|
|
Woodstock Series
|
|
The Woodstock Vignettes were created to celebrate the dynamic and ever-changing face of Downtown Woodstock, GA. The full story is below...
Let’s beging at the beginning – the lady in the patterned skirt. Her story actually begins before this moment ever took place. For a long time, I was hesitant to ask people if I could photograph them for a painting. But I finally overcame my fear one day in Savannah, when I saw a young woman in a coffee shop. She was a timeless beauty, with brown curly hair, a vintage styled grey dress and bright purple shoes. After gawking at her – discreetly of course – from across the room I finally gathered up the courage to go over to her and introduce myself, give her my card, and ask her if I could photograph her for a painting. She said yes. And that “Yes” inspired me to be bold, and ask again. Shortly after, I saw a woman outside of Ember yoga, asked her pose, and it became the first of what would be dozens of paintings capturing people around downtown Woodstock.
Much of the time, I’m able to be discreet – taking photos with my cell phone, such as the moment our food is brought to us at the bar in Vincenzo’s. It often gives a unique perspective on the scene. There are moments where I can’t believe I’m in the right place at the right time – like to two gentlemen sharing a pipe, some wine, and conversation outside of Firestone pizza. How I thank my luck that my cell phone can capture the light on the performers getting ready in the dark for their act outside Pure on the Day of the Dead! And I nearly jumped up and down with excitement on the sunny afternoon when I walked by the living painting on Main Street one afternoon. I could hardly wait to paint those gorgeous colors and costumes!
Eventually I realized I was creating something special. This was becoming a story of Downtown Woodstock. My motivations when I took pictures began to change. I sought out certain moments, like the gentlemen in Dean’s store. They had to be part of this story. Or the little girl dressed up for tea. I no longer just went out for lunch…I stalked the restaurants, looking for great moments to capture.
I found myself not just looking at the people, but the environments as well. What strikes me as the biggest strength of downtown Woodstock is it is at once a collection of diverse and unique shops, yet they all fit together like perfect pieces of a puzzle.
Each restaurant has a unique quality of light. Each business has a perfectly suited décor. From the timeless qualities of Samson and Delilah, to the every-town gaiety of the umbrellas at hot dog heaven, Woodstock pulses with life.
I began to feel that this series didn’t belong to me. It belonged to the city. The people have given me this amazing amount of inspiration. And beyond the inspiration, they have given me a great deal of joy. When people see the paintings, they talk about them. They share stories. They show an incredible amount of enthusiasm. Indifference is probably the biggest insult to an artist. Everyone who looks at the series connects with at least one painting.
So…how do I give back to the community through these paintings? I began to talk with my studio partner Ann Litrel about the possibility of an auction to benefit the Elm Street cultural arts village. As dates become finalized and the logistics get worked out, I am reminded again and again of the enthusiasm and love that people have for downtown Woodstock. As I had the paintings on display during the last couple of Friday Night Live events, I talked to many couples who recently moved to Woodstock, and could barely contain their love for their new town. They bragged about giving up their car, making new friends, enjoying their every day lives more and more. They wanted to know more about the Elm Street project, the downtown concerts, and were eager to share their favorite meals at each restaurant.
And everyone wants to own the paintings!! I swear they could all be gone right now if I wasn’t determined to wait for the auction. I was so touched the last FNL when a gentleman spotted the Fireman painting, and eagerly wanted to buy it. Not for himself, but for the Firehall “They should have this painting”, he said.
What a beautiful testament to the nature of the people of downtown Woodstock. Not for himself, but for someone else.
Watching the numerous volunteers who have helped Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, I see how they embody this belief every day. “Not for ourselves, but for somebody else”. The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will be for no one person – but will be for the community. It will be for the enrichment of our lives, the sustained energy of the town. This vibrant, wonderful community of Woodstock will continue to benefit from every unique individual.
Much of the time, I’m able to be discreet – taking photos with my cell phone, such as the moment our food is brought to us at the bar in Vincenzo’s. It often gives a unique perspective on the scene. There are moments where I can’t believe I’m in the right place at the right time – like to two gentlemen sharing a pipe, some wine, and conversation outside of Firestone pizza. How I thank my luck that my cell phone can capture the light on the performers getting ready in the dark for their act outside Pure on the Day of the Dead! And I nearly jumped up and down with excitement on the sunny afternoon when I walked by the living painting on Main Street one afternoon. I could hardly wait to paint those gorgeous colors and costumes!
Eventually I realized I was creating something special. This was becoming a story of Downtown Woodstock. My motivations when I took pictures began to change. I sought out certain moments, like the gentlemen in Dean’s store. They had to be part of this story. Or the little girl dressed up for tea. I no longer just went out for lunch…I stalked the restaurants, looking for great moments to capture.
I found myself not just looking at the people, but the environments as well. What strikes me as the biggest strength of downtown Woodstock is it is at once a collection of diverse and unique shops, yet they all fit together like perfect pieces of a puzzle.
Each restaurant has a unique quality of light. Each business has a perfectly suited décor. From the timeless qualities of Samson and Delilah, to the every-town gaiety of the umbrellas at hot dog heaven, Woodstock pulses with life.
I began to feel that this series didn’t belong to me. It belonged to the city. The people have given me this amazing amount of inspiration. And beyond the inspiration, they have given me a great deal of joy. When people see the paintings, they talk about them. They share stories. They show an incredible amount of enthusiasm. Indifference is probably the biggest insult to an artist. Everyone who looks at the series connects with at least one painting.
So…how do I give back to the community through these paintings? I began to talk with my studio partner Ann Litrel about the possibility of an auction to benefit the Elm Street cultural arts village. As dates become finalized and the logistics get worked out, I am reminded again and again of the enthusiasm and love that people have for downtown Woodstock. As I had the paintings on display during the last couple of Friday Night Live events, I talked to many couples who recently moved to Woodstock, and could barely contain their love for their new town. They bragged about giving up their car, making new friends, enjoying their every day lives more and more. They wanted to know more about the Elm Street project, the downtown concerts, and were eager to share their favorite meals at each restaurant.
And everyone wants to own the paintings!! I swear they could all be gone right now if I wasn’t determined to wait for the auction. I was so touched the last FNL when a gentleman spotted the Fireman painting, and eagerly wanted to buy it. Not for himself, but for the Firehall “They should have this painting”, he said.
What a beautiful testament to the nature of the people of downtown Woodstock. Not for himself, but for someone else.
Watching the numerous volunteers who have helped Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, I see how they embody this belief every day. “Not for ourselves, but for somebody else”. The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village will be for no one person – but will be for the community. It will be for the enrichment of our lives, the sustained energy of the town. This vibrant, wonderful community of Woodstock will continue to benefit from every unique individual.
