Ted Preuss Photography - Blog

New Tintypes!

2012-02-10T16:23:00.005-06:00

Here are the latest additions to my wet-plate collodion Still-life collection. The series explores the themes of renewal and discovery. I am inspired by the objects that are around me and the intricate design found in nature.

Hummingbird Nest, 2012 - 8x10 Tintype

Beetle, 2012 - 8x10 Tintype

Wet-plate collodion is such a captivating process.

h u m a n

2012-01-08T15:09:00.009-06:00

...an exploration of the human form and human condition.

January 16 - March 1

Reception: Friday, January 20, 2012 | 5:30-7:30pm

Gallery 180 is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. Additional information can be found at gallery180.com.

Thanks Chuck for the wonderful ARTICLE…I’m looking forward to the show!

Zelda Boden

2011-11-18T15:20:00.003-06:00

(John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art & Eakins Press Foundation)

Zelda Boden was a circus performer from the 1910s and 20s. We know very little about her life; but that she was one of the main performers of the Barnum & Bailey circus. Frederick W. Glasier captured these gorgeous images of her. Here’s a marvelous article from the New York Times about Fredrick Glasier and his dazzling photographs.

(John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art & Eakins Press Foundation)

Bizarre Bazaar!

2011-10-31T13:36:00.004-05:00

Exciting news, I am pleased to announce that I will be exhibiting my tintype still-life series at Chicago Art Source in two weeks. I love the kind of elegant starkness that this process lent in their creation.

Opening Reception with live music:

Friday, November 11th 6-8pm.

Chicago Art Source
1871 N Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60614

Exhibit runs through December 31st.

Hope to see you there!

New Additions - Tintypes

2011-10-24T18:31:00.005-05:00

Here are the latest additions to my Still-life collection. Each plate is one-of-a-kind and varnished with a mixture of gum sandarac and oil of lavender.

Hydrangeas, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

Lizard’s Tail, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

2011-10-10T20:03:00.005-05:00

I am pleased to announce that my studio (Studiorealm) will be participating in Lacuna Artist Lofts Open Studio tour “COLLABORATIVE CONNECTION” which is conjunction with Chicago Artists Month, an annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual arts community during the month of October. Over 200 events take place including exhibitions of emerging and established artists, openings, demonstrations, tours, open studios throughout the city.

Friday, October 14th from 3pm – 11pm
Saturday, October 15th from 12pm – 7pm

Studiorealm at Lacuna Artist Lofts
2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 5B-2
Chicago, IL 60608

For more information and directions please visit our website: www.Studiorealm.com or the e-Flyer

Inner Workings

2011-09-22T18:15:00.005-05:00

Inner Workings, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

I finally photographed the inner working of my vintage grandfather clock. I still remember my dad working on it in the garage for years. Before that it stood in my grandparent’s house as long as I can remember. Inside are the initials M B could this be my great-great-grandfather, Mitchell Bowker from Vermont…Hmmm.

Here’s an interesting site that inspired me to photograph it as a wet-plate collodion tintype.
www.geararium.org

Studio Update

2011-08-27T14:09:00.008-05:00

Great news, we’re expanding the studio! We’re hoping to create a zen-lounge room looking into the studio. Construction has started by knocking down a wall that connects the new space to the studio. I’m really looking forward to the additional wall space. Hopefully it will be completed by next month’s open studio night.

The Dog Days of Summer

2011-07-19T09:45:00.004-05:00

I remember shooting this image on a day similar to the weather conditions we’re having this week known as the Dog Days of Summer.

The Dog Days are known as the hottest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and usually occur in July and early August. In ancient times, the sultry weather in Rome during these months often made people sick, and they blamed their illnesses on the fact that this was the time of year when Sirius, the Dog Star, rose at about the same time as the sun. Because Sirius was the brightest star, it was thought to add its heat to the sun, producing hot, unhealthy weather. The ancients used to sacrifice a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease the rage of Sirius.

PH Magazine

2011-07-01T11:25:00.013-05:00

Exciting news, my work has been featured in the July issue of PH_Magazine…check out that cover and the fourteen page spread!

Click on the Cover to view my spread or view as pdf
PH Magazine is a wonderful new fine photography magazine which I’m delighted being part of.

