Mike Smith Photography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS NOMINATE WILMINGTON, NC US PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE SMITH AT 5TH ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERS CUP

LONDON 11/03/2011 – Professional photographer Mike Smith of Wilmington, NC US was presented with the 5th Annual Photography Masters Cup Nominee title in the category of Fine Art  at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow. The live online ceremony webcast Sunday, October 29, 2011 was attended by photography fans in 83 countries who logged on to see the climax of the industry’s most important event for color photography.

The awards international Jury included captains of the industry ranging from Hasted Hunt Kraeutler in New York, Brancolini Grimaldi, David & Goliath, Simon Studer Art Associates, Stills Gallery to Christie’s in London.

“It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 13,321 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Mike Smith’s ”Pier,” an exceptional image entered in the Fine Art category, represents contemporary color photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present Mike Smith with the title of Nominee.”

See the 5th Annual Winners & Nominees at http://www.thecolorawards.com/gallery/index.php?g=n

INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERS CUP is the leading international award honoring excellence in color photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in color photography.

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For anyone who is interested in fine art photography there is a great opportunity to  learn more about collecting fine art photography in Charlotte, NC Sept. 22, 2011 at 6pm at DOMA Gallery. Mr. Larry  Wheeler, the Director of NC Museum of Art will be speaking about “Fine Art of Collecting Photography”. The location for the event is, 1310 South Tryon St. No 106, Charlotte, NC. Below is the invite I received.

DOMA GALLERY IS PROUD TO PRESENT LARRY WHEELER, DIRECTOR OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART

Please join us at Doma Gallery for an insightful and informative discussion by Larry Wheeler, Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Mr. Wheeler will be speaking about the “Fine Art of Collecting Photography” and his selections for the current exhibition “Eyes of Carolina” at DOMA GALLERY.

September 22nd, thursday evening, 6 to 9pm

Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments

We look forward to seeing you there.

         My black and white photographs from my Fort Fisher series were selected to be in the Eyes of Carolina photography exhibiton. There is more about the exhibition in previous posts. Dr. Larry Wheeler, the Director of  North Carolina Museum of Art was the juror for the “Eyes of Carolina Exhibiton”. The exhibiton is on display at DOMA Gallery, 1310 South Tryon St. No106, Charlotte,NC. The photography exhibition opened June 30,2011 and will be displayed until September 3,2011. Dr. Larry Wheeler was unable to attend the opening of Eyes of Carolina but sent the owner of DOMA Gallery the statement below regarding the exhibition.

Mike Smith Photography

http://mikesmithphoto.com

Dear G,

Truly do I regret not being with you this evening as I had very much looked forward to it.

Let me say that I was impressed and entertained by the many entries. As I repeatedly reviewed the images they began to establish themes and,ultimately the most powerful works spoke up.

This exhibition  is my personal taste, as it would be with any single juror.  I like to think, however, that my taste  reflects years of looking at photographs in museums, galleries, and art fairs all over the world.  It is informed, as well, by my years of working in art museums where I find that works of many media and many times inform each other and speak to each other.

Photography is an amazing contemporary medium, although folks have been taking photographs for more than 150 years.  Photo technology has revolutionized the medium in the last three decades, however.  It is no longer pure according to the purists.  Gone are the  negative and the darkroom.  Now the photo artist has many materials and devices available to make their art.  Does the integration of digital devices make the work less good?  Certainly not.  It makes it more interesting, I think, while complicating the measure of excellence.

The artist making photography today might incorporate drawing, painting, or applied elements.  We therefore measure the success of the work by how powerfully it projects as a work of art; the voice of the artist.

The five artists I selected seem to be influenced by painting as well as the history of photography itself.  In the work of Rachel Nemechek I see the influence of Rauschenberg and a bit of Picasso cubism.  Is Frank Konhaus influenced by the formal minimalism of Ellsworth Kelly, Albers, or Sean Scully?  In the elegant photographs of Eric Baden I see the influence of Georgia O’Keeffe and even the minimal stone sculpture of Richard Long. The almost mystical off-focus work recalls Bill Jacobson.  Michael Smith’s stunning landscapes remind us of the power of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, of course, but I also see Magritte.  Do you?  And the ingenious and inventive work, very beautiful, of Jeff Murphy takes me back to the fantastic world of Hieronymous Bosch, to romantic drawing and even to the genius of Anselm Kieffer.

These are NC artists.  They are damn good.  They could show in galleries anywhere in the world.  Congratulations.

Have fun,

Larry

Photos from Eyes of Carolina Exhibition opening  courtesy of DOMA Gallery. Click on picture to view larger.

