Kickstarter!!!

Unfortunately, my recent Kickstarter project failed to meet its funding goal.

I want to thank everyone that gave money and expressed support for the project.  Rest assured that the project will still be completed.  I am exploring other avenues of funding and the project may take more time, but I will finish.  You can still support this project by talking about it, linking to my website, and following my progress on this blog.

I am in the proccess of starting a self-published zine.  This zine will contain new work and work in progress along with an essay.  My first issue will be about Beetle Kill.  Look for this zine to be available for purchase on my website early next year.

Again, thanks to everyone who continues to support this important project.  I won't let you down.

Busy Busy

I've had so much going on in the last month.  I've been out of town a lot with Thanksgiving, the SPE West Conference, and Photo Nola.  I've been attending some interesting events from the Petaluma Art Council and others.  Check back in the next few days and I'll post a wrap-up of all my recent activities with pictures.


Highlighting my busy-ness is a renewed focus on commissioned portraiture.  I am starting to build a portraiture business now that I am feeling settled into living in California and have done some good networking here.  (I moved to Petaluma, California over the summer if you didn't know.)  Don't worry art fans, my artwork will still be my main focus, but I gotta pay the bills and I really love portraiture too.  In fact, a new fine art documentary project I've been working on includes many portraits of fishermen.  Look for that in the coming months.


I can no longer neglect this blog!!!

20x20 The Annual Members Exhibition

My work will be on display along with many Petaluma Arts Council member artists at the Petaluma Arts Center from November 19th through January 2nd.


Please join me at the reception this Friday, November 19th from 5-8pm.


Petaluma Arts Center
230 Lakeville Street
Petaluma, California 94952


Holiday sales encouraged!

I-17, Central Arizona, 2009

Archival Pigment Print

11x14 inches (framed at 19.5x16 inches)

$200

Kickstarter FAQs

As many of you know, I launched my first Kickstarter project a little over a week ago.  I understand that many of my supporters are not familiar with Kickstarter, how it works and its purpose.  Let me explain.


I should be clear that the point of a Kickstarter project is to raise money from individual donors.  That means you.  If you are the type of person that would read my blog, then you are the type of person I would look to for support on my projects.  Any financial support, large or small, is more than appreciated.  In return you should expect to receive unique rewards, like a thank you note personally written by myself or a signed limited edition publication from the project or a framed, signed, and numbered print from the project or I might even take you out to dinner.  Its up to you.




Here is a video promo I made for this important project on the American West's Pine Beetle epidemic.

Click here to pledge.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions...

What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors.

We believe that...

• A good idea, communicated well, can spread fast and wide.

• A large group of people can be a tremendous source of money and encouragement.

Kickstarter is powered by a unique all-or-nothing funding method where projects must be fully-funded or no money changes hands.

Why do people support projects?

REWARDS! Project creators inspire people to open their wallets by offering smart, fun, and tangible rewards (products, benefits, and experiences).

STORIES! Kickstarter projects are efforts by real people to do something they love, something fun, or at least something of note. These stories unfold through blog posts, pics, and videos as people bring their ideas to life. Take a peek around the site and see what we're talking about. Stories abound.

Who can fund their project on Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is focused on creative ideas and ambitious endeavors. We're a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, illustrators, explorers, curators, performers, and others to bring their projects, events, and dreams to life.

We know there are a lot of great projects that fall outside of our scope, but Kickstarter is not a place for soliciting donations to causes, charity projects, general business expenses, or raising funds without a specific goal. 

How does funding work?

Every project has a funding goal (any dollar amount) and a time limit (from 1 - 90 days) set by the project creator. When the deadline is reached, there are either of two results:

1. Funding Successful: If a project has met or surpassed its funding goal, all backers' credit cards are instantly charged and funds go directly to the project creator. Project creators are then responsible for completing the project and delivering rewards as promised.

2. Funding Unsuccessful: If a project has NOT met its funding goal, all pledges are canceled. That's it.

How do I make a pledge?

To make a pledge to a project, click the green “Back This Project” button on any project page. You will be asked to pick your pledge amount and select a reward. From there, you will go through the Amazon checkout process. Note that you must finish the Amazon checkout for your pledge to be completed.

If I make a pledge, when is my card charged?

If the project you’re backing is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. If the project does not reach its funding goal, your card is never charged. That's why we call them pledges.

If funding does not succeed, do backers pay anything?

Nothing. If funding fails, all pledges are canceled and that's that.

How does the money stuff work?

Amazon Payments processes all the pledges on Kickstarter. When you decide to make a pledge, we'll quickly send you to an Amazon Payments page to confirm. If you have an Amazon account this takes only a few clicks. If you don't have an Amazon account, Amazon will ask you to register during the pledge process — it's painless. You won't need to do anything annoying like stop in the middle and check your email.

Can I cancel a pledge?

By pledging, you are committing to supporting that person’s project; canceling that commitment is discouraged. If you must cancel, visit the project page and click “Manage My Pledge.” At the bottom of the next page you’ll see the “Cancel My Pledge” button.

Can projects be shared on other sites and social networks?

Absolutely. Kickstarter projects are all-or-nothing — they either happen or they don't. Every project depends on their backers' and creator's networks for its survival.

There are simple buttons for the major social networks in the share section of each project. Just look under the project video slot.

Is there a widget that can be put on other blogs and MySpace pages and other sites to promote a project?

Yep. You can find it right underneath the project's video/image in the share section: "grab the widget."

Is there a way to share a project on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg or via email?

Yes. Click on the icons for email and the major social networks in the project page's share section.

Do projects have RSS feeds?

Each project has an RSS feed of its project updates. You can find it in the project's share section. (Note that backer-only updates are not included.)

More info can be found at the Kickstarter website here: www.kickstarter.com/help/faq#WhatIsKick

You may support my project by clicking here: http://kck.st/aOVzP9

Thanks so much!!!

NPR.org - Touching Strangers: A Creepily Wonderful Concept

I came across this series of portraits today on NPR's The Picture Show blog.  Although neither my project Beetle Kill nor Imprint have any portraits in them I have been working on a side project about fisherman that does.  So I have been thinking about how to photograph people.  The series Touching Strangers is an intriguing way to think about bringing yourself and your sitter out of their comfort zone to create compelling pictures.


Here's the link to: Touching Strangers: A Creepily Wonderful Concept
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130974145&sc=emaf

Show me the Puppets!: The Beauty of Forests Ravaged by Pine Beetles

How we view forests damaged by the Pine Beetle is what my new project Beetle Kill is all about.  I want my audience to question the validity of their personal definition of natural beauty.  I feel the scenery of the American West plays a role in our national identity, and as powerful as we are, we can't stop the way that its changing.  However, we can use it as a catalyst for changing the way we perceive and understand natural beauty.


I came across an interesting blog called Show me the Puppets!.  A recent post poses some intriguing questions concerning the aesthetics of beetle kill.  


Here's the link: http://