New Additions - Tintypes

2011-06-22T11:38:00.016-05:00

I recently added a new collection to my website entitled still lifes in collodion. These are my first venture in this captivating process that seems to have a mysterious allure to me. The chemicals seem to have interpretation all its own. I feel each plate reveals an elegant simplicity that draws the observer in.

Calla Lily, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

Nassos Daphnis, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

Also here's my first landscape done in the same process.

Maroon Bells - Colorado, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype

Sago Palm

2011-04-26T10:59:00.006-05:00

Sago Palm, 2011 - 8x10 Tintype
Here’s another wet-plate collodion image from my botanical study series. I’m really enjoying this process and this series or maybe it’s just the ether fumes affecting me.

The Sago Palm, most people don’t realize that it is not a palm at all, but rather a Cycad. There are over 200 different types of cycads. Cycads are a group of plants that are very primitive in their origins. Fossils have been found on almost every continent on the planet. It is often stated that cycads have evolved little since the days of the dinosaurs. There are species that have gone extinct, while there are others that seemed to show little evolution over millions of years. Therefore as a group, cycads are often referred to as “living fossils”. The scientific name for the Sago Palm is Cycas revoluta. Cycas refers to the genus, the genus refers to a particular group of similar plants in the Cycad family and revoluta further describes the exact species of the group Cycas.

Wet-Plate Collodion

2011-04-14T20:11:00.005-05:00

Magnolias 2011 - 8x10 Tintype
It seems like my photography is taking me further back into the past to the first photographic process from the mid. 1800s. Here’s one of my first collodion plates titled Magnolias. I think my exposure was around 3 minutes!

It’s a real fun process but can be dangerous since you’re dealing with ether, potassium cyanide and silver nitrate. A few years ago I took a workshop with Bill Schwab and Joe Smigiel to learn the correct way to handle and mix the chemicals that go into this process…thank you guys!

These plates are one-of-a-kind pieces no reproductions will be made.

Stay tuned for more uploads in the near future ;-)

The Art of Human Rights

2011-02-10T21:48:00.007-06:00

"Selene" - Hand-coated Platinum-Palladium Print
This will be my fourth year participating in Heartland Alliance’s annual fundraiser. This event attracts more than 400 attendees each year and has been ranked as one of Chicago’s top 100 events.

Heartland Alliance, a nonprofit organization which advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations—particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced—through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society. Heartland Alliance provides housing, health care, economic security, and legal protections services to more than 200,000 people annually whose lives are threatened by poverty or danger.

Honorary Chair:
Charles Gniech of Gallery 180 - Illinois Institute of Art

Reception:
February 25, 2011 ~ 6:30 – 9:30pm
Gruen Galleries – 226 Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654

An evening of food, fun, and fine art! Bring health, hope, and opportunity to the frontlines of an epidemic.

Purchase tickets to the event visit: ArtofHumanRights.com

PHOTO '11 - January 17 - March 3, 2011

2011-01-12T11:06:00.025-06:00

PHOTO ’11 is just around the corner. This year’s exhibition I will showing three of my photographs, two are from my Simple Beauty series and the third is a seascape from Acadia National Park in Maine.

Commissions from the sale of work will be donated directly to Heartland Alliance to help with their work in supporting human rights.

Reception:
Friday, January 21, 2011
5:30-7:30pm

Where:
Gallery 180 - The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago
180 N. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60601

Regular Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-5:30pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm.

I hope you get the chance to check out this amazing collection of photographic art. The exhibit runs through March 3rd, 2011.

For more information click on the above eflyer or visit Chuck Gniech's Blog HERE
(Chuck Gniech is a Professor of Art and the Exhibition Curator for Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago.)

Platinum Leaves at the WESTON GALLERY

2011-01-02T09:14:00.000-06:00

Exciting news, I am pleased to announce that I will be exhibiting my platinum-palladium leaves at the well-regarded Weston Gallery in Carmel, California. My work will be featured with four other photographers, Danielle Nelson Mourning, Paul Coghlin, Dale Johnson and Sparky Campanella.

Ted Preuss, “Julia” platinum-palladium leaf

January 8th to February 27th, 2011
The Weston Gallery is a world leader in the field of fine vintage and contemporary photography. This position of leadership stems from their deep dedication to the medium. For more information, please visit http://www.westongallery.com/

The gallery is located on Sixth Avenue, between Dolores and Lincoln in Carmel, California. If you’re in the area please drop by to view this extraordinary exhibition.