Last Monday I was notified that I was one of five NC photographers selected by Larry Wheeler, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, to be in the “Eyes of Carolina” Exhibition. My black and white photography series of Fort Fisher, NC was selected for the show. I’m honored to have been selected for the photography exhibit and I’m looking forward to viewing the other four photographer’s photographs. If you are near Charlotte, NC on June 30, I would like to invite you the opening reception which will be held at DOMA GALLERY at  310 South Tryon Street No 106, Charlotte, NC. Below is a little more information about the photography exhibition and the invite card provided by DOMA Gallery.



DOMA GALLERY 
is proud to present
“Eyes of Carolina”
A JURIED EXHIBITION OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY CELEBRATING NORTH CAROLINA’S FINEST PHOTOGRAPHERS
  
DOMA GALLERY is hosting a juried exhibition of fine art photography to showcase North Carolina’s finest photographers.  The esteemed juror for the exhibition, Larry Wheeler, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, is a renowned promoter of fine art photography in the contemporary art world and is a familiar face on the national art circuit lecturing and moderating panels for collectors of fine art photography. Mr. Wheeler has selected these 5 artists to represent the best of the medium:

Eric Baden, Asheville, NC
Frank Konhaus, Chapel Hill, NC
Jef Murphy, Charlotte, NC
Mike Smith, Wilmington, NC
Rachel Nemeck, Charlotte, NC

OPENING RECEPTION:  June 30th. 6-9pm
Larry Wheeler will be speaking during the reception on his selections.

EXHIBITION DATES:  June 30th to September 3rd, 2011
 
EXHIBITION LOCATION
DOMA GALLERY 
310 SOUTH TRYON STREET NO 106
CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA 28203
 
DOMA GALLERY is located in the historic South End neighborhood of Charlotte and is the only gallery exclusively devoted to fine art photography. DOMA GALLERY represents both critically acclaimed artists whose works are collected by major museums and emerging artists who have received awards and critical recognition for their work.   In 2010, DOMA GALLERY was voted “Best Gallery” in Charlotte Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards.

DOMA GALLERY 
is proud to present
“Eyes of Carolina”
A JURIED EXHIBITION OF FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY CELEBRATING NORTH CAROLINA’S FINEST PHOTOGRAPHERS
  
DOMA GALLERY is hosting a juried exhibition of fine art photography to showcase North Carolina’s finest photographers.  The esteemed juror for the exhibition, Larry Wheeler, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, is a renowned promoter of fine art photography in the contemporary art world and is a familiar face on the national art circuit lecturing and moderating panels for collectors of fine art photography. Mr. Wheeler has selected these 5 artists to represent the best of the medium:

Eric Baden, Asheville, NC
Frank Konhaus, Chapel Hill, NC
Jef Murphy, Charlotte, NC
Mike Smith, Wilmington, NC
Rachel Nemeck, Charlotte, NC

OPENING RECEPTION:  June 30th. 6-9pm
Larry Wheeler will be speaking during the reception on his selections.

EXHIBITION DATES:  June 30th to September 3rd, 2011
 
EXHIBITION LOCATION
DOMA GALLERY 
310 SOUTH TRYON STREET NO 106
CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA 28203
 
DOMA GALLERY is located in the historic South End neighborhood of Charlotte and is the only gallery exclusively devoted to fine art photography. DOMA GALLERY represents both critically acclaimed artists whose works are collected by major museums and emerging artists who have received awards and critical recognition for their work.   In 2010, DOMA GALLERY was voted “Best Gallery” in Charlotte Magazine’s Best of the Best Awards.



Jetty I

My image titled Jetty I was selected for Honorable Mention in the IPA International Photo Awards for Professional Fine Art Landscape category. There were over 15,000 photos submitted. The Jurors constisted of respected indivuals in the industry.

mikesmithphoto.com

Jetty

Well I’m a little late posting this but back in late May my image titled “Jetty” was nominated for the Fine Art category for the  4th  annual  Photography Masters Cup Color Awards. It’s an honor to have been nominated by such a world-class juror panel (jurors credited at bottom). You can view my image along with other amazing images by other photographers by clicking on this link , you will have to scroll close to the bottom to view my  photo  (click on image to enlarge) http://thecolorawards.com/gallery/index.php?g=n.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this.

