n.dantona sketchbook

2012-02-10T10:24:00.001-08:00

Our Salon Saturday events have been a sell-out success. This Saturday's event which includes live poetry and an art film concludes the Festival series. Don't miss it! Details below...

Art inspires Art. You see it all the time in movies inspired by books, in dances choreographed for musicals and in photographs created from live performances. Robert McCurley of SouthLight Salon challenged two experienced and very talented Nashville poets, as well as himself, to create original poetry inspired by his photographs in the Southern Light exhibit. Poets Randy Foster and Amy E. Hall will join Robert in creating a live listening experience guaranteed to provide a unique perspective on one of the most revered historical events of the American South. Come, listen and be transported to unexpected places in the minds of soldiers and Presidents and discover what lurks in the shadows of battlefields lost long ago to progress and commerce. This will truly be a one-time performance you will not want to miss.

This integration of art forms continues with SouthLight Salon’s Art Film Matinee. Presented by the Arts Company.

Saturday Feb 11. 2-4pm
The Arts Company
215 Fifth Avenue Nashville

ADMISSION IS FREE. Call for Reservations.

2012-02-02T06:51:00.001-08:00

I have an article on the Digital Signature published in this month's issue of Nashville Arts Magazine (page:74) here's the online link:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/1eb7c9e9#/1eb7c9e9/74

2012-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Our Southern Light-The South Through Eight Lenses and a Code was reviewed in the Nashville Scene newspaper. Wow. Take a look:
(photo: Jerry Park)

http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/a-new-photography-exhibition-offers-diverse-narratives-on-the-subject-of-the-south/Content?oid=2743066

2012-01-26T10:36:00.001-08:00

Let’s take it to the streets! No, not for a pub brawl, not even to Occupy, but to make some art. SouthLight Salon Photographers will first show you how, then pound the pavement with you to make some street photography. Put on your walkin’ shoes and head over to The Arts Company/Nashville this Saturday (Jan. 28) at 2pm.

Here are the details:

The Southern Light Photography Exhibit and Festival continues with Salon Saturdays at the Arts Company on January 28 when Southlight Salon member, Robert McCurley, will present "Taking it to the Streets", an instructive exploration of Street Photography. Now, you may be scratching your head and saying, "What is street photography"? Well, street photography is quite possibly one of the most misunderstood and fascinating genres in the world of photographic imagery. Some have even called it an exploration of the human condition. It was practiced by the masters such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andre Kertesz and Robert Doisneau and continues today through many talented contemporaries. In this installment of Salon Saturdays you will learn a bit of street photography history, find out what street photography is all about, learn technique from viewing and discussion of vintage and contemporary street photographs and how to refine your skills as a street photographer.

But that's not all, after the session Robert and his fellow Southlight Salon members will take participants out on the streets of Nashville for a hands-on street photography experience!

Admission: Free
Event date and time: Saturday, January 28 form 2-5 PM
Your attendance and participation: Priceless

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.theartscompany.com/theartscompanycurrent
http://southlightsalon.com/

Packed House

2012-01-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

The Preview of SouthLight Salon’s Exhibit was well attended by the cognoscentiof the Nashville art and photography scene. Nashville Arts Magazine publisher,Paul Polycarpou (far left) interviews the Salon members and take questions fromthe audience. The QR Code enabled photography exhibit sparked interest anddebate on whether adding this new technology to the art form adds value ordemystifies the art-viewing experience. Some photographers used the code as adigital signature, revealing a video that gives the back-story to each image.Another photographer embedded eight seconds of actual film footage of Civil Warsoldiers marching off to war, as a way of adding context to his Civil Conundrumseries. Regardless of their opinion, exhibit guests were busy scanning andviewing all night. Success!

The South Through Eight Lenses and a Code

2011-12-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ever suggest something new and get funny looks from yourfriends or colleagues? How about the first time you told a friend about sushi?

Your friend’s response: “Let me get this straight, you wantme to eat raw fish wrapped in seaweed!? “ Now it’s a food staple.

