New Site for Smoke and Pickles

New Smoke and Pickles website design to be launched soon.

"I never eaten them but I know I won't like 'em"

-Levi Parker

"How will you know you don't like them unless you try them?"

-Alyn Carlson

A couple of weeks ago I posted some of the photos from the 5 month shoot Paul and I have been doing for our friends at Smoke and Pickles. We had a great time this past rainy weekend shooting the last 4 shots on Dan's front porch. One of them had to describe how roll your eyes delicious the S+P ribs are. With a little help from our diva in training talent, Levi, we were able to capture it. As most incredibly busy 6 year olds, he gave us a small window of opportunity to record his delight in devouring the famous ribs. He came on set announcing he'd never actually eaten the ribs but knew he wouldn't like 'em. After a few test shots, wardrobe primping, extra sauce styling on his fingers, Dan handed him a rib and we waited. It was the classic advertising moment of "Will he like it?" He looked it over carefully, sniffed it, took a huge bite and didn't stop eating till it was gone. Paul and I got the the left overs and reenacted the scene at home.

Mini Garden Art

Some tiny metal sculptures by Jeff Borden planted in my desktop rock garden.

"The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep".

-Paul Strand

At the beginning of the weekend I spent some time in Providence on the west side and had a great time digging around Rocket to Mars. Found some great treasures, a Simplicity pattern from 1974 for cloth spats, a chair that matches my little Kofod-Larsen, but the find of finds, these little "doodles" by Jeff Borden. Jeff is in his 80's, was a product/toy designer in RI and is a neighbor of Rocket to Mars. These tiny one-two inch high metal sculptures were doodles he would work on as a toy designer when his hands weren't busy. By the looks of them, I would guess mid century. He comes in to Rocket from time to time covered in metal granola and dust, taking a break from his studio. In the last year or so four amazing artists in their 70's and 80's have come across my path who I'm gaga over. Charles Seliger, Walter Feldman, John Udvardy and now Mr. Borden. Very talented and passionate and prolific... still. I think I have grandpa crushes on all these man. And does this mean I truly am just starting my career as an artist? Another 30-40 years, easy? I like that.