Changing my Name... and Photos from the "Elemental" Opening Reception at MAIYA Gallery

Wow! So I just blinked again and summer's almost over! As usual, it has gone by in a bit of a whirlwind... and, as usual, left me with lots more that I wanted to have done than I actually got to do. I think I add more exciting things and places to my "to do" and "to go" lists faster than I cross the existing ones off!!

Anyway, didn't want to let all of summer slip away without getting a BIG THANK YOU post out to all those who attended my featured artist exhibition this summer at MAIYA Gallery. I entitled the show "Elemental" and dedicated it to my **Wonderful** grandmother, a big influence in my life. She went to art school in Chicago and New York in her youth and has given much to the art world throughout her life. She still has "that spunk" that gives her so many great stories and got her through the tough times in her life... at 88 years old, she flew out to be here for the opening reception (and was she ever SURPRISED to find the exhibition dedicated to her)!!! :D

The title of this post mentioned something about a name change...
As an ongoing tribute to my grandmother, I also changed my artist moniker-- from this show forward, I will sign all of my works "Kenna Elizabeth." The name Elizabeth has been passed down for many, MANY generations in my family. As the next Elizabeth to be named after her, I am honored to carry her name and to try to continue my grandmother's wonderful legacy. So it is in honor of her, that my works will bear the name, "Kenna Elizabeth" from now on. :)

For those of you too far away to attend, I thought you might like to see some photos of the exhibition and the opening reception... to kind of get a feel of this special event. :)

Lots more photos of the Exhibiton and the opening reception can be seen on my Facebook Fanpage! If you're on Facebook, it definitely wouldn't hurt my feelings if you "Like" my fanpage while you're browsing photos from the show. :)

click here for more "Elemental" Exhibition photos

and for those who hate trying to navigate around pages, :) this is the link to my Facebook fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByKennaFoster

If you're so inclined, just click the "Like" box near the top of the page.



As ever, thank you for reading... thank you for sharing...

sending a warm smile,
Kenna

Blood, Sweat, Tears, n' Cheers

Wow! It's been a while, hmm? And yes, I HAVE been in a cave... the cave that is my studio, that is, and I'm finally crawling out! :) Not an all-together unpleasant cave, mind you... as you know from a post last winter, I'm actually thrilled about my studio and very grateful to have such a lovely space. But... I have spent *SO* much time, heart, & energy here lately. And yes, I have literally bled, cried, sweated, cheered, laughed, gone dizzy with exhaustion (and probably some other things I'm forgetting) in the last few months as I poured all my spare everything into this exhibition.

Among other things, I've *really* missed time in the great outdoors, you know me. I realize it time and time again, and yet sometimes it hits as if it were a new epiphany-- I *REALLY* need to be outdoors A LOT to be at my best emotionally and mentally. So... partly because of this (and also the relief and pride of just plain finishing such an undertaking), it is with great pleasure that I announce:

I have finally completed and delivered the works for my June Gallery Show!!!

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! :D

(these are photos I quickly took of a few works before taking them to the gallery)

21 LARGE framed photos and canvas gallery wraps

and when I say "large," I mean 27"x40" and 24" x 36" with one

canvas gallery wrap that's 50" across.

This exhibition is my answer to all those who have requested my works "bigger." :)

So, for those close enough to have the opportunity to see the fruits of my labor in person, the exhibition details are as follows:

Title: "Elemental" (a triple entendre, as I reference Elemental in the mythology/folklore context, the four elements & their interactions in the works of this show, and also referring to the scientific usage of elemental and how we & everything around us are, on the most basic level, ONE and the same). That's the abridged version of my artist statement. ;)

Exhibition dates: June 2-26, 2010.

Where: MAIYA Gallery, 2220 J St., Midtown Sacramento (22nd & J, near See's Candies).

Opening Reception: Thursday, June 3rd. 5:30-7:30pm (2 very special surprises planned)!

Second Saturday Reception: June 12th, 6-9pm

Normal gallery hours: Wed-Sat, 11-5pm

Additional gallery info: www.maiyagallery.com

In Celebration of Spring...