Or like sticking a country slide guitar lick in the middleof a rock and roll song. Ridiculous. Then The Stones did it with StickyFingers. Fabulous.

Or worse: ever have someone suggest to you a new concept andyou resist?
I felt that way about fax machines, emails and texts. Now a phone call is so,yesterday’s generation.

Well I’m suggesting (ok, imploring) that you come to a newconcept in Photography exhibition. It’s called, “The South Through Eight Lensesand a Code,” and it includes a two-month festival of Salon Saturday events.

For starters, the eight participating photographers of thissalon have attached QR Codes as part of their artwork experience. What’s a QRCode? Well, it’s a bar code you scan with your Smartphone that triggersa...well that’s a surprise. Let’s just say it initiates a deeper meaning intothe art you will be looking at.

There’s more. The photographs are only the backdrop to theFestival part. From January 6 (theOpening Preview) through February 18^th, there will be expert panel discussions, master classpresentations that include a street photography excursion, a juried PortfolioReview that morphs into its own exhibition within an exhibition, a presentationfrom a photography living legend, Art Film matinee precipitated by a livepoetry experience, and of course a fabulous Grand Finale Party.

The eightphotographers are part of grouped called SouthLight Salon and I’m proud tocount myself as a member. We believe that art is alive and well below theMason/Dixon Line. So does Anne Brown, the owner of The Arts Company gallery inNashville who will be mounting and hosting these events. Show your support andbe a part of something new. Go one-up on your kids. Come out for the Previewand Opening and met the Salon members. Then plan on attending the specialevents. What else are you going to do during the winter, anyway?

I’ll be sending outreminders prior to each event. But in the meantime, scan this QR Code (or justclick on the link below) to see a video on what the fun is all about.

Thanks, and see youthere...

nick dantona

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9t8-PpBzq8

Dantona and Hahnemuhle Paper

2011-11-21T15:20:00.001-08:00

First Gutenberg invented the press, then Hahnemuhle madepaper. Anyway, I’ve been developing a relationship with this venerable fine artpaper manufacturer. They have recently posted my image Savannah Canopy (withits attending QR Code video) on their Facebook page. Take a look.
QR Code Video of Savannah Canopy

Southern Light

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Confession: WhenI arrived in the South from New York the first thing I noticed was the light, aforceful, bright and hot light that commands a response. Mine was to find agood pair of sunglasses. I would later come to know that this metaphor istypical of Northerners. With a blind man’s glasses, this Yankee would shade hiseyes and miss what Sally Mann, in her book Deep South, calls, “the mishmashamalgam of sorrow, humility, honor, graciousness and renegade defiance playingout against a backdrop of profligate physical beauty.”

The above excerpt from my Statement of Work begins todescribe a series named Southern Lightthat will be on exhibit, at The Arts Company here in Nashville, during Januaryand February. I won’t be alone. I’ll be hanging alongside my fellow South LightSalon brethren. And it won’t be just pictures, either. We’re putting on films,lectures, photographic art programs and even some pranks. A Quick Read Codethat reveals a hidden dimension will accompany each image. It’ll be like aPhoto Circus coming to Town. I’ll keep all y’all posted. A preview is availableon my website.

Solinglass

2011-10-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Turning sand into silicon chips has been the focus andperhaps the mark of our generation. The world has changed because of it. Butfor artist Randi Solin turning sand into fine art glass continues a 3,500 yeartradition. Her award-winning work is in the permanent collection of the White Houseand Embassies around the world. Last Autumn I had the honor of being invited toher Brattleboro, VT studio (more like a big furnace) to photograph her and herteam raise beauty from ash.

Despite the New England location, I couldn’t help but feel Iwas watching a Venetian Murano glass master from centuries past. And so, my newseries, Solinglass, takes on aBaroque look. I have recently posted it as a portfolio on my website. Have alook, but watch your step.

This December will mark the third time Randi and I willexhibit together. The show will open at Two Moons Gallery here in Nashville.

