The Art of Phoneography: Photos from the June 16, 2018 Inaugural Workshop

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As announced here, The Art of Phoneography is a free workshop I designed and Weir Farm’s first one ever on photography.  I did not realize I would touch a nerve in the public with my idea about teaching how to see like an artist in order to take better smartphone photographs.  This first workshop filled quickly and a waiting list had to be established.  As of this writing, the July 7 workshop filled up some time ago and the last one on September 23 is nearing capacity.  Interested participants should register with the park as soon as possible at (203) 834-1896 extension 28.

So it was inspiring to work with the very first group, some of whom also brought their DSLRs.  At least one attendee drove over an hour to attend and several of the Weir Farm park staff were also present to learn.  I’m usually pretty outgoing when I teach, but the eagerness and friendliness of the group was particularly energizing.

The first Art of Phoneography workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site, Saturday, June 16, 2018

The group generously gave input on additional workshops they would like to see offered so that they can continue to improve as photographers, all of which I am discussing with Weir Farm.  One thing I am investigating is an easy way where everyone can upload their photos to a common site that I can access from the laptop in the barn.  This way we can end the workshop with a pleasant time enjoying each other’s images.

Until then, I asked everyone to email me images for posting here on my blog.  Opening each email to see the attached photos was as exciting as ripping the gift wrap off a present.  It’s interesting to see how people experience Weir Farm and what attracts their eye.  Some of the photos are presented here, alphabetized by first name.

If you attended the workshop and would like to have your photos included, email your images to me and I am happy to add them here.  If for some reason you want me to remove your photo from this page, let me know.  I tried contacting everyone for permission, so please forgive me if I messed up.

Alex

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda L.

 

Amanda P.

 

Ben

 

Christina

 

Ellen

 

Estela

 

Estela

 

Estela

 

Helen

 

Kim

 

Kim

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Martin

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Mike

 

Pat

 

Suzi

 

Name not given

 

Name not given

 

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“The Diary of Theodosia Ford” – Photographs by Xiomaro at Women’s Rights National Historical Park

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SENECA FALLS | Ask the average person to name an important woman of the American Revolution and they might think of Betsy Ross, believed to have made the first American flag for George Washington.  A fine art photographic exhibit opening on July 1 at Women’s Rights National Historical Park seeks to introduce a new name into the public consciousness:  Theodosia Ford.

The park celebrates Independence Day with the debut solo exhibition The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro, on view until August 31.  The images, together with an imagined diary based on factual accounts, tell the dramatic story of a young widow’s unsung role in the colonial fight for freedom.  Theodosia and her four children crammed into two rooms from 1779-80 – during one of the worst winters of the century – and gave up control of her New Jersey home to George Washington and his entourage for use as his military base.

Xiomaro explains that the house was ideal because it was strategically located between Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York City.  Conditions, however, were harsh.  The house was crowded with the General’s assistants, servants and slaves, his wife Martha, and towering personalities such as Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, and Benedict Arnold.

Yet, Theodosia, persevered with the domestic upheaval, the deaths of several close family members (including her toddler), and the worst winter of the century with more than 20 brutal snowstorms.  Demoralized and weakened soldiers living in a nearby encampment suffered with starvation, nakedness – some only having a blanket – and the agonizing temperatures described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

Other difficulties included the court-martialing of Benedict Arnold and the death of a Spanish Ambassador from fever.  There were some bright moments, however.  It was at Theodosia’s house that Alexander Hamilton met and fell in love with Elizabeth Schuyler, famously dramatized in the Broadway play Hamilton.

Theodosia never remarried, continued to run the farm, and her husband’s business operations.  She remained in the house until her death in 1824.  “She proved to be as independent as the country that became the United States,” notes Xiomaro.  “Like Washington, she was a resilient leader who fought many personal battles.”

The exhibition of 12 images are drawn from a collection of almost 100 photographs of the Ford mansion that Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) was commissioned to create for the National Park Service at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park.  Each 17”x25” image is accompanied by a compelling narrative written by the artist.  “The events and dates are factual, but I presented Theodosia’s story as an imagined diary that dramatizes what her feelings might have been as she and her four children lived through this very difficult time in history,” explains Xiomaro.

Xiomaro is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker.  His work has been widely exhibited at Harvard University, museums, and galleries.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing his photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park is the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention on July 19-20, 1848.  The park’s gallery is located on the second floor of its Visitor Center at 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148, and the free exhibition runs from July 1 to August 31, 2018.  Visiting hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week.  A free limited edition exhibit ebook of the photographs can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com, which includes free entry into a giveaway of the book, The Fords of New Jersey by Jude M. Pfister (The History Press) and a 5”x7” print from the exhibit.

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Women’s Rights National Historical Park Celebrates Independence Day with “The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro”

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Women’s Rights National Historical Park celebrates Independence Day with the debut solo exhibition The Diary of Theodosia Ford – Photographs by Xiomaro.  The 12 images tell the dramatic story of a young widow’s unsung role in the American Revolutionary War by giving up her family’s New Jersey home to George Washington for use as his headquarters during the worst winter of the century.  Admission is free and the photographs will be on view from July 1 to August 31, 2018 at the Visitor Center’s gallery on the second floor.

General Washington spent the winter of 1779-80 at the home of Theodosia Ford, who persevered through the deaths of several family members including her toddler.  Her 12-room Georgian Revival mansion became Washington’s headquarters as it was strategically located between Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York City.  Conditions were harsh.  The house was crowded with the General’s assistants, servants and slaves, his wife Martha, and other historical personalities such as Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, and Benedict Arnold.  It was also the worst winter of the century with more than 20 snowstorms, described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

The exhibition of 12 images are drawn from a collection of almost 100 photographs of the Ford mansion that Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) was commissioned to create for the National Park Service at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park.  Each 17”x25” image is accompanied by a compelling narrative written by the artist.  “The events and dates are factual, but I presented Theodosia’s story as an imagined diary that dramatizes what her feelings might have been as she and her four children lived through this very difficult time in history,” explains Xiomaro.

The artist used only existing window light with a sparing use of a technique called “light painting” to create ethereal photographs with rich color, detail, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.  In addition to the framed images, two are presented as “photo ceramics.”  Xiomaro applied adhesives and finishes over photographic prints to fuse them onto black 12” ceramic tiles giving the images a luminous textured surface.

Xiomaro is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and CBS Eyewitness News.  His work has been widely exhibited at venues such as Harvard University and New York City’s Fraunces Tavern Museum.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing his photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

The gallery at Women’s Rights National Historical Park Visitor Center is located on the second floor of 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, New York  13148, and the exhibition runs from July 1 to August 31, 2018.  For visiting hours call (315) 568-0024.  A free limited edition exhibit ebook of photographs can be downloaded at www.xiomaro.com, which includes free entry into a giveaway of a softcover book about the Ford Mansion and a 5”x7” print.

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Free Photography Workshop at Beautiful Weir Farm

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WILTON/RIDGEFIELD – Want to take better smartphone photos?  Weir Farm National Historic Site is offering a new workshop titled The Art of Phoneography, led by Visiting Artist Xiomáro three times this year. Xiomáro, a nationally-exhibited photographer, aims to provide tips and tools for participants to create dynamic, artistic photos using their smartphone.  Registration is required for the free workshops – held on June 16, July 7, and September 23 (all from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) – by calling (203) 834-1896 ext. 28.

Point-and-shoot cameras and professional DSLRs are welcome, but the workshop is primarily designed to take advantage of the “best” camera – the smartphone that is always in one’s pocket ready to capture a fleeting moment.  “The secret to better photographs is not in the camera.  It’s in applying the principles used by artists like Julian Alden Weir” noted Xiomáro.  “This is why Weir advised a young painter to throw away his brushes, go out in the country and paint with a stick.  In the workshop, we’ll go out on Weir Farm to observe nature at spots that inspired masterpieces.  And our phones will be our sticks.”

 

                    

Xiomáro explained that seeing and creating a photograph is different than looking and taking a snapshot as many people do.  His workshop will introduce five key artistic principles demonstrated with slides of smartphone photographs and paintings.  He and the group will walk the park grounds with the challenge of rediscovering the beauty of light and color in the everyday world.

“Weir was big into experimentation.  So we’ll have fun trying out new things and viewing the images we produce,” said Xiomáro.  His aim is to make photography accessible to more people by minimizing the technical know-how that is often a barrier.  “I’ve seen expensive DSLRs set on automatic because the knobs are overwhelming.  He believes that, through the workshop, some will learn enough to turn their sticks into brushes and be ready to handle f-stops, ISOs, and other technical settings of a dedicated camera.

                    

There is a close historical relationship between painting and photography with each influencing the other.  For Xiomáro, Weir Farm is the ideal place for such a workshop, the first of its kind at the park.  Art has been continuously created there for the past 137 years.  The unique landscape has inspired three generations – Julian Alden Weir, Mahonri and Dorothy Young, Sperry and Doris Andrews – as well as the park’s Artists-in-Residence and visitors of all ages.

Xiomáro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) began as Weir Farm’s Artist-in-Residence in 2011 and, starting in 2012, continued his relationship with the park as its sole Visiting Artist.  Since then, he has become an internationally recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, and News 12.  His work has been exhibited at Harvard University and throughout Connecticut at the state Capitol building, the Mayor’s Gallery in Stamford, and Congressman Jim Himes’ Bridgeport and Stamford offices.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site.

The Art of Phoneography workshop is free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required.  To register or for more information, call Weir Farm at (203) 834-1896 ext. 28.  Workshop dates are June 16, July 7, and September 23 (all from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) at Weir Farm, 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897.  Participants need only bring their fully-charged smartphone (any brand is fine) or camera with plenty of available storage space for the new photos that will be created.   A portable USB phone charger or spare battery is helpful.  Comfortable walking shoes or boots are suggested along with some snacks.  For more information visit www.xiomaro.com.

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National Park Invites Public to Free Reception and Illustrated Talk for Photography Exhibition on George Washington’s Headquarters

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Xiomáro

The museum at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park invites the public to a free reception with refreshments and an illustrated artist talk on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The event celebrates the debut solo exhibition George Washington’s Headquarters:  Photographs by Xiomáro.  The 22 large images of the Ford Mansion – Washington’s Revolutionary War base of operations during the winter of 1779-1780 – will be on view until December 28, 2018.  Xiomáro will present a slideshow retrospective of his various collections commissioned by the National Park Service.  To advance public interest in American history, he will also be giving away a book about the mansion and a photographic print.

The kitchen at George Washington’s Headquarters | Morristown National Historical Park

Xiomáro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and CBS Eyewitness News.  His work has been widely exhibited at venues such as Harvard University and New York City’s Fraunces Tavern Museum.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

Close-up of First Lady Edith Roosevelt’s luggage labels | Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

The reception recognizes the exhibition of Xio’s photographs of Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters, which highlight its dual role as a residence.  “The domestic aspects are easily lost in the presence of Washington, but Xio has managed to capture the Ford Mansion’s essence as a home,” explains curator Jude M. Pfister, the park’s Chief of Cultural Resources.  Pfister is the author of the award-winning book, The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion:  The Storied History of a New Jersey Home (The History Press, 2009).  Xio will be giving away a copy of the book and a 5”x7” photographic print as prizes to two randomly selected winners.

Misty sunrise at Big Cypress National Preserve | Florida

The reception will be followed by Xio’s talk.  The artist will show his photographs revealing never-before-seen perspectives and artifacts of historical sites such as President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Summer White House.”  His documentary images of the  Big Cypress and Everglades environments will also be presented.  Time will be allotted for answering questions about his body of work, aesthetic, techniques, and his current exhibit.

The reception and talk will be held at the museum auditorium at Morristown National Historical Park, 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960 on Saturday May 19, 2018 at 2:00.  The event is free.

The exhibition is on display until December 28, 2018.  For visiting hours and other information call 973-539-2016 (extension 210) or visit http://www.nps.gov/morr.  A free ebook of the photographs is available at http://www.xiomaro.com.

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National Park Celebrates Presidents Day with Photography Exhibition on George Washington’s Headquarters

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Xiomáro

The museum at New Jersey’s Morristown National Historical Park kicks off Presidents Day with the debut solo exhibition George Washington’s Headquarters:  Photographs by Xiomáro, curated by Jude M. Pfister, D.Litt, the park’s Chief of Cultural Resources.  Admission is free and the 22 large images of the Ford Mansion, which served as Washington’s headquarters, will be on view from February 17 to December 28, 2018.  The exhibition is part of the grand opening celebration of the museum’s new “Discover History Center.”  A reception and a talk by the artist and curator will be scheduled for the spring. Free gallery talks will be given by Xiomáro at 2:00 pm on February 17, 18, and 19.

Xiomaro, in photographing the 12-room Georgian Revival Ford Mansion, used only existing window light with a sparing use of a technique called “light painting” to create images with rich color, detail, and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.  The effect is an ethereal quality that spurs the imagination in a way that transcends visiting the actual rooms.

George Washington (and Martha) really did sleep here.  © 2018 Xiomaro.com

The exhibition of 18” x 24” photographs, printed by Morristown National Historical Park, also highlights the Ford Mansion as a residence.  “The domestic aspects are easily lost in the presence of Washington, but Xio has managed to capture the mansion’s essence as a home,” explains curator Jude M. Pfister, the park’s Chief of Cultural Resources.  Pfister is the author of several history books including the award-winning The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion:  The Storied History of a New Jersey Home (The History Press, 2009).

