jw lawson FINE ART

Chad Pelton | First Friday | January

2012-01-05T10:17:00.007-06:00

Clearview 4PM | 2011 © cmp 2011

Come out to Aisle Nine Grocery in the Old City of Knoxville this Friday night. Chad Pelton's photographs will be on display @ Aisle Nine Grocery. As the first (of many) shows that I plan to curate in the store space, I am proud to exhibit work by one of my favorite photographers. Chad is a local Knoxville boy and does a great deal of art making and design work.

Since I closed my Milwaukee gallery in 2008, I have been trying to continue to exhibit artwork by artists that need to be seen. I had a bit of success with the shows that I put on in the WAR ROOM | MKE, as well as some other small deals, but now that I am responsible for the art for Aisle Nine, I think that there will be better exposure for the artists.

Any artists who wanna give it a go on the walls of Aisle Nine, feel free to send me a CV and jpeg samples of the work to be displayed.

More (Milwaukee) Friends I Miss

2011-11-02T12:06:00.005-05:00

Stan Stryder & Christian Mistreater , Toledo OH 2002 © jwl

These are a couple more of the images I dug up for the recent re-release of The Mistreaters records.

The above photo is in the downtime of a MKE-NYC tour in Toledo OH. The man on the left is none other than Stan Stryder, my all time favorite co-pilot on the road. Together Stan and I have traveled over 10,000 miles together. It's been a long time, but I would love to go on a trip with him again soon.

On the right is Christian, drummer-supreme for the 'Treaters. I can't say enough good things about that boy. All around good-dude.

Below we have a fun shot from Sleazefest 2002 in NC.

Kevin & Little Rock, Sleazefest, Chapel Hill NC 2002 © jwl

How I came to be @ Sleazefest is kinda round about, but meaningful now. I was touring with and photographing NEW BRUTALISM and decided to head to Chapel Hill to see The Mistreaters rather than go to Atlanta. When I arrived there, I recognized Little Rock (right) sitting in his truck reading the paper. When I asked him if the Mistreaters were around yet, Little Rock (who had never met me) was very polite and decided to get out and hang with us.

Long story Short, we proceded to have one hell of a story filled evening of music, fried chicken and cage girls. In fact, we don't really remember what is happening in this photo, all we know is that Kevin Mistreater loves Little Rock.

Little Rock introduced me to Stan when we got back to Milwaukee and the two of them have been true blue best friends of mine ever since.

Old Work | Old Friends

2011-10-31T16:52:00.006-05:00

Christian, Detroit, MI © jwl

I was asked by The Mistreaters to provide some images for their upcoming re-release of their records. Happily, I went through some old files and pulled out some live gems. I toured with the band across the country a couple of times and followed them around Milwaukee and elsewhere, so I have plenty of negative sheets with their name on them.

What I found to be the best part of this project was finding the off stage portraits that I had made along the way. This photo of Christian has always been one of my favorite shots, not to mention I remember the moment very well.

I have a lot of stories that include Christian's name and I won't soon forget the good times we had.

For the next few posts, I am going to bring out more of these tour portraits to share with everyone.

SKINNEMAXXX | RIGG & JONNY POP | SASSY ANN'S

2011-10-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

It's not photo based, but I gotta let ya know that I'm DJing @ Sassy Ann's tonight!!!

Trust

2011-05-23T14:22:00.002-05:00

I G W T, Portage WI 2011 © jwl

Here is another image from my last gasp drive across Wisconsin before moving back to Tennessee.

I have been through portage a dozen or so times and never made a photograph. Luckily, I got a phone call and had to pull over for a minute. Stopping gave me the chance to see this little nugget tucked away off the road.

I am getting amped up for a drive around Knoxville now that I am settled a bit. I need to start 'looking' at things around me while they are still new.

Northdown Cafe & Taproom | CHI

2011-05-11T17:26:00.001-05:00

Tinman, HWY 13 WI 2009 © jwl

So....Northdown Cafe & Taproom is now open in Chicago. It is pretty awesome. I haven't quite tasted the food, but due to the reputation of Comet Cafe and Honeypie Cafe in Milwaukee, I am sure it will be amazing. I've only been back in Tennessee for a week and I am already missing their food.

I am lucky enough to have been commissioned to supply the artwork for Northdown and I must say, they look awesome. My prints were encased in custom built and stained frames by AJ Dusek. The work looks so good that I wish he could frame all my future shows.

You can see images of the cafe as well as my work here. If you click the little arrow in the bottom right of the image, there is a slideshow!

Northdown Cafe & Taproom
3244 N. Lincoln
CHICAGO IL

Conversation With Strangers

2011-05-09T17:00:00.002-05:00

Shed, HWY 37 WI 2011 © jwl

Here's another new image from my two-lane trip across WI a few weeks back. This shack was just staring at me from the middle of a field. I spent some time with it and made my way on down the road.

Old Friends | New Journeys

2011-05-06T12:13:00.003-05:00

Van, HWY 13 WI 2011 © jwl

I traveled to MPLS a couple of weeks back to visit my best buddy Neal Reiter before my great journey back to the South. In order to spend a little 'last gasp' time with WI, I drove from MPLS to MKE on two lanes. It occupied the day nicely as well as provided me with a few images. I will be posting more in the next few days from this trip as well as my last couple of visits to CHI.

This van just screamed at me to stop and look at it. The colors just melt together like PB & J.

Window Dressing

2011-04-18T16:10:00.002-05:00

Yacht, Cudahy WI 2011 © jwl

This one is for Val and Chad.

Quick Trip | Make It Work

2011-04-16T22:37:00.002-05:00

Chad, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

I took a quick trip down to Knoxville last week to take care of a few things and hang out with some friends. I was only there for a two days, but I tried to make some art while I was there.

