2011 Plans

Tsirkus is now going into it's third year. The project first flew the banner as a sponsored non-profit project in October 2008 at The Brooklyn Indie Market. 2011 promises to be an exciting year with some big plans in the works.

I've been experimenting with pinhole imaging and painting with light to create complex multi-figure works in fairly large interior spaces.I haven't posted these in any official place as yet, mostly because I want to hold off until the project is really underway and possibly offer a "secret link."

I'm gratified that people have actually found this blog up to now without any prompting. My plan is to do a fundraiser on Kickstarter, an online resource for raising money for creative projects. Currently I have 162 "fans" on the Tsirkus Facebook page. When we reach the tentative goal of 500, I'll launch the fundraiser.

The Internet is not magic. Money does not just fall into one's lap, which is why I'm doing the homework--networking, talking to people, bringing them the test prints to look at (if you're in Philly or get to NYC, I'm happy to do so), but most of all working hard in the studio to make images that are unique and worth the viewer's time.

With that being said, tell your friends!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tsirkus-Fotografika/102587023588

RA Friedman, Principal Photographer

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tsirkus-Fotografika/102587023588

Upcoming Shoots!

Just a quick note to keep everyone updated!

Tsirkus will be at Brooklyn Indie Market's Steampunk III, Sunday, Oct 24 and at Masquerade Macabre from Gemini and Scorpio on Oct. 30/31 (all night party).

What If A Portrait Studio From 1920 Suddenly Appeared In Your 'hood ?

Whether it's creativity or not, something happens when I start making images that feels like I'm tuning into something. Unfortunately, I'm my own worst enemy when it comes down to focusing in (no pun intended) and proposing projects to be funded. My imagination packs its trunk and takes a holiday in Diluth. Luckily, I have a lot of great people around me who can see things a bit more from the outside.

I met with Amie Potsic yesterday. She's the director of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists here in Philadelphia. We talked about grants, looked at work and discussed what I really wanted to do. I went in feeling rather diffuse, but left with the germ of an idea that I just have to follow: a real, live 1920's style photo studio, albeit a temporary one. Most likely the portraits would be free.

The notion dovetails perfectly with the type of photography I've been doing. It too fits perfectly the idea of making a real community connection. I'll actually be IN the neighborhood and become a working part of it. The prospect of having a creative space with props, accessories, costumes and backdrops at my disposal, rather than having to shlep eighty pounds of gear and be limited by what I can physically carry, is vastly appealing; but moreover it should allow a very different, more meaningful and sophisticated body of work to emerge.

The idea of a pop-up storefront studio has been done before by others, but never as a long-term project. I'm hoping to be in-residence for four to six months. It really all depends on economics. 7th Street in deep South Philadelphia, where I hope to continue my community-based art, had once been a nexus of Jewish immigrants and Jewish-owned stores. None remain today. So, there is an added poignancy in my doing this, an additional eccentric circle drawn in the sands of history.

Now the real work begins.