NY metro art scene

dance… 15th Annual Fringe NYC

marywehrhahn — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:32:46 +0000

Jene had met a dance choreographer Laura Ward/Octavia Cup Dance Theater, 2 weeks ago and photographed a few random images of a loose rehearsal. I call it loose because not all of the dancers were there. You can view a few of his images on his blog Fuzzypictures.

Wednesday I took a shot at it. I was invited along by Jene who initially was going to photograph the rehearsal to do that in his place. The stage was dim most of the time and it is times like this that I wished I had a better sensor in my camera (which translates into a better camera and lenses) but I give it the old college try and push the limits of my equipment - Canon 50D with 17-70mm sigma lens. With my ISO set at 3200, f/4.5 to bring in as much light as possible, I clicked the shutter, knowing that the images I captured would be grainy. Grainy can work in a few instances and actually gives a raw effect, lending an edgy feel to the image. Most of what I shot was just the walk through for placement and not very many dance movements. (My time was limited as the meter was running out on my parking space).

I find the whole process interesting starting with the creative vision of the choreographer through “show time”. Because of our upcoming trip, we will not be around for the actual performance so I will never see the finished program. These dancers put their hearts and bodies behind every movement. The graceful arms, the lengthy stretches of limbs always makes me wish that my childhood piano lessons were dance lessons. Oh well… I fully appreciate all forms of art – music included.

If you get the chance go check out the performances at the 15th Annual International Fringe NYC It runs through August 28th. Here are a few of the images that I really like… my only regret is that I had to tend to my car and missed the costumed run-through segment. The dance ompany will be performing this Saturday so if you are interested in supporting the arts. GO

See the USA in a ___________…

marywehrhahn — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:34:16 +0000

It is less than 2 weeks before we head out on our road trip. We haven’t decided which car to take… Little problems seem to be cropping up with the convertible (#1 choice). Our longest test drive has been up to the Catskills. The trip up – no real issues other than it running HOT. Jene tinkered with the idle because it was revving too high – then the battery was dead the next morning. WTF? The idle has nothing to do with the alternator/regulator thingie so we were puzzled. Charged the battery and the ride home was fine. But why isn’t it holding a charge. We traded in the old battery under it’s limited warranty. Then there’s the issue of the windows - still haven’t been aligned properly by the autobody shop. But don’t get me started on that! The ’67 black Cat just had a new transmission and new radiator put in ($2500) and it would be another few hundred to fix the AC. I don’t think I want to drive through deserts or the badlands without it. That’s leaves the Mazda. It’s not the “cool car” but it’s reliable and believe it or not probably has more trunk space than the Cougars And with the price of gas being what it is – it does get good gas milage (over 30 miles to the gallon in the city). It’s not about what we drive but the journey we are going on.

This trip was originally planned with the convertible in mind and we thought it would happen last year as our pre-wedding trip. (We wound up taking to the rails which was wonderful). The car was still in the body shop. We’ve been working on this blasted car for 3 years and have spent oodles and oodles of money. We just want to enjoy it. But the cougar gods have not been smiling down upon us and we can either put off the trip til the end of Sept. (We have the Filmore East reunion get-together to go to on 9/24), or take one of the other cars. I will leave the decision up to Jene – hey maybe we will sweat off 20 pounds between the 2 of us in the un- air conditioned Cat.

Futszing with the cars and other things in life has taken time away from planning our route. And of course I keep interjecting places I would like to see along the way (which is really out of the way), so I am no help. But Jene has added New Mexico to the list. Maybe I will get inspired like a fave of mine – Georgia O’Keeffe. When we figure out our course we will get a trip map from AAA. Armed with that, Jene’s Road Atlas and the GPS, we shouldn’t get too lost. (I will put a magnifying glass on the “to buy list”)

The to-do list is growing bigger and the time is getting closer. So much to do….

We’ve pulled out the tent, seam sealed and sprayed it with silicone to water proof it. Camping requires a lot of forethought and packing for varying weather conditions had me buying a rain jacket and pants. Boy they can be expensive. I opted for the stylish black waterproof and breathable ones in the mid-price range. I need to test the air mattress and make sure we have batteries for the pump.

Because I want some creature comforts the queen size air mattress is a neccessity. I’ve spent plenty of nights sleeping on the hard, cold ground to know that I don’t want to do that anymore. These bones are getting older and although I have more padding on my body then I did years ago, it still wouldn’t be comfortable enough. Spending hours in the car and then camping at night would be too much for us otherwise, so the mattress is a must have. The more camping equipment, the less personal items is how I see it so packing will be a challenge. Jene makes fun of me because I do a pre-pack a week before any trip and I am going to pack the trunk of my car with the camping gear and see how much room is left for suitcases. Spatial relation is one of my strengths and I manage to squeeze more things in then possible taking into account the configuration. It’s a gift The other major consideration is that the tent and camping gear has to be on top so that we don’t have to unload everything in order to pitch the tent.

Being away from the girls will weigh heavy on me with Matt being activated and away for a month’s training before he heads off to parts unknown. Danielle, Rose and Sara have been through this before but that doesn’t make it any easier especially with a newborn this go-round. I’m not sure how these women do it, but they do and I give them so much credit. (There are men that also hold down the fort on the homefront too). I’m happy for Skype for them and for me and will make the most of the wifi areas we come upon.

The weeks before any trip are hectic and this is no different, I am trying to roll with the punches with so much still undetermined. I am a planner so going with the flow can cause a bit of anxiety for me. Jene’s easy going ways helps ground me and keeps the perspective in sight. I am learning. So this trip will happen, just not sure exactly how things will shake out but it will be interesting and I will remain flexible and keep my expectations at bay.

I will be blogging about the trip on another travel blog site Flights of Fancy

Happy trails to you.

A weekend in the Catskills

marywehrhahn — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:12:48 +0000

It’s been a while since I walked a country mile and nearly forgot how lost in my thoughts I can get. I toted my Canon D 50 along for brief stops to smell the flowers… well to photograph the wildflowers. I was up at 5:00, left Jene asleep, sipped a cup of Italian coffee with warmed milk, then headed down the road before 6 am. The sky was mostly grey which makes for flat, boring light but I didn’t care. I was out with no expectations which usually brings about some pleasant surprises. Come on a pictorial walk down the lane with me…

With the sweet smell of the morning dew, I looked along the gully to see what wild flowers were growing. Some of these may just be weeds but I found them interesting none-the-less and began clicking away.

I repeated the prior day’s ritual, although left the house 2 hours later and headed up the road in the opposite direction. The petals were still ladened with rain drops and I hoped to get a few interesting images. It is times like this that I wish I had a macro lens. Something still on my wish list. (hint, hint honey

A pleasant day communing with nature – a prelude for our National Parks road trip at the end of the month. Something I’ve always wanted to do.

We headed home meeting rain shower after rain shower but every now and again I looked up and saw a crack in the clouds.

BTW, Jene was driving the car…

Thank you Rosa and Roberto for your hospitality. An enjoyable weekend inspite of the rainy weather.

Mary Durante (~~Wehrhahn~~) Youtt

Self portraits competition – SHOTS Magazine

marywehrhahn — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:01:22 +0000

I started to go through my self portrait images last week but time slips through my fingers and I nearly missed today’s deadline for Shots Magazine. I waver back and forth wondering if I am just throwing money out the window. One never knows what will tickle the fancy of the judges. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. There are so many terrific photographers in this world… and the competition is fierce. When I get rejection emails my heart sinks a little but no one will notice me if I don’t show them what I do. It doesn’t stop me from creating, just reminds me of why I continue… because I love what I do and I like connecting to people.

can't wash away the feelings

Recently one of my images (from a series Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer) had been selected by an international photo journalist whom I respect and admire, Peter Turnley and I was thrilled. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to go to the exhibit in Vermont for the opening and missed a chance to spend a few moments speaking with Peter. None-the-less, my work was recognized and appreciated. A number of my prints have sold when exhibited and that is the icing on the cake.

So much effort is needed to market oneself and it takes time away from creating. Life and all it’s madness distracts me as it does for my photographer husband, Jene Youtt. With the birth of my 3rd grand daughter and restoring the ’70 Cougar xR7 convertible behind us, we are now planning a trip through America and will be traveling for a month. Stopping along the way in VA, TN on our way to visit a friend of his in Arkansas. Then we will head to NM and up to CO. Visiting as many National Parks and places of interest as we can. These life distractions are a good thing and I truly feel blessed to have Jene share these experiences with me. (He has traversed the country a couple of times years ago but knows how special sharing the moments are).