Scout, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

It was kinda nice to really push and look for images with such a short timeline. Usually, I spend a good amount of time, working slowly and searching for images. These photographs are, in my mind, a bit more immediate and to the point.

Tools, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

Exit, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

I was also glad to have the old trusty Mamiya on my shoulder to help me make the photographs. It has been a while since I brought out the big gun and shot film. I spent most of today scanning and working the color on these babies. If I say so myself, it was time well spent.

Cloud, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

RECENT IDEAS ONLINE

2011-04-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

Bed, Charleston SC 2009 © jwl

I updated the website @ www.jwlawson.com to include a gallery of my last show in Knoxville TN, RECENT IDEAS. It is a good collection of work from the last two years. I was rather pleased with the show and I hope you like it too.

Working On Commission

2011-03-22T12:52:00.003-05:00

I am proud to say that my work has been commissioned to be on display in a new restaurant in Chicago. The fine people of Northdown Cafe selected 13 images from my vaults to have grace their soon to be open walls.

I have been in the WAR ROOM for the last week or so prepping files, printing and matting the a very nice selection of photographs. The rumor is that there will be some custom made barn wood frames to hold these babies to the wall.

Needless to say, I am very pleased to have been chosen for the task of bringing visual pleasure to what I am sure will be a room of culinary delights.

Not Dead Yet?

2011-02-22T15:11:00.002-06:00

Parts, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

I spent time making this image with the GHOSTS in mind. Now that I have it home and kinda finished, I am not entirely sure. I suppose there is no reason that It's spirit can't inhabit both worlds.

Way Up There

2011-02-22T15:09:00.000-06:00

Tree & Sky, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

More News From KNX

2011-02-21T19:34:00.002-06:00

El Camino, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

Here is another new image from my recent trip to Knoxville Tennessee. Chad and I drove around South Knoxville for a little while and found some pretty good stuff for such a quick afternoon drive. This image in particular I spotted from across the street and had Chad stop the Scout for a better view.

While arranging the composition I was asked about why I was photographing the car and subsequently offered to buy it. It has a lot of work done to it and (despite it's current status) is apparently a steal for the price. Needless to say, I don't own an El Camino.

RECENT IDEAS

2011-02-18T20:28:00.003-06:00

RECENT IDEAS has been given the go for an extended week! If you haven't had the chance to see it, run down and see my work.

Gallery 103 | A&A Building
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Through 11 March 2011

I am pretty excited to have my work on the UT campus for the next couple of weeks. I always love to visit my old stomping ground and to have my work visit is even more exciting. If you are in the Knoxville area I hope you make a visit to campus and see my work.

A Day Scouting

2011-02-15T16:16:00.003-06:00

Deli To Go, Knoxville TN 2011 © jwl

Before the RECENT IDEAS opening, I got to spend some time riding around Knoxville with Chad Pelton in the old trusty Scout yesterday. It was nice to cruise around with the windows down, shoot the preverbial and make some new art. It was also good to have the trusty Mamiya back in my hands and run a few rolls of film through.

I spent some time looking up yesterday, mot necessarily hopeful, just lots of things to take note of in the sky.

On The Cover

2011-02-03T14:09:00.002-06:00

I am very pleased to say that my work has been chosen for two upcoming volumes of The Southern Poetry Anthology. Volumes IV & V will both feature my photography for their covers. I am super happy with these and the idea of taking my images off the wall and putting in the hands of others.

I am also happy with the images choices as well since they fall in line with my recent Vault searches. For the most part, these images have fallen under the radar and haven't been shown or seen otherwise. I was very happy when asked to dig through the files and pull out something new for these books.

More Head | Portrait #16

2011-01-19T15:56:00.003-06:00

Jordan Gwiazdowski, MKE WI 2011 © jwl

After the run of BATBOY: The Musical, Jordan asked me to shoot some more head shots, sans hair. It was a fun afternoon hanging out around the studio with Jordan and Fran telling stories and such. We got a few good portraits made as well.

I would like to get more portrait work from time to time. I never really work with people and it is rewarding in a different way than my usual work. Feel free to contact me if you'd like your portrait made here in the WAR ROOM.

Another Life

2011-01-18T13:29:00.003-06:00

Red Truck, New Orleans LA 2003 © jwl

I have been having a great amount of fun and surprise looking through all the old negs looking for new, yet familiar, work. This sweet little gem cane from a 36hr stop in New Orleans. Just walking through neighborhoods and seeing the richness.

This image can fit in three different bodies of work. Entropy, Walking & Rivertowns. This little fact is really helping me to stop putting my work into different boxes depending on location or mindset. It's all mine after all. It all comes from the same place.

Cleaning Up

2011-01-04T16:24:00.002-06:00

Untitled, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl

I shot this back in August on a walk with Chad Pelton. Quick and Easy. I was just cycling through some files on the hard drive and rediscovered it. It is a curious shot if nothing more.

Something Around Every Corner

2010-12-29T11:48:00.000-06:00

cold!, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl

That yellow garage that Chad showed me was a treasure trove of visual stimuli. Every angle showed me another beautiful assemblage. This wall made of different drink ads was amazing to me.

Simple

2010-12-28T11:42:00.002-06:00

Good Used Tires, HWY 441 TN 2010 © jwl

Sometimes it is just the simplest things that attract my eye.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:28:00.000-06:00

Santa Heads, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl

Have a good Holiday!

Sun Always Shines

2010-12-23T09:42:00.001-06:00

Roadside Landscape, HWY 58 VA 2010 © jwl

There was some construction issue on HWY 58 that had me stopped for a few minutes. Meanwhile the sun that I was chasing fell just so between the hills and showed me what I should be looking at. I got out and made this image. It was a good bit of timing that I was there long enough to see this.

