sea turtles in maui

After moving into my new space at studio2gallery, my husband and I went on a well deserved vacation.  I got to try scuba diving and look forward to more of this activity.  The photos below are from snorkeling while at Black Rock in Maui with my Olympus underwater camera.  The sea turtle here is known in Black Rock as “Volkswagen”.  A very large, friendly fellow.

Trilogy Cruises started us on a lovely sunrise adventure.  The captain and crew work together to cook and take care of their passengers.  An entertaining bunch who make you feel at ease in the water.

why california cows are happy

copyright Tina Weitz Photography 2008
“Why California Cows Are Happy”

rising from the ashes

Much hard work has been done over the last month, and studio2gallery opens this week.  The theme is “Phoenix: Rising From the Ashes” – which seems to have a lot of meaning these days.  I offer you wishes of personal triumphs and celebration of renewal! This photo is the first in a series of Redemption of Spirit. Kudos to the lady who accomplished so much with her perserverance.

“Cha-Cha Chica” copyright Tina Weitz Photography

studio2gallery

I am remodeling a new studio location and working my way back to studio2gallery as an extension of my art space and fiber print darkroom.  Actually, my new – “old” location, in the South Lamar Business Park with Yoga Yoga, Holland Photo, and my favorite belly dancer – Lucila Dance, along with other great South Austin entrepeneurs .  If you are hungry after a visit to studio2gallery, Artz Ribhouse, Mr. Natural, and Maria’s Taco Express are close by. 

Also, excited to be working with the talented Hannah Neal in the darkroom, and create a space for a more formal viewing area in the front, for exhibits, classes and so on.  I’ll blog the details when the 2008-2009 schedule is set.  Watch for studio2gallery.com by the end of the summer.

Hoping to see you all in the new “old” space by November 2008!  A call for entries will be planned for “Phoenix: Rising from the Ashes” – so get busy on those new artworks you know you should be creating…

nassau, bahamas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More traveling photos.  We went to beautiful Nassau, Bahamas.  The best part was our snorkeling tour.  For a poor swimmer, (I call my style controlled drowning) the ocean is the best place to swim.   The salt water holds you up and you relax more too – at least I do.  The water temperature was nice.  We had the chance to swim with the grey barrier reef sharks, I was surprised I was not afraid due to the fact I was so fascinated.  I took the shark photos here with one of those inexpensive underwater cameras.  There were so many sharks and the viewfinder could only focus on a portion of the activity, I am guessing there were about 30 or more.  I tossed a fellow passenger on the boat my camera to take the photo of my husband and me.  Once you finish observing the sharks, your thoughts turn back to getting back to that boat, because after all, they’re SHARKS.   You observe the sharks from a couple of lines on bouys to limit your movement - the captain of the boat referred to us as out there as “the buffet line” …

Our snorkeling tour by Stuart Cove’s was well worth the whole trip, I recommend their services and helpful, friendly staff.  I am ready to progess to diving classes, and am already dreaming of underwater cameras.

art city austin this weekend

Don’t forget to visit Art City Austin this weekend.  This event by art alliance austin was previously called Austin Fine Arts Festival.  I believe before that it was Laguna Gloria Arts Festival.  I have been a juror, but most years a judge for photography, these past 6 years.  This fun (and visually stimulating!) event benefits The Austin Museum of Art and The Blanton Museum.  Let’s hope the weather is fine for all those artists who have done so much work to get here.

I have added to my art collection every year at this event.  I have purchased original items such as folk art, printmaking, to jewelry pieces that are unique.  I think you will find something affordable that you LOVE!

Oh, the food is scrumptuous too – you know Austin can put out the local cuisine.

lost and found in austin

If you get a chance, check out my latest photo at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, “Lone Star Bus.”  It is mounted on the last display case in the passenger terminal, by Ponchito’s and the Admiral’s Club.  I chose this photo for the exhibit, “Lost and Found in Austin” because this particular view of the Lone Star bus at the Broken Spoke will be soon lost in Austin’s quickly changing scenery.  Coming to Austin are over 100 condominium projects which will change the view of our day to day travels admiring the skyline.  The Broken Spoke will be absorbed into this shift of condominium skyline scenery, no more the moon and sunset as depicted in this image.  Let’s just celebrate the fact the Broken Spoke will carry on - I recommend you stop in for a chicken fried steak and some great music!

 My thanks to the airport for inviting me to showcase my work again!  You can see my ABIA 5th anniversary celebration artwork at the offices located at the end of the passenger terminal.

from careerbuilder.com – note to self #7

7.

“Why they’re sexy:  The average artist is doing what makes them happy, not what will bring them fame or money — and that’s pretty sexy. How many occupations can you say that about?
Where you’ll find them: Everywhere. Painters, photographers, sculptors and other types of artists work in their own studios, in offices for ad agencies or on location for photo shoots.
Pros:  They spend their days being creative and get paid for it.
Cons: The paying work that’s easiest to find is often boring and doesn’t allow artists to express themselves.”

 click the link/title below to see the entire article

10 Sexiest Jobs
by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Why thank you Anthony *blush*.  Much of my commercial work is far from boring, a lot of incredible locations  – and I love my clients and have many long term relationships.  I am fortunate as I also get to spend time working in the fine art realm.  I get to create at my choosing, and that is worth more than money.

Texas Hill Country Chapter MPI

I had the most wonderful opportunity to work with the committee for this year’s Meeting Planners International Texas Hill Country Chapter’s annual “CAMP”. The level of professionalism from attendees, planners, suppliers and sponsors created a successful networking and educational event to be proud of.  If you ever want to treat yourself to an enchanting setting in the Hill Country, you really should visit the CAMP hotel sponsor, Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott. To see photos from this event, go to http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/photoweitz/MPITHCC/THCCCAMPMPI2007.  Way to go CAMPers!

I will continue to paint on the art project started during our jammy jam of the Alice – Through the Looking Glass canvases.  I was happy to see the artistic members of our group taking brush in hand to help in the completion of what will hopefully become a donation to a children’s hospital or to children in need.  Once complete, I will post the finished project here to view.

east austin studio tour

 Haven’t had time to post, as I was preparing for the East Austin Studio Tour . Click here to see my page on the tour book.

What a groovin’ time! I must thank Bolm Studios (who just changed their name to Big Medium) for the time and effort they put forth for our local art community. This year the addition of the Yellow Bikes was awesome, way to go for a “green” turnout.  Also enjoyed the music happening at the building – and where was my camera when “Rubber Robot” was playing???  I missed a great opportunity as the band members all wore rubber horse head masks and the pony tails were flying to the beat of the band.