Imagekind Blog | Buy, Sell, Create and Discuss Art

Pat Graham, the official photographer for Modest Mouse, recently signed up with Imagekind to start selling his photographs of the band on the site. Being a Modest Mouse fan myself and thinking this is a great way to utilize Imagekind to help sell your artwork, I got in touch with Pat to give us some insight into what he does. Pat was cool enough to take some time out of the current Modest Mouse tour and answer some questions about the tour and his photography.

You can purchase exclusive limited edition photos from the Modest Mouse concerts from his collection, Limited Editions from Last Nights Gig.

Got a question for Pat yourself?

- Nate

So, you’re the official photographer for Modest Mouse. How did you get hooked up in that role?

I have been very close with Isaac and Modest Mouse since the band started. Isaac and I were roommates in Arlington/DC area before Modest Mouse was around. We hit it off with our love for music, and photography. Isaac started Modest Mouse and then asked me to go along on the first tour as a roadie/driver/merch guy and photographer.

Isaac, Eric, Jeremiah and I hit the road in April of 1997. After thousands of miles covered and thousands of photos taken, the band has grown in popularity and creativity.

Now, I have the privilege of being the bands only photographer and web blogger.

You are currently just finishing up the tour with Modest Mouse. What, in your opinion, was the coolest show? What was your favorite venue?

I photograph Modest Mouse every night. All the shows have a different element. The band takes around 2 hours a night just to decide on the set list!

The show that really stands out the most this tour would be the one in Council Bluffs Iowa. A storm was headed towards the outdoor venue so we had to wait around to get the all clear.

We were waiting on stage and talking with the fans, and all of sudden the sky started to heave down ice cube sized hail stones…followed by buckets of rain. The fans stuck it out though.

Issac, Joe, and Jeremiah got some buckets for drums and an acoustic guitar then headed out into the center of the crowd and downpour to play a song. The rain stopped after a percussion only jam and MM kept playing while lightning was flashing in the sky. The fans, band, and Mother Nature were all amazing that night.

My favorite venue this tour would have to be either Red Rocks or the Gorge.

What is your favorite photo from your current collection of the Modest Mouse tour?

As for the live stuff, my favorite is probably the shot of Isaac in Brooklyn with his guitar spinning at him. This was a great show; Modest Mouse went on at 2:30 am. This shot was in the second song. The hours of this show are truly Isaacs’s peak hours. The band was on it from the first note.

You have been photographing Modest Mouse since the beginning right? What’s it been like to progress with them?

Yeah, I’ve been photographing them since 1996. The settings and some people are a little different but the whole attitude and way things are done remain pretty much the same. Things in general are more positive overall.

Your work has a very intimate feel. When lining up a shot, what do you try and focus on and what do you hope to convey through your photographs?

I try to be as subtle as possible. I don’t want myself or the camera to change the way things are unfolding.

I try and focus on eyes or light, hopefully conveying a sense of space and time of the event.

What’s your favorite location or angle to shoot from - the crowd’s POV, the band’s, both? How do you determine which one throughout the show?

All spots, really. I go where I can fit without getting in the way, and where the light looks good. Lately I have been crawling around on stage behind Isaac and Johnny’s amps, wearing earplugs of course.

Do you get a chance to just enjoy the show much or are you constantly looking for the next shot?

I get enjoyment from looking for that shot and listening to what’s happening. It’s a full on visual sound experience.

There must be thousands of great opportunities throughout the course of a concert. How much do you shoot versus waiting for a great shot? What type of signs do you look for before capturing such fantastic shots?

It’s all about patience and timing things with what Steven the lighting guy does…and of course the actions of what the band and crowd do.

The signs are in the crowd, band members’ faces, and certain songs tend to bring out a lot in both band and crowd.

Have you worked with any other bands?

Yes I work with a lot of bands; I have been shooting musicians for almost 20 years. I have a book of photos called Silent Pictures that just came out last year on Akashic Books. Check out the Pat Graham Imagekind galleries as well as my web site www.patgraham.org.

Before I met Isaac in Arlington/Washington DC at the time I was photographing bands like Bikini Kill, Fugazi, etc.

Bands I have toured with include: Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, Make Up, June of 44, Shins, and more.

What did you like the most/least about being on tour? Any particularly favorite/bad experiences?

I like being able to live with my camera and document everything. Also be able to spend time with close friends who I don’t get to see much otherwise.

This tour we have had a lot of great times. Mostly on the bus; The Brockies film festival, human bowling, walking through the Florida woods at night, just being with friends.

I hate being away from my family, that’s very hard. Also trying to communicate with home can be difficult which gets frustrating…looking for a good internet connection, etc. and catching up with time zones.

Anything else you are currently working on or have planned in the near future we can let your fans know about? What should we be looking out for?

Definitely check out my current book Silent Pictures, it covers a lot of my work going all the way back to that first Modest Mouse tour and farther.

I also have done a limited edition photo poster with Modest Mouse and Raen optics.

Another book is in the talk about stage and my photos can also be seen in the Raen optics Through the Eyes Of… series.

