I had a bad day

Well that title is not entirely true. I spent my day, for the most part, with the dead. Morbid, I know. But if you me, you know thats my way. It kind of bothers me, how cliche "arty punk girl digs hanging out in cemetaries". But I cant help what Im facsinated by so I'll just accept it.
Anyways, In te morning I went to te catacombs, in the afternoon I went to the contemporary art museum, and in the evening I went Piere Lachaise cemetary where Proust and Oscar Wilde are burried (Jim Morison is there as well, but I hate the god damned Doors).
So I was having a good day, until...
I got my 4x5 film back and those stupid readyload sheets only worked half the time! I only have 7 f-ing shots! I lost all but one of my portraits, one of my shots from Venice, and my only shot from Munich! A little depressing to say the least. I was really stoked to see those shots, I guess I'll have to start shooting two of everything to cover my ass. I know its not the holder because the polaroids work fine. Arrrg. Of the 8 shots I lost I only have polarods of two of them.
Today will be a better day.
M.

Back in Paris

Sorry about the delay since my last post, the Internet in Amsterdam was ridiculously expensive.
Ahh so Amsterdam, My mother has a saying shes been using since my childhood: If you don't have something nice to say shut your bloody mouth.
This said I will tell you about Amsterdam during the day because at night it just made me sad.
Early morning on the canals was beautiful,. I went to the Anne Frank House. I found this amazing art co-op exhibition thing in some random building. I was loured in by an enormous pile of clothes in the middle of the room. It reminded me of installations I had seen before (I cant remember by who) that referenced the holocaust.
This project however was a little more light hearted. You got to pick a pound of clothing for 5€ and then use their sewing machines and equipment to make something new. needless to say I jumped right in. I now have a shirt I can use for photo-shoots (its a little over the top) and a cool skirt I will actually wear (its a little weird, but that suits me just fine).
Last night I picnicked under the Eifel tower, with wine and a book. Cheesy I know, but it was lovely until it started to rain (I still cant upload pictures)
Im off now to enjoy Paris, less then a week left can you believe it?
Much love,
M.

8mm

I found the most perfect little spot last night.

I sat there with my beer, scribbling in my little journal.

"A Very Long Engagement" was being projected on the wall, which did nothing to help my already over active romatic sensibilities. They played all the best obscure old punk. I wrote letters I have no intention of ever sending. I was in heaven.

Tomorow I'm off for Amsterdam, I am truly sorry to leave this town. After being so conspicuous in Itally and Southern France it was nice to be normal and anonymous. Maybe even more so then I feel at home. No serious photos today though, maybe Amsterdam will bring more opportunities.

Im headed back to 8mm tonight with a new book, hopefully that will keep my mind from meandering in useless fantasies.

M.

Thats it, Im moving!

I wish I could upload some shots right now.

Ive decided I must make Berlin my home.

Its a place where art lives, and I cant help but think, everywhere else is where art dies.

Horribly pretentious sounding I know, but I want to transplant all my talented friends here.

For now Im going to settle for another full day of gallery hopping on my own, and taking down names to distribute to all of you, little gifts of inspiration.

The money is holding out and so are the bug bites. Slapping is the trick eh? Im afraid I'll make myself black and blue combating these itches.

Im just being dramatic, its not that bad.

It has just occured to me I have two shows that need to be ready for the end of August... I better relax now because Im going to have to hustle when I get back.

Im off for a drink...

Cheers, M.

One more night in Munich

I saw a fantastic show today called Female Troubles, it was great to see work I have studied for years as well as some new names. Some new fuel for the She-woman man-haters club (kidding).
I took out the 4x5 today, and I took a shot down by the river. It kind of felt like I was forcing it. Im not confident about this shot, but I did find some great bits of trash that Im saving for a good location.
The bug bites are still itchy I hope they are gone by the time I hit Berlin.
My love to all.

Dont let the Bedbugs bite

So I still love Venice, but if your hostile looks like the nastiest frat house you've ever seen you probably don't want to sleep in the beds. So I have bites all over my body. I knew by yesterday afternoon I wouldn't be able to sleep another night in Venice, so I called up a friend a met in Arles and took off for Milan... An excellent choice. The city was beautiful, we walked and talked late into the night.
I'm in Munich now; clean, wrapped in a comfy bathrobe, and all my belongings are being thoroughly washed.
I need to really refocus on making some serious photos, the 4x5 hasn't been out since France. Lets hope for the best.
Don't worry Fisher I'm doing lots of smiling, but as you know real photographers don't take pictures of smiling people.
Goodnight world, M.

Im in love

With Venice,
Whatever sadness I felt leaving Arles for Florrence was lifted the moment I stepped out of the train station in Venice. I felt a smile rise in me and it hasnt stopped. I was on a boat across the canal last night. Perfect.
If it wasnt for the tourists I would think this place was made for me... so full of seceret passage ways. This place promises adventures into things ancient and obscure.

Off to Venice

Its almost time I say goodbye to Florence. Im a little sad I didnt get to make any serious photographs here, nothing really seemed to speak to me.
Except maybe the way the stone on some ledges has been warn smooth like old tanned skin. When a ledge fratures they put these metal stitches in it. There is something viscerally human about it.

