Categories
General Photography

The Impossible Year: Exhibition

From January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2014, I took a single photograph a day every day with a Polaroid camera and Impossible Project instant film.

I spent time documenting my friends, family, and the day to day bullshit of life, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

For the first—and possibly only—time, the complete collection of photographs from the project will be on display at my studio space here in Chicago.

The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 20, at 7:00 P.M.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and the talented Leyla I. Royale will provide background cello music for the evening.

The show opens Friday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. at 2000 W Carroll Ave, Unit 302B Chicago, IL 60612. After the reception, the exhibition will be available until March 28 by appointment only.

Appointments to view the exhibition can be scheduled by contacting me via email.

I’ve worked very hard on this, and I cannot wait to share it with you all.

You can find more info on the Facebook event page.

Thanks!

Categories
Chicago Design General

Johalla Projects Presents: ‘POCKET CHANGE’

I’m usually not one to blog about other people’s events, but I truly believe that my friend Anna and Johalla Projects are up to good things here.

‘POCKET CHANGE’ is a collaboration art/music series with The Empty Bottle. The event is being held to raise money to fund public arts projects throughout Chicago.

This Thursday, Feb 20, 2014, at 9 P.M. ‘POCKET CHANGE’ will feature the work of Ryan Duggan entitled ‘LAST CALL O-MATIC.’ Ryan will install a modified vending machine that will dispense “last call” pick up lines and fake phone numbers.

Additionally, the event will feature a DJ set by Heather Gabel. Heather is a fantastic artist in her own right, probably best known for her work with the band Alkaline Trio.

Admission is $5 and includes a complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon.

The last of these events was in October and featured the work of Heather Gabel and Matt Skiba at which I shot this image as part of my Impossible Year project:

Heather Gabel, Anna Cerniglia, and Matt Skiba at the Empty Bottle

So come on down and enjoy great art, listen to great music, and help make Chicago more interesting. All while enjoying everyone’s favorite low-brow brew. What’s not to like?

I’ll be there for sure. Hope to see you there!

Check out the event on Facebook

Categories
Chicago General

Grateful for You

I often say that the most important thing in my life is my friends.

And I’m pretty fortunate to have many friends in many different places.

A few months back, I lost a dear friend, Matt Ryd, when he took his own life. Someone who I was close with but regret not being even closer with.

Since moving to Chicago in 2007, I’ve found myself in a beautiful community of nerds, artists, comedians, and musicians.

One of the central figures of this community was Matt. We met through mutual friends, he welcomed me in with open arms, and we became friends. I’d look forward to seeing him at his shows or other ones in the community.

Now, suddenly he’s gone.

Since he left, our quirky little community has banded together around his loss. We’ve put together three concerts in his name to raise money and awareness for causes he found dear.

Even departed, he still sits in the center. In losing Matt, I’ve discovered a lot about myself and found some great new friends in the process. And I don’t think I’m alone in this. While I’d give anything to have him back, this is proof that every cloud has a silver lining.

Thanksgiving was a few days ago, and various friends of mine were posting the things they were grateful for in their Facebook statuses.

I simply posted:

“I’m grateful for you.”

I mean it. Especially you though, Matt.

Thank you.

Categories
General Photography

An Event Apart Chicago 2012

Categories
General

ILD Bike MS: Tour De Farms 2012

I should have posted this much sooner, but I’ve been busy. Perhaps too busy, but it’s never too late:

This weekend I will be riding, with my good friend Laura, in the ILD Bike MS: Tour De Farms 2012 to raise money to fight Multiple Sclerosis.

MS is a cause that is very important to me. Growing up, I saw the disease devastate, and eventually take the life of, my “Aunt” Kathy, my mother’s best friend.

I’ve set a small goal of $400, but I’d like to blow it out of the water; if you’re interested in helping out, you can donate here. It is tax-deductible and goes to a very good cause.

Thanks.