Upside Down & Backwards

In another incarnation I might have been a printer, so strong is my love for type, fonts and the magic they make when a little ink is applied. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a special lecture hosted by the So Cal chapter of the National Museum of Women in the Art's. Our speaker was Gloria Kondrup, a renowned printer & the director of the Archetype Press program at Art Center College of Design.

  The entire department, with literally tons of equipment was moved to the new South Campus, where it has thrived after nearly being eliminated all together. Gloria along with legions of students were instrumental in helping to save the department when some thought it antiquated and unnecessary in this digital age. In the last few years the art of letterpress has made a huge revival and Art Center's program now shines as one of the few colleges that still offers a full & authentic program.

 Printing requires a unique ability to think differently. Not only do you need to envision negative space but you need to develope the ability to see "upside down & backwards." As this is how a typesetter lays out their work. Check out The Beauty of Letterpress website, it's a  great resource if you're interested in learning more & for finding local printers & classes. 

The Art Center program also offers some extension courses and can arrange workshops & tours. Email them at archetype@artcenter.edu for information.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Current Obsessions

bee~things

 These colorful graphic silkscreen prints are just one of the many things I am currently obsessed with. Love the modern yet slight retro feel. They just make me happy! You can visit their etsy store where they sell these very collectible limited edition prints for just $25.

Chobani

 I have to admit I have been slow to jump on the greek yogurt trend but when I saw this brand on sale at Target, I decided to give it try. I am glad I did cause oh man it's good and these generous size cups are just 140 to 160 calories!

Orla Kiely Teapot

My love for this Irish designer has already been well documented here. So it should not surprise anyone that I have been lusting after her new kitchen ceramic line. Especially this teapot, however at £55 plus a small ransom to ship from the UK, I thought I would have to wait till it landed in a store stateside. Then after a little internet sleuthing, I found a really good deal on Bloomsbury & Co. A little below retail and reasonable shipping, so I added in a handy storage jar too! I also love that they have it all listed in dollars so you don't have to guess-timate the exchange. 

 

Nurse Zoey

 I am a big fan of Nurse Jackie, the writing is brilliant and Edie Falco creates another memorable character but it's Merritt Wever that is the icing on the delicious cake that is this show. As Zoey, a nurse in training, she steals every scene she's in with her quirky but endearing persona. She is quite simply: a wonder. On a side note, I could not find a single good photo of her online. So I downloaded a bland PR photo, then processed it with the Picture Show app, crafty eh?

Decoylab Owl Clock

I discovered this kawaii little guy via the lovely blog Bella Vita and was instantly draw to the mixture of  mid century simplicity and owly goodness. You can find it and other original and hand crafted designs in the etsy shop.

30A Style

One of the nice things about going to a good art school is making life long friendships with very talented people. That's where I met Jean Allsopp, an interiors, travel and lifestyle photographer in Birmingham. She recently sent me this beautiful new book she did with Eleanor Lynn Nesmith. Close to 200 pages of lush photos exploring homes and beaches along the scenic 30-A highway. Jean worked as the chief photographer for Coastal Living Magazine for many years and traveled the glob photographing some amazing homes. She is now freelancing for clients like Food & Wine, Country Living & Birmingham Home & Garden.

Congrats to Abby & Amy winners of the Art Goodies giveaway! 

 photos 2 & 6 © Lara Rossignol

Lost & Found: Early Inspiration

My first love, I must admit was not photography. As a teen my first true passion was gymnastics and at 15 I began working as an assistant coach and choreographer for a local team. It was all consuming, at the time I lived and breathed it. In turn, I was drawn to photography as a mere tool to capture the visuals that I was so captivated by. Eventually, the tool would become the passion. I found these two early images while going through a box my Mom had saved. I believe they were in my first portfolio which I used to apply to Art Center. 

By shooting a subject I loved and shooting a lot, I began to look beyond the subject and became entranced by the process. So not unlike writing, in looking for subjects, it is good to focus on what you know. The gymnast in these was one of the girls I coached, Sheryl Fitt, then about 12 years old. She was one of the most gifted girls I ever worked with, both strong and flexible, with beautiful long legs and a ton of natural talent.

 A couple of years later, I invited her up to my school to photograph her in one of the studios for a series I was shooting on teenagers. Working with a Hasselbald and tungsten lights which I find in retrospect, pretty amazing. Having a strong knowledge of the skills, made it easier for me to capture the peak moment on film. I scanned these from the actual finished project, a book, I printed by hand. It was a grueling process to print three images on one sheet of paper, which makes me appreciate the ease of Photoshop all the more.  

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Muse Inherit

 I met Kelley Ann, Izzy's Mother, while in my 4th term of college and she became my muse, teacher and best friend. She was a model who had been discovered in an airport and signed by Eileen Ford in the early eighties. I must have photographed her over a dozen times in the early part of my career. She also taught me a lot about how the fashion industry worked and hooked me with up with talented stylist, make up and hair people. 

So it is really no surprise that so many years later, her youngest has become a favorite subject of mine. I have been photographing Izzy since she was 3 years old, this past weekend she posed with her favorite horse, Cajun, to document her recent 11th birthday.

There is an advantage to familiarity, with trust comes an intimacy that just can't be faked. Whether she is naturally comfortable in front of the camera or just comfortable with me, I can't be sure. I think a combination of both. He older sister looks even more like her mother but would prefer to read or ride her horse than to pose for pictures.

  We rose at 6:30 am to catch the beautiful early morning light. She and her sister ride at the wonderful Shaw's Big Oak Farm in Anderson, South Carolina, a lush horse heaven. 

Izzy's dress is by Xhilaration for Target. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Back to School

 While on my last trip to Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to go visit my alma mater,Art Center College of Design and meet with the new photography department head,Dennis Keeley. I have not visited the campus in at least 20 years. It is amazing how much has changed but even more amazing how much hasn't.

 Art Center still teaches film processing and printing in both b & w and color. Which I personally think is essential to creating a strong technical foundation. Many schools have abandoned this medium completely. They also offer state of the art computer labs, multiple studio shooting spaces and a vast amount of camera and lighting equipment students can check out at no cost.

Same bench was there when I was student, however not all the fancy vending machines. We had to walk all the way to the other side of the school if we wanted a soda or cup of coffee. Funny how it's the little things you remember most sometimes.

An impressive gallery of student work is stationed at the main entrance. Art Center also offers degrees in other art related areas including; Graphic Design, Fine Art, Advertising, Film and Transportation Design. 

I am excited to be featured onSteve Huff's blog this week and in the interview, I discuss my thoughts on attending art schools and my experience atACCD.

All photos for this story were taken with theLeica M9

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol