joeykennedy photography

Dear God, Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-25T00:09:00.004-05:00

All at once, i am overwhelmed with a feeling of gratefulness. Working in retail environments allows the true concept of Christmas to be lost. I think of all the ways God has blessed my life. The people he put in it, their talented, and very special to me and i have grown rather fond of them. Thank you God for the wonderful things you gave me that allow me to create and find harmony with myself. Wonderful things that allow me to connect with the world and grow as a human being.

Tonight at church, our pastor said to do 3 three things to re-connect with God.

1. Talk to Him; don’t just thank Him for his perfect gift (his only son) but talk to Him like a friend who brings you up to date on their life. He already knows but he longs to hear you tell to Him. I use to talk to Him all the time, but the business of my life quickly gets in the way of all my relationships.

2. Read his word. His words are pretty amazing promises and deep in wisdom. His words live and have the ability to live in us and that’s beautiful!

3. Be alone with Him. I can’t remember the last time i climbed to the top of the hill to be close to Him. Too just be with Him. i miss that, i miss Him!

I love you Sir, Thank You for Christmas; it means the world to me. Thank you for all you have done in my life, and the blessings that’s come from them. Thank you for the people God, the beautiful people you put in my life and the specials ones you put in my heart. I love you.

Goodnite
joey

Snow at Sirani Gallery

2008-12-17T14:44:00.003-05:00

In August of 2008, I had an opportunity to juror the show, "In the Making" which was a show at Fe Gallery in Lawrenceville that spotlighted 250 artists from the region and created a catalog of their works. That is where and when i met Randie Snow. She has become a close friend and fellow artist. A few weeks ago she took me to Sirani Gallery in Squirrel Hill, which is an international gallery. Its quite an honor to have your work there and since she won best in show for flight of the imagination, she was showcased here. Congrats Randie, its exciting to know you : )

Mattress Factory

2008-12-13T11:06:00.004-05:00

For years i have loved the Mattress Factory here in Pittsburgh. Yesterday was the second time in two weeks that i attended and i am going back today for a lecture. James Turrell creates the most amazing installations of light. This one particular always connected with me and i couldn’t resist creating something with it. The light in his work is a spiritual gateway to me, a portal into the other side. These portals or magic windows (some like to call it) fascinate me. When i can see these portals, i feel compelled to capture them.

If you haven’t already, please make it a point to visit the mattress factory.
http://www.mattress.org/
The space is all installation art which is quickly becoming my favorite kind.

I created this shot by using a long exposure of 25 seconds on f/11. I walked quickly into the frame, let my image absorb for 10 seconds or so, and then walked out of the frame. I saw in my mind a portal for the soul that was the inspiration.

Thank you James Turrell, here is an image search on google of his work.http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GZAZ_enUS281US281&q=james+turrell&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title

vintage me....

2008-11-28T23:55:00.003-05:00

New profile pic, what do you think??

Jazz On A Summers Day

2008-11-15T09:53:00.007-05:00

Last night we went to the cultural district and saw the movie, Jazz on a Summers Day as part of the 3 Rivers FILM Fest. The music was really amazing and i appreciate all the ground work that was laid by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Mahalia Jackson and Anita O'Day. Anita so impressed me that I am downloading her greatest hits on iTunes as i am uploading this to blogger...I found this clip on youtube which directly from the movie last night, watch it, after 2 minutes you will see her get really into it...Watch her mouth move, its killer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1V3n1u0JI8

I found a few more of my favorites parts of the movie, if your interested. This is Mahalia Jackson, my mother played her records when we would clean house, or get ready for church on sunday mornings. it was a real moment of nostalgia, while listening i began remembering childhood moments, pretty cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq7Kf25Dou0

It began to rain on my walk home, i couldnt resist shooting the street.

UnBlurred III

2008-11-09T00:08:00.003-05:00

We caught an amazing exhibit at the Pittsburgh Glass Center (5472 Penn Ave). Artist Susan Taylor Glasgow exhibition called "Absence of Body" featured a giant nest made of branches and broken glass...The nest represented her experiences in life...a moving peice to me personally.

Un-burred II

2008-11-09T00:01:00.003-05:00

After the recent project of UNEarthed, its pretty hard to be in Lawrenceville and NOT cut through the Allegheny Cemetery! Something about that place is still so special. Here are few images shot in or around it.

