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
Rae and I recently went to Europe to visit friends and to see Paris. (Thank You Sonja, Nadine and Nadine Z!!!) Needless to say it was extremely relaxing and needed. Paris is beautiful and Germany is as welcoming as home. (In fact I wouldn’t mind calling it that one day.) Rae took all sorts of pics. I decided to just shoot 30 second video clips whenever the mood struck. Here’s a clip that combines all my favorite’s, as well as a few choice stills from Raeanne the photographer.
1. Koln cathedral w/ street performers.
2. Sonja’s backyard with drunk Germans singing.
3. Eiffel Tower.
4. The Dirty Projectors.
5. My brilliant wife and a sprinkler.
Here’s the video that was playing in the vertical TV’s at the show. I’ve combined them for easy sharing and projection. The clip is around 18 minutes long…so feel free to skip around a bit. The Self Motion Portrait is the next piece of the puzzle…and should be completed soon…stay tuned!
John W. Yost is a filmmaker and multimedia artist from the Capital Region of Upstate New York. Since graduating with two degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2004, John has been exhibiting and screening his extensive and varied portfolio across the country.
His work includes images from around the world, short films, and narrative features, including his 2007 debut feature film, EVERY GOOD THING to RUST and 2010 follow up, The Brave and the Kind. He is currently in post production on his third feature film, Orphaned, due out Spring 2012.
Often a hybrid of narrative and documentary, his work constantly seeks beauty, truth, and a greater understanding of the self. Stanley Kubrick, David Foster Wallace, Gus Van Sant, Omar Fast, and Radiohead headline his list of inspirations. John lives a modest and happy life with his wife, Raeanne, and their cat, Toonces.