Mike Smith

www.http//mikesmithphoto.com

The Jurors

Christie’s New York, Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, Kodak, National Geographic Channel, NY Arts Magazine, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Esquire, Phillips de Pury & Company, Taschen UK, Amsterdam Worldwide, Beroeps Fotografen Nederland, Getty Images, Fox Broadcasting Company LA, Wieden+ Kennedy, Paris-Art, Vogue.com UK, Channel 4 London, Phaidon Publishing Group Tokyo, Colors Magazine Italy, Stills Gallery Australia, Dazed & Confused London,  525 Art Montevideo, Fotografisk Center Copenhagen, MuSee De l’Elysee Switzerland, Australian Photographic Society, National Museum of Singapore, Pekin Fine Arts, L.A. Galerie Frankfurt & Beijing, Tapper- Popermajer Art Gallery Malmo, Weber Shandwick Sydney, Wonderland Magazine Denmark, Musee De la Photographie Bruxelles

This is no doubt my favorite time of the year. I enjoy working with black and white photography but I love the colors of spring time. Wilmington is blooming with color right now, just in time for the Annual Azalea Festival. If you live in or near the area, or are just visiting Wilmington, NC, I want to invite you to visit the 28th Annual Juried Spring Art Show and Sale presented by the Wilmington Art Association. My black and white photo titled Jetty I was selected for the show and won the Southeastern Camera Sponsor Award. I also have smaller images for sale in the photography section art bins. This was the first year I participated in the event and I was impressed with variety of art displayed. I was honored to have been selected to exhibit in the show. The show started on April 9th and tomorrow is the last day (April 11, 2010). The art show is being held in the beautiful Perry Hall of St. James Episcopal Church at 313 Dock St. in Historic Wilmington, NC. If you are looking to add to or to start your art collection, this is a great art show to attend. The WWA Spring Art Show affords something for every style and budget in a friendly welcoming atmosphere

Piece #244 Awarded Southeastern Camera Sponsor Award, Black and White photo titled Jetty I by Mike Smith Photography

My photography is displayed in various locations, so unfortunately I don’t get to meet everybody who has interest or who has purchased my photography prints in 2009. I just wanted to take this time to thank you for your support. I would like to invite you to send me your contact info (mailing address) so I can send you a personal thank you and add you to my mailing list. Please include where you bought the photo from and the size and name of the photograph. No information will be shared. And for anyone who has not purchased a print but would like to be added to the mailing list please feel free to email me with your contact info.

Again thank you all for your support and I  hope everyone  has a Healthy and Happy 2010!

Please email contact info, location of purchase, name of photo, and size to mike@mikesmithphoto.com

Back in November I received notice that I had two images selected for The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards.

The WPGA received 3,180 images from 47 countries. The jurors’ team included Susan Zadeh, publisher of Eyemazing Magazine; Chris Steele-Perkins, Magnum; Tim Anderson, editor of the Red Dog Journal; and Brooks Jensen, publisher of Lenswork

I have one honorable mention in the Fine Art Category which can be seen by visiting

http://www.wonderpick.com/#/gallery/8/15

Another honorable mention in the Abstract Category which can be seen by visiting http://www.wonderpick.com/#/gallery/5/5.

I’m honored that my images were selected.

Inspired by the words of The Community Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington Children

To view image larger visit http://mikesmithphoto.com and click on “collect” in the menu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Kristin Zachary, Community Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington, kzachary@cbgcw.org, 910-762-1252, www.cbgcw.org
Mike Smith, Mike Smith Photography, mike@mikesmithphoto.com, 910-352-3747, http://www.mikesmithphoto.com/
__________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CHILDREN HELP PHOTOGRAPHER CREATE ARTWORK
Mike Smith Photography to donate 20 percent of artwork sales to Community Boys & Girls Club

WILMINGTON, NC – October 5, 2009—Youth from the Community Boys & Girls Club provided ideas that sparked a professional art piece from Mike Smith Photography this summer. Youth, ages five to eighteen, were asked what they love most about Wilmington, and Mike Smith turned their words into a Wilmington-focused art piece. Mike Smith offered to donate 20 percent of artwork sales to the Community Boys & Girls Club. This offer stands not only for the Wilmington piece the youth had a hand in, but also any piece from his Web site. Artwork can be purchased from http://www.mikesmithphoto.com/.

The Community Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington has played an integral role in the Wilmington community for 72 years, providing daily services and programs to young people. Programs emphasize education and career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation. The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
About Mike Smith Photography
The beauty of Mike Smith’s hometown Wilmington, NC and the Carolina Coast inspire Mike to create unique black and white photos as well as color photos to share with art collectors and admirers of his work. Mike moved back to Wilmington from Atlanta in 2003 and continues to produce original images for advertising agencies, and fine art photography for collectors. His photography has been in juried exhibitions with jurors from the International Center of Photography, New York City; High Museum of Art, Atlanta; and Witkin Gallery, New York City. Mike has won awards for both his commercial and fine art photography. He enjoys creating images and cares about the quality and presentation of his work, which is apparent in the materials he uses to produce his works of art.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids “Be Great,” providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military bases worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.
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Community Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington
901 Nixon Street, P.O. Box 1612 (P) (910) 762-1252
Wilmington, NC 28401 (F) (910) 251-7933
www.cbgcw.org
Investing in our community, one child at a time.