Jinxi Boo

Art Spotlight: How Photographer Jamie Siever Blends Tattoos, Family, and Love

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:51:25 +0000

Step inside the inspiring world of Jamie Siever and expect to be mesmerized by the warmth, emotion, and striking balance of bold vs. ethereal that she is able to accomplish through her photographs. This motivated professional blends her love for photography, tattoos, and family together in a way that is creative and incredibly effective. A mom and wife herself, this Philly-based artist has honed in on what she knows best, by focusing most of her exceptional work on family and child portraiture, with a special emphasis on tattooed parents. This fusion of worlds results in memorable shots that combine the candid devotion of a family and their love for one another, with the vivid tattoo artwork that explodes through the camera's lens. Jamie caught the photography bug at an early age, using a little 110 film camera and keeping at her side as a constant companion. So driven was she to learn the craft, that she became skilled at developing her own photos in a darkroom by the time she was in fifth grade. Between formal classes and the self-immersion she dove into, she learned all that she could about the art of photography. Siever went professional a few years ago and decided to put her passion to work for herself. In the tattoo and artistic-rich city of Philadelphia, Jamie is a constant fixture when it comes to being a "go-to-girl" for tattoo photography. With a focus on newborn, child, and family photography, she keeps busy with on-location sessions; and is especially keen to accept gigs that involve tattooed parents and their little ones, whenever possible. I was thrilled to nab an interview with Jamie and learn about how she was drawn into the photography world, what she is doing now, and where she sees herself headed in the future. I hope you enjoy learning more about this inspirational shutterbug. Not only are her photos a breath of fresh air, but the beautiful person behind the camera is a delight as well. Enjoy her outstanding photography and words in today's Art Spotlight. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your kids, husband, family, and life in general? I am a mom to a four year-old boy. I am married and have been for nearly eight years to a man who makes me laugh until I run out of breath. We have two pit bull mixes, Gracie and Zoe, who drive us nuts and make us laugh, and who sleep under the covers with us. I am an organic food eating, progressive-education supporting, FDA-mistrusting mama who loves hearts and the beautiful light before sunset, and driving with the windows down. Where do you guys reside and where is your studio located?We live outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County. I actually don’t have a studio. When I shoot newborns, I go to my clients’ homes, and I also do a lot of family shoots outdoors. I always kick the idea around of a studio, but I like to be inspired by the beautiful outdoor light and I also like to keep it convenient for my new parents. When did you first become interested in photography?I’ve always been the person behind a camera, since I was a little girl. I took pictures everywhere with my little 110 film camera; eagerly taking it to be developed at the drug store and waiting for what seemed like forever to get that package back. In fifth grade, I learned to develop photos myself in a darkroom and continued to learn about that process through high school. When digital came, I embraced but with a point and shoot. Once my son was born, I just wasn’t happy with the photos I was paying for or taking myself with that, so I bought a dSLR and seriously studied everything I could get my hands on. What was your first camera and do you remember what/who you first shot? I know I had my 110 film camera, and then later a borrowed Leica 35mm camera. I took a lot of photos of my little brother, of ephemera, of things like a broken engine I found outside. When did you decide to go professional? Can you tell us about that time in your life?I had a crazy one-to-two-year period where I was shooting clients, working at a law firm, being a mother to a two year-ol[...]

Positive Mental Attitude

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:03:09 +0000

"A stumbling block to the pessimist
is a stepping stone to the optimist."
- Eleanor Roosevelt

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New Watercolor Prints and Skateboard Artwork from Myke Chambers

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:13:29 +0000

Check out the latest treasures that our good friend Myke Chambers is offering over at his website. With twelve designs to choose from, these brilliant and bold 19 x 13" watercolor prints are just bursting with an old school influence that he so craftily weaves into his own unique and dynamic style.

They are printed on high-quality 10pt watercolor paper; and at only $20 each, are simply a steal! These would make an excellent gift or add a burst of color and creativity to any room in the house.

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 In other Myke news, check out the rad new painting that he just finished for 13 Thieves Skateboards.

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This hardworking artisan just doesn't stop...whether it be tattooing, mentoring, drawing, painting, you name it, Mr. Chambers is always up to something fantastic!

