Yogi

William Hunt from Oak Park Yoga has been one of my yoga instructors since I moved to Oak Park. I always leave his class calm and refreshed and so he came to mind when I was thinking of people for my Oak Parkers project.

He opened the first yoga studio in Oak Park over ten years ago, now there are likely more than ten studios here.

We usually think of yogi portraits as one of some very flexible person contorting their body, I wanted to capture more the spirit of peacefulness one gets from practicing yoga and their gentle aura.

Poet - Charlie Rossiter

I met with Charlie for a little bit Sat. evening at Unity Temple before his monthly coffeehouse. I don't feel the need to say much more, I'll let the photos do the speaking

I hung around and listened to some great performances and took a few of these "coming out of the dark" shots

and then here is my little addition to the poetry of the night

Papers Visions

Paper Visions, form and counter-form, the art of Richard Shipps.

Currently showing at Gallery Pink on Harrison St. is a mesmerizing exhibit of paper cutting. The artist uses three shapes and creates from there, using cuts that act like buttresses and folds in the paper to hold the shape up.

Friday evening as part of the Third Friday Gallery Walk, Richard was doing a live paper cutting demo and explaining some of his process to those who attended.

I noticed the exhibit when I saw Richard hanging the large wall piece that seemed to flow and come to life off the wall. I was leaving Pamela Penny's Textiles when I saw him and thought he needs to be in my Oak Parkers project, even though I found out he lives in Chicago I went back to meet and photograph him because the work called for it and I wanted to meet who was creating these unique pieces.

Val's Halla Records

Friday I went by Val's Halla Records, since Val has been in business for 40 years in Oak Park I figured she had to be one of the people I photography for my Oak Parkers project, so I stopped by and took a couple of shots.

I had been told to check out the loo. For those of you who haven't visited Val's loo it's a shrine to Elvis, yip even some good Elvis reading material to read while doing your business and contemplate your record purchase.

They have lots of events planned this year for their March to 40 including some live music this Friday night, so go visit them at 239 W. Harrison Street.

Anthony Abboreno

Oak Parker number 6.

Who doesn't love an art teacher.
Art was always my favorite class in school, if I were ever to have a regular hours job I think that is what I would like it to be, an art teacher.

Over a year ago I went to a toddler play date in an Oak Park home and saw some vibrant large canvases on the walls, the artist who painted them is Tony Abboreno.

Before retirement Tony taught art at Wells high school in Chicago. I connected with him on facebook (thanks Sarah) and flicked through his wall, I saw comments from past students thanking him for instilling in them an appreciation for art, how wonderful is that. Not just to create but to share the love and appreciation with others.

Yesterday I got visit and see where he paints. In the morning light the blues and reds of the first painting I saw came to life and almost appeared 3D. Then I got to see a little of the process, have I said before there is something magical about watching an artist at their work, I love being in artist studio's.

Thanks to Tony and to my art teachers like Eileen Whittle and Antony Haughey who inspire us to take the time to look and appreciate.

Fresh Faces in Business - headshot special

Is it time to freshen up your look for spring?

These days much of our first impressions of people come from their bio photo on their website or networking page, so why not make that first impression a good crisp professional image.

I am dedicating the first week in April to headshots and business portraits. I will be offering discounted sessions. You can have me come to your place of business and photograph your whole staff, or you can come to me. We will discuss who you are and tailor the session to you, it may be a headshot, an environmental portrait or a more documentary image.

Contact eileen@emphotography.net to discuss and book a time that works best for you.

Pamela Penny Textiles

Today I stopped into Pamela Penny's Textiles on Harrison St. and this called for a little color. The space is sensory delight for color to texture fans.

Another wonderful place to shop for hand crafted gifts from wall art to wearable art. Delicate felted scarfs and dresses, fun children's wear to emotive wall hangings this place is a treasure. Pamela has a gentle personality and is as great at teaching children to be creative as she is creative herself.