Open Doors

2010-12-22T12:46:00.002-06:00

Untitled, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl/cmp

Chad Pelton has a collection of antiquated machines, two of which were broken when I arrived in Knoxville. I had the distinct opportunity to help him try and revive his babies while I was in town. Actually, Chad has an awesome way of being and a style entirely his own. He is a renaissance man in today's world. I admire his work ethic and ability to make a place for himself anywhere he is.

While revving the Mercedes engine to charge the Scout's battery, I decides to make some art. I will call this a collaborative piece and share the credit with my main man. Thanks for everything, Chad.

Wonderful Color

2010-12-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

Abandoned Garage, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl

It was a bit of luck that Chad showed me this garage on such a dreary gray December day. That soft light just let those colors jump off that wall. I can't wait to come back in Spring and see what that kudzu is gonna look like.

It Never Fails...

2010-12-19T09:22:00.002-06:00

Backyard, Knoxville TN 2010 © jwl

...I cannot go on a road trip without finding and photographing some chairs. I wish someone could explain this, or maybe not. Whatever the case, here ya go!

Living With Yesterday

2010-12-19T00:00:00.004-06:00

Abandoned Grocery Store, HWY 11W TN 2010 © jwl

This time around I have taken it upon myself to pay closer attention to the bits of the vernacular that truly make East Tennessee a unique landscape, rather than seeking out quirky bits that make it seem interesting. There are buldings like this, left behind from 2 and sometimes 3 generations, all over the place. Either left for a sense of nostalgia or even for the fact that no one cares to tear them down. Whatever the reason, daily life for the farmers and everyone else continues to progress. This is an aspect of the South that has always made me love where I am from. We live with our history and our ghosts everyday. There are a lot of ghosts in these foothills.

Telling | Beginning

2010-12-17T09:09:00.002-06:00

Enter, Near I-75 TN 2010 © jwl

This seemed like a fitting beginning to making some new work while traveling for the holidays. The weather has been a challenge and a lot of moving around has taken it's toll on my creativity, but I still have a few days to work. I can only hope that I can get through the rest of the trip without too much bad weather on the way back. Wish me luck.

Obvious Text

2010-12-16T10:17:00.002-06:00

Couldn't be helped.

Making My Way Home

2010-12-16T09:47:00.003-06:00

Roadside Landscape, Church Hill TN 2010 © jwl

I am currently on the road visiting TN & NC for the holidays and trying and make some new photographs along the way. The trip is plagued by bad weather from the Midwest to The Southeast, so getting out and making work is a bit difficult. Luckily, I managed to grab a few opportunities along the way. Here are the first couple of new images that I have captured.

Fallen Barn, HWY 11W TN 2010 © jwl

Take Time To Look Back

2010-11-14T20:04:00.002-06:00

Abandoned Car, HWY 16, VA 2001 © jwl

Here's another negative from the 2001 box that I never utilized. Before digital, I would walk around a space with a small 35mm camera (Rollei 35, Olympus XA or ??) and kinda survey a scene before I broke out the big camera to make photographs. Not that the images I was making weren't photographs, but I used the act of scanning as a sketching tool which allowed me to get a real feel for the space and scene.

Looking back, now, with different eyes I have an appreciation for the compositions long after the fact. I dare say that these vaulted images are gonna give me a new body of work that I have been holding for far too long.

Things Fall For A Reason

2010-10-27T13:54:00.003-05:00

Window, Milwaukee WI 2001 © jwl

I was sifting through a box of negs looking for a possible book cover for next month and the box toppled into the floor leaving the neg sheets in a mess. Needless to say, I was a bit pissed. Until I began resorting them and filing them in order.

Birdbath, Milwaukee WI 2001 © jwl

I found a sheet of 35mm negs simply labeled 'Walking' dated 2001. Given my bent for walks and the book from this year, of course I had to look. See, I haven't shot 35mm film in years and I barely remember making any of these images. That is the beauty of going back through the old negs to see what I failed to see before.

Hearts, Milwaukee WI 2001 © jwl

I scanned a few of the old images from 3 or 4 sheets and I am gonna continue to keep going back. I love what I have found (again) and will say that spilling your artistic guts on the floor can be a positive experience!

Walking With Purpose

2010-10-26T10:18:00.005-05:00

Untitled, Milwaukee 2010 © jwl

On Sunday evening I walked to work. Usually that sounds normal, but in my case it was 5 miles from one side of Milwaukee to the other. On the way I made a few photos. Much of my thought process went back into my Walking mode from last year. Which only makes sense.

I saw some things I wouldn't have noticed otherwise as well as found some new fodder for my Entropy project. All in all it was nice to have the time to myself. Moving toward a goal, but with a casual and thoughtful pace.

Tree Through Fence, Milwaukee 2010 © jwl

Goin' To The Chapel

2010-10-25T15:41:00.002-05:00

Abandoned Church, HWY 12 MN 2004 © jwl

I made this photo on a site seeing trip through MN. It is another negative that I just neglected to use for one reason or another. This process of working from then-to-now is kinda fun. In the same way that it is kinda new work, it is also very self-reflective as to my travels and my work as a whole.

What's Next?

2010-10-24T11:03:00.003-05:00

Abandoned Drive-In, HWY 11W TN 2004 © jwl

This is an old Drive-In theater that has bee retrofitted to become a barn of sorts. The new owner of the property has left most of the theater components, like the building and the speaker posts and all that, but the land is being used as a pasture and this building is storage. Too bad I couldn't have gotten some cattle in the image, it would've been choice.

Lighting the Way

2010-10-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lights, Chicago 2010 © jwl

I grabbed this on the street last month in CHI. Still actively looking and walking, looking and walking. There are visual treasures everywhere.