Soon to be shooting and singing “Happy Trails…”

Mary Durante (~~Wehrhahn~~) Youtt

Self induced social network deprivation

marywehrhahn — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:38:22 +0000

Day one of not being on FB was a cinch. I woke, had coffee with Jene, went to the gym, then spent the afternoon with a friend, who just so happens to NOT be on facebook. Returned home in time to go on a Lowe’s run, pick up fish for light but sumptuous dinner of pan fried founder with a medley of farm fresh diced squash, zucchini, carrots, peppers, red onion, peach poached in orange juice with a dash of crushed red peppers and a splash of fig/vidalia onion glaze over a bed of rice and a tossed salad.

The only side effect of my isolation is no one else knows what I had for dinner. Still the longing to be connected to my cyber friends is strong – I am going through addiction withdrawals.

I am a social being and so therefore this is hard for me. Of course I still have the ability to email and telephone any of my close friends but really no way of staying in touch with my extended circle of friends. And I do miss that. People from my past have reached out because of the simplistic ease of “invite” Some of whom actually reconnected later with me in person. There’s a HS chum who is a pediatric nurse and puts out some vital information on her status. Other useful info, links and even the latest images from artists, that I miss, not to mention seeing what my 13 year old grand daughter is posting.

It’s virtually being the fly on the wall and I like that… And when friends of friends post it’s like ease dropping on conversations. You may not know exactly what they are talking about, but it can be more interesting than what is going on for you in that moment. You get to be a nosey body and can even chime in if you want to add to the thread.

This is day 1 & 2 and we’ll see how it feels when I don’t have anything on my social calendar – when I’m bored maybe I’ll start doing the things on my to-do list that I keep putting off.

Falling off the face of the earth…

marywehrhahn — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:12:01 +0000

Last night after a chat with my husband, I decided to disengage myself from FaceBook. A social suicide of a kind. I wondered who would notice, who would care if I wasn’t on the social network anymore and MORE importantly – how this disconnect would make me feel.

After pulling the plug on myself, I went to bed and found that a tear welled up in my eyes… I would no longer see the baby pictures people posted nor could chart their growth or accomplishments. I would not see the beaming smiles on the faces of friends in far away lands as they post their vacation photos. I wouldn’t be up on their daily chats. I would lose contact.

It had become such an important part of my daily routine. Checking in on people and letting them know what was going on in my life by updating my status. So what would it be like to be so detached for a week or more. Could I go on with my life – certainly but how would this self imposed cyber-solitary confinement effect me.

I have a couple of friends that were never on FB and some who rarely post anything. I’m not a daily poster but I do spend far too much time deleting email alerts that someone I know posted on someone I don’t know’s wall. Facebook has become such a big part of everyone’s lives but it’s a shout-out – like talking to the heavens and wondering if anyone hears you and then the pay-off – someone clicks “likes” or leaves a comments on for you and others to see. It validates your existence.

Even my blogs are posted on FB and gets hits otherwise what I have to say falls on deaf ears. Who will know what I have to say if I don’t post. It’s an easy way to keep in touch with hundreds of people at once and coming across people that I lost contact with was definitely a PLUS. The high school friends that have moved on with their lives, still remember me (fondly) and it’s nice to see that they are well. To see pictures of weddings and births really warms my heart.

One simple click of an update status button and everyone knows about your gallery exhibits or what you had for breakfast, its unobtrusive in a way, much like emails. And as nice as it is to have hundreds or thousands of friends as some people have. I wondered how it would feel to not have that connection. Would I feel isolated?

The social networks played such an important role in the uprisings in Egypt, Libya, etc. There is strength in numbers and it makes you feel empowered when you are counted among the many.

We are such social creatures and I think once utilizing the capability to connect in drones it will be difficult to go back in time and pretend that you it didn’t brighten your day a little when you saw the image of little Johnny eating home-made mashed peas for the first time.

note: I can reinstate my FB account and they keep all my info on record so that I don’t have to start all over again – or so they say…. this is a test, this is only a test.

Already I am starting to feel invisible… as a photographer, the connection between you, your image and the viewers is why you create in the first place.

