Lots going on at the start of this new school semester/year. I recently sent out a ton of new work to folks around the globe and New York…we’ll see what happens…
Check back here for the newest work as I make it.
In December I helped out a new friend, Zak Mulligan, with his first feature film “I’m Not Me” by donating my time and art work for a gallery scene in the film. Zach is off at Sundance for a film he shot, Obselidia…can’t wait to see both. Here is the trailer for both:
In other news…way back in Fall of 09 (Decades ago!) I submitted some video pieces to the Lake George Arts Project and their People’s Pixel Project. Well it looks like the Restys music video we all made back in July is one of their finalists. The screening is Saturday, February 6, 2010, 7 pm at Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe, 19 Exchange Street, Glens Falls. Here is the link to all the info on the screening AND where to see all the works for the month of February. Thanks to all who made the video possible, and congrats to all in the Pixel Project!
And finally…a collection of my prints and work has gone on sale at Feast Gallery. Many of the prints are 1st editions of my stump work and environmental photography. They are being offered unframed in order to keep cost down for you and me. So if you’re around Toga, stop in and pick one up. The money will go towards my future efforts and the future efforts of Feast Gallery…a gem on Beekman.
So with a new year comes a new body of work. (Soon to be up on this site, and in shows.) I have spent a good two weeks rounding up work from 2009 and getting it ready to send out. I came across the short film “Us Ones In Between” (A Sunset Rubdown lyric) that me and the Falk’s made for a Troy group that never quite lifted off. It was shot at the very beginning of 2009 and took a good four months to finish. Overall I’m pretty happy with everything about it. The performances were good, but I can see how the story and editing take you out of the experience. When all is said and done it ended up being a place for me to try out some new ideas for the next feature. (coming soon) Special thanks to the Falk’s, Christian Grunnah, and Matt Caldamone for all the hard work…now off to festivals. Feedback is always welcomed!
So I recently started a project called War of 2012. As I get deeper and deeper into grad school I’m finding it easier to not label “series” right away and let work become what it will be. For example, I expanded on the existing War 2012 pieces and added a video element. The video was a project I shot back in July…finally coming to realization. What’s the title of final “piece”?…Who knows. Any suggestions? Sometimes I think the only thing holding them both together is the fact that miniatures are used in artifice. (The stuff in the sky of the video are microscopic images of algae and such.)
Recently I thought back through the last century and couldn’t think of a time that America wasn’t in constant fear. It seems that since before we were a nation we’ve been on alert. I know in my short life there has been an ever-building feeling of dread. Moments that change things come and go, but when you stretch that moment, you’re allowed to savor the feeling…what ever it may be. I look forward to any feedback or comments.
So last weekend I was in NYC with friends trying to add more to the motion portrait project. Thanks a million to all that helped out and came out. To those who couldn’t make it…we’ll be doing it again…so no excuses.;-)
Here are two “studies” of David Kalka and Travis Anderberg. Both did “straight” portraits…then something very different. I like them presented like this…it gives me lots of ideas.:-) Read More »
Fire! is the tentative title of this next group of videos and 2D work. The idea comes mostly from quantum physics and Black holes. (In fact this first group is titled “Black Hole 1″)
The idea came to me after reading about the theoretical scenario of falling into a black hole. The person falling would perceive time as a linear, real-time flow. Read More »
I did it…and it only took 6 years. In 2003 I started shooting a series of B&W reversal film images on my travels x-country and beyond. Today I finally finished the edit and here they are. (9 out of 200-300 images) As I start grad school I think the best thing to do is button up the old work, learn from the mistakes and triumphs, and then move on to new stuff. This also marks the near end of me using film. I just got a Canon 7D and I don’t think I’ll be using film in my future work…unless astetic dictates. However, I will still continue to explore travel photography and my favorite stumps on film…once the cameras are repaired…
The film I was using was Plus-X…processed with the Kodak B&W reversal kits…that is, until they stopped making them and my last 2 cases were all duds. I might explore some things with 4X5 B&W reversal in the future…I’ll just have to send it to dr5 Chrome. I recommend them if you ever want to try it. Just make sure you overexpose by a stop.:-)
Stay tuned for the completion of War 2012 next…
Cheers
John
A photographer and filmmaker from the Capital District of New York State, John W. Yost recently completed his second feature film, The Brave and the Kind, and is currently enrolled in the MFA program at the University at Albany. His work is often a hybrid of narrative and documentary, constantly seeking beauty, truth, and a greater understanding of the self. Mr. Yost lives a modest and happy life with his wife Raeanne, and their cat, Toonces.