No time now to share much in the way of words, but if a photo's worth 1000 words, then this is a LONG post!
These are some shots from 1 of 2 photo shoots I did today (this one was just for fun-- spring was calling to me)!!

Hope you enjoy and get to "feel a touch of spring" when you look at them.

*Happy Spring!*

I want to introduce you to "Change is Cheap"

Last night I learned of a local gal here in Sacramento who is doing something really fantastic. Imagine "just one of us" ...a neighbor, friend, co-worker ...someone who goes to school part-time and works full-time ...a responsible employee just trying to pursue the American Dream of working hard to bring yourself a better life. Somewhere along the way, she, like so many of us, hit a point of wondering, "Then what?" There has to be something else to this thing called work and daily life that makes it, you know, rewarding... gives some sense of PURPOSE. She's always wanted to help people, getting a degree to hopefully make some positive difference in our world.

But what about right now? Enter her Newly Launched blog, "Change is Cheap." Essentially, it is a blog where readers can donate one dollar and at the end of each month, she will take all that is given (and, knowing her, whatever she can add to it to make it go further!) and find some struggling soul (or souls) to give a little encouragement and help to. Maybe it's sleeping bags to the homeless in our local "tent city" or food to hungry... just some act of kindness that helps renew a belief in hope for those who need it most. Then she'll report back with the results of what we all accomplished through her.

Basically, for the cost of $1, we all get to ride along on her philanthropic adventure (with the added emotional boost of knowing we helped make it possible).

Sounds like a breath of fresh air to me... thought you might like it too... :)

http://changeischeap.blogspot.com/

Help!-- Which picture should I use for interview?

Ok, here's the story-- I'm so very flattered to have been contacted & interviewed for a feature on AdventureWoman.com. But after finally finishing answering the interview questions (some of them made me really think-- not surprising), now I can't decide which photo to send with it! I asked my main advisor (my sister) and she couldn't decide-- said to flip a coin (she's serious too btw, she's all about letting fate decide when you can't). For some (perhaps arbitrary?) reason, I always feel like *I* want to have made the decision... whatever, call it a personal hang-up or something.

So... it hit me that I could "release control" a bit, but rather than to a coin, I'd let the decision be made by a method I trust more-- you guys!

The brief back-story: The interview focuses on my being a whitewater raft guide and a nature photographer, and the adventures I've had and want to experience in the future. As such, Travel is a big player in the interview too.

So... these photos cover all those aspects. I want one that is interesting to viewers of course (a good "hook" to make you actually want to read the interview). But I also got hung-up thinking about the power of imagery and how that photo will "be what I am in the viewer's mind" long after the words are forgotten (I blame a college course for this--haha). So, it leaves me not knowing which to use! Rafting ones undoubtedly look more exciting, but I'm pursuing my photography as more of a career, and rafting part-time these days. So... hmm... I don't know!

You guys know a fair bit about me by now (especially those who have been around since the beginning of this lil blog)! So... I'm doing a short "poll" (today only-- need to turn this interview in) to see which YOU think would be best. THANK YOU in advance! :D

P.S. If you did not read this post-- please don't vote. I know that sounds harsh, but I want the deciding factors (the focus of the interview, what I'm debating, etc...) to be considered by those helping me make my decision. Thank you. :)

...OR, if you really want to vote, at least tell me you didn't read the post so I know it's just a vote on overall impression. :)

A THANK YOU!!! And... announcing 1st season show!

WOW! I am soooooo grateful to you guys for that warm outpouring of support in response to my last post! I was feeling quite low and a bit vulnerable for a while in the period around that post (it's been a rougher-than-normal winter... not entirely sure of ALL the reasons but, regardless, it has).

So the warmth and support so many of you gave so generously really meant a lot and I thank you... heartily.

And now, I'm *very* happy to share that it appears spring is officially, really officially here!! Flowers in bloom, birds singing, WARM temps (and for more than one day)... it appears that the long gray period that was last winter is past! It is officially SPRING!!!

WooooooooooooooooooooHooooooooooo!!!