Mary Durante Youtt

Money pit and time hog…

marywehrhahn — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:49:09 +0000

It seems that restoring a car should be at the top of the “what NOT to do in life” list. Jene and I started this project on what looked like a good deal on a 1970 Cougar Xr7 convertible. Jene fell in love with it’s lines and always wanted a convertible. So we plunked down $3250 and drove the cougar back to Jersey with the spare parts in my car (2 new floor pans and wheel wells). As we started looking at our joint investment, Jene realized we had a rust bucket. New doors were ordered, new 1/4 panel, etc and so it began… We took it to one shop to have the floor pans replaced. The guy did one and held the car up for weeks, Jene didn’t like the way he welded it and so we pulled the car out of that shop after paying for the work done Took the interior apart, replaced the convertible top hydraulics. Sanded off the paint and found what wasn’t rusted was bondo-ed. Body parts were all over the place. Did some engine fixes – replaced the carborator, various hoses. Found a place in PA to do the major body work which now included a new trunk panel and other undercarriage welding. (the winter of ’08). His finishing price was high so we had it flat bedded back to Jersey. Replaced a fender ourselves and both the doors (July 2009), ordering more body parts as needed. Checks were mailed and parts were trucked in.
We brought it to our mechanic for things we couldn’t do (it sat for nearly 2 months – that was last summer) Jene borrowed a friends welder and we manufactured some brackets that were broken or rusted off. The summer of 2010 was hot and progress was slow. Installed a layer of heat and sound proofing stuff on the floor. In the spring of 2010 we had a new convertible top put on and the body work was done in Elmwood Park (AJS). The car was painted in time for our “intent ceremony” in Sept. but was far from being road ready. So it sat in our garage for months until April 2011 when it went back to the body shop. Some quick fixes were done and pulled the car out of the shop, had a new stereo installed, and put the interior back together… Time was ticking and we worked late into the nights.
Wednesday was the first evening we drove it. Jene and I picked up my friend and took her for a spin. Thursday was my turn to test drive it since I would be driving it to the nationals and Jene would drive his ’67 Black Cat. (his prized possession since 1988). I picked up my sister and brother-in-law and toured the neighborhood.

It’s not perfect but it was show ready for this past weekend’s Cougar National Car Show in Bridgewater, NJ. Chrome was cleaned with steel wool, polished, sealed and buffed (that’s what I did while Jene was installing new headlights and everything else.

It looks good, still needs tweeking and the paint needs to re-done to our standards, but we are pretty much finished working on it ourselves.

The national competition was an eye opener as they inspect the cars on so many levels. We discovered that the engine is not the original and from a later model, the air cleaner is from a ’73. Missing decals and stock hoses knocked points off my score as did the rocker panel moulding which were from another year’s model. Too many points taken away to win a prize but then again we didn’t buy it to show, we bought it to drive and enjoy. The trip back and forth was only @ 150 miles but it took 3/4 tank of gas while Jene’s car only ate up 1/4 of his tank. Hmmmmmmm, maybe taking it cross country isn’t such a good idea. Hoping that with a good tune-up, the 351 Windsor 2 barrel engine won’t be such a gas guzzler. (BTW the ’67 won first place in the “daily driver” category)

Cost of restoring a rust bucket - $40,000. Cost of restoring a dream – PRICELESS

————

Jene’s ’67 is a California beauty – no rust. He loves her.

Now that most of our work on it is done what we will do with all our free time? Maybe relax and enjoy ourselves before heading off on our next Mary & Jene’s great adventure.
Lessons learned: Somethings aren’t as good as they look. Beauty can be skin deep and when it is, you pay for it in the end. Working with someone you love on something you know he/she wants to do – wonderful after the bruised fingers, egos, aching muscles are healed.

I’m sure Jene will post some of his pictures and thoughts on his blog in the near future so look at his site in a couple of days. Fuzzypictures.

Pray for rain in the southwest…

marywehrhahn — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:54:32 +0000

Wallow Fire – Special Request from the Native Brothers and Sisters in the SW Please forward as you see fit Hello everybody – as you can see on the news the Wallow fire in Northern Arizona is still uncontrollable and spreading. The fire has destroyed everything in its path, over 1/2 million acres so far, the largest fire in Arizona history. Please join us in a tribal prayer to help the firefighters and all involved. Pray so the winds stop and the rains start (without lightning please) We want to pray for the safety of all. Ask for heavenly walls to protect our land and animals from fire. All the choppers, manpower, planes, and bulldozers are not enough, they need our help. We are one Nation as Natives and our traditional prayers to the Creator as Natives can be pretty powerful; not only are our tribal lands at stake (White Mountain & San CarlosApaches, possibly Zuni, and some Navajo areas), but our non-native friends also need our help. Please let us all connect our minds, hearts and our prayers across the miles and pray. Wherever you are and whatever you have plan please stop for a few minutes and raise your hands to the Creator to ask for help. If all of you can forward this message across the Nations, we can reach many thru phone and internet. Please start forwarding ASAP to reach as many as we can. Please if your spiritual preference is not traditional – pray with us in however way you talk to the Creator. Thank you, Dorothea Stevens, San Carlos Apache Nation

