poorworm

This is my newest piece of a work. Still in draft stage, it’s a slideshow about thoughts on innocence, consumption, art, rock and how to be in the world of Capitolism.
Introductions for an Alien

INGREDIENTS for making a photo by e. shafkind

* 1 cup memory
* 1 cup metaphor
* 1/2 cup of macabre
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose outdoor light (when possible, sometimes with a flash)
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon whimsy ( i worry about that word a little)
* 1 1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to the moment where life, love, and thought collide and then, even though you might not think it necessary, shake well.
2. Thoroughly cream together shortening, sugars, eggs and vacant stares.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the metaphors, memories and macabre and ponder precious moments, soon add to creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup candies. Mix well. Drop by teaspoon unto cookie sheets and decorate with remaining candies. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.

It’s amazing that we were actually able to pull this off considering the holiday rush for family portraits. If you look closely you will see we’re  making the sign language symbol for yellow. Everyone was bright and sunny on a dark day in December. So here marks the last of the warm colors in the series. On Dec. 7th, 2008 about 22 people dressed in yellow infiltrated Sears and took over the studio. It’s a family portrait on several levels. The family of humans, the family of colors, some actual families within the group, and what is it to participate in a cultural phenomenon of the large group portraits? Still trying to figure that one out. Well, here we are in our glory, being mellow in yellow. View more images on the link to the right.

These two images have been chosen to be published in the Photographic Center Northwest’s Annual Student and faculty book. Both images are from a series called, “The Mask Means I Love You.” Opening reception for the book and other events at the PhotoCenter on December 12th, 2008. More info soon.

Here’s the latest image from the Sears Portrait Studio Series. What an amazing turnout! We had almost 30 people cram into the Sears studio on Sunday October 26th, 2008. Beforehand we met at my house for orange munchies and Orangina. Then we carpooled to the mall and hovered outside until everyone arrived. What a lovely spectacle. Lots of gawkers staring at the cluster of orange. “What’s happening here?” asked some security, “Oh, just heading up to the Sears Portrait Studio for some photos,” “Ok, well Happy Halloween.” We looked quite festive for this time of year. Just a synchronicity of timing really. In the photo we are all mouthing, “O”, it was rather spiritual actually. Next will be yellow, probably in early December.

Let me know if you are interested in Participating!

Sears Portraits in Orange

You don’t have to smile in your portrait.