Thanks, Bill -

"Sugar & Steps"
digital collage by Mick Mather
- original photographs by Bill Ives -
- click image to view full size -

It's been quite a while since I've worked with any of the wonderful photographs taken by my good friend, Bill Ives. A recent trip to Italy resulted in a wealth of images that turned my nostalgia for that beautiful country full on. The two images used in this post can be found in this set that Bill took in Bologna. Thanks for the memories, Sir!

All Fools Day -

"April Showers"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather
- original photograph by Bill Ives -

Welcome to that special day for pranks, practical jokes and every shade of japery. That said, it should come as no surprise that I, a huge fan (especially visual jokes and wordplay), have no joke today! Very fitting that, yes? Anyway, back in October 2007 my good friend, Bill Ives, posted a set of photos taken in Italy, this particular image among them, and gave me permission to work my magic upon it. Finally, while playing about with a 'found' film still and a new plug-in, I was able to press forward ... thanks again for the inspiration, Bill!

Another nod to Bill Ives -

"After the Rain"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather
- original photograph by Bill Ives -

Here's another image that began with one of the beautiful photographs taken by my beantown buddy, Bill Ives. The original is a great study of a row of plastic chairs down on the beach at Point Independence Inn, Onset, Massachusetts. After asking him for permission to do one of my manipulations, soon began the processes of cropping, filtering and layering. In short order I was just plain stuck, I wasn't getting what I wanted and I walked away from it for a few weeks. With fresh eyes I began the process again, using filters that I wouldn't ordinarily employ, only to be foiled a second time. Before putting it away, though, I ran a few experiments, had some fun and chalked it up to experience. That was back in August and tonight, while surfing the summer files again, it jumped right back out at me! This is rather blocky and jumbled up but I like the way the cubist forms repeat, relate and resolve themselves within the whole piece. Thanks again, Bill. :)

Another "Trinity Series Sculpture" sneaks in -

"One Stop on a Walking Tour"
digital collage by Mick Mather
- from an original photo by Bill Ives -

I know that things come and go in streaks more often for me than for some, I think. Case in point is this second post based upon another Bill Ives photograph. I think it was the rope standards around the perimeter of the ancient Temple at Arigento that kicked things off in my mind as regards layering the digital study of "Trinity #2" into the tightly cropped section of that wonderful image. More than the usual manipulation, altering placement and repainting went into this before running it through the usual array of filters here at the secret visual laboratory. My many thanks again to Bill for permission and for writing about the earlier piece that was also based on one of his photos and posted on Saturday.

Something abstract?

"Scratch Off"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather
- from an original photo by Bill Ives -

Here's an example of things getting completely out of control and going haywire! I've had this in a file for about a week and keep coming back to it. To better understand my dilemma, it was Bill Ives' photograph of this stone building that attracted my attention. As I looked at the old and weathered wall to the right side of the door I was seeing an abstract painting. Hmm, a bit of cropping, filtering, manipulating and layering and this is what I got. The cool thing is that, not only do I like it, but it may be the first piece in another series of paintings. Next week, I begin the grueling task of creating three paintings from my "Reinventing the Wheel Series" as Vincent Fitches and I begin to create what will become our first collaborative exhibition. More on that as things progress - perhaps to include a new blog to document the work, the process and the collaboration.