Gentlemen Prefer Buttercreams

 

I came across this picture while doing a bit of blog trolling on the way to work this morning (Houston traffic is rife with opportunities to get off a quick text or sneak a peak at websites like Fark, where this comes from).  Terry Border’s Bent Objects is a collection of complex vignettes made from everyday items that range from humorous to dark, parody to social commentary.

 

Unsurprisingly, I was immediately reminded of George Zimble’s iconic photographs from the famous Marilyn Monroe “white dress” shoot in 1954.

Holding it down, 1954 (gelatin silver print)

 

Serious Marilyn, 1954 (gelatin silver print)

 

Interested in seeing more?  Stop by the John Cleary Gallery any time and browse our selection of George Zimble’s work as well as our extensive collection of other fine art photography!

Opening night for Keliy Anderson-Staley: Imagined Family Heirlooms

 

This past Saturday we here at the John Cleary Gallery celebrated the Houston premier of Keliy Anderson-Staley’s Imagined Family Heirlooms with an opening nigh reception with the artist in attendance.

Installation shots of Keliy’s Baking Pan Series and Americans: Contemporary Tintype Portraits

 

Response was enthusiastic to Keliy’s work, which includes a wide range of photographic techniques as well as the incorporation of found objects into the exhibit.

Keliy (left) discussing her work with an interested attendee

 

Imagined Family Heirlooms, 2011

 

Patrons were also treated to milk (white Russians) and cookies, inspired by the artists Baking Pan Series and served by the gallery’s in-house bartender/baker, Arnaud Couturier.

 

Keliy, Catherine and I would like to offer a warm thanks to all who attended and made this exhibit opening a great success!

(L to R): Keliy Anderson-Staley, artist; Joseph Roberts, Assistant Director; Catherine Couturier, Director

 

Installation as seen through reflection of Found Child's Dress # 1, 2011 (Dress mounted on blue cloth. Framed size: 19 x 21 inches. Edition 1 of 1)

Cookie Disaster

 

In preparation for Keliy Anderson-Staley’s Imagined Family Heirlooms, Catherine and I decided to have a “theme” to go along with the drinks and snacks for the opening.  Inspired by Keliy’s Baking Pan Series we instantly thought of milk and cookies!

Installation shot of the Baking Pan Series

 

So instead of spending a Friday night out on the town, I attempted to make three different batches of cookies: chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and snickerdoodle.  Let’s see how that turned out, shall we?

So much for homemade… besides, I’ve realized I’m more of an Ansel Adams wannabe than a Martha Stewart anyway!

Looking forward to seeing you all at the opening tomorrow, Saturday March 26 between 6 and 8pm! Come for the chocolate chips and stay for the fabulous photography.  (Well, and the white Russians certainly can’t hurt either)

Preparations for Keliy Anderson-Staley’s Imagined Family Heirlooms

 

Installation processes are in full swing here at the John Cleary Gallery for Keliy Anderson-Staley’s Imagined Family Heirlooms, opening this Saturday, March 26 with a reception from 6-8pm.

Keliy and husband, Matt, hanging pieces from her Baking Pan Series.  I want cookies NOW!!!

 

Selections waiting for placement. PICK ME, PICK ME!!

Imagined Family Heirlooms harkens back to the rootless nature of the American identity, with many individuals unable to place family histories back more than one or two generations. This series of installations, comprised of both found and newly-made objects alike, suggests those photographs and sentimental objects one might have collected over the years. Domesticity in a wide range of connotations plays a central part in her works, as is evident in the use of rusted baking pans as a unifying visual motif.

As is the nature of the beast, we are sad to see Renate Aller’s One View, Ten Years exhibit coming to a close but simultaneously thrilled to welcome Keliy to her first solo show here at the gallery!

Please join us for the opening this weekend or stop by anytime during the next month to see the exhibit or peruse our other selections.

Catherine hard at work on the website!

Keliy Anderson-Staley: Imagined Family Heirlooms

 

Please join us Saturday, March 26, from 6 – 8 p.m. for the opening of Keliy Anderson-Staley: Imagined Family Heirlooms. The exhibition will run through Saturday, April 23. The artist will be in attendance for the opening reception.

“Young Boy” circa 1870; found and treated wet-plate collodion tintype

Born in 1977 in the woods of northern Maine, Keliy Anderson-Staley received her Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and a Master of Fine Arts from Hunter College in New York, NY.

Imagined Family Heirlooms harkens back to the rootless nature of the American identity, with many individuals unable to place family histories back more than one or two generations. This series of installations, comprised of both found and newly-made objects alike, suggests those photographs and sentimental objects one might have collected over the years. Domesticity in a wide range of connotations plays a central part in her works, as is evident in the use of rusted baking pans as a unifying visual motif.

Installation shot of The Baking Pan Series: An Incomplete Family History

 

She has spent the last decade championing historical and alternative photographic practices, passing along her knowledge of extended technique through classes at The Center for Alternative Photography in New York and the Bakery Photography Collective in Westbrook, ME, among others.

“Relatives” 2011; 5x7” Antique Albumen Print

 

Keliy Anderson-Staley’s work has been featured in such publications as New York Magazine, Esquire Russia and F-Stop Magazine, with numerous solo and group exhibitions held in collections from around the world.

“Collage 1” 2011; 9x12 Made of found quilt fragments and found antique tintype

The 2011 AIPAD Photography Show