Food for Thought

2011-10-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me would have to admit that I know my way around the kitchen. Recently, I was asked by my brother Frank to shoot new images of the delicious meals at his restaurant, Cantina Mamma Lucia in Hanover, MD. He has been pleased with the results and I have found a new photographic passion.

2011-08-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

I managed to make the Wilson County Fair on the last night. Whoopee! Deep Fried Oreo Cookies. Now who thought of that?

State Fair Fun

2011-08-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Who's ever having fun, raise your hands...

State Fair Fun

2011-08-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

And they say, "never a dull moment at the Carnival." Huh.

2011-06-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Before Deval gets back from wherever he wonders off to, I thought I'd show that I'm capable of making my own ice shots, thank you very much. I'm wondering if this image can be a match to the image below. Take a look.

2011-06-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

I seem to like mood and contrast (see Harpeth Cows). I wonder if a series if images linked only by their look (and not content or meaning) can constitute a legitimate body of work. What do you think? I'd love to have your opinion.

Meet Deval

2011-05-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Deval's glass is never half-empty or half-full. He says: no, no, no, Neek, zis is an americain failure at understanding Existentialism. Please sher-ee, just enjoy it.

2011-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ah! Deval. A lovely reference to William Blake's poem, The Tyger. Very clever.

no,no,no, Neek, he snorted, zis was just a hair peen from a green-eyed woman with a Slovak countenance in Goa.

2011-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Despite his annoying disposition, Deval was able to make art out of an accident. He said: Neek, zis was no accident, it was destiny! yikes.

2011-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

We couldn't figure out what Deval was up to, here. He said: no, no, no, eet eez a balancing act, sher-ee

2011-05-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Deval says there is small bar in Bechar that makes a drink with these ingredients. Parsley, really!??

2011-03-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Pierre and I started freezing things in blocks of ice and photographed them. It's a collaboration so we decided to created a composite artist to take the credit.

His name is, Deval. We believe he's Algerian. Age: undetermined. He has a weird accent (French-like, with American overtones), curses in Italian and disappears five times a day. Regardless, of what you say to him, he always begins his response with a rapid-fire, no, no, no. I think he's going to be a pain in the neck and will probably require a good ol' fashion ass wuppin' before it's all said and done. However, we have to admit, his pictures are really nice (just don't tell him).

2011-03-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that Deval says, This and That like, zees an zat, we believe he's on to something here.
Oh, and he tisks tisks a lot. He's a bit annoying.

2011-03-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

The possibilities are endless. Deval will be experimenting with all manner of ideas and objects to put into the deep freeze.

2011-02-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you take a picture and don't know what for. I was rummaging through some shots taken four years ago. It screamed, "Make me a Japanese print!" Can do.

Best of Show

2011-01-15T09:41:00.001-08:00

Just received a lovely Certificate of Best of Show (and a check!) from the Camera Obscura Gallery for this image. I know I've posted this photo before, but I don't often get top honors (actually, this is the first), so I thought I would bask in the moment.

2011-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

This image, Downtown Tracks, just sold out of the Indigo Hotel. I have 24 pieces on exhibit there. I also use this image as part of a lecture on how the Impressionists took ordinary scenes and transformed them by their unique approach to seeing light.

Genesis Boat

2011-01-12T06:44:00.001-08:00

I'm back at the Nashville JCC exhibiting with fellow SNAP compatriots. These two images are featured. This picture won me the NAPP Guru Award/Photography in 2003. I'm glad to see it back out in the light of day. It holds a special meaning for me.

Rimini Cabana

2011-01-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

Yellow and Blue are a favorite color combination. The shadow of the tree added an organic element to the formal structure of the image. While setting up this shot, a curious local (and his dog) walked up to see what I was doing. They were immediately pressed into service.

Half Dome in bad light

2011-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Half Dome/Yosemite. Go ahead, try to make a nice picture of this thing. It is magnificent and its surroundings are so overwhelming that you hardly know where to point the lens. I've never been a big subscriber to the the photographer's sacred axiom, "It's all about the light," but I must say that I had to eat my heresy on this trip. Good light becomes a road map in such a vast place as this.