Read more about him in this Inkerview that I ran last year, and keep up with his latest accomplishments at MykeChambers.com

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Let Courage Unlock Your Box of Dreams

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:12:28 +0000

 “There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say,
'Yes, I've got dreams, of course I've got dreams.'
Then they put the box away and bring it out
once in awhile to look in it, and yep, they're still there.
These are great dreams, but they never even get out of the box.
It takes an uncommon amount of guts to put your dreams on the line,
to hold them up and say, 'How good or how bad am I?'
That's where courage comes in.”
―Erma Bombeck

(image) Photo by UKTara

Art Spotlight: Stunning Hyperrealism Paintings from Jason de Graaf

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:41:40 +0000

I'm a longtime fan of Jason de Graafʼs work and have had the lucky opportunity to write about him for an art publication in the past. I am so consistently blown away by his art, each and every time that he shares a new piece, that I just had to pass on the stupendousness. Jason's paintings are so stunning that itʼs almost impossible to not do a double-take when you encounter them. Though the foundation of his work relies on hyperrealistic techniques, there is much more lurking beneath each magnificent surface. The connection between reflections, light, and emotion are powerful and each painting has a sense of mystery and intrigue beneath the layers. Born in Montreal, Canada and currently hailing from Quebec, Jason studied illustration at Dawson College in Montreal from 1993 to 1996. After working as an illustrator for many years, de Graaf began dedicating his attention to painting in 2005, offering the fine art world a feast of inspiration ever since. As he states, “My paintings are about staging an alternate reality, the illusion of verisimilitude on the painted surface, filtered so that it expresses my unique vision.” What an extraordinary vision indeed. Art enthusiasts will be blown away by the composition, colors, depth, and grasp of reflective qualities displayed in Jasonʼs work. To see more of his incredible paintings and to keep up on his latest work, be sure to visit de Graaf's blog. Mind you, these are ALL paintings...not photographs. See...I told you that you might do a double-take!  [...]

Take Time For Yourself and Make the Little Things Count

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:42:45 +0000

"You yourself,
as much as anybody
in the entire universe,
deserve your love
and affection."
- Buddha

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Take care of yourself today.
Whatever needs to be done to accomplish this.
Even seemingly insignificant things make a difference.
Little moments are sometimes the most significant of them all.

Take time to:

breathe
relax
think
laugh
dream
do something
that will make
YOU feel happy
and cared for!

Enjoy!

