A very nice write-up about Jen Bekman in the New York Times yesterday. Ms. Bekman’s gallery has a very interesting back story; I was surprised to hear that it has been such a struggle to keep the gallery going over the years considering the perceived high-profile it has had. Apparently she has everyone’s attention with her new affordable 20×200 venture, though, as this is just one of many articles I’ve seen about her in recent months. I know she has my attention, anyway—I’ve already bought several prints and I think I have space for just a few more.
I sadly missed out on the Brian Ulrich print, which sold out almost immediately. Brian Ulrich’s work is completely fascinating, but that’s a topic for another day. I did buy the smaller version of the Beth Dow print though, which is gorgeous, and I am anxiously awaiting the day when 20×200 releases another Beth Dow print so I can get one in a larger size.
Bags, by Beth Dow. Available at 20×200.
One of the great things about owning art, as an artist myself, is that I can go back to these high-quality prints again and again and study them. I have plenty of books from my favorite photographers, and many of them are printed exceptionally well, but it’s not quite the same as holding a print in your hand. Take Beth Dow, for example: I know that a $20 inkjet print can’t hold a candle to her original platinum prints, but they’re still a very high standard to follow when I’m printing my own work. I spent a few weeks this winter hunkered down over the ol’ Epson R2400, learning everything I could about black and white, and I really feel like my prints improved a tremendous amount in that short time. A little inspiration from looking at other artists’ work can go a long way.
Link: Article in the New York Times
Link: 20×200.com
Link: Jen Bekman Gallery