You can view more of my platinum leaves on the gallery's website HERE or at PreussPhotography.com

Solo Exhibition: L’Art du Nu

2010-11-19T16:22:00.011-06:00

I recently had a marvelous solo exhibit at the University Club of Chicago. The University Club was founded in 1887 for the purpose of fostering an appreciation of literature and the arts. Throughout the Club are many paintings, photographs, sculptures and ceramics that date from the 13th through 20th centuries. Shown throughout the building, these pieces form the nucleus of an ever-growing collection and with numerous artistic connections. The gallery’s balcony had breathtaking views of Millennium Park and the Chicago Art Institute.

This is a private exhibition for members and my guests only. The show runs until December 4th, 2010. If you are interested viewing the exhibit please Email me to arrange a viewing.

Anne Brigman (1869–1950)

2010-11-09T22:56:00.013-06:00

Anne Brigman, The Breeze, 1910
Pictorial photographer Anne Brigman was a free spirit long before the phrase "free spirit" became a cliché. She was born in Hawaii, moved to California at age 16, married a sea captain at 25, and built a photographic career by photographing herself and her friends in the nude in settings of spectacular natural beauty. She manipulated negatives with paint and etching tools to get the effects she wanted, going so far as to add or remove features of the landscape—including trees and the moon. The inspiration for much of her work came from the California landscape, where she took photographs on extended camping trips in the mountains. As one of the first photographers to take the female nude in the natural landscape as a subject, Brigman’s work ties the female body to the natural world in a way that anticipates late twentieth-century ecofeminism and the societal and cultural connections it draws between women and the environment.

The nude for Anne Brigman symbolized the creative energy of women, empowering and opposite to the voyeuristic presentations of the female form of the time. She said in reference to her work: "my pictures tell of my freedom of soul, of my emancipation from fear.”

Anne Brigman, The Lone Pine, 1908 and The Water-Nixie, 1914

Anne Brigman, The Cleft in the Rock, 1907

Also check out Wikipedia Anne Brigman

Pilsen Open Studios | Oct. 16th-17th 2010

2010-10-03T12:56:00.010-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that I am are participating in this years Pilsen Open Studios art walk which is conjunction with Chicago Artists Month, an annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual arts community during the month of October. Over 200 events take place including exhibitions of emerging and established artists, openings, demonstrations, tours, open studios
throughout the city.

Our gallery is a working studio for bronze figurative sculptor Audry Cramblit and platinum figure photographer Ted Preuss. This collection of work is a contemporary twist on the timeless beauty of the female form as a muse. The philosophy of our gallery is to offer clients beautiful, timeless
art that will engage the viewer, titillate the senses and transform the total atmosphere of a space.

Mark your calendar and join us at:
Lacuna Artist Lofts
2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 5B-2
Chicago, IL 60608

For more information and directions please visit our website
Gallery312.com

Carmel Art & Film Festival

2010-09-22T17:02:00.018-05:00

Carmel has a rich photographic history. This is a celebration of the arts in all its forms. The five day festival includes film, art, photography, music and wine set in the historic and beautiful ocean-side arts community. The festival runs from October 6-10, but the photography exhibit runs all month.

My platinum print “Thistle” was selected for a month long exhibition at the Marjorie Evans Gallery in the Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel, California.

Opening reception, Thursday, October 7, 2010

Please stop by the gallery and check out the amazing photographs!

for more information...

Carmel Art and Film Festival or Facebook

Day Dream

2010-08-20T12:35:00.007-05:00

I recently went through a stack of negatives and discovered this wonderful image of Claudine lying on a falling tree surrounded by fan palms which I titled “Day Dream”

There are been many translations of the daydreamer from Dante Gabriel Rossetti “The Day Dream - 1880”, Andrew Wyeth “Day Dream - 1980 to Julia Margaret Cameron “The Day Dream - 1891”

I have always admired the works of Paul César Helleu a 19th Century French painter. The name of Paul César Helleu evokes an era, and especially a fashionable society of the late nineteenth century to the years preceding the first World War in Europe, that Marcel Proust described so beautifully in his works. The delicacy, the taste and talent very personal artist have contributed to the extraordinary success of this artist. His fame rests on the representation of women virtuoso pretty great Parisian circles, but also of international society dominated by Anglo-Saxon elegance. (Source: Friends of Paul Helleu)

Paul César Helleu, Lying naked on a sofa - 1915

New Additions!