The kitchen at George Washington’s headquarters.  © 2018 Xiomaro.com

The photographs were commissioned by the National Park Service as artworks, rather than mere documentation, for publication in an “accessibility” book for the Ford Mansion.  The large format book, measuring approximately 17″ x 11,” will enable physically challenged visitors to “experience” Washington’s headquarters through narrated photographs, which interpret the mansion as done on a visitor tour.

As the site of Washington’s military headquarters during the winter of 1779-80, the Ford Mansion is one of the key Revolutionary War sites in Morristown that comprise the nation’s first National Historical Park.  Washington spent several months there with his wife, Martha, his aide, Alexander Hamilton, other assistants and servants, and visitors such as Marquis de Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, and Benedict Arnold.  That winter was one of the harshest on record.  With more than 20 snowstorms, it was described by a soldier as “cold enough to cut a man in two.”

Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by CBS Eyewitness News, Newsday, and The New York Times.  His work has been widely exhibited at venues such as Harvard University and New York City’s Fraunces Tavern Museum.  Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

The photo exhibition of Washington’s headquarters celebrates Presidents Day and the grand opening of the “Discover History Center,” a new gallery of interactive exhibits offering hands-on and multi-media experiences for visitors to explore the stories of Morristown’s significant role in the American Revolution.

The museum at Morristown National Historical Park is located at 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ  07960, and the exhibition runs from February 17 to December 28, 2018.  For visiting hours and other information call 973-539-2016 (extension 210) or visit www.nps.gov/morr.  For a free limited edition exhibit ebook of photographs visit www.xiomaro.com.

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New Book to Spotlight Weir Farm and its Connections to Long Island

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Xiomaro

The first book about Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only national park dedicated to American painting, will be authored by Xiomaro, a fine art photographer from Roslyn Heights, in a deal he signed with Arcadia Publishing.  The park, located in Connecticut, was the home of J. Alden Weir (1852-1919), the father of American Impressionist painting who came to prominence during three excursions to the East End of Long Island.

“Openings into the soul of the painter,” was how Xiomaro’s images were described in 2013 by Hildegard Cummings, an art expert who authored a book about Weir.  Since 2012, Xiomaro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) has been creating fine art photographic collections of Weir’s house, studios, landscape and gardens under several commissions.  On Long Island, he is best known for his photographs of Sagamore Hill and Fire Island National Seashore, which have been exhibited at the Long Island Museum, the Nassau County Legislature and other public spaces.

The best of his Weir Farm photographs plus vintage snapshots will be featured in the book along with approximately 11,000 words of captions.  “It’s about the classic American story of transformation,” said Xiomaro, who – after overcoming cancer – also made a transition from being a music lawyer to an artist.  “Weir hated Impressionism, then championed it.  His property was threatened by development, then got preserved as a national park.  And the dramatic before-and-after renovations of the buildings will be seen in my images.”

William Cullen Bryant

Weir was influenced by the traditional art theory of William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), a friend of his father, whose Cedarmere home still stands in Roslyn Harbor.  Later, Weir and his artist friends adopted the radical Impressionist style, which they helped to popularize in the US through highly publicized painting excursions they took to the North and South Forks of Long Island between 1878 and 1881.  Today, Weir’s iconic works are at the Met, the Brooklyn Museum and other world-class museums.  The significance of these and other contributions to American art moved Congress to designate his home, studio and grounds as a national historic site.

J. Alden Weir

Indeed, the US Mint will be issuing a special Weir Farm quarter in 2020 under the “America the Beautiful” program.  The Mint’s website says the series “captures the breathtaking beauty of America’s natural landscapes that have inspired countless poets, adventurers, and artists.  Today, these hallowed sites are… enshrined” through the quarters designed by the Mint.  “The book will celebrate the park in time for the striking of this unique coin,” announced Xiomaro.

The worldwide deal with Arcadia Publishing will release the book as part of the Images of Modern America series, which the company website describes as uncovering “amazing aspects of American history that are all too often overlooked by standard texts” and “filled with expertly penned content and stunning full-color images.”  Arcadia, based in Charleston, South Carolina, is the leading publisher of local and regional books in the United States with a library of more than 14,000 titles.

Xiomaro is an internationally-recognized artist, writer, speaker and curator whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, CBS Eyewitness News, Newsday and News 12.  A free photo e-book about Weir Farm is available at www.xiomaro.com while supplies last.  For information about visiting Weir Farm National Historic Site, go to www.nps.gov/wefa.

Weir’s house at Weir Farm National Historic Site © 2017 Xiomaro.com

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