Famous Photographer #29

Mary Ellen Mark

American photographer known for her striking, evocative images that often explored themes of marginalization and social injustice. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1940, Mark grew up with a passion for photography and began taking pictures at a young age. She studied photography at the University of Pennsylvania and later at the Annenberg School for Communication, where she earned a Master of Science degree in photojournalism.

After graduating, Mark began working as a photojournalist, traveling the world to cover a wide range of social and political issues. She quickly gained a reputation for her powerful, empathetic images that shed light on the lives of people on the fringes of society. She worked extensively in India and other parts of Asia, documenting the lives of people living in extreme poverty and documenting the effects of war and conflict.

In addition to her work as a photojournalist, Mark also produced a number of notable photo essays and books that explored the lives of marginalized people around the world. She became known for her compassionate, intimate portraits that gave voice to people who were often overlooked by mainstream society.

Throughout her career, Mark's work was exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and was the subject of numerous books and articles. She was widely regarded as one of the most important and influential photographers of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and challenge viewers today. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 75.

Famous Artist #30

Mark Bradford

American artist known for his large-scale abstract paintings that often incorporate found materials and explore themes of race, identity, and the urban environment. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1961, Bradford grew up in a tough inner-city neighborhood and was exposed to a wide range of social and political issues from a young age.

Bradford began his career as a hairdresser and salon owner, but he always had a passion for art and began creating his own paintings in his spare time. In the late 1990s, he began to gain recognition for his bold, abstract paintings that incorporated materials like newspaper, posters, and advertising flyers that he collected from the streets of Los Angeles.

Over the years, Bradford's work has continued to evolve and he has become known for his large-scale abstract paintings that often explore themes of race, identity, and the urban environment. His work often incorporates text and imagery from popular culture and incorporates a wide range of materials, including everything from hair and glitter to burned paper and acrylic paint.

Today, Bradford is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and has been the subject of numerous books and articles. He continues to push the boundaries of abstract painting and is known for his unique, thought-provoking approach to art.

Famous Photographer #26

Sheila Metzner

Renowned American photographer known for her striking images of nature and the human form. Born in New York City in 1939, Metzner grew up with a passion for art and photography. She studied photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York and later at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

After graduating, Metzner began working as a commercial photographer, creating images for advertising and fashion clients. She quickly gained a reputation for her striking, evocative photographs that often featured natural elements and the human form.

In the 1970s, Metzner shifted her focus to fine art photography and began creating more personal, experimental images. She became known for her surreal, dream-like photographs that often featured elaborate sets and props. She also became interested in the concept of time and began creating long exposure images that blurred and distorted the subject matter, giving her photographs a unique, otherworldly quality.

Over the years, Metzner's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and has been featured in numerous publications. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative photographers of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and challenge viewers today.

Famous Photographer #28

Sally Mann

Renowned American photographer known for her striking black and white images that often explore themes of family, childhood, and the American South. Born in Lexington, Virginia in 1951, Mann grew up in a household filled with art and creativity. Her father was a doctor and her mother was an amateur photographer, and from a young age, Mann was exposed to the art of photography.

Mann's career as a photographer took off in the 1980s, when she began experimenting with large-format cameras and black and white film. She quickly gained a reputation for her striking, intimate portraits of her children and the landscapes of the American South. Her first major project, "Immediate Family," was a series of black and white photographs of her children that explored the beauty and vulnerability of childhood.

Over the years, Mann has continued to push the boundaries of photography, often using controversial subjects and techniques in her work. She has photographed everything from decomposing corpses to the landscape of the American South, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

Despite the controversy that has sometimes surrounded her work, Mann has remained true to her artistic vision and continues to create thought-provoking, evocative photographs. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and important photographers of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and challenge viewers today.

Picker - Treasure Hunter - Sourcer

I have been around antiques and old things for a long time since my dad is a dealer. When I was younger I would go to auctions with my parents, I would hang out at my dad’s store, and go to antique shops a lot, as well as other people’s houses.

One of my styles of work is taking old paintings, items, and photos and making them new I love going to sales and getting stuff for a good deal that I can turn around and add my modern twist to it. More recently I have been a picker for other people which is fun. Seeing what other people like and look for/need. I have even gotten stuff for my dad before.

For me, it’s the hunt for things most people glance over or finding things for myself to use or even give stuff to other people. In a previous post I ( click here) I talk about helpful and useful info on sales from a seller and buyer’s POV. I like helping people sell or find what they are looking for. some of the sales are overpriced and I walk away and a large majority of sales are kitchen and or child stuff. I like estate sales the most, going through the whole house and finding stuff, while yard sales are already picked through items and sometimes people have more inside. With estate sales you can see inside of other houses which for me is fun, seeing how other people live. I am not a reseller so it’s all for art and or other people.

Sourcing

I also love to source things for people as well. From helping fill airbnb’s to tools people need and other things as well. I go to sales very often and always look online for things for people. Besides items, I also source houses online and in person for my friends at LVLgroupnyc and for other people as well.

There is always stuff I source for myself art-wise- vintage photos, vintage paintings, anything camera, and art-related, ephemera, and things like that.

Here’s a handful of things I helped source for this Airbnb - 1-2 pieces of art and some decor on the shelves, 2 the Picasso and the chair, 3 all the art on the wall and some of the books, 4 the bench/trunk. I also “designed the art and the chair. just some quick examples.

Photos by Alon Koppel + me