Un-burred

2008-11-08T22:33:00.007-05:00

Every FIRST FRIDAY of the month all the galleries in Lawrenceville, Garfield, Friendship and East Liberty (basically along Penn Ave) have openings. Its a collective event by the Penn Ave Art Association called, "Un blurred." We saw some moving exhibits, one particular that jumped out at me was Ian Greens peice on Monsanto...it was funny, earlier that same day, Randie sent me this artical about them. Pretty Scary stuff, then to see this painting... Above is an image Ian Green, his description about the work and the painting.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1082559/The-GM-genocide-Thousands-Indian-farmers-committing-suicide-using-genetically-modified-crops.html

1910

2008-11-06T23:53:00.003-05:00

This image just makes think of Sigur Ros....Click on this to see it large...

Fall

2008-11-06T13:17:00.004-05:00

The real trick was trying to capture the leaves falling of this tree everytime the wind
would blow. The lens i had with me was the wide angle...

2008-11-06T12:23:00.001-05:00

Ok, its official, I have completely fallen in LOVE with TREES : )

New Friends

2008-11-06T10:40:00.002-05:00

I keep having confrontations with all these animals, i guess i am the intruder. I forgot how curious cows are...I pulled over and was digging through my trunk for my tripod, I heard them and when i look up they had snuck behind me. They sure are cute bugers arent they?

The Morning Fog

2008-11-05T11:49:00.006-05:00

I have this tradition, when i awake and the land is full of fog...I immediately grab my camera and head out the door. I put on atmospheric music, today it was Global Communication: Album 76:14... I highly recommend this electronic classic of the mid 90s... Check out a sample here,

(PSST: if you CTRL Click the link, it will open in a new window)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAMjHbcWAyM

It really helps to put you in the mood i was in when i saw these images....

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T12:06:00.004-05:00

Randie had her annual Halloween party Saturday night. She and her room-mate dressed up as characters from "Sweeney Todd."

A ride in the country

2008-11-02T18:14:00.010-05:00

There are moments, when i just need to relax and with the completion of the last show I had a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. The outcome, the experience and the opening were very fun to be apart of and look forward to working with Randie on future projects!

Today i had to retreat, in the countryside and get wonderfully lost. When my ability to create comes, I enter a world, and my eyes are open...everything i see becomes unique, every sound captures my attention, from the wind to the russle of the dead leaves. The sunlight shining through them, and on them make me entranced. The muted colors of fall are so beautiful. I want to tell the story of the big sleep that is coming....

UnEarthed : The Artists

2008-10-31T17:04:00.002-04:00

UnEarthed : Opening Nite Photos

2008-10-31T16:48:00.003-04:00

UnEarthed : Opening Nite Photos

2008-10-31T16:31:00.004-04:00

UnEarthed : Opening Nite Photos

2008-10-31T16:08:00.005-04:00

UnEarthed : Opening Nite Photos

2008-10-31T14:28:00.006-04:00

UnEarthed : Opening Nite Photos

2008-10-31T13:56:00.004-04:00

UnEarthed: Opening Night

2008-10-31T00:33:00.006-04:00

Tonight was the opening for UnEarthed at the ICE HOUSE in Larryville...What a cool space and even better art work. I was truely inspired by the different ideas and way to use the wood. There was a great energy that filled the space tonight and the best part for me was getting to meet all the brilliant artists behind these moving works. I was very honored to have my peice sell tonight! Thank you Randie, your guildence really help this work come together! More pics to come, but for now, its BED! Tomorrow will be the first time in a LONG TIME I truely get to sleep in!!!!!!

In the Shop

2008-10-24T22:14:00.004-04:00

Its been a really cool process getting to work on this cemetery tree project. Its weird, but there is a vibe in the wood. I feel an energy come out of it. As i sanded, i thought of the entire tree as one, and imagined where it stood and the graves it shadowed. Allegheny has certain presense to it, a presense i never felt anywhere else, not even its sister cemetery in Sq. Hill on Dallas ave called Homewood cemetery.

I can see in my minds eye all the faces of the statues on overcast days, so murky, so blue. And those spooky tombs with unknown faded enscriptions and of course the mysterious masonic symbolism. Its a crazy vibe and a crazy place. I always loved that cemetery and spent almost 2 years of my life photographing it. This project really hit home for me and provide a neat way to give back to her....

Thanks for the shutter snap Randie! : )

JoeyKennedy Weddings

2008-10-23T23:45:00.001-04:00

I have launched my wedding blog where samples of my work will be regularly updated. Please if you have a second, check it out....
http://joeykennedyweddings.blogspot.com/

UnEarthed

2008-10-21T01:54:00.004-04:00

I have been invited to participate in the unique art/benefit show occurring at the Ice House in Lawrenceville. My friend Randie Snow who is a very talented sculptor made it happen for me! THANK YOU RANDIE! The show is an awesome idea, its all art created from the trees in Allegheny cemetery. Working with wood has been a totally new medium for me. Yet i have fallen in love with the process and more importantly the tree i am working on. I think of all the energy in Allegheny Cemetery. Its such a special place and i can feel that in the tree i am working with. More to come....

