1st & Franklin

I tried, really I did...

2009-05-21T18:26:00.003-05:00

But I'm just not interested in writing blog posts any more. I did it for so many years (starting with Pita in the 90s, or starting with paper zines if you really want to get technical) I'm over it now. I am posting a photo a day to ELBfoto.tumblr.com & the ridiculous minutiae of my days on Twitter, but that's it, folks. I prefer to read other people's blogs than write my own. I hope it was my photography that you really cared about & will therefore still check out my work! If anything important happens concerning my photography I will still post that information here. I actually should have a couple of things coming up that I will share when I can!

Medium Format

2009-03-08T18:26:00.002-05:00

A Holga roll from our trip to Mexico last November that I still haven't developed. I'm lazy about the 120 because it's too awkward to do in the bag & it's sort of an ordeal to get the bathroom completely light-proof. I'll do it soon-ish.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h

2009-03-07T00:36:00.005-06:00

Frequently I take pictures that only I fall in love with. And that's OK. Other than the tonal quality & composition of this shot I'm not sure what it is about it that I love so much, I just do. There doesn't always have to be a concrete reason for experiencing joy. Just be happy it happens at all.

This is me stretching my hamstring.

Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture

2009-02-28T20:16:00.003-06:00

Except, you know, not really. Put it in your bag or pocket instead while it develops.

This is #59 in my second attempt at the 365 Days project on Flickr. I was successful last year & hope to be this year as well. I decided to go with a theme so as to make it more interesting to me & therefore hopefully keep me engaged for 365 days in a row. At the end of the year I hope to compile all of the photographs into a book. During the year I am considering making some available to purchase. I always find that odd, though, the thought of selling a self-portrait. It's not the style of photography I normally sell & I always wonder why people would want to buy photos of the photographer. But apparently many people do, so who am I to say they can't buy my self-portraits?? I won't keep myself from the masses any longer. If I do sell any of them individually they will be as limited edition prints. Set number of prints, one size fits all, same finish. Then that's it, the end.

In this photograph I'm holding the Polaroids I shot today. Out of a 10 pack I only got 5 keepers. I'm picky. It's sad that this & the cost of film make using my Polaroid cameras so prohibitive.

Red + Shadow

2009-02-25T22:40:00.004-06:00

I am sorry for being such a slacker in regard to this blog! It only harms me, but I find that the older I get the less likely I am to share much of myself in this format. I stick to short blurbs on Twitter or Facebook. There are many things I'd like to write about, especially in regard to photography as a "career" for me (it's not technically possible because of the nature of my mental illnesses/disorders & that is really hard for me to accept), but I should at least try to be more responsible about just posting my art if nothing else. It doesn't necessarily mean I have to talk about myself after all. I'll try. It is in my best interest, of course!

But on the personal tip, I will share this: I fell down the steps in the back of the bus today & inured the crap out of my right leg & arm. The whole situation was made more traumatic by a rude driver, one of our local crazies telling the driver he thought I was drunk, and the fact that it triggered an attack & therefore I handled the situation very poorly. I wish I had it to do over again, I would ignore the driver & get off at my intended stop. I'd still be injured, but at least I wouldn't have had to deal with any of the crap that followed.

In ELBfoto news I have been updating my ArtFire shop more than my Etsy shop. I have stacks of packaged prints left over from the Handmaidens show that I am slowly adding.

I've been in my sickbed for days...

2009-01-21T10:26:00.001-06:00

I've been in my sickbed for days...
Originally uploaded by e is for ericka [ELBfoto]

ELBfoto.com

2008-12-22T21:29:00.003-06:00

I finally, FINALLY finished updating my website. I have been working on it for weeks, changing my mind, then changing it back, then changing it some more. But yes, my Christmas gift to myself & all of you is a fresh, newly updated website that I hope you'll enjoy. It's not too different from its previous incarnation, design-wise, but there's a lot of new stuff. I hope you'll visit & let me know what you think.

HandmaidenMpls Craftmas: Success!

