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Merry Christmas from Alexis Marie Writes!
Wishing you a holiday season full of love and joy!
May all your creative efforts be blessed!
Posts
Walk to Remember Photograph from Unfulfilled Precognition finds Happy Home
It has been a privilege to have one of my photographs, “Walk to Remember,” displayed for the last two months at Kit & Ace on Whyte Ave. The photograph comes from my series called Unfulfilled Precognition, which is a deeply meaningful body of work for me.
“Walk to Remember” will be displayed until January 15, 2015 so if you have not yet had a chance to see it, you still have a few weeks. After that time, the photograph will go to a good home. It was really great to meet the buyer of “Walk to Remember” at the Kit & Ace Edmonton launch party. I was mingling and was introduced to a gentleman and we were talking. Then he repeated my name in one of those funny moments: “Oh wait, are you Alexis Marie Chute? I bought your photograph!”
Here are some images from the launch party, courtesy of Vivid Ribbon Photography and Design.
View more images from Unfulfilled Precognition by clicking here.
Visit Kit & Ace:
Whyte Ave Studio – Edmonton
10428 82 Avenue, Edmonton AB,
Canada T6E 2A2
Hours
Monday to Wednesday 11am – 7pm
Thursday to Saturday 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12pm – 5pm
I’m Teaching Two Sessions at Words in 3D Conferencence
In May 2015 aspiring writers will convene to learn and be challenged in the areas of writing, editing and publishing. I attended the Words in 3 Dimensions Conference last year and found it wildly valuable, plus a great opportunity to connect with other literary artists. With so many good memories in my pocket, it was an honour to be asked to present at the 2015 event.
Here is information about Words in 3D and the two sessions I will be teaching:
May 22 – 24, 2015
Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Edmonton, Alberta
Registration opens February 1, 2015
How to Take a Picture Worthy of Your Words
Saturday, May 23, 2014
11:30AM – 12:45PM
Covering the basics of good photography, including exposure, composition, and technical requirements for different publications, Alexis Marie Chute shares what writers need to know about taking great photos for their projects. This session includes a group brainstorm for attendees’ current projects and recommendations from Alexis Marie on making your photography a stronger statement to support your words.
Memorable Memoir: Writing Personal Stories
Saturday, May 23, 2015
4:00PM – 5:15PM
Alexis Marie Chute offers tools and techniques for writing your personal story: removing sentimentality, finding alternatives to strict chronological structure, and building authenticity. Featuring memory recall exercises, this presentation is a must-see for anyone writing personal narratives.
Finishing Strong NaNoWriMo 2014
When I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year, I underestimated how busy my life can get. I am a full time writer, artist and mother – and I always strive to give 100% to everything I do. I know, I know, my math does not add up. Who has 300% to give? Logically, it does not make sense, but on a more abstract level it does.
What I have discovered is that when I work at my passions, the joy I derive from them (and especially from my children) simultaneously deposits energy and happiness in my life while I withdraw from my reserve of time and effort. It’s a helpful equation.
This is how I am going to finish strong this NaNoWriMo. Unfortunately I am terribly behind, but I don’t mind working hard and late into the evening to jack up my word count to make the 50k goal. As I write my story, I turn off the editing and critical side of my brain and click away at my computer. Its rhythm is peaceful for me and I find the very act of writing deposits much back into me as a writer.
By letting go of perfectionism and focusing on the joy of writing and the love of the story, any writer may finish strong on November 30th or on any other day with whatever project that needs completion.
As the NaNoWriMo deadline approaches, write what fuels you and deposits back into your creative reserve. Let this balance roll forward and energize your each and every word.
Good luck!
“The Quiet Rebuild” New Portraits at Exposure Photography Festival
Along with the exciting new group exhibition InFocus Edmonton, I am preparing another body of artwork to be exhibited during Exposure Photography Festival in February 2015. The first debut of my large black and white portraits was in my Artist-in-Residence exhibition, “The Quiet Rebuild,” at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre in Edmonton, Alberta in October 2013 – and the artwork has been seen in many galleries and public spaces since. Coming up, I will reveal brand new portraits in “The Quiet Rebuild” series during the Exposure festival.
These photographs are in keeping with the theme of resiliency in the wake and aftermath of hardship and are beautiful, subtle visual stories of my models. All models responded to an open call and volunteered. The show will feature Albertan and Ontario residents.
The Quiet Rebuild – New Portraits
February 28 – March 1, 2015
Annex Gallery at Harcourt House
10215-112 Street, Edmonton, AB
Saturday, February 28: 10am to 10pm, 6:30pm Artist Talk, 7pm reception with live music
Sunday, March 1: 10am to 5pm
To see many of the portraits in “The Quiet Rebuild” please click here.
To volunteer for “The Quiet Rebuild,” please email Alexis Marie: info@alexismariechute.com
Only 10 More Days to Submit to InFocus Edmonton
We have received so many fabulous submissions already for InFocus Edmonton, but there is still time to add your creative voice to this inaugural group exhibition. The call for submissions is live for ten (10!) more days as we search for the best of images of Edmonton and area photographers.