I just couldnt make it work photographicaly, but Ive included a digital shot.

Yesterday I went to the Ufizi gallery and the Peti Palace. Very impressive.

Ive gotten quite a few ideas for new sets I want to construct, and I think this year is going to be all about the men... guy friends beware Im going to ask you to pose, and probably wear some ridiculous things. My past books have been full of goddesses, I want to build a pantheon of mythological suitors. Maybe its just Itally talking, but Ive got some sketches down.

My times almost up, thanks for all the great feedback. Its so nice to hear from everyone.

Dinner in Geneva, Breakfast in Florrence

Well, I made it. I have begun the solo portion of my voyage. I was truly overwhelmed by the beauty of Switzerland. The hostel here is really nice. Just wanted to check in and share some very touristy shots, so that you all know Im alive. I dont know if I will be able to make any work here, the city is so dense. Love to all.
M.

I got a new hat

The beach was wonderful, the perfect way to end, my week in Arles. My legs have finally got some colour. Unfortunately the colour is bright red. Off to Florence tomorrow.

Check out my new hat I bet youll be seeing a lot of it in the future.

Mom I promise I wont go to anymore gypsy camps. Hearts.

Pieter Hugo Wins the Discovery Award at Arles, There is some justice in the World

So I have a bit of a long post today because I have two fantastic stories to tell.
Story the First:
I had my third portfolio review yesterday. Considering the type of work being celebrated here, I didnt really expect much. I was truly shocked by the excited possitive responses I got. Everyone said that I am very strange, I think being in a strange land amplified this. But come to think of it I am weird no matter where I go.
They were especially drawn to the personal narratives, and said that dealing with this content with such a high level of execution is very original. Like Sophie Calle but more technicaly accomplished.
One guy said the work is like a Tim Burton poem, I guess I will have to read some.
So representatives from two festivals in France have my card, and will folow my work through the internet (Fisher you hqve my undying love). Sorry if this sounds like bragging Im just excited.
Story the Second:
I rode my velo over the river Rhine to check out the local cemetary, that was quite the experience. I continued my exploring and came upon an abandoned trqin station by the river! Of course I had to investigate. I climb this hill and as soon as I get to the threshold I realise that this is used by the gypsys. I had seen a caravan and horse earlier in the week, so when I saw the horse droppings everywhere I realised what I found. I was a little nervous but it was clear the place was totally empty. I explored for a while and found a baby doll with its face smashed in. then 20 or 30 feet away I found its ripped off face. I hooked it on a plant growing out of a stone wall, and photographed it. Then I took it with me so I could photograph it again elsewhere with the 4x5. Subsequently I found the perfect spot, the wall of an abandoned church.
So I guess I understand why they say Im weird.
Hope you are all well; I know Sarai and Fisher are dying of envy as they read this. Oh yeah I made a contact for some shows in Serbia, apparently Gucha is like a country jamboree to most Serbians.
My love to all, M.

The Snap Shot Aesthetic Is Dead, The Students Are Killing It

To my friends and family sorry about not posting sooner, its nearly impossible to get on the internet in Arles. One of many frustrations, as the title of my post reflects.
Their is some fantastic work here, but none of it is from my young contemporaries.
I had two portfolio reviews yesterday, and I have two more this afternoon. Well see if they amount to anything, I dont think my work translates into the european view of contemporary photography. Ive taken 6 shots with my 4x5 since Ive arrived, I like them. Im a little concerned about making travel photographs; but these architecture shots remind me of my guerilla piece, and I feel they have the look of something I would construct. I shot the polaroids with my digital and including them, constructive critisism would be appreciqted.
The most strikking new name Ive discovered is Stephan Vanfleteren from belgium.
On Monday we head to the beach, then Tuesday In off to Florence. I hope to make a few more posts before I go.
M.
P.S. did you know a bycycle is called a vello? Whats that about?

I Hate Myself

So in true Michelle Wilson form I already left something on a train. Yesterday on my way to Arles I got off without my tripod, rendering the 4x5 I brought useless.
Luckily I was able to get it back, hopefully this will teach me a lesson and I wont loose anything else for the rest of the trip. (Im sure those that no me well are saying yeah right).
Arles is wonderful, I watched projections of photography until 2 am. Its lunch time and Ive seen 5 fabulous shows already, my favorites being Richard Avedon and Palo Roversi.
I managed to take a 4x5 shot while I was in Paris. I will upload a shot of the polaroid tomorrow; for now I leave you with two tourist shots.
Hearts to all.
P.S. There are lots of bats in Arles, its awesome at night.

I have arrived

Its been a night but Im here in Paris.
I made it to the hostel without getting too lost. The metro is easier to navigate then the streets. Its raining so Im taking a little break from my wandering.
Not speaking is weighing on me, but Im enjoying it...but its only my first day. Tomorrow I will travel to Arles, hopefully they are having better weather down there.
I saw advertisements in the metro that there is an Avedon exhibit on...Im putting that at the top of my to do list when I get back to Paris in a few weeks.
Hopefully my next post will contain some images.
Much love to my friends and family.