2008-12-07T22:11:00.004-06:00

Well, sort of. Success in that I made back the money I paid for the table + a little more. Success in that while I did sell items to two people who already knew me the majority of my scant sales were to complete strangers who'd never seen my work before. Let's just ignore the fact that in 7 hours I only sold 5 or 6 things. Photography is a hard sell in the best of times. I am pleased none the less & hope to do it again in February (though I'd be relegated to the basement that go 'round, which could cut my meager sales in half, despite the concerted effort to get folks down there).
It was nice to see some familiar faces stop by my table, but disappointing to not see faces I'd hoped for (E, I'm looking at you). I also thought it was weird that at least one Facebook friend whom I've met at a mutual friends' house only waved as she by-passed my table altogether. Wha-huh? Oh well! I will never begin to understand most people.
Having the popular & successful Michelle Brusegaard situated behind me was a huge plus for the day. Not because of her [wonderful] items (see image above) or anything like that, but because I got to eavesdrop on the often hilarious conversation between her & her friend Joanna. I thanked them for being so awesome.
B brought me lunch & allowed me a pee break in the middle of the day. He also fed me Ibuprofin, which allowed me to survive the remaining hours.
Good times. Now I have months-worth of art to add to my website &/or various satellite shops.

handmaiden mpls craftmas [front]

2008-12-04T23:13:00.003-06:00

For location information: http://www.flickr.com/photos/surlygrrrl/3084156180/

Holiday shopping season is upon us... Come visit me! And a whole mess of other awesome artists!

North Star Blankets

2008-12-03T12:30:00.005-06:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12216898

I've recently learned what my booth number is at Handmaidens on Sunday (#26), and with whom I'll be sharing a table (Spilled Milk). Initially I was told it would be the lovely Jess of Milton & Margie's, which made me happy because I know her & I like her & therefore I would be less anxious about the whole thing. But I don't know Spilled Milk & though I'm sure s/he is lovely it just means I'm more anxious now. B will stick with me, for awhile at least.
I am in last-minute-prep mode. Finishing up pendants, gathering up the last of the necessities, realizing I'm short on supplies, etc. I have plenty of items, though, so it's OK. I do need to remember to bring change with me. There's no Pander wallet these days & I can't accept credit cards. I hope most people aren't like me & carry cash with them when going shopping.

I am crossing my fingers that my friends & acquaintances will remember to come visit me. I am extremely sensitive & will be crushed otherwise.

Food Vendors On The Malecon

2008-12-01T15:35:00.003-06:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18033004

I recently turned 40 & as part of my birthday extravaganza the husband & I went back to Puerto Vallarta with my mom & step-dad. This was shot on the Malecon, which is a bustling boardwalk along the ocean in downtown PV. The smell of all this food was amazing. However, being the sensitive-tummied girl I am I did not imbibe. It was enough for me to shoot it & smell it.

Cabbage Flower 12x12 Photograph

2008-11-01T10:37:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16811261

Going Home

2008-10-28T13:06:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12493249

Rush Hour Photo Pendant

2008-10-14T23:26:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16205767

Rush Hour is one of my most popular photos on Etsy, hundreds of views, a dozen favorites, countless Treasuries...yet I've never sold a single print of it on Etsy. Such a fickle place that is.

Sarah's Fawn

2008-10-13T14:26:00.002-05:00

Sarah's Fawn
Originally uploaded by e is for ericka [ELBfoto]

I'm trying to find inspiration anywhere I can.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16174069

Twin Cities-centric postcard sets

2008-10-12T11:33:00.003-05:00

Twin Cities-centric postcard sets
Originally uploaded by surlygrrrl [ELBfoto]

NEW! For Handmaidens on December 7. Whichever sets don't sell will be listed in my Etsy shop. Each set contains 5 postcards, each a different shot of the Twin Cities area (most are of Minneapolis, but one is from the state fair, which is in St Paul). These cards are gorgeous, high quality, and suitable for framing. Each set is $15 & is like getting five 4x6 photographs for the price of one. I decided to create sets specific to my area after being asked by a couple of people to do that with my previous postcard packs. I also thought it would be a good idea for a local event. Here's hoping it pays off!