Step Back and See

2010-10-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

Car & Truck, Hidden Ridge NC 2004 © jwl

I have made and sold photographs of the car on the left. I have put the same image in my book, but I have never shown the whole scene as I found it. I feel that context is sometimes a good guide. That lonely Ol' car has got a big brother looking out for him. The driveway and the clay wall behind help define the space pretty well too.

Tanker (Re) Visit

2010-10-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Abandoned Tanker (detail), HWY 25E KY 2004 © jwl

I travel many of the same roads when I am home working. I originally photographed this location in 2001 and that image is in the Southeastern View book. I have since been back to this location at least 5 times. This particular version of the space was taken on visit 3.

I think when I visit a place and make an image there, I am somehow connected to it. I always like to stop and see what has changed in the time I have been gone.

Gone But Not Forgotten

2010-10-18T20:31:00.002-05:00

Tourist Court, HWY 11W TN 2004 © jwl

Here is another blast from the past. Pulling from the Neg Vault I pulled this little gem. I never used this image, I think, because in 2004 I was producing a much more formal and straight on in my compositions. Luckily, I think, in reference to this image I made the image anyway. Otherwise I would have never gone back and fished it from the outtake pile.

Looking For Home

2010-10-18T20:20:00.003-05:00

Roof, Old HWY 421 NC 2004 © jwl

I spent some more time re-looking @ older negatives. Filtering through the Summer 2004 pile, I came across this image. To be fully honest, I don't remember even making this photograph. I find it fascinating because of the odd subject, but also because of the reference to the landscape in the background. The roof is a lot of fun, but the truth of the cattle pasture and the barn give it a special sense of place.

New GHOST in town!

2010-10-07T17:56:00.003-05:00

It has been too long, people. Too, too long. This summer has caught me in a not-as-productive-as-I'd-like place here @ the WAR ROOM. Luckily for me, I have gotten a handle on my schedule and I have found a good groove to get up here in the tree house and make some art.

Luckily for you, I cranked out a new GHOST this week. I snapped the fodder for this bad boy @ an abandoned motel in the South East mountains of Kentucky. In fact, after spending a few hours there working, I am sure that it was inhabited by ghosts of a less pretty variety! I hope you like.

Frog Giggin'

2010-10-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

Frog, HWY 67 WI 2010 © jwl

A few weeks ago I went to dinner down in the Western burbs of CHI and took some backroads to get there. I saw a great number of possible photographs along the way. Last week when I went to visit a friend in CHI, I decided to take the long way, as in from the West. I specifically wanted to go back and find this frog. I just think it is wonderful.

I need to take more time to explore the Midwest, especially the spaces and places near my home in MKE. There are a lot of good things happening visually in the smaller communities and on the smaller state highways here. I kinda feel a WI show happening at the WAR ROOM soon.

Still Looking For A Sign

2010-10-05T10:12:00.003-05:00

Roadside Memorial, HWY 14 IL 2010 © jwl

An old high school buddy was visiting CHI last week and I decided to drive down and see him. It gave me an opportunity to take the long way. By the end of my drive, I had gotten on a road riddled with traffic and hard to stop and make any images, but the other end of the road had some very interesting things indeed.

I want to sit and talk sometime with someone who can explain my love and attraction to roadside crosses of all sorts.

Cross, HWY 14 IL 2010 © jwl

Room With A View

2010-10-05T10:09:00.002-05:00

I have been spending more time in my studio lately. I think I am working out some kinks in my schedule that were keeping me away. I am feeling good to be back in the saddle. I got a lot of new ideas, a new roommate and possibly a show to look forward to in the fall/winter. Stay tuned.

New GHOST on the drawing board!

2010-09-24T23:08:00.002-05:00

I cracked out a new print for the next GHOST late @ night. It's gonna be a bit of work to ink this one, but in the end it should prove glorious!

V22 | Back To Get Ya

2010-09-12T19:44:00.002-05:00

I finished this mix a month or so ago, I just haven't posted it yet. Anyone who feels like downloading 20 new songs can click here. You can also mind links to past mixes i the right column of the blog space.

Found Moments

2010-09-08T14:46:00.003-05:00

Auto Kustoms, HWY 64 TN 2003 © jwl

I decided to dig through a box of negs and look for something new today. I went into the box marked 2003. I found this little gem and I am glad I did.

It is a bit uncanny how connected I have become to the places I photograph. I remember almost everything about the days I have spent working and the time I have spent making photographs. I wouldn't call it memories as much as connected moments. Sometimes, when I revisit places, the place is just not the same. Something is different. The moment exists only in the photograph, as though the time and place and the things living there are they're own reality. I often always rephotograph the places each time I visit, but each image is it's own place and time and, coincidentally, it's own moment.

The interesting thing is how my mind changes over the years. When I first got this negative home, I didn't give it much of a chance. I never scanned it. Now, almost 7 years later, it strikes me as a beautiful image and worth my time to present it to people. Such is photography, I suppose. Nothing is truly a waste.

In The Real World

2010-08-30T23:42:00.002-05:00

Wires, Pole & Sky, Carter's Valley TN 2010 © jwl

I rewatched the film William Eggleston In The Real World this evening. It has a quiet elegance to it that compliments Eggleston's photography. It is nice to take the time to see how other photographers work, both in the field and in the mind. After watching the film I got to thinking of this image that I made last weekend while I was back home in Tennessee. I feel it has a quality within it that nods to the influence of Eggleston.

This One's For Me

2010-08-24T10:27:00.003-05:00

Leaf In Window, Milwaukee, WI 2010 © jwl

This is one of those images I couldn't help but make. It was a nice observational moment while I was scouting the room and testing the light for a wedding I was going to shoot that day.