This year looks to be busy with various commercial projects coming together with my personal work. I have a mailing list on patgraham.org that will keep people up to date on my whereabouts and the projects.

Cheers,

Pat

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Scott Neste has one of the most captivating artistic styles. His mixed media collages contain a perfect balance of emotional and decorative appeal. Neste’s ability to combine contrasting colors, shapes, styles, shades and mediums into complimentary artistic expressions sets his work apart.

Some works contain upwards of 40 different layers in order to capture the desired effect.

Artwork: Privacy 11

Neste was featured recently on the front page of his local newspaper for his art exhibition, My Little Adventure, displayed in conjunction with the opening of his friends’ coffee shop.

All of the framed art prints displayed for this exhibit were produced by Imagekind, printed straight from his gallery. He also created brochures and flyers to hand out to visitors of the exhibit directing people back to his art prints for sale on Imagekind.

Artwork: Memory Book 5

One of his most stunning collections, Vintage Memories, is a compilation of old and forgotten memories recreated into a contemporary work of art. Using a combination of journal entries dating back to 1909, vintage photographs, corroded paint, fall leaves and other such discarded items, Neste created a powerful statement on the value of remembrance. Exhibit visitors would approach Neste with tears in their eyes as they share how his artwork reminds them of their often forgotten family members of the past.

Read the full story on Scott Neste’s recent feature in his local newspaper, and find out more about his unique artistic style here.

- Nate

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Father’s Day is quickly approaching, so now is the time to start collecting father’s day gift ideas.

Every dad is different. Whether he loves sailing, hiking, cycling, fishing, golfing, baseball, football, soccer, cars, trains, planes, or just a day at the tracks, you can find framed artwork at Imagekind that is sure to highlight his uniqueness.

Shop for Father’s Day artwork and remember to type promo code Dad2008 in the promotion box at checkout to receive Free shipping* on your order.

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If you haven’t noticed yet, we recently integrated PayPal into the Imagekind checkout process. This addition gives customers the option to checkout using PayPal or our own standard checkout process. It’s good to know that both options are safe, secure and quite simple.

We added this feature because many online shoppers prefer to consolidate their online shopping purchases through one system and PayPal provides that service. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out, it’s a great feature update that gives shoppers who love art more ways to buy high end framed art prints.

Also, PayPal makes it simple for international shoppers to quickly and easily shop for artwork online.

Always remember that if you would rather pay over the phone, we are more than happy to help assist you with that too. Feel free to give us a call!

- Nate

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Imagekind is currently running a sweet contest where one lucky winner will receive a $500 gift card to decorate their dream room with art from Imagekind. It’s easy to enter. Simply submit your email address on the homepage and the winner will be chosen and emailed their gift card once the contest is over.

In addition to being entered into the contest, you will also receive special sales, promotions and news on artwork from Imagekind. It’s a win-win. Your email address could be selected as the winner, and you get special insider news about discounts and sales on art.

So hurry, go enter! The contest won’t last forever before one lucky participant is selected.

- Nate

Note to artists: Forward the contest on to friends, family and all those who love your art already and let them know they have the chance to win $500 worth of your artwork!

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Image: A Cherry by Danielle Baron
http://baron.imagekind.com

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Pamela Smith, one of the top experts in the quickly rising field of interior redesign, discusses having the proper perspective on trends:

“Are trends merely a designer’s opinion of what’s in fashion, or are they important style markers that add continuity to our lives? When asking for a definition of the word ‘trend,’ my guess is most would say it means transitory - like lava lamps and shag carpeting. However, I imagine trends as sturdier stuff, based on finding beautiful and appropriate core-enhancers for a home. Your home shouldn’tt be all about changing styles for change’s sake. Trends are about adding in fresh pieces that solidify the layers around the core.

“Updating your home with stylish, new furnishings has never been easier. There is such a wide array of styles available your’e sure to find several to suit your home’s decor. Whether you prefer ultra-sophisticated, nature-inspired, Zen influence, or country cozy, each of these styles shows up as a trend in 2008. It’s an effortless way to redesign.

Image: Seeing Through by Tara Catalano
http://tcatalano.imagekind.com

Top Five Interior Decorating and Art Trends for 2008

Decorating your home is easier once you have decided on your art decorating style. This year’s hot trends in interior decorating and design feature natural elegance coupled with striking statements. Art and wall decor are major factors in 2008 and their successful use really sets the tone and standard for the rest of a room.

Follow these decorating tips to set your interior wall decor apart from the rest. You will notice trends that pair contrasting elements, colors and styles together in a way that creates a harmonious and peaceful experience.

Image: Burr Oak by Notley Hawkins
http://notleyhawkins.imagekind.com

With the Olympics being held in China this year, look for global inspirations to influence several decorating trends in 2008 including prevalent uses of Eastern, Asian and Moroccan styles. Zen inspired decoration is also prevalent in 2008 to help create a balanced and peaceful interior. Below are the top five interior decorating ideas for 2008 that are sure to help guide how you think and respond to art.