(image) Photo ClawzSkunk

Animal Ink Tattoo Book: 304 Pages of Body Art Excellence

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:56:20 +0000

I'm so excited to announce that the newest Memento Publishing book that I wrote, edited, and collected submissions for is HERE! It's called Animal Ink and it features 304 full-color pages of beautiful animal tattoos from over 160 talented tattooists from around the world. In addition to the photos that Animal Ink is filled to the brim with, the book also includes 62 stories about select tattoos, that detail the meanings and inspiration behind each; told from the perspective of the collectors who wear the ink and the artists who inked them. Whether your interest is that of a zoological focus, tattoo art, reference inspiration, or keeping up with the impressive accomplishments of tattooists around the globe, Animal Ink would be a wonderful addition to your library. 11 x 8.5" hardbound, coffee table style. Mike DeVries, Russ Abbott, Jeff Ensminger, Myke Chambers The list of artists includes: Bez, Russ Abbott, Bob Tyrrell, Steve Morris, Mike DeVries, Ryan Hadley, RomanAbrego, Uncle Allan, Juan Salgado, Bugs, Boris László, Alex De Pase, Jess Yen, JayWheeler, Jeff Ensminger, Andrea Afferni, Josh Duffy, Sweet Laraine, Mick Squires,Carlos Rojas, Gunnar, Andrew Sussman, Jesse Smith, Aaron Bell, Andy Engel, LarryBrogan, Jason Stephan, Nick Baxter, Canman, Steve Wimmer, Adrian Edek, Aric Taylor,Big Gus, Arturo Ostrowski, Brandon Bond, Chris Reed, Colin Dale, David Glantz, BradyWillmott, Eva Huber, Destroy Troy, Jeff Johnson, Jeff Croci, Jee Sayalero, Aleks Punk,David Bennett, Florian Karg, Deano Cook, Andy Barrett, Brian Abbott, Katelyn Crane,Jason Vaughn, Johnny Jackson, Indio Reyes, Dj Minor, Jay Quarles, Jo Harrison, KirkAlley, Mason Williams, Mike Ledger, Kurt Fagerland, Oddboy, Ron Meyers, JasminAustin, Short, Roman Kuznetcov, Otto, Roman Warnick, Phil Robertson, StefanoAlcantara, Melissa Fusco, Leigh Oldcorn, Marvin Silva, Ron Russo, Matthew Hockaday,Sean Herman, Billy Beans, Bird, Caroline Hedgepeth, Clay Fraser, Dennis Curnette,Jason Adkins, Cory Ferguson, Jeremiah Barba, Joe Waulken, Khan, Marc Durrant,Daniel Cashoudian, Matt Dunlap, Sven Gnida, Tony Mancia, Mark Weiland, Phil Kefford,Phil Watkins, Marcelo Mordenti, Josh Bodwell, Loic Lavenu, Ben Corn, Brenda Flatmo,Calle, Petri Syrjälä, Christian Perez, David Bruehl, Tim McEvoy, Jonathan Montalvo,Jamie Lee Parker, Demon, Holly Azzara, Jason Morrow, Dave Wah, Timothy Boor,Fabian De Gaillande, James Kern, Dave Tedder, George Bardadim, Scott Olive, ParisPierides, Vyacheslav Sazanov, Eric Kueh, Jeff Zuck, Kazimierz KOSA Rychlikowski,Pepa Heller, Vince Villalvazo, Zack Spurlock, Phillip Spearman, Rachel Gilbert, DmitriySamohin, Frank La Natra, Tim Senecal, Justin Page, Myke Chambers, Fabrizio Divari,John Lloyd, Matthew Amey, Tim Pangburn, Dave Barton, Daksi, Deno, Iban, EndreSzabo, Jeremy Miller, Nicklas Westin, Jose Perez Jr, Oleg Turyanskiy, Jim Sylvia, TuttiSerra, Timmy B, Reed Leslie, Thiago Padovani, Scott Kelly, Igancio Sweeney, HayleyLakeman, Dan Smith, London, Matteo, Cascetti, Kyle Cotterman, Ty McEwen I have a handful of the books in stock and available for sale, so just message me if you are interested in purchasing one ($60 + s/h costs) or you can buy it directly from my eBay or Amazon stores. Thanks for your support! Uncle Allan, Nick Baxter, Juan Salgado [...]

Hello

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:31 +0000

Just watch. It's awesome.

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Step Into the Light

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:18:49 +0000

“Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it’s dark.”
- Zen Proverb

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Step out of the shadow.
Step into the light.
Ask yourself what steps you need to take
to start strolling down the path
that will lead to the enlightenment you seek...
towards attaining your goals
and bringing you one step closer
to changes that you have been hoping to make.
Even if you just take one step outside of the shadow today,
make that your first step
and then try one more tomorrow.
Pretty soon, you will be marching forward
and never looking back.

~ j-boo

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The Gypsy Gentleman in Austin, TX: Art, Tattoos, and History

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:29:56 +0000

I absolutely love the second installment of The Gypsy Gentleman which features Marcus Kuhn's travels to Austin, Texas, as he explores art, tattoos, and eccentricity in the city known as "The Live Music Capital of the World."

Highlights include:

• an interview with sign painter extraordinaire Gary Martin
• visits to The Cathedral of Junk, Yellow Jacket Social Club, the Admiral Nimitz Museum, and Rock of Ages Tattoo Shop
• interviews with tattoo artists Tony Hundahl and Steve Byrne - including footage of their incredible tattoo work being executed on film
• and interesting tattoo history tidbits throughout the show

It is beautifully shot and the music is spot on with the feel of the episode. It left me with a hankering to hop a plane to the "City of the Violet Crown," and I can't wait for episode three to see where Marcus ventures off to next.

Enjoy!

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