The image falls into the category and style of the RAG series that I have been posting. So here we go with #8. This is going to me the new edition going up for sale.

**In 2010 I will be releasing a total of 10 special edition prints on 310g ultrasmooth rag paper, these prints are extremely limited and very affordable.

8.5 x 11 sheet, $75, Ed. 10
13 x 19 sheet, $150, Ed. 5

Please contact me if you have a need for some affordable art in your home.

REDux

2010-08-23T21:52:00.003-05:00

Red Barn, Carter's Valley, Tennessee 2010 © jwl

On my way through Carter's Valley this weekend, I took some time to visit some old friends. Not only did I spend some time with the Kudzu House, I also made a visit to the Red Barn. The front fascia has been removed this year and some crows were having a party inside, but the scenery and magic of the valley is still quite intact.

I Hear Them Calling Me

2010-08-20T23:46:00.002-05:00

Kudzu House, Carter's Valley, TN 2010 © jwl

I revisited the Kudzu House today. It is definitely my new pet project. I am making a point to visit this place any time I am near. Hopefully, I can see it at least once a year. I feel the siren in East Tennessee still calling me. She is my muse. I am comforted with knowing that I will probably be making photographs in this region for the rest of my life. I explored some new territory as well as stomped on some familiar ground today. It was great to have a solid work day and enjoy myself in it at the same time.

Fast & Loose

2010-08-10T21:05:00.003-05:00

Escalator, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

It has been entirely too long since I have posted an image here on the blog. My apologies. For the most part, I haven't made any new photographs in a bit. I have been on a kind of hiatus of sorts from things. Keeping the head down, working on some stuff here and there. In the spirit of making a quick in and out come back, here is a photo I made no more than 4 hours ago. I thought I would post it quick, before it gets away.

I See Color

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Car & Wall, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

On my walk home from breakfast a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't help but be taken with this space. I made 4 images here, but this is the most complete photograph in my opinion. Seriously, how many shades of purple need to happen at the same time?

New Ideas in Landscape

2010-06-21T18:00:00.003-05:00

Trailer, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Bamboo, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

Interior Landscape, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

Looking over some images in the last few weeks I have noticed some things I have been looking at in regards to the landscape and/or the built environment. I have been very attracted to the potted plants in office buildings, built environments at museums and public institutions and other such idealistic arrangements of plant life as decor in our midst.

I have always looked closely at man made and painted landscapes along the roadside or on my walks, but recently I have been looking at the details of the plant life (real or fake) and the interplay of light within a constructed space.

It is hard to say if I am breaking new ground with these, but I can't help and see a pattern. Patterns, to me, are the bread and butter of a body of work. Seeing the patterns within a collection of photographs is how I see what we am (admittedly unconsciously) seeing in the world around me.

These types of images, placed beside my recent Entropy ideas make me look at the built environment in very interesting ways.

New RAG Editions

2010-05-26T13:58:00.002-05:00

Bike & Planter, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Lawn Mower, Crumpler NC 2009 © jwl

Indoor Tree, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

Today I printed 3 more images for my suite of RAG editions for 2010. I have been looking long and hard at these in the last couple of weeks and now that I have them as physical and beautiful photographs, I am super happy with them. Please let me know if you'd like to take a look at these or purchase them for yourself.

**In 2010 I will be releasing a total of 10 special edition prints on 310g ultrasmooth rag paper, these prints are extremely limited and very affordable.

8.5 x 11 sheet, $75, Ed. 10
13 x 19 sheet, $150, Ed. 5

Please contact me if you have a need for some affordable art in your home.

V21 | I Ain't Hiding

2010-05-23T19:05:00.003-05:00

I finished a new mix this week. If you are interested in listening to some new music you can download it here.

20 songs compiled from all the records I have been listening to lately. New stuff, old stuff, all with a certain vibe.

You can also download past mixes from the links in the right side of the blog.

Over There, To The Left...GHOSTS!

2010-05-23T17:20:00.002-05:00

I don't know what the significance is, but I have noticed a pattern to some of the 'arrow' inspired GHOSTS, they more often than not point to the left. I hope that when the day comes to write about me and my work, the head-em-ups of the art community don't try and drag any meaning out of that particular motif. It ain't that important.

What's of real importance is that I got two more GHOSTS finished today. Lemme know what you think.

Written On The Wall

2010-05-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Wall Painting, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Pawn, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Fish Painting, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Here are a few more images I made while I was in Washington DC . I spent some time walking and took notice of several hand-painted signs from DC businesses that are beginning to become gentrified into extinction. Not that this is unknown territory for my work, wall paintings and such, but it does strike me curious how much more I see things of this nature when I am in a Rivertown.

Business Or Pleasure?

2010-05-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Bike & Planter, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Front Windows, Washington DC 2010 © jwl

Earlier this month I visited our nation's capital, Washington DC. While the trip was mainly for pleasure and some site seeing, I did find it within myself to try and make some photographs of this Rivertown.

Here are the two of the new images I created while I was there.

Shot To The Head | Portrait #15

2010-05-19T13:33:00.004-05:00

Jordan Gwiadzowski, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

I had some fun this morning working with my friend Jordan. He needed some headshots taken and I was happy to get them done for him. I wish he hadn't had a rush deadline, I would have like to had done a few more, but we got some good stuff done in a hurry.

I would like to get more portrait work from time to time. I never really work with people and it is rewarding in a different way than my usual work. Feel free to contact me if you'd like your portrait made here in the WAR ROOM.

Best Critique Ever

2010-05-02T15:05:00.001-05:00

Today @the National Gallery of Art, in Washington DC, I was looking @ a set of Rauschenbergs and heard the following...

Father: Do you like these?

Son: Yeah, they're made with newspapers!

Mother: Yes, they are, what do you think of these?

