grant on Zatista.com

This one’s easy!

"Tradewinds" by Tracy Mewmaw on Zatista.com

Stunning shot, definitely digital.

"Pioneer Church at Fort Rock Oregon 2007" by Michael Axel on Zatista.com

Looks like film to me, but can’t be sure. See, this is fun!

"Pennybacker Bridge" by Brent Schneeman on Zatista.com

I’d wager this one’s digital.

I have a very fun design client who is often looking for artwork that’s a little unusual, a tad edgy, and a bit unexpected.

Yehan Wang "Density-058"

Her typical request is, “I want it to look like it’s from the window of Anthropologie!” or “I want it to make me say, ‘huh?’”

Yehan Wang "Density-056"

That’s not the kind of artwork you see everyday. But work by this zatista.com featured artist, Yehan Wang, fits the bill.

Yehan Wang "Density-063"

Check it out. I really, really like it. Does it make you say, “huh?”

Yehan Wang "Density-057"

His sizes are terrific and he lives in Vancouver, BC, which brings me to my next point:

How about Shani Davis, Lindsey Vonn, and Shaun White? Talk about inspiring. Go Team USA!

cherikopp.com "God Bless (Patriotism Without Rigidity)" made with 100% repurposed materials: plastic caps and lids