2010-06-28T13:14:00.010-05:00

Study #1 - 8x10 Platinum Palladium Print
A few weeks ago I had the chance to work with the talented Keira Grant while she was visiting the windy city. She was a wonderful person to collaborate with. Our shoot was almost cancelled because of a serve storm with 80 MPH winds was hitting the area just an hour before our shoot. Thank goodness it all worked out.

I recently had a gallery that wanted to see more photographs from my Plucked from Nature series. Here’s one of the images that we created for the series. It was great working again with my petzval lens which is an old Wollensak-Vitax from the 1900s even if it doesn’t have a shutter the results are always magnificent.

Bok Choy - 8x10 Platinum Palladium Print

Platinum Printing on Skeleton Leaves!

2010-06-05T15:25:00.009-05:00

Last week I successfully printed new images onto skeleton leaves. The process is similar to my platinum palladium prints, but instead of hand-coating rag paper I coat skeleton leaves. The success rate is around 20% because of the fragility of the leaf when wet and its pH balance for my platinum mixture. But when it all works they are just incredible. Under a microscope the image actually wraps around the veins of the leaf.

"Tatiana #2" Platinum Leaf

The leaf I chose is from a Bodhi or Peepul tree, which is a species of fig and a sacred tree for Buddhists. The most famous Bodhi tree is located about 100 km (60 miles) from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar, under which Gautama Buddha, spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism, arrived at Bodhi (lit. (supreme) knowledge, enlightenment).

"Marble" Platinum Leaf

You can view more of my photographs on leaves HERE

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kim and Gina Weston

2010-05-25T12:43:00.016-05:00

I recently traveled to California’s Monterey Peninsula were I met up with Kim and Gina Weston at their home on Wildcat Hill in Carmel which was the home of Edward Weston. I had the chance to see some of Kim’s recent work which was awe-inspiring. I also saw some of his incredible oil-based painted photographs which are more amazing in-person.

Edward Weston's home at Wildcat Hill, Carmel, CA

Kim Weston, me and Gina Weston

One thing I always have to do in Carmel is to hike around Point Lobos. It’s famous for its picturesque ocean views and cypress trees. Here’s a link to a few of my photographs at Point Lobos…enjoy!

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

I took this photograph with my pinhole camera from a past trip. It had an exposure time of 1.5 hours! It was then printed onto hand-coated platinum-palladium paper…you can view more of my pinhole images HERE

Lover's Point Beach 3, Monterey, CA

Studio Update

2010-03-03T11:55:00.011-06:00

(Click to enlarge)

I am finally settled into my new studio, I still have a little organizing to do. But I’ve already started printing in the darkroom which is a delight from working in my bathroom at home. I recently picked up a camera studio stand which will make shooting almost effortless with an 8x10 camera. Soon I will be starting a couple of new photography project that I’ve been wanting to do for awhile, now with the studio it makes it all possible. Some of the projects require a little set building…can’t wait!

It’s also been delightful sharing the space with a person working in a totally different medium but in the same subject matter. Audry’s recent collected works are comprised of cast-bronze. Now with the new studio she’s planning to cast larger pieces of work. It’s been amazing to watch the whole process.

Stay tune for news on our open house party which will be in a few weeks.

New Studio Space!

2010-01-14T16:57:00.020-06:00

Exciting news, I am finally moving my studio and darkroom out of my downtown loft. I now officially have a studio!

The building is a brick and timber building that was constructed in 1900 which originally belonged to Viviano Macaroni Company. It’s now being renovated into artist studios by the Lacuna Artist Lofts Company. This is the newest addition to the Pilsen artist community here in Chicago.

I’m sharing the space with a good friend and fellow artist Audry Cramblit whom is a very talented figure sculptor. Here's one of hers latest bronze pieces "Image and Echo"

Right now the space is totally raw, so we had the opportunity choose where we wanted the space as well as designing the floor plan for the space. We have beautiful views of downtown from the windows and roof-top deck. The construction should be completed in two weeks including my darkroom!

I’m very excited for the final outcome-it’s going to be a wonderful space. Invitations to our space warming party coming soon…so stay tune!!