Share your photography with all of Alberta during Exposure Photography Festival 2015!
Click here for the call for submissions.
Other posts about InFocus YEG:
15 Days into our Call for Submissions and 15 Reasons Why You Need to Submit
Q&A To Help Prepare Your InFocus Edmonton Photography Submission
Hot off the Photographic Presses: The InFocus Edmonton Call for Submissions
Exposure Photography Festival Broadens its Scope to include all of Alberta
Happy Halloween: Submit your Photography to InFocus Yeg
Art at Kit & Ace Edmonton
I am so proud to be one of the first artists featured in the brand new Kit & Ace clothing store on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. My image, “Walk to Remember” was handpicked by Kit & Ace and greeted customers as the store officially opened its doors early this November. Rumor has it there is already in an interested buyer.
Kit & Ace are not only about clothing; they actually seek out and spur on community involvement, especially among the artsy. Kudos to them!
My fine art photograph featured at Kit & Ace comes from the series, “Unfulfilled Precognition,” which is an artistic documentary on personal hardship and resiliency. Click here to see more images from “Unfulfilled Precognition.”
“Walk to Remember” will live in the store until early 2015. If you visit Kit & Ace, snap a selfie with my art and I’ll share it on Twitter (@_Alexis_Marie) and Facebook.
Visit Kit & Ace:
Whyte Ave Studio – Edmonton
10428 82 Avenue, Edmonton AB, Canada T6E 2A2
Hours
Monday to Wednesday 11am – 7pm
Thursay to Saturday 11am – 8pm
Sunday 12pm – 5pm
I currently have a large exhibition of “Unfulfilled Precognition.” Read here for details.
Current Exhibitions of Unfulfilled Precognition and The Quiet Rebuild
This is a busy season in so many ways! Right now, I have two exhibitions mounted; one in Red Deer and one in Edmonton. Here is some info about the two shows:
This exhibit features nine large scale photographs of individuals rebuilding their life after challenging circumstances. They are pictures amongst natural wood and manufactured pieces along with an object donated to represent their struggle. The photographs are moving and contemplative. They are the first images in an ongoing series representing the resiliency of the human spirit.
Solo Exhibition: “The Quiet Rebuild” – Mezzanine Gallery
October 15 – December 14, 2014
Opening reception: TBD
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, 10230-111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, CAN
Click here to see more images from The Quiet Rebuild.
The photographs in this series were captured in the time leading up to and following my son’s death moments after his birth. The images are named to represent the extraordinary capacity for a mother to envision the life of her child, even before the baby is born, and how those dreams linger uninhabited once death interferes. The images are intimate and soulful, and are a unique bridge between documentary and fine art photography.
Solo Exhibition: “Unfulfilled Precognition” – Kiwanis Gallery
October 21 – November 23, 2014
Opening reception: November 7, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm
Gallery located in the Red Deer Public Library, 4818-49 Street, Red Deer, Alberta, CAN
Click here to see more images from Unfulfilled Precognition.
Visit Exhibits and Events to see info about upcoming shows and artist talks.
Women’s Art Museum Society of Canada – Sharing Her Experience Anthology
I received a lovely surprise in the mail last week from WAM Society (Women’s Art Museum Society of Canada). It was Volume 1, Issue 1 of their S.H.E. anthology, “Sharing Her Experience.”
I have two articles in the art publication:
“Art and the Canadian Landscape” – This piece is about the impact of natural cycles on artistic production, specifically for Canadians and more specifically for female artists.
– And –
“Her Threads: The Artistic Practice of Alexis Marie Chute” – In this piece I share about my process of thinking about my work, my approach to making art and how I order my creative space.
It is an honour to be included in WAM Society’s anthology!
Q&A to Help Prepare Your InFocus Edmonton Photography Submission
Is there a theme for InFocus?
There is no theme or categories for the exhibition. It is an open-theme show which means you may submit photographs of any subject you like. The goal of InFocus is to exhibit the best work by Edmonton and area photographers.
Is there a limit to the number of photographs I can submit?
No. You can submit as many photographic images as you’d like. The cost to enter is $10 per three images. If you want to enter more than three, you may do so in a subsequent entry.
Am I guaranteed to be included in the exhibition?
No. As the goal of InFocus YEG is to show the best work from our city and area, and also the fact that our space is limited, only a select number of photographs and photographers will be included. Even if your work is not selected, it may just mean we ran out of space and we strongly encourage you to submit again next year.
Who can submit to InFocus?
Anyone living in Edmonton or the surrounding communities may submit. The competition is open to professionals and amateur photographers, students and young people.
How will the photographs and photographers be selected?
InFocus is curated by Alexis Marie Chute, BFA, MFA candidate. She will select the images for inclusion from all submissions. She is looking for high quality photography that exhibits the talent and interests of our creative community.
Where will the photographs be displayed?
InFocus will be hung in the large multi-purpose room in the Annex building of Harcourt House Artist Run Centre.
Why is it important that InFocus is a part of Exposure Photography Festival?
Exposure 2015 is the first year that the festival is province-wide. In past, Exposure has only included Calgary, Banff and Canmore. As it is Edmonton’s first festival, it is important we celebrate our local talent and imagery.