The vibrant life and energy, the new growth, the sweetly scented air, and warm sunshine are waking all my senses at once and overwhelming them in a most pleasant way. And, the way things seem to warm up around here, that means that next week it will be Summer and Hot! HaHa!

As for now, I'm trying to cherish what I may of the gift that these days are every little chance I get.

And... I'm in the middle of getting ready for my 1st show of the new season! I'm very grateful and excited to have been selected as one of the lucky participants of an IndieSacramento show that is part of the Women's History Month Events hosted by Maria Shriver and Governor Schwarzenegger. The show will be this Saturday at the California Museum (in Sacramento) from 10am- 3pm. As part of the event, FREE Admission to the California Museum is included! So this is a chance not only to get to see work of several of the talented artisans that IndieSacramento has come to be so well known for around the Capitol City, but also a chance to visit the California Museum for free! All in all, this should be a great event to add to a beautiful spring Saturday! I'll also have some new works that have not yet been seen so if you're in the region, swing by and say Hi. :)

I would also like to send a very sincere thank you to the lovely ladies at IndieSacramento for the spotlight/feature on the IndieSacramento Blog.

For now, I'm sending warm, sunny wishes your way as I get back to preparations for the show... as well as ALL the work of recovering files, re-installing programs, settings, links, everything after my computer hard drive died and had to be replaced yesterday! But that's a story for another post...

So you'd like an update, hmm? Well, too bad.

I've not had a whole lot to say or report lately. No new news... just been pluggin' away at some of the "less exciting" behind-the-scenes tasks that have been piling up. And I've been spending a lot of time going over lots of photos I've shot but barely looked at since... lots of "prep work" for future things.

So, I let the "updates" go for a while here on my little blog. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find that, after steady growth previously, I finally logged in to notice... I've lost some followers. Yes, I know... as I said, I guess it shouldn't really surprise me at all... I guess it really didn't.

I do, however, find it both unfortunate and ironic. Unfortunate that, with so much out there to read/watch/do, people would still lose interest in my blog if it doesn't provide something "new" on a regular enough basis. But... that IS kinda how "blog world" is set, I guess?? So... ok, then perhaps that means I'll never have a "big blog." Oh well. I'll welcome those who are happy with me doing as I do.


Now the ironic part...

Great writers, scientists, artists, philosophers, etc... of the past were KNOWN for often locking themselves away in solitude to focus on their work or craft. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say I'm on par with history's greats... I'm just saying that there is obviously a reason and a necessity for that solitude and focus sometimes in all these "types" of endeavors.

So it's ironic that, by isolating & "unplugging" (spending some time "recharging" and doing work for the next big announcment/news/event/project), I would LOSE followers. By doing the very thing that helps me improve, I lose supporters. That's what I find ironic.

But, I guess there are always those who "get it" and "get you" and those who just... don't. Don't understand or perhaps don't care to. C'est la vie.

To all those of you who understand me, or at least bear with me (heh heh) as I go through "bursts then breaks" while I learn "what works, what doesn't, and what to try next" with my photography efforts. I want to very sincerely say...
Thank You! It means A Lot to me. Thank You for your support... and for sticking around to watch as I learn "Life, Kenna, and this photography business thing." ;)

So you'd like an update, hmmm?

I've not had a whole lot to say or report lately. No new news... just been pluggin' away at some of the "less exciting" behind-the-scenes work and such.

So... I let the "updates" go for a while here on my little blog. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find that, after steady growth previously, I finally logged in to notice... I've lost some followers. Yes, I know... as I said, I guess it shouldn't really surprise me at all... and I guess it really didn't.

I do, however, find it both unfortunate and ironic. Unfortunate that, with so much out there to read/watch/do, people would still "drop" my blog if it doesn't add frequently enough to that list of things to read. But... that IS kinda how "blog world" is set, so... ok.

But the ironic part...
Great writers, scientists, artists, philosophers, etc... of the past were KNOWN for often locking themselves away in solitude to focus on their work or craft. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say I'm on par with history's greats... I'm just saying that there is obviously a reason and a necessity for that solitude and focus sometimes in all these "types" of endeavors.