Hot time, summer in the city…

marywehrhahn — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:41:29 +0000

As the mass exodus takes place on weekends, the city still sizzles and that’s not a bad thing. Nearly every weekend there is one sort of street fair or another. Click here for list of this weekend’s events. Or head on over to the Coney Island’s annual Mermaid Parade – starts at 2pm Saturday June 18th. The Mermaid Parade has always intrigued me although I’ve never managed to get there. It seems to have exploded from it’s humble beginnings. The best way to get to Coney Island is to take the D, F, N or Q subway to Stillwell Avenue. It’s all about the artistry and scantily clothed mermaids and mermen in a Mardi Gras atmosphere. (Something else I’ve never experienced).

If you are staying in the city, the Highline Park just opened the second section at the beginning of the month and is sure to please. (At least that’s what I’m told… hey honey, we need to get out more). Lately Jene and I seem to have gotten caught up in our own lives – although we try to jam in as many dance performances, proms, births, graduations, art openings (ours as well as others) and all the social events that come our way. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to do everything.

Last Tuesday, Jene took me (for my BD) to a Limon Dance performance at Gerald Lynch theater on 59th Street & 10th Ave. Years ago, Jene did the lighting and toured with the company so the company has a special place in his heart 3 dances: “There is a Time”, “Chrysalis” and “Emperor Jones” were performed brilliantly.

This was a wonderful period in Jene’s life and when he sees Carla, Clay, Nina, Annie he gushes with memories of the past. It seems when the company performs in NY some of the former dancers make their way back to the city for a brief reunion. Carla Maxwell, the artistic director helps keep the Limon Company alive. The company will be in residence at Brockport, NY July 11-29th. Dance is something you must experience first hand because each of us interprets movement differently, personally as it touches our souls. If you are not familar with the troupe, you can find out more on their site. I discovered that there are free Limon dance lessons at Bryant Park every Saturday at 11 am – noon (June 4 – Sept, 10th). Something else to add to our to-do list.

In Jene’s photography it is evident that dancers and their movements fuel his passions. The click of his shutter capturing that special moment in time - BAM! and a split second later it is gone as the lights dim. I am in awe of his work and I am not just saying that because I am his wife, as he can attest to my honest critique of all his work. It’s that feel that I get when I look at some of his dancers – WOW… it’s how my body moves in my mind with measured strength, precision, fluidity and grace. To me, dance is not solely about technique, it’s about how the music moves through your body, an emotional interpretation as the dancers spring across the stage. It is beautiful, powerful, ethereal and dreamlike. Something to behold and release at the same time. I lose myself while watching a performance… all cares are washed away. His images touch on that, drawing me in as my eyes roam over every inch of light and shadow. For more of Jene Youtt Photography – click here

Art - something everyone should immerse themselves in from time to time. It does a body good!

Summer’s unofficial beginnings…

marywehrhahn — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:13:30 +0000

If sitting in traffic is not your thing and you are not heading down the Jersey shore or out to the Hamptons, there’s still plenty to do around town. (Aside from shopping for Memorial Day sales). Parades are slated just about everywhere and you can google search for info on your town.

It’s fleet week in NYC- in case you’re looking to pick up a sailor. Plus all sorts of activities at the Intrepid Museum. You can purchase discount tickets when you buy a NY Pass (click here).

Time Out NY has a list of things to do this Memorial Day weekend

Wander through the parks enjoying the summer-like temps (and that’s free). Walk around the High Line Park, look at some art. View the works for the upcoming auctions at Christie’s. The viewings are free and open to the public. Click here for the viewing dates and auctions

Monday – May 30th

Manhattan’s Stonehedge (aka Manhattan’s solstice) can be viewed on . You know when the sun set aligns with the street grids. Jene took me when it happened on my birthday in 2007. Something I had not known about before so of course I thought it was thrilling. It was memorable.

I’ve been on baby watch all week and will be heading up from the shore tonight, looking forward to a quiet weekend with Jene (unless the baby decides it’s time for her arrival). Maybe we’ll put some shrimp on the barbie or grill some steaks but the solitude of my backyard sounds inviting.

Take a moment from your busy holiday schedule to remember what we are celebrating – honor the men and women in our armed forces. I just came across my father’s army baret cap in a box of old photos. It brought tears to my eyes. He was my first hero.