Popeye

2011-01-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Climb to the top of the Mist Trail in Yosemite and you are rewarded with this beauty. I call it Popeye because it's a muscle on top of an already large bicep.

Evening Reflection

2011-01-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

This location would appear and disappear. Never mind that it's one of the most popular locations in Yosemite, Rachel and I had a hard time fixing this place in our sights. But it was worth it.

Rachel and El Capitan'

2011-01-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Even though we're two chatterboxes, Rachel would manage to escape our banter to clear her head and snatch a few minutes of peace.

Among the Sequoias

2011-01-01T19:51:00.001-08:00

Rachel was gracious enough to have me tag along on her Sequoia/Yosemite excursion. A great time was to be had, despite always having one eyed peeled for bears.

Baltimore Elvis

2010-12-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

I started making photographs 35 years ago on the streets of NYC. So why was I nervous when our SouthLight assignment for the month called for STREET. I timidly began behind one of my local street photographer heroes, Robert McCurley. And then we met Elvis. Baltimore Elvis, that is, on the streets of downtown Nashville.

Car

2010-12-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

It took a little while, but I started to get my street vision back. This shot was a boost in the arm. It combines several favorite influences.

Street Streaks

2010-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

So much comes to life when you relax and let it come to you. It was a rainy day in downtown Nashville, and this shot was a colorful way to interpret the day.

Out from the Rain

2010-12-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

I may not be Henri Cartier-Bresson, but I know a good set-up when I see one. I tucked myself into a doorway and just waited for something to happen. As it turned out, not much was going on. I was lucky to catch this dude hustling out of the wet weather.

NOLA Haircut

2010-12-01T22:22:00.001-08:00

I was in New Orleans with Pierre for the Herman Leonard Tribute. I thought I would take a little of the New York Photo League with me. I think this image is right out of their playbook. I wonder if Howard Greenberg would be proud of me.

Herman's Second Line

2010-12-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

I find New Orleans exhausting at spiritual level. There are always powerful forces at work. Herman Leonard’s Second Line, however, was a procession of angels, with twenty-four musicians sounding Gabriel’s horn.

Calling All Angels

2010-12-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of the faithful marching and dancing as one, celebrating the life of an artist whose spirit inspired countless others. It was a power play of joy and love!

Crossing Over

2010-12-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, how often do you see a seven foot black man, dressed as Uncle Sam, crossing the street with a little Asian girl, while a bright spark ignites the sky? What would you call it? Powerful forces at play in New Orleans? Let’s just call it street photography.
Assignment completed.

Pulling into the Station

2010-08-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Although he didn't talk about it much, my grandfather was a Railroad man. More precisely, a locomotive mechanic in a "Roundhouse" for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad (I think). Here's to you, grandpa Nicola!

Into the Yard

2010-08-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

It's a shame we have just about abandoned the communal nature of trains for the more independent (and more disconnected) mode of automobiles.

Leaving the Station

2010-08-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

In fact, you can become absorbed into almost everything train related, including train culture. They are mechanical wonders, industrial design specimens of beauty and the backbone to any country's infrastructure.

Classic Locomotives

2010-08-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Trains and train tracks can be an endless fascination for a photographer.

2010-08-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

The new Indigo Hotel in downtown Nashville welcomes all. In the windows, art pieces Nashville Emerging and Color Signals #2, welcomes them as well.

2010-08-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

An image from the Color Signals series takes a commanding position in the hotel's Bar/Lounge area.

2010-08-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Indigo lounge lizards can sneak a peek at artwork while sipping a Cosmopolitan.

2010-08-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Closer to the earth, is the Tree State triptych. An organic welcome into the side lobby of the hotel. Shake off the city soot and come in for a drink.

2010-08-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so its not Michelangelo's ceiling, but I'm happy just the same.

2010-08-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

The six foot prints are a perfect fit in this lofty location.