Located at 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 5B-2, Chicago IL, 60608

The Art of Human Rights

2009-12-16T14:56:00.006-06:00

I will be participating in Heartland Alliance’s The Art of Human Rights. This event attracts more than 400 attendees each year and has been ranked as one of Chicago’s top 100 events.

Forget-Me-Not #1
8x10 Silver Gelatin Contact Print
Heartland Alliance, a nonprofit organization which advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations—particularly the poor, the isolated, and the displaced—through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society. Heartland Alliance provides housing, health care, economic security, and legal protections services to more than 200,000 people annually whose lives are threatened by poverty or danger.

Select pieces will be featured at Gallery 180 during the month long Preview Exhibition and/or at the live auction during The Art of Human Rights. Jurors this year are:

• Aaron Baker, Curator/Development Director, Playboy’s Art Collection
• Chuck Gniech, Professor of Art, Curator for Gallery 180, Illinois Institute of Art
• Allison Peters Quinn, Director of Exhibitions, Hyde Park Art Center
• Steven Zick, Vice President/Head of Office, Christie’s Fine Art Auctioneers-Chicago

Preview Exhibit & Reception:
Gallery 180 – 180 N. Wabash, Chicago
January 19 - February 11, 2010
Preview Reception:
Friday, January 22, 2010 ~ 5:30-7:30pm

Main Event:
River East Art Center - 435 East Illinois Street, Chicago
Friday, February 19, 2010 ~ 6:00pm

An evening of food, fun, and fine art! Bring health, hope, and opportunity to the frontlines of an epidemic.

Please visit: www.artofhumanrights.com for further information.

New Limited Edition Portfolios

2009-12-01T22:31:00.006-06:00

I recently completed two new limited edition portfolios, Simple Beauty-Volume 3 and Oasis of Mara which are available through my website at a 15% discount from the individual print price. Each portfolio contains ten original platinum-palladium prints. You can also customize your own portfolio contents. These limited edition prints are part of the original print series of 25 and are not an extension to the original edition.

Prints are presented in a 12x15" clamshell box, hand-bound in grey or black cloth, with artist's name embedded on the front.

For more information please visit PORTFOLIOS

New Additions!

2009-10-16T12:28:00.007-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to work with Tiana once again. She has been a wonderful person to collaborate with this year.

My endeavors are to convey the natural beauty of the female form in a way that she portrays her own persona and individuality. I feel Tiana’s images from her bodyscapes to her portraits really represent my perception for this series. She always exceeds my expectation.

Viola - 8x10 platinum-palladium print

Twiddle - 8x10 platinum-palladium print

Farewell Irving Penn

2009-10-07T16:05:00.009-05:00

Another favorite photography icon has past away. Irving Penn was 92. Though trained as a painter, Penn spent the majority of his career (40 years) creating portraits and still-lifes for Vogue, 150 of which appeared on the magazine’s cover. Penn’s photographs were marked by a kind of stillness that gave his work a timeless feel over the changing decades of his working years. He is also credited with bringing back a 19th century printing process (platinum process) back into popularity in the late 20th century.

"Girl in Bed" 1949 - Irving Penn

After seeing his beautiful platinum prints for the first time at the Chicago Art Institute it really inspired me to learn this hand-crafted alternative printing process which still awes me every time I print one.

New York Times Obit - Irving Penn

New Additions!

2009-09-22T19:54:00.015-05:00

I finally found the time to do some platinum printing. Here are two new images of Tiana whom I have worked with before. Within these images I wanted to capture her renaissance look with a little film noir feel at the same time. I’m hoping to have a few more finished and framed for an opening at the Karen Solem Gallery which is in two weeks!

Tiana

My Artichoke

Willy Ronis dead at 99

2009-09-12T17:00:00.008-05:00

Willy Ronis, the French photographer famous for his black and white images of ordinary people in post-war France, died aged 99 today.

Born in Paris in 1910, Ronis became one of the Groupe des XV, or group of fifteen, that included fellow photographer Robert Doisneau, that defended photography as a true art form.

A number of his snapshots of working-class Paris became classics, such as his image of a boy running with a baguette under his arm. Other famous photos include one of his wife nude leaning over a sink by an open window, called Provencal Nude.