Green Photo Pendant

2008-10-08T11:05:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16012709

Stack of Prints

2008-09-27T00:36:00.003-05:00

In preparation for the December 7 Handmaidens show at the VFW in Uptown Minneapolis. Yes, I start early & no I am not finished. I still have a print order on its way & another order still to place. Plus more cello envelopes & backing board. And I hope to find time & motivation for the darkroom in October (not much time for it in November) so I can make some spendy B&W fiber prints. I'm still waiting on a replacement glass tile order, but if that doesn't arrive I'm finished making pendants for the show. One less thing to fret about. I have to start early with things like this because preparation must be spread out over a few months in order for me to afford everything. I get one small disability check a month & have to budget like crazy. Sometimes I can ask the husband for money, or I will buckle & use my credit card, but I am generally good at doing neither of those things. The credit card is especially taboo at the moment because I have to use it to pay for our hotel room when we go to Mexico for my 40th birthday in November & it's already taken me years to pay off my initial purchase. I feel very overwhelmed & for me that happens far too frequently & easily. At least the husband will be absorbing some of the vacation preparation expenses (such as the underwater cameras we flaked on buying last year for snorkling).
I can only hope that all of this preparation pays off at Handmaidens. And that I figure out how I'm going to accept credit card payments (PayPal Virtual Terminal maybe? Yet another expense!).

In case you're wondering, I receive SSI for severe panic disorder, hence the whole not being able to handle much in life without stressing out. Good times!

Hibiscus Photo Pendant

2008-09-22T21:55:00.004-05:00

http://en.dawanda.com/product/1008314-Hibiscus-Photo-Pendant

Swingin'!

2008-09-22T20:55:00.004-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15094400

Silhouette In The Clouds Photo Pendant

2008-09-18T15:13:00.002-05:00

I listed this one on DaWanda instead of Etsy.

http://en.dawanda.com/product/991390-Silhouette-In-The-Clouds-Photo-Pendant

pounce

2008-08-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

pounce
Originally uploaded by surlygrrrl [ELBfoto]

Yay! I sold my first photo pendant! :)
And how funny that it showed up in Pounce right under someone selling the same type of thing.

I listed two pendants this weekend & they both sold already! I am only a little surprised, since jewelry is the hottest category on Etsy. But still. Awesomeness just the same. I have to make more more more.

Haunted Photo Pendant

2008-08-29T09:34:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14696288

Photo Pendants

2008-08-26T19:55:00.004-05:00

Not yet available, but soon. Very, very soon.

Sneak Preview...of sorts

2008-08-22T22:50:00.001-05:00

drying
Originally uploaded by surlygrrrl [ELBfoto]

Photo pendants coming soon to ELBfoto.etsy.com.

Cupcake Collection

2008-08-20T23:33:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14462477

In other news, I was accepted into The Handmaidens Craftmas Spectacular. It's an indie crafts fair at the VFW in Uptown Minneapolis. Come check it out on December 7 for some holiday shopping!

FOTO II

2008-08-06T22:34:00.002-05:00

Full color zine containing 20 of my photographs.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14042968

2008-07-29T11:51:00.001-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13773445

Franklin Nicollet Liquor

2008-07-28T21:40:00.001-05:00

Franklin Nicollet Liquor
Originally uploaded by e is for ericka [ELBfoto]

I just sent in my application for The Handmaiden's December show (usually known as The Handmaiden's Craftmas Spectacular). Wish me luck! I'll find out in mid-late August if I've been accepted. Hopefully Sharyn will be accepted as well so we can table together. I expect to be accepted simply because the women who run the show also own the local shop, I Like You, that carries my stuff. Even still, fingers crossed!

I will have to spend the next several months stocking up.

I love my new printer

2008-07-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

I love my new printer
Originally uploaded by surlygrrrl [ELBfoto]

I think I have a good flat printed out of the color zine, so hopefully I can get one or two copied this week. It's not laid out exactly as I'd like it, but since I don't have publishing software on my laptop & an incompatible OS on the desktop computer (meaning I can't install the printer software) I had to make do with the photo book tools that came with my printer.
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Local folks can check out some of my photographs hanging in the Starbucks at Nicollet & Franklin. You can't miss them, they're the 3 B&Ws as you walk in the main entrance.

Postcards Sets

2008-07-17T23:09:00.004-05:00

Five beautiful postcards chosen from a random selection of my favorite photographs. These postcards are of standard size & thickness with areas for a note & address printed on the back. Suitable for framing. This set is like getting five 4x6 photographs for the price of one! Packaged in a cellophane envelope.

While the topmost postcard is visible you will be pleasantly surprised when you see the remaining four. Like opening a present! Subject matter varies, just like my photographs.