Me

2008-10-21T01:35:00.006-04:00

So I had to get some shots done for my website getting ready to launch. I would love to know what you think of these? I am definately meant for the otherside of the camera! : )

A big thanks to the man who took em, my best friend Mike of G & G Studio Creations whom i work for part time. Mike has been a great help to me personally and proffessionally. He has really taught me the business in a classy classy way! Thanks Mike. His website...

http://www.gandgstudio.com/

1890

2008-10-15T00:33:00.004-04:00

Antique would be an understatement! I love this look....

Bridal Series

2008-10-13T21:45:00.006-04:00

Jessica. Not many words can be said, for her beauty surpasses words. Thank you Jess, your a wonderful friend and inspiration to me!

Final Selection: UnEarthed

2008-10-12T08:38:00.007-04:00

This is from a series shot a few years ago and nothing ever came of it. Its good to revive it. The image will be mounted to a large peice of Maple from a tree in Allegheny Cemetery. The Show is Thrusday Oct. 30th, 2008

Festival of Lights

2008-10-11T08:30:00.006-04:00

I had the unique opportunity to help with the projections for Festival of Lights. We set up 5 Image Projectors that would project onto the Katz building at 7th and Penn and the every so elegant William Penn Hotel. Rob Long from Clear Story was in charge of making it all happen and I want to thank him for letting me help.

The show opened last night and the air was a perfect 70 degrees. My friends John and Randie came down and we walked all over the cultural district admiring the color of the lights.

MC CONRAD & LTJ BUKEM: Sounds of the Underground

2008-10-09T15:38:00.018-04:00

So its been a while, actually a long long long time since I have had my world ROCKED! How many opportunities does one get to see a superstar Dj and Mc in a tiny 100 person venue? How often do you get to photograph it on stage with them?

The bass was absolutely subsonic! China had to be feeling those basslines. Definately suffered some hearing loss but worth the Tinnitus My ears are still buzzing inside from this performance.

Today my personal inner monologue has been in the voice of MC Conrad...LOL! It was sooo killer seeing all my ol skool headz out there...Check a samle of Mc Conrad & LTj Bukem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0USQkPLkmE

Friends of the Urban Forrest

2008-10-06T08:05:00.006-04:00

My Friend Randi has invited me to be a participant in a show at the end of this month for Friends of the Urban Forrest. The project is to use wood from the trees in Allegheny Cemetery. I need to combine wood and images together. Naturally the texture is to compliment the wood. Not sure if i like these yet, but i like the direction.

Let the city be your stage

2008-10-05T13:18:00.004-04:00

I had the honor of shooting 12 weddings this summer. I must admit, i have been tied to my pc like a dog on a chain editing all of it. Averaging 800-1000 images a wedding, well you can do the math. Plus i teach and work another full job working on computers. Its a rare moment i get to play, have fun with my camera. I love pittsburgh city, as small as it maybe its still a fun location to shoot. Hopefully if all goes right I will find a studio/gallery space in the city to call home : )

More Images from Gallery Crawl 10.03.08

2008-10-05T12:39:00.005-04:00

this scene is from the 3rd floor of wood street galleries. its a 6 sec exposure shot with a 15mm fisheye lens. this part was called the range, the fog and sublime light was called "Zee"

Playing in the Street

2008-10-05T01:31:00.003-04:00

After viewing such an awesome exhibit as Zee Range, I became inspired by the steam pouring out of the street. Luckily Chris, my best friend was a willing and brave participant to model while traffic flowed from both sides...honking occasionally. They didn’t seem to share in our creative energy : )

Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl

2008-10-05T01:11:00.001-04:00

Last night was the gallery crawl in Pittsburgh, my hometown. I must say I am very proud of her, Pittsburgh city that is...She has grown into a thriving art scene. Last night the streets were buzzing with people. Music poured out of the galleries into the streets. Plays and shows sparks massive crowds. Everywhere was silhouettes of people in the lights, it was beautiful. One exhibit really impressed me and my friends Randi, Chris and Ben who attended with me. The wood street galleries brought Kurt Hentschlager. Kurts current exhibit is called "Zee-Range" and it was one of the most intelligent exhibits i have ever seen on the gallery crawl! A big hand to Cultural Trust for picking this one! Thank you! The exhibit completely attacked your senses, and re-defines psychedelic. When you entered the space, your met by a thick wall of fog, your hand is placed on a rope that will guild you through the exhibit. On your journey, you experience sublime light which at some points makes you completely snow blind, then patterns emerge and the hallucinations occur. Pretty impressive stuff....you read more here...
http://www.hentschlager.info/portfolio/zee/zee.html