"Le Nu Provencal" 1949 - Willy Ronis

I really admire the man and I became inspired by his work...RIP

You can see more of his work HERE

Solo Exhibition & Artist Talk at Maison Rouge Gallery - Chicago

2009-08-11T18:40:00.017-05:00

I recently was asked to exhibit my platinum-palladium prints and to give an artist talk explaining my printing techniques and why I use antique cameras to create my art. I will be exhibiting many of my Simple Beauty and Oasis of Mara series. So please join us for an evening of awe inspiring ART.

Friday, August 28, 2009 – 6pm-9pm
Show runs throught September 27, 2009
Maison Rouge Gallery - 2828 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657

Hope to see you there!

New Additions!

2009-07-29T16:29:00.020-05:00

Here are two new images from Julia. After my trip from Twentynine Palms I wanted to continue to creating more images with my narrow focus lens similar to my images Fan Palm and Thistle.

I draw my inspiration from all the marvelous shapes from nature and to keep in mind we are also part of nature.

Zerographica
Julia and I have been working together for the past five years and have created a number of remarkable images like Willow , Morning Light and Kite.

Enjoy!

CALIENTE/HOT Exhibition - New Orleans

2009-07-23T08:45:00.011-05:00

During the hottest months of the year, August and September New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery will put on display photographs that explore and interpret the many meanings of the word CALIENTE or HOT.

Chili Peppers
8x10 Platinum-Palladium Print

CALIENTE: comunicando calor / temperatura alta * intenso / violento / vehemente * lujurioso * ardiente / apasionado /sensual * fresco / urgente /popular * robado / ilegal / peligroso * picante / con especies

HOT: communicating heat / high temperature * intense / violent / vehement * lustful * fiery / passionate / sultry * fresh / urgent / popular * stolen / illegal / dangerous * piquant / spicy

Opening Party: Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 6-9 pm at the NOPA Gallery.
Mr. Torres-Tama will give a juror’s talk in the gallery at 8 pm.

The New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery
1111 Saint Mary Street, New Orleans, LA

ZOOM Magazine – July/August 2009 Issue

2009-06-18T00:05:00.008-05:00

International Fine Art Photography Magazine

Simple Beauty series

Imagine that you do not know who took these photographs. First of all, looking at them, we do not ask ourselves who these women are, we ask ourselves who took them. It is the same question that comes to mind looking at “Mainbocher Corset”, 1939, by Horst P. Horst or “Jeune suedoise de dos”, 1992, by Jean-Loup Sieff… what interests us above all is not whose fantastic back that is, but who was able to celebrate its form in the two-dimensional space of a photograph. And this is a big difference. That body has become a symbol. –zoom magazine

Click HERE to download a PDF version or visit the news stand next month.

Latest Addition

2009-06-03T14:42:00.017-05:00

"Serenity"

Here is one of many new images from model Amber Gangi during her Chicago visit. I was able to print one platinum print for the “Serene la Femme” exhibition at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art in Chicago. Amber and I have worked in the past but always on location in Joshua Tree, CA. This is the first time we’ve had the chance to work together in the studio.

"Forget-Me-Not #4

"Mimic"

"Serene la Femme”... Celebrating the Female Form

2009-05-14T10:41:00.012-05:00

May 29 - June 8, 2009

This collection of work is a contemporary twist on the timeless beauty of the female form as a muse, featuring innovative techniques in platinum photography by Ted Preuss, ceramic methods and figurative sculpture by Audry Cramblit and Nancy Pirri, and paintings by Mary Qian..

Please join us for an Opening Reception: Friday, May 29 ~ 6pm-10pm at the historic Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art, located at 1012 North Dearborn in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.

Additional events:
Open House - Saturday, May 30, 2009 ~ 1 - 6 pm

UnTwelve concert with special guest, Guitarist Dante Rosati

Saturday, June 6, 2009 ~ 8 pm

Closing Reception - Sunday, June 7, 2009 ~ 2 - 6 pm

For more information please visit serenelafemme.com

Tarzan and His Mate

2009-04-24T09:10:00.007-05:00

I recently saw one of my favorite old movies the other day “Tarzan and His Mate.” This 1934 classic was Johnny Weissmuller's second Tarzan film and the first to present Jane as his live-in "wife". Here’s Jane's famous nude swimming sequence which was cut out of the film's original release but restored for the film's 1991 rerelease.
Jane’s skinny dip scene with Tarzan seems almost poetic.

Exhibition: “From Nature”

2009-04-01T08:51:00.008-05:00

This exhibition is an exploration of all things from nature... Landscape, The Figure, Still Life, Abstraction.