Size....4.13x5.83in (10.5x16cm)
Paper..350g/m2
Finish..Laminated on one side

You will receive the packaged set pictured in the foreground, the remaining sets are sold separately.

(Printed by MOO from my original photographs.)
--------------

I have been asked if I'd like to consign Minneapolis-centric postcard sets in a local shop, to gear up for the influx of visitors to the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention. I don't know if I can do it because they're pretty expensive for me (hence the retail price tag) & without selling more it's near impossible to order more. And I would have to order more, because I already rearranged the remaining sets when I received a request from a customer for a set of Minneapolis landmarks. I would love to do more & have them available in this shop as well as my own. Who knows, maybe that's what I need to do in order to actually sell some. No one seems to want to take my word for it that these postcards are gorgeous. Trust me, they are!

Etsy FP 7/9/08

2008-07-10T16:31:00.002-05:00

Etsy FP 7/9/08
Originally uploaded by surlygrrrl [ELBfoto]

Daddy's Little Girl

2008-07-06T13:54:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13094291

Hey kids, let's step in the time machine & revisit my mid-90s zinehood!

Daddy's Little Girl is a one-shot perzine I wrote in 1995, toward the end of my surly Riot Grrrl-ness & long rough path toward better mental health. I'm still working on it.

This zine was written after I'd confronted my dad about the abusive behavior I endured from him throughout my childhood. He stopped talking to me but I wasn't finished yet. DLG is letters to my dad, things I needed to say to which he wouldn't listen. It was a very cathartic experience for me at the time.

*Subject matter in this zine could be triggering to some.*

Full color cover. 22pp. Quarter size.

FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

13 years later: My dad & I talked a lot, about his own abusive upbringing, about his lack of self-awareness, and we came to the realization that I will always feel resentment toward him & he will always feel that he can't change the past. But I know he is sorry, in his own macho way. I know he loves me, he has just spent many more years than I have carrying the baggage of being raised by an abusive parent & never attempting to recognize the cycle of abuse or do anything about it. We don't see each other very often because we live thousands of miles apart & that is both good & bad. Good in that I just generally need distance from him & bad in that as a result I am uneasy around him. I am OK with where things are now, though.

Raspberry Bite

2008-07-06T13:47:00.003-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12798527

Augie's

2007-07-03T17:30:00.003-05:00

Augie's
Originally uploaded by e is for ericka

http://elbfoto.com/color17.html

Lotus

2007-06-13T22:55:00.003-05:00

Lotus
Originally uploaded by e is for ericka

This is a film photograph from 2005 that I scanned, cropped & gave a bit of a vintage feel.
It's available as a Color C Print in my Etsy shop.

First & Franklin

2007-05-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

Summer weather means more activity in our neighborhood.

The other night we were awoken at 2:30am by a woman screaming for her life. B went outside to see what he could do to help & waited until the cops showed up. In the time it took for them to arrive the woman could have died a few times over. B said she had a bloody nose & was in a t-shirt & panties only. Apparently it was a domestic dispute between sisters & at one point the abusive sister demanded the victim get back in the house. She didn't & B said the cops took the abusive sister into custody. This was the second time we've heard a woman screaming for help behind our building (the first was a robbery) . I suppose in 9 years that's no so bad.

Last night a pedestrian was hit by a small car two buildings up the street. We heard the screech of tires & a prolonged honk, then a thud. I didn't think much of it, figuring it was nothing much since I didn't hear a crunch or crash sound. B went out front to check it out & called me to tell me there was a person laying in the street & the windshield of the car was smashed in. This does not surprise me, as we all jaywalk across this street & there's a slight curve at the intersection, making oncoming traffic sometimes impossible to see if there are cars parked on the street. It also doesn't help that it's a slight decline, so people drive much faster than they should. I just can't be surprised that it happened. It certainly could have been me. Likely it was either a drunk or one of our interesting neighbors from the group home next door. B said the pedestrian was moving, so unless he died later of internal injuries he will survive. This was one of many automobile accidents on our street over the past 9 years. It's a straight shot to downtown & slightly downhill to boot, so like I said, people drive too fast & there are too many blind spots. I was just surprised it wasn't our ancient, deaf neighbor Darryl. He rarely even bothers to look when jaywalking.

Fits & Starts

2007-05-08T22:58:00.000-05:00

I will get going soon. Just not right now, as I am in dire need of a shower.