2010-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Of course, I'm not the one hanging pictures 20 feet in the air! Here, custom framer extraordinaire, Rick Guthrie, manages this acrobatic act with aplomb.

2010-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

For me, the most nerve racking part of photography is signing the print.

Savannah monochrome

2010-03-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

I believe the first thing that grabs you when arriving in Savannah are the trees. They are magnificent in every way. This is the image that convinced me to employ this high contrast style. It absolutely focuses one's attention on a primary object and exhibits its elemental form. I would love to hear your comments on this approach.

Savannah monochrome

2010-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

This image has always reminded me of ballet dancers. Only the most elemental forms remain after over-exposing this image.

Savannah monochrome

2010-03-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

One of the many charms of Savannah is that it is only 12 miles to the Atlantic ocean. It is not hard to imagine back in the day, when the town swelters with summer heat, the locals packing their carriages and heading to the beach. Not unlike today. I really like the minimalist nature of this image, the Tybee Island Lighthouse. The picket fence and strong shadows remind me of a Paul Strand picture.

2010-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Forsythe Park is the heart of Savannah's Historic District. This fountain welcomes you at the entrance.

Savannah monochrome

2010-03-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Savannah is one of my favorite southern cities. It just oozes with photo opportunities. Over the years, I've tried a number of ways to capture the feeling of the place. This style lends itself to the more historic nature of the town. I like the way the over-exposure eliminates unnecesary and distracting elements.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

2010-02-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Daybreak on Gilbert Lake at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Perhaps a nice contrast to those over-saturated red/orange sunrise shots we've seen so many times. In any case, a mellow (but cold) way to start the day.

Fall Creek Falls

2010-02-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

I was told by a local that this was the most forceful he had ever seen the falls. Two weeks of rain and snowfall were responsible for powering this mighty cascade. The next day when we hiked to the bottom of the falls, the sound was deafening and the energy had a strength only found in nature.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

2010-02-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Fall Creek Falls State Park. Not a part of the Harpeth Watershed, but a real gem of a location. The Park is a real treasure and the Falls spectacular. I can't believe it took me 10 years to go there! Knucklehead. (Rachel: I promise you a beautiful walk in the park).

Harpeth_ Radnor Lake

2010-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

Radnor Lake on the same day as the previous image. I was out with Pierre and his 4x5 film View Camera. Watching him set that beast up for making pictures was a lesson in being very deliberate about all aspects of photography. Each of his pictures would take at least 30 minutes from start to finish. This picture was taken with my digital camera while standing next to him as he went through his mental check list...Why am I photographing this scene? Is this the best time to capture the moment? Is the lighting exposure expressive of my intention? Does the composition frame the purpose? It reminded to me be more mindful and have real intention whenever making a picture. It is the basis for good photography.

Harpeth_Radnor Lake

2010-02-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

Making obvious winter images in Nashville is usually a fleeting thing, as we don't always get snow. But this year Mother Nature continues to co-operate with yet another dusting. As Radnor Lake is part of the Harpeth Watershed, this image will be considered for that body of work.

Harpeth Watershed Untitled

2010-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

The image below is the last eligible shot for the Harpeth Watershed Exhibition, but I decided to continue (sooner than I thought) adding images to this body of work. The Nashville area is under uncharacteristic arctic conditions, so I put on my woolies and headed out to see how the Harpeth reacted. I believe this photograph will fit in well with the series. If you'd like to see the entire collection (so far) follow this link to my website.
http://www.ndantona.com/gallery.html?gallery=Harpeth%20Watershed

Harpeth_Untitled

2010-01-03T22:00:00.001-08:00

Well, this is the last image of the Harpeth River Watershed Project. I may continue in the Spring anyway, just to get all four seasons. I sure have learned a lot from this assignment. I got my medium format film muscles back in shape, acquired a better sensitivty for black and white images, but most importantly, I stretched the way I see. I just had to relax and be patient. Thanks to all the Salonistas who waded through the streams and rivers in the heat and icy waters under mostly overcast skies with me. Let's do it again sometime soon.