So it's ironic that, by isolating & "unplugging" (spending some time "recharging" and preparing work for the next big announcment/news/event/project), I should lose followers of that very work. That's what I find ironic.

But, I guess there are always those who "get it" and "get you" and those who just... don't. Don't understand or perhaps don't care to.

To all those of you who understand me, or at least bear with me (heh heh) as I go through "bursts then breaks" while I learn "what works, what doesn't, and what to try next" with my photography efforts. I want to very sincerely say...
Thank You! It means A Lot to me. Thank You for your support... and for sticking around to watch as I learn "Life, Kenna, and this photography business thing." ;)

Today I...

...truly reveled in and worshipped a beautiful "springy" day filled with SUNSHINE!!!!!

I think I have been "not-exactly-silent" about the gray state of affairs that's been the daily weather here for weeks upon weeks. ;P I also know, well... as much as the weather man knows (and we all know how accurate that can be!) that we have at least another 10 days of gray and rain approaching. And, don't get me wrong... we very much NEED the water here (not to mention, it will make for a very exciting spring season of whitewater rafting)!!! }:D

For a while now, I have been enduring the gray while in the process of doing my business taxes, planning for one upcoming gallery show, and screening my work to submit for another gallery show on the coast. Deadlines. What an AWFUL word... dead- lines.

But today... despite a well-instilled sense of responsibility and commitement... today I took a "break" haha to spend some time under a soft, azure sky. That wonderous golden orb called "sun" is finally starting to make a bit longer path across the sky, and I *REVEL* in it after winter's hibernation.

So today, as I was called by those taxes, internet self-created "obligations," and various deadlines, I felt also... calling more loudly-- NO-- in fact, *PULLING my very soul* was sunshine, outdoor air, and an eye-stimulating blue sky!

Really... it wasn't much of a debate. If it were a sports event, it would have been referred to as a "blow out" ...yard work (aka "playing in the dirt): 32 ...indoor work: 4.

So... in explanation of the title of this post, Today I...

~churned shovel after shovel of dirt that's been packed down for who knows how long!
~planted 42 shade-loving bulbs & tubers in a large, barren (shady) spot of our yard!!
~planted an additonal 5 potted ferns in same said space.
~prepared the adjacent partially-shady ground for my *summer herb garden!*
~stained & lacquered 2 lovely little bird dwellings, which I shall call the "Bird Yurt" & the "Shade Chalet" (as their cute little construction layouts seem to suggest).


...while tonight I still have yet to finish:
~submitting entries for the Coastal Arts League Kellicut International Photo Show, "Through A Lens: Energy, Strength, or Power."
~spending a while longer planning & ordering for my Solo Show in June at MAIYA Gallery (yes, June is a ways off, but one of my two photo labs is holding a 1/2 off sale that ends tomorrow on photos 16x20 & larger so... a couple hours of lost sleep could save me a fair bit of $$ if I can nail down a few more of the large-format works I'll be showing). :)


AND... I *Definitely* have to rise early tomorrow morning to finish filing business taxes before I leave for the day.


All in all, I'M SPENT!!!

But that really good, gratifying kind of spent... the kind of "spent" that follows a day of physical work & exertion in the soul-rejuvinating world of the outdoors.

And THAT makes me happy. :)

A message to ALL my *Wonderful* friends...

I don't have a sixth sense or a web app to tell me when you are struggling and need to hear it, so I just want to take a minute to tell you a couple of things I've thought...

I think you're amazing! I admire you for what you do and what you dream of, and all you endeavor to do. I value each one of you for different and very specific reasons, and you ARE a valuable asset to this thing we call the human race.

I feel like my mission in life, and nowadays, my career choice, is to find and see the BEAUTY in this world around me...

Know, above all, that YOU ARE Beautiful.

Within the thing that is "you" resides the same beauty that's in a sunrise... a sunset... mesmerizing water... and the most beautiful flower.

...and I take this moment to thank you for all that you are and all that you are to me.


***Note: I was moved to post this more immediately after my previous post than is common for me, and it highlights the heartfelt dedication and contributions of two amazing people, so please DO take an extra moment to read the next post. I promise... it's well worth your time. :)