Daughter: Umm, I think that I want some ice cream.

Best critique ever, hands down.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

It's Been A While Since You've Seen A GHOST!

2010-04-26T17:47:00.002-05:00

Lately I have been juggling a lot of different projects here in the studio and not getting too much completed. I finally got some time to finish up the next two GHOSTS on the drawing board. There are a couple of issues that I have with these. All things considered, I am happy with how they turned out.

Resurrection 2010

2010-04-13T18:05:00.002-05:00

Gum Prints circa 1998 © jwl framed by AJD

I recently pulled some old gum prints our of a box (after 10 years). I wanted to have them around the studio to look at and maybe inspire me to try to make more. Mind you the process is quite long and complicated. I have been talking with Francisco Ramirez about building and sharing an exposure unit for this idea, so we are at least getting there.

There was a visitor or two lately who had nice things to say about these prints, so i decided to have them framed in order to hang them at the house. I am so happy I waited the 10 years to have them framed, because my man AJ did a hell of a job. Thanks a bunch, I am super happy with what I see.

GHOST, 2nd today

2010-04-05T16:30:00.003-05:00

I just finished another new piece. So far, if I only work on these, I can get two done in a day. Of course, it is never the only thing I can work on, but hey, a man can dream.

Don't Be Afraid...GHOSTS

2010-04-05T13:39:00.002-05:00

You may or may not have heard me talking lately about wanting to work on some new things. Well, here we go. After putting work into the Entropy installation in Memphis last year, I felt good about working with new materials and getting my hands dirty making art. I also felt like working with photography in a new (to me) way.

I decided to browse through the last 10 years of negatives and image files to find fodder for this new project. I'd like to say they are drawings, but that isn't quite it. They aren't quite editioned as prints yet. I guess I will just settle for calling them works on paper.

I only have these three finished as such. I am working pretty fast on them, so there should be many more to come. I am looking forward to getting a lot of these done and making some handmade portfolios and large scale prints of these for exhibition. For now, I will literally get back to the drawing board.

Walking Pictures...On Sale Now!!!

2010-03-22T18:00:00.002-05:00

Guess what everybody...Walking Pictures is all done and ready for purchase!!! The book is pretty fun and I am really stoked with how it all turned out. Send me an email or give me a call if you want to order your copy. You can also buy them online here.

Walking Pictures | JW LAWSON
62 pages, 50 plates
Limited Edition | March 2010
WAR ROOM Print Material WR002
perfect bound, 7.5 x 7.5 inches
$25 + S/H

New (Limited) Edition | LAWN LION

2010-03-11T20:42:00.004-06:00

Lawn Lion, Carbondale, IL 2006 © jwl

Here is the latest image I am printing in very limited supply for my 10 in 2010 editions.

This is my favorite of my own photographs right now. I made this image back in 2006 en route to Memphis and kinda forgot about the whole thing. I recently looked through a box of old proofs and this guy just grabbed my attention. Between that & my recent want for some affordable editions, here we go!

**In 2010 I will be releasing a total of 10 special edition prints on 310g ultrasmooth rag paper, these prints are extremely limited and very affordable.

8.5 x 11 sheet, $75, Ed. 10
13 x 19 sheet, $150, Ed. 5

Please contact me if you have a need for some affordable art in your home.

Limited Edition RAG Prints

2010-03-02T22:19:00.005-06:00

Hotel Window, Louisville, KY 2009 © jwl

Butterfly, Louisville, KY 2009 © jwl

View From Bus, Queens, NY 2007 © jwl

It is my pleasure to announce the release of some very limited new prints for very reasonable prices. These 3 images are currently available in limited editions of 5 or 10 printed on sheets 13x19" or 8.5x11" with prices of $150 or $75. All editions are printed on archival 310g rag paper and look really slick. If that seems unclear, please contact me for details. The bottom line is that these prints are extremely limited and very affordable.

Again, please contact me if you have a need for some affordable art in your home.

**In 2010 I will be releasing a total of 10 special edition prints on 310g ultrasmooth rag paper, stay tuned for the next releases in the coming months.

William Eggleston @ Art Institute, CHI

2010-03-01T14:53:00.001-06:00

I just walked out of the best photo show in the last 2 years.

Harley Davidson Museum

2010-02-22T18:16:00.001-06:00

Spent some time celebrating design, motorcycles and Milwaukee today. This place has something for everyone.

I Love Seeing My Work In My Friends Collections

2010-02-21T19:01:00.001-06:00

Shoegazing

2010-02-15T11:31:00.003-06:00

Red Squiggle & Snow, MKE WI 2010 © jwl

Blue Arrow Right, MKE WI 2010 © jwl

I have been making photographs of street paint symbols for some time now. I don't really know why. It feels like another collection of things visual and otherwise, and I have learned to just go with it. I got these two on my walk yesterday.

As a sidenote, my headphone shuffle on the walk gave me these gems... M. Ward | X | Grinderman | The Black Keys | The Black Angels.

Symbols to live down & live up to...

2010-02-13T22:43:00.000-06:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Heavy Weather

2010-02-09T15:52:00.002-06:00

For the past few years I have been making a mixtape (or cd) every few months. I mix about 20 songs together that I have been listening to up to the time that the mix sounds right. I used to make about 10 copies of the cd and give them to friends and folks that I knew were into music. Once the 10 copies were gone, they were gone.

I have a fun gift for everyone, I am going to post downloads of the mixes here on the blog starting with the newest version, HEAVY WEATHER. Either click on this link or look for the links in the right column as time goes by, I will be posting the backlog soon!

I hope you like them!

Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago

2010-02-08T16:26:00.000-06:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Somthing Around The Corner

2010-02-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Torn Peace, Milwaukee WI 2010 © jwl

I snatched this up a couple of weeks back on my way home from dinner. Something in the air just made me consider this and make the photograph.