Harpeth River_Untitled

2009-12-11T23:38:00.000-08:00

As I approach the end of this assignment, the river itself seems to be guiding the look of the final images. At the beginning, I wasn't able to pre-visualize the pictures, so I forced it. As a result the photos were a bit disingenuous. When I let go of preconceptions these dark, moody and graphic images emerged. They are so out of my style, that I feel like a spectator to them. I've heard musicians say that sometimes a song writes itself. That sounds good to me.

Harpeth_Untitled

2009-12-11T23:35:00.000-08:00

A pattern is finally emerging. Chiaroscuro; shadow and light.

Harpeth_Untitled

2009-12-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Not everything on this Harpeth project is about pretty pictures. Here I spied some transgressors fouling our precious river. Caught red-handed, they look pitiful and remorseless. Shame on them.

Harpeth River_Untitiled

2009-11-21T05:40:00.001-08:00

This image was also taken on the day I was trying to "see differently." Although being attracted to a river's shape and force is obvious, I'm pleased with the sense of movement and tension this picture evokes. And the truth is, this is not the river at all, but a benign tributary called Copper Creek.

Harpeth River Untitled

2009-11-18T23:32:00.000-08:00

Although this qualifies for the Harpeth River Project, emotionally this image is tied much more to my "Tree States" series.

Harpeth_Untitled

2009-11-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

Naturally, I began to gravitate towards images with bold graphic forms.

Harpeth River Untitled

2009-11-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling like I'm taking the same picture over and over on this project. This time out I tried to relax, and let the images come to me.

Harpeth - Leaf on a Ledge

2009-11-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Back to Black and White; more specifically monotone. An example of the romantic direction these images are taking me.

Harpeth - Hiatt Covered Bridge

2009-11-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to use color and a digital HDR process to capture all the tonal values and the relationship between the berries and the bridge.

Harpeth- Leaf on Falls

2009-11-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

So far the images are romantic or epic in nature; somewhat reminiscent of the Hudson Valley School.

Harpeth Verticle Pano 1

2009-11-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

The Harpeth Watershed Project is a six month assignment where members of the Brentwood Camera Club are documenting the Harpeth River and its tributaries. This project has grown on some of us, almost to the extent of being an obsession. I've chosen to shoot primarily, but not exclusively, in medium format, black and white film with my Hasselblad. I'm flexing some flabby muscle memory in regards to the type of photograph to capture and the process which I do it.

Freddy's Surf Shack Glowing with Love

2009-10-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

OK, its back to work.

I was going through some older folders of images which had been neglected. I came across this photo from Freddy's backyard in Ditch Plains/Montauk, from the summer of 2008 and started working on it. I'm very familiar with this surf board shack, being an annual, summer house guest for the past 20 years.

It started as just a sketch. But Freddy's bond and love with surfing, which he has passed on to his boys, started to come through. Things started to glow with love. I really like seeing Freddy's long board with the shorter boards that the boys use.

After looking at this shack for two decades, this image has emerged as my connection to this part of Freddy's life. As such, it is a complete piece of art for me. This photograph will be formally editioned and entered as part of my fine art photography catalog.

Eat your heart out, Joni Sternbach. :-)

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

Thanks, Tim, Don and Deb. Couldn't have done it without you guys. Where do we sign up for next year?

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Crossing the Finish Line back in Franklin. Done! Incredible.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

The last 8 miles were in a light rain. Hurry boys!

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Making my move on the outside. The day has gone overcast and damp.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's a new day and we're waiting for the starting gun for the ride back. Feeling more confident than yesterday.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Rosa" rests for the night. Good girl.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Finish Line in Lynchburg at Motlow College. Made it! I'm thinking, "Get me out of these shorts!"

2009-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Coming up to our first Pit Stop after peddling for 15 miles. So far, so good.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-07T15:01:00.001-07:00

Off we go, down that long lonesome highway. 59.9 miles to go.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

On our bikes and off we go!

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-06T14:42:00.001-07:00

879 of my new best friends.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Getting ready mount our steeds and begin to roll. For absolutely no good reason I'm in a perfect frame of mind for this 60 mile stretch.