When will the exhibition take place?
InFocus will be open to the public for viewing on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 10am until 10pm. It will reopen to the public again on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 10am until 5pm.
What is the deadline to submit to InFocus?
To be considered for the featured image to represent InFocus in the Exposure magazine, the deadline is OCTOBER 24, 2014. The call for submissions for InFocus will officially close on NOVEMBER 30, 2014. There will be no extended deadline. Please submit early.
What is the schedule of when photographers will be notified, and when I would need to drop off my work and pick it up?
Please see the official call for submissions page for the InFocus Edmonton Schedule.
Do I need to resize my files for submission?
Yes. Please see the InFocus Edmonton Technical Details on the official call for submissions page.
Does my photograph(s) need to be framed to be accepted?
Your images must be prepared in a professional manner for exhibition. What that means is that they need to be printed at a high quality and either framed or printed on canvas and stretched. All photographs must be wired for easy hanging. Any work accepted for the exhibition but then delivered without the above listed standards, will be disqualified from the exhibition.
What do you recommend for framing?
Professional framing is always best but professional quality consumer frames will also be accepted. There must be real glass, not plastic, used in the framing. Simple black frames with mated images are a classic way to present your photograph(s). Please note the type of framing/presentation method chosen when submitting your work.
How much mating should I have around my photographs?
The size of the mat is personal preference and also a consideration of style and impact. It can be visually catching to have a smaller image with a large mat, or no mat around a photograph in a simple frame, for example. Generally, a minimum of two inches of mat around an image will give the photograph room to breathe.
Do you accept mixed media art?
We will accept mixed media art as long as the primary medium is photography. If you have questions about your specific piece, please email Alexis Marie: info@alexismariechute.com
What size should I make my photographs for the exhibition?
This is up to you. If you are flexible regarding the size you print your image(s) for the exhibition, please note this in your submission form. Depending on space factors and the number of works to be shown, extremely large photographs may not fit – but this is where the curatorial magic comes in. At the end of the day, size your images to match your vision.
Why do I need to submit my CV and artist statement?
This information will be available for viewers of the exhibition. This information is often of interest to visitors wishing to purchase a photograph. Things to list on your artist CV that relate to you as a photographer: education, classes, exhibitions, publications, collaborations, memberships, volunteering, grants, etc. If you do not have anything to list in these categories – that’s okay! Maybe InFocus will be your first accolade on your new photography CV. If you do not submit a CV, that is totally fine.
What is important to include is your artist statement. This can be as short as a few sentences to a few paragraphs. In your artist statement you can talk about how you got interested in photography, how you take your photographs, why photography is important to you and the meaning behind your work.
Can I submit a series of photographs?
Yes. The whole series may be accepted or only one image depending on space.
Why is there a fee to submit?
InFocus is a 100% volunteer effort, a labor of love. The fee to submit your photographs goes to the practical aspects of mounting the exhibition. Such expenses include: listing the exhibition in the Exposure magazine, advertising the show, printing invitations and posters, venue insurance, reception party snacks and wine, and small printed programs for the show.
How do you accept payment?
PayPal.
Can I sell my photograph(s) displayed during InFocus?
Yes! One of the goals of InFocus is to support our local creative talent. All photographers will retain 100% of their sales. Volunteers will provide interested buyers with the photographer’s contact information and purchase details.
How can I volunteer for InFocus?
InFocus has many volunteer opportunities including: hanging and striking the show, distributing the call for submissions and exhibition posters, manning the show, and setting up for and clean up after the reception, for example. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, first of all: THANK YOU! Please contact Alexis Marie to be added to our volunteer list: info@alexismariechute.com
How should I price my photograph(s)?
This is a personal decision. Some things to consider: printing costs, framing costs and your own value as a photographer (your worth should never be underestimated!). Think about what price you are comfortable selling your work? Please do not value your work too low. If your photography is accepted into InFocus, you may discuss the price with the curator at that time.
What should I list for the date and medium of my photographs?
The date should be listed as the year the image was made. The medium can be something to the effect of “Photograph” or “Photograph on aluminum” or “Mixed-medium Photograph” or “Giclée print” for example.
What is the Curator Talk?
At 6:30pm on Saturday, February 21, 2015, curator Alexis Marie Chute will discuss the ideas and importance behind InFocus Edmonton as well share about the photography and photographers selected for the show.
When is the reception party taking place?
Following the Curator Talk on Saturday, February 21, 2015, InFocus will host a reception and Exposure Photography Festival party. There will be live music, snacks and drinks. If you would like an invitation to the reception party, please send your mailing address to info@alexismariechute.com. All photographers are encouraged to attend and invite their family and friends. It is going to be a great night!
If you have questions not addressed here, please email info@alexismariechute.com and you will receive timely answers. Odds are that if you are wondering, others are as well.
Best wishes for submitting to InFocus Edmonton! We look forward to seeing your work!
Click here to read the InFocus YEG Call for Submissions.
Click here to submit to InFocus YEG!
Follow us on Twitter: @infocusYEG