How Much Can We Fit In

2010-02-02T19:41:00.003-06:00

Perfect Mason, Milwaukee WI 2010 ©jwl

Took some time after lunch and went browsing in an antique store today. I am always looking in these stores and trying to make sense of the excessive manufacture and distribution of trinkets and such. We seem to have an incredible and vast array of the same items with new designs throughout the last couple of generations.

As a photographer, I'd like to make same kind of statement about this phenomenon, but it is a daunting task. What I have decided is to frequent antique stores and flea markets and try an make images. My hope is that given enough time, a significant body of work will develop itself.

Digging For Treasure

2010-02-01T14:19:00.004-06:00

Play The Music, Highway 3, MS 2006 © jwl

My friend Francisco came by last week and we spent some time looking at art and talking. I dug this image out of the vaults and made a print. I was taken with it all over again. I have never printed this image in almost 4 years, yet I have always loved the feeling I get when I see mood of it.

I think I am gonna dig deep for a third book and put a cap on the Delta Work soon. I had a small solo show of this work a couple of years ago, somewhat thinking there was more to do with the body of photographs. As time goes on, I think I may have to move forward to what is coming next and let this body be complete.

Living In The (Photographic) Moment

2010-01-20T12:00:00.002-06:00

Y Bells, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

This is another image from my (short) trip to Chicago last weekend. After about a year of having my little pocket gun with me 80% of the time, I am just coming to grips with what an essential piece of equipment it is. Looking around my studio and on my blog, it seems that a good amount of my new work was made with this camera. Every machine has limits, but if we learn to work within the limits, we can use them all to our advantage.

For images made with this particualar camera, I seem to have relished in the immediacy and whimsy of the moments in which I make the images. That is precisely why I bought the camera, to try and think a little less and shoot a little more.

Ken Is My Co-Pilot

2010-01-19T10:41:00.001-06:00

Outbuilding, Wallis TX 2003 © jwl
During my Gallery Night reception on Friday night, I was trading stories with my friend (and favorite co-pilot) Ken about some trips we had taken together. It made me think of an image that went along with the story. Incidentally, it is another photograph that never got printed or used in any way.

This is for Ken.

Still Blind & Finding The Way

2010-01-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Truck & Trailer, HWY 167 WI 2006 © jwl

Yet another image from the vault. I guess if I dig deep enough I can put together a B-sides collection of images I have never printed.

I am quite sure that this is the first digital photograph I made while riding a motorcycle, for what that is worth.

Blindsided By Process

2010-01-17T15:28:00.004-06:00

Rocket #2, HWY 41 WI 2005 © jwl

I decided to try and clean up my harddrive today, an almost futile gesture since I immediately got distraced with images and files I had forgotten about. This image being the first.

I took this image almost 5 years ago and I have never printed it or shown it to anyone. After my show this weekend which consisted of 50 prints taken in 2009, I feel like I have a lot of images to spare. I know that the photography is 80% or more editing, but I think that I might be a bit too scrutinizing with how much I edit out.

Honestly, I love this image of the Rocket and I have no idea why it has never seen the light. I dread it, but I also look forward to finding out what all I have hidden in the drive. Maybe I should go digging through the old negatives as well.

Scholastic Art Awards

2010-01-16T14:27:00.000-06:00

I spent the better part of the day judging photography for the Scholastic Art Awards. This being my 3rd time judging the event, I wasn't as overwhelmed by the process and I got to really enjoy the work. There are a great many talented High School photographers, I hope they continue to make art.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

50 | 2009 Online

2010-01-16T12:00:00.002-06:00

For any and all who couldn't make it to the WAR ROOM for my 50 | 2009 show last night, I have created some web galleries to view. Feel free to view and enjoy at your leisure. Feel free to lemme know what you think of the new work. It loads a bit slow, but be patient it's an entire show on one webpage!

50 | 2009

Keep in mind, my holiday sale (20% prints) will be going until January 31st. If you see something you like, now's a good time to buy!

Everyday Is A Struggle

2010-01-09T20:46:00.005-06:00

Untitled, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

I went to Chicago to visit my friend Scott Anna last night. We ended up at the bar for a while and then watched some TV before we passed out. This morning was a little rough for me. I did get this while trying to wake up on the couch.

Forgotten But Not Gone

2010-01-06T16:13:00.003-06:00

Butterfly, Louisville KY 2009 © jwl

In looking over the photographs I have made this year, I have stumbled over a few images that I kinda lost in the mix of travel and everything else. For the Gallery Night show that I have coming up next week, I have chosen a few sleepers that I usually wouldn't show. I don't particularly have a reason not to show them, it has just dawned on me that I tend to get wrapped up in a certain kind of image when putting together groups of photographs. I am very excited by what I plan on putting on the wall this go round. I hope everyone enjoys them as well.

This is a photograph I took earlier in the year while I was in Louisville working on the Rivertown project with Chad Pelton. I found it again today and it just struck me to show it to you here.

jw lawson: 50 | 2009 new prints

2010-01-04T16:08:00.005-06:00

jw lawson FINE ART is gonna have a party on Gallery Night, January 15th. We are gonna clean up the WAR ROOM, get some snacks together and invite all of you over to see 50 | 2009 new prints. In the spirit of showing new work, I have decided to make prints of my favorite photographs from 2009 only. I made a few photographic trips in the last year and have quite a treasure trove of images to sift through. Included are New York, Louisville, Memphis, as well as my annual trip home to East Tennessee.

Feel free to come by and see the work as well as have a couple of cold ones and some snacks. I’d love be a part of your Gallery Night adventure. Doors will open @ 6pm.