1. Natural Inspiration

The natural look of wood, metal and other elements found throughout nature is a huge interior decorating trend for 2008. Look for gentle greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired colors that will add warmth to your interior decor. Look for artwork that pairs the earth-inspired colors with a darker natural touch; artwork that features soft subtle colors accented with dark, woodsy and metallic looking frames.

Image: Harvest Moon by Peggy Garr
http://peggygarr.imagekind.com

2. Contrasting Colors

Look for colors that complement each other in a distinct way. Be careful though not to go overboard with too many colors that would distract more than attract. A delicate balance provides a striking appearance. Softer hues of white and ivory contrasted with rich tones and bright accents. Think soft colors with timely bursts of flare; Asian influences will permeate the color combinations throwing in bright reds, oranges and yellows amongst the darker, softer and muted colors. Look for art trends to find a successful balance of both worlds: soft with hints of bold.

Image: Red Key by Jarmila Kostliva
http://kostliva.imagekind.com

3. Texture

The ability to feel what you see is an important trend for interior decors in 2008. Mixing textures enhances the visual impact and adds a sense of completeness to other popular interior decorating trends for 2008. Think contrasting natural colors and textures in a way that adds luxury in a very dramatic way. Mixing traditional, ornate frames with contemporary and modern art trends is also an excellent way to enhance the harmonizing textured appearance. Look for wrapped or framed canvas artwork that enhances not only your walls but also your entire interior decor.

Image: Golden Brown by Hilary Quinn
http://hilaryquinn.imagekind.com

4. Simple and Sophisticated

Veer away from gaudy and overdone. Luxury no longer means more but rather simple and concise. 2008 decorating styles feature simple statements that enhance the feeling of tranquility. Creating a harmonious atmosphere that inspires peace is also a very popular trend this year. Homes and the decor used are becoming so much more than just a dwelling but should inspire a sense of sanctuary. Keep in mind, simplicity is not minimalism. Think using one word where others would use three; a sophistication of style; simple and relaxing, not cluttered and chaotic. Look for artwork that calms but is not lifeless; everything from landscapes to abstracts should gently inspire rather than confuse and complicate.

Image: Conch Shell in Color by Art Media Pix
http://artmediapix.imagekind.com

5. Impressive Impact

Look for wall art style trends that make one statement powerfully instead of many statements quietly. Use oversized decor in a way that makes an impact. Present one large focal point that can make a lasting impression. The proper use of impactful pieces is a popular idea when creating a harmonious and peaceful surrounding. Using large pieces helps shifts the focus of perspective of what is typically thought of as important; it’s very Zen. Look for massive art prints on canvas or framed that includes all the right accents to increase the dramatic impact the piece has on any home decor.

Image: Ironwork Roof by Justin Short
http://shortwork.imagekind.com

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Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind and is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in “one-day interior makeovers.” We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating.

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Look Mom, Imagekind’s on TV!

Kevin, our CEO and Fearless Leader spent some time on one of the local news stations here in Seattle to help explain a few of the top tips and trends when decorating with wall art. We have added the video to YouTube for you to share in some of the great press Imagekind has been getting recently!

Take a look and let us know what you think. We are always excited to share how our artist community is changing the way people experience artwork.

Artists featured: Eli Halpin, Herb Dickinson, Sue Nosler Gray, Michael Rafferty and Tess Johnson.

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Imagekind’s First Moments Contest

How many times have you recounted baby’s first steps or junior’s first day of school to family and friends? They are stories that you love to tell, right? And we’re sure you have photos to prove it.

Now you can capture and share those precious memories with Imagekind’s Story Frames. Between now and March 15th, Imagekind invites you to send 2 or 3 digital photos of your child’s “firsts” - first day of school, baby’s first bites, first trip to the beach, first time meeting Grandma, that together tell a great story. It could be a collection of different “firsts” or a few shots of one great moment. We’ll choose four lucky winners whose photos tell the best story to receive a custom Story Frame worth $100. To enter, simply email us your digital photos along with a brief explanation to firstmoments@imagekind.com

Send in Your Photos

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Imagekind has been getting some amazing recognition recently and we thought we would share some of it with you. The Imagekind Story Frame has been making quite an impression around the web and we are excited to see what people are saying. “Perfect for capturing all kinds of memories - from family adventures to romantic vacations and special holidays - Story Frames are one-of-a-kind gifts to surprise and delight a coach, teacher, grandparent or best friend.”

Take a look at what’s being said about the Imagekind Story Frame:

Mommies With Style (mommieswithstyle.com) Personalize Your Wall with Imagekind

Classy Mommy (classymommy.com) Gifts for Baby Girls and Boys

Red Tricycle (red-tri.com) Pint Sized News for Savvy Grown-Ups

The Calgary Sun (calsun.canoe.ca) Showing Love for Family Down to An Art

With the Imagekind Story Frame, telling your story through pictures has never been easier. You can easily upload, resize, crop and rotate with just a few simple clicks. After you get the pictures perfect, you can customize your frame and mat selections to accent your theme perfectly.

Check it out and get creative!Â

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