Opening reception: Friday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 pm
Exhibition: April 20 - July 24, 2009

Model: Dominique

Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art presents “From Nature”, a national juried exhibition to benefit the Ragdale Foundation. Commissions from the sale of work will be donated to the Ragdale Foundation.

Ragdale is an artists' retreat located on the grounds of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw's 1897 summer home in Lake Forest, IL. The artists' community, which is situated just 30 miles north of Chicago and overlooks 50 acres of prairie. These writers, artists, and composers come from around the country and the world to work and experience Ragdale's remarkable gifts of community, tranquility, and creativity.

Curator Chuck Gniech will be reviewing each piece in his blog “Chicago Fine Art”

RECEPTION: “BODY & TERRAIN“

2009-03-14T21:02:00.005-05:00

Last weeks opening reception with Classical Avant Garde was a hit with poetry reading by Dana Jerman and live music by Sol Azul! Thank you again to everyone that attended this extraordinary selection of artists. The exhibit will be up through April. So, if you have not seen it yet there is still time!

New Addition!

2009-02-22T14:39:00.012-06:00

I recently added an image to my Simple Beauty series entitled “Nude#3” which was photographed with my 8x10 Deardorff with a vintage Wollensak lens.

I’ve been collaborating with Helen for all most five years now. My image “Tranquil” was from one of our first sessions together... notice her hair length. Here’s an image from one of our later sessions in 2008 were it’s down to her knees “Selene”.

You can see more selected images from our past collaborations HERE…enjoy!

EXHIBITION: “BODY & TERRAIN“

2009-02-20T17:38:00.007-06:00

"The need for expression has always been vital to the human condition, paving the way for extraordinary advances in methods of communication. Bella Vista Gallery and Classical Avant-Garde proudly presents an experience of the diverse expressions of visual art and poetry"

Opening reception Friday, March 6th 2009 5-9pm
For more information visit http://www.classicalavantgarde.com/

Featured in Univers d’Artistes

2009-02-07T08:24:00.015-06:00

My work has been featured on Univers d’Artistes…Enjoy!

Thanks so much for including my work on your site Chris and for promoting my next exhibition Serene la Femme that will feature works from Audry Cramblit, Nancy Pirri and myself.

Art Against AIDS

2009-01-17T20:56:00.018-06:00

I will be participating in Heartland Alliance’s Art Against AIDS exhibition, held at the River East Art Center on Thursday, February 26th, 2009. An evening of food, fun, and fine art!
Bring health, hope, and opportunity to the frontlines of an epidemic.

Preview Exhibit & Reception
Gallery 180 – 180 N. Wabash, Chicago
Preview: January 13 - February 13, 2009
Reception: Friday, January 23, 5:30 - 7:30pm

Main Event
River East Art Center - 435 East Illinois Street, Chicago
Thursday, February 26, 6:00 - 10:00pm

Please visit: Art Against AIDS for further information and to purchase tickets.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T11:32:00.009-06:00

Last year was a remarkable year, and 2009 is already getting exciting. I am working on a new series called The Looking Glass.

Featured model Tiana Hunter, which I had the pleasure to shoot with during her visit to Chicago.

I am grateful to my friends and family that supported me through the years, from critiquing my work, to giving a hand during exhibitions. And a special thanks to all of the galleries that exhibited my work over the past years. I am also going to be participating in Art Against AIDS exhibition, held at the River East Art Center on Thursday February 26th, 2009. Preview exhibit to be held in January 23th at Gallery 180 on Wabash. Hope to see you there!

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year! Hope to see you in 2009!

The Artist Project - December 4 - 7, 2008

2008-11-18T21:22:00.009-06:00

I will be debuting my new work from my Twentynine Palms, CA trip. My exhibition will include a mixture of mediums from my hand-coated platinum-palladium prints and platinum leaves to large silver-gelatin prints.

The Artist Project is a 4-day exhibition of contemporary art featuring a juried selection of artists with work in 2D, Mixed Media, Photography and Sculpture. It is a rare opportunity to discover and obtain art directly from a uniquely talented group of artists from around the country.

The December show will run concurrently with the One of a Kind Show and Sale® Chicago taking place on the 8th Floor of The Merchandise Mart.