HOLIDAY SALE ENDS JANUARY 31st

Don’t forget, any and all print sales made through January 31st will be 20% off. If you make a print order from the 50 | 2009 work or something from the website or blog, the print will be discounted. Feel free to call or email to place your order or get your questions answered.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

We are also gonna be taking orders for the final 40 copies of SOUTHEASTERN VIEW and the future pressing of WALKING 2008-2009, both books loaded with photographs by jw lawson. So if you are interested in buying a copy for yourself, again, give us a call or email or stop by the studio.

Walking Pictures #49 & 50

2010-01-02T22:14:00.003-06:00

Orange, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

Untitled, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

I spent part of last weekend celebrating Christmas and the coming New Year in Chicago. I took some time to walk around downtown and was lucky to find some images to bring home. I was taken with the colors on the street (especially orange) which made the dead and grey days feel a bit warmer. It was also nice to cap off the Walking Pictures as 2009 was ending.

I will be publishing a small book of my Walking Pictures now that I have reached #50. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in preordering a copy for yourself. I should have the book finished and ready to deliver by the end of February 2010.

Around The House

2009-12-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Cookie Jar, Milwaukee WI 2009 © jwl

Cutting Bar, Milwaukee WI 2009 © jwl

The holidays have a way of keeping one around the house (like it or not). It seems that the longer I spend in the same rooms, the more I take notice of photographically. Here are two from the kitchen on Christmas day.

Walking Pictures #48

2009-12-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

Indoor Tree, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

I found this image while I was working in Chicago. Seems that I always leave a photo shoot with some work. No matter the subject at hand, I always find a little something for me. Since I was taking a coffee break and I was literally walking around the office, I will put this i the Walking category.

Don't forget, I will be publishing a small book of my Walking Pictures after I reach #50. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in preordering a copy for yourself.

Walking Pictures #47

2009-12-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Lights, Chicago IL 2009 © jwl

After my day shooting the Schatz Offices in Chicago, I had a late lunch with some friends and took a walk downtown. Being close to Christmas, the lights were in full effect. This caught me as I made my way back to the car.

Don't forget, I will be publishing a small book of my Walking Pictures after I reach #50. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in preordering a copy for yourself.

Schatz | Chicago

2009-12-25T17:58:00.004-06:00

I spent the better part pf the day this past Monday working on some interior views of an office in downtown Chicago.

It was a small but very interesting office that my friends AJ Dusek and Drew Bailey have been working on for quite some time. They asked me to come down and document the work they have done.

I tried to come to grips with the layout of the office while trying to be playful with the lines of the buildout. There are a lot of interesting contrasts between the existing older structure beside the new structure of the office areas.

Overall it was a fun day to try some new things and get some photo-muscles moving at the same time.

Here is a shot of me working taken by my trusty assistant, Scott Anna.

Christmas For Myself

2009-12-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

While doing some online Christmas shopping this year, I came across a new book of William Eggleston's photographs. I am always excited by having new Eggleston to look at, but this book is a special treat. Included with the new images are some of his drawings. Side by side, the work is wonderful. Merry Christmas to me.

Walking Pictures #46

2009-12-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

Downer Lights, Milwaukee WI 2009

After leaving a screening of The Road (excellent) at the Downer Theater, I took notice of the lights under the marquee. Quick and flippant, I made this photo. It is interesting how new something can look even after seeing it hundreds of time. I suppose it depends on the mood and the day.

Don't forget, I will be publishing a small book of my Walking Pictures after I reach #50. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in preordering a copy for yourself.

jw lawson @ Baker Arts Center

2009-12-22T14:34:00.005-06:00

Kudzu House, Carter's Valley, Tennessee 2009 © jwl

I am proud to announce that my Kudzu House will be exhibited at the Baker Arts Center in January. This is the third time I have been accepted to a juried show at this venue. I would like to thank them and invite everyone to try and see the show.

Baker Arts Center
12th National Juried Art Exhibit
January 9- February 20, 2010

Opening Reception: January 9, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Juror, Dan Addington, owner of the Addington Gallery in Chicago, IL, has selected 66 works of art created by 55 artists from 24 states to be exhibited in the Baker Arts Center’s 12th National Juried Art Exhibition. This year’s show will include artwork showing great diversity in materials, techniques, and styles among the two and three-dimensional and photographic categories.

This exhibit opens with a private reception for the artists, their guests, and members on January 9th and will be open to the public on January 12th. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-5:00, 2:00 to 5:00 on Saturdays, closed Sunday and Monday. Artworks will be on display through February 20, 2010.

Baker Arts Center
624 N. Pershing
Liberal KS 67901
(620) 624-2810

Number Obsession

2009-12-20T00:33:00.001-06:00

I don't reslly know what my obsession is with numeric forms, but I collect them physically and photographically. I found this last week @ the craft store. Luckily my new phone has a pretty good little lens on it.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

More Notes On Entropy

2009-12-07T10:23:00.003-06:00

Tree & Fence, Memphis TN 2009 © jwl

I have been waiting and waiting to scan this negative since I got the film back from my Memphis trip. Alas, I didn't shoot it with the film camera, luckily I got the dneg.

This image is another of the photographs that fall under the Entropy flag. The fence, the unused post, the vines on the tree all tell us something about yesterday and today at the same time. That inevitable change and growth that comes whether we like it or not.

Kayla Newman Interview

2009-12-03T18:46:00.003-06:00

MIAD Student, Kayla Newman, recently asked me to participate in her class by letting me be the subject of an interview about my background and my work. It took a bit longer than I had planned, but I finally finished and she has posted the interview online here.

Give it a read and let us know what you think. It's a jumble of refreshing and vulnerable emotions to have so much out there. AT the end of the day it is a humbling and self-aware experience.