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

2009-10-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation the Jack and Back 120 mile bike ride is finally here. The day begins with mugging for the camera. Some apprehension in my smile. Tim and Don are ready to roll.

2009-09-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

This was fun and is called Streaks. Its given me some ideas for the next time Mr. Park drags our butts downtown.

2009-09-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

This one is called Norm. There are some less than subtle differences. I'm not sure you can make them out on the image at this size.

2009-09-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, there, its done. Every Nashville photographer has to have a shot of the skyline. I'm posting three. Let me know which is your favorite. This one is called Complex.

Grand Palace Gaurd

2009-02-22T23:47:00.000-08:00

Speaking of Decorative Art, this image taken at the Grand Palace in Bangkok has been re-done for that very purpose. He'd look great in your den, yes?

Mexican Flower

2009-02-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

This image was inspired by Florilegia, 17th Century illustrated picture books of ornamental plants and flowers enjoyed by the aristocracy of that time. This craze was kicked off by such superstars as the Tomato, Tobacco and Tulip. Later, during the early 19th century, botanical magazines flourished as lithography enabled artists to produce their own plates. Even today, this heritage is sustained and popular in the Decorative Arts.

Mexican Staircase Blue

2009-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

This is the original treatment of the image. It very much represents the feeling I had while making this photo. However, I thought there might be other possibilities. It was a good exercise in not loving your stuff too much because something very different and maybe special came of it as a result. You tell me.

Mexican Staircase BW

2009-02-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

The color image above was my first pass at this image. But I felt there was something more left in this image. Sometimes photography is like sculpture. You keep eliminating the unnecessary to get to the core. That said, the color junkie in me believes that the blue of the color versions places it better (Mexico).

Tray Bien

2009-02-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

You never know what you're going to find just lying around an abandoned farm; another abandoned farm (tray).

Mad Belgian

2009-02-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

Found this crazy Belgian trying to homestead a hay silo. If he only liked beer!

2009-02-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Further down on the same corrugated fiberglass was this image waiting to be made.

n.dantona sketchbook

I have an article on the Digital Signature published in this month's issue of Nashville Arts Magazine (page:74) here's the online link: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/1eb7c9e9#/1eb7c9e9/74

http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/a-new-photography-exhibition-offers-diverse-narratives-on-the-subject-of-the-south/Content?oid=2743066

Packed House

The South Through Eight Lenses and a Code

Dantona and Hahnemuhle Paper

Southern Light

Solinglass

Food for Thought

State Fair Fun

State Fair Fun

Meet Deval

Best of Show

Genesis Boat

Rimini Cabana

Half Dome in bad light

Popeye

Evening Reflection

Rachel and El Capitan'

Among the Sequoias

Baltimore Elvis

Car

Street Streaks

Out from the Rain

NOLA Haircut

Herman's Second Line

Calling All Angels

Crossing Over

Pulling into the Station

Into the Yard

Leaving the Station

Classic Locomotives

Savannah monochrome

Savannah monochrome

Savannah monochrome

Savannah monochrome

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Harpeth_ Radnor Lake

Harpeth_Radnor Lake

Harpeth Watershed Untitled

Harpeth_Untitled

Harpeth River_Untitled

Harpeth_Untitled

Harpeth_Untitled

Harpeth River_Untitiled

Harpeth River Untitled

Harpeth_Untitled

Harpeth River Untitled

Harpeth - Leaf on a Ledge

Harpeth - Hiatt Covered Bridge

Harpeth- Leaf on Falls

Harpeth Verticle Pano 1

Freddy's Surf Shack Glowing with Love

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

The Jack and Back Bike Ride

Grand Palace Gaurd

Mexican Flower

Mexican Staircase Blue

Mexican Staircase BW

Tray Bien

Mad Belgian

I have an article on the Digital Signature published in this month's issue of Nashville Arts Magazine (page:74) here's the online link:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/1eb7c9e9#/1eb7c9e9/74