For your complimentary pass to both shows and for more information please visit: www.preussphotography.com/APdec08.htm

PhotoGALA – New Orleans

2008-11-09T21:08:00.009-06:00

"PhotoGALA promises to be a night filled with great photography, food, music, and chances to win or acquire original works of art and other goodies", says Master of Ceremonies, Joshua Mann Pailet, owner of A Gallery for Fine Photography. "Bring your smiles and join us to celebrate the photographers and special guests from all over the world while supporting the year round events and programming of the New Orleans Photo Alliance.” This fund raising party offers art lovers a chance to celebrate the commencement of the Third Annual PhotoNOLA.

New Orleans Museum of Art

Thursday December 4, 2008 7-10pm

Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door.

The New Orleans Museum of Art is located at One Collins Diboll Circle, in City Park.

For more information visit: www.preussphotography.com/PhotoGALA08.htm

Desert Oasis (part 2)

2008-10-16T23:13:00.022-05:00

I was fortunate to work with very unique model named Larva X during my trip to Twentynine Palms. In her own words she describes herself a mix of "witchy woman" meets Joan of Arc, I would have to agree. She really challenged my artistic wit with her unique style. I feel the images we captured have a wonderful Art Deco style to them.

Le Nu

My Secret Garden

Desert Oasis

2008-10-06T21:05:00.026-05:00

Here are a few images from a new series called "Desert Oasis". These were all shot with my 8x10 Deardorff. I had the chance to work with six wonderful models in this picturesque fan palm oasis.

Desert Oasis #1

Desert Oasis #2

Desert Oasis #5

Desert Oasis #9

Desert Bungalow

2008-10-05T16:53:00.009-05:00

My series “Forget-Me-Not” came from the name of my Adobe bungalow. These were all shot with my 8x10 Deardorff with a really sharp Nikkor lens. The details in the actual prints are amazing. I am planning to debut my new work at the Artist Project in December.

Forget-Me-Not #1
Peek-a-boo
Forget-Me-Not #4

Twentynine Palms Trip

2008-10-03T20:20:00.007-05:00

So I finally finished developing my film from Twentynine Palms, CA. Just for fun I weighed it all and it came to 8.5 pounds…that’s a lot of silver. There are two close-ups I took with my 8x10 Deardorff with my 1922 Wollensak Vitax lens.

Fan Palm

Thistle

Salt Lake

2008-09-28T12:02:00.011-05:00

On the way to Twentynine Palms we stopped in and had dinner with Dennis Mecham in Salt Lake. Dennis mention you still have 45 minutes of light you should check out the salt evaporator ponds on the other side of the lake. 25 minutes later we arrived. Hmmm what should we do…I know, how about a pinhole look with my 8x10 camera...

ODD WORKS EXHIBITION - NEW ORLEANS

2008-09-26T20:38:00.013-05:00

I recently was selected to exhibit one of my hand-coated platinum-palladium leaves “Tranquil” in New Orleans October 4th – November 22nd 2008 at the New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery The exhibition will take place during PROSPECT.1 New Orleans, "the largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States,” and represents a great opportunity to have my work seen by curators and collectors from around the world.

Juror David Rubin, Curator of Contemporary Art, San Antonio Museum of Art Mr. Rubin served as Curator of Visual Arts at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans from 2000-2006. From 1994-99, he was Curator of 20th Century Art at Phoenix Art Museum. Since 1980, Mr. Rubin has been a member of the International Association of Art Critics and, throughout the 1980s, he was a frequent contributor to Arts and Art in America magazines.

I hope you have the change to see this exhibit!

ZoeFest 08

2008-09-19T09:00:00.014-05:00

I am back home now reflecting on my magnificent trip to Twentynine Palms, CA. There few times in your lifetime when you live the perfect moment and this trip was one of them. I feel this upcoming collection of images will have an enduring impression to my work going forward.

29 Palms Inn is an incredible place containing a collection of adobe bungalows and cottages surrounding a picturesque fan palm oasis. I decided to compose most of my images around the grounds this year since I’ve previously created a body of work in Joshua Tree in 2006.

Considering unpacking all my equipment into my adobe bungalow I decided to head down to the pool where I met up with Stephanie Anne, Rael and Scott Nichol. We chatted for awhile over a few sangrias pondering about what the week will bring us.

Over the entire week I had the chance to work with nine wonderful models in an amazing environment. Shortly I will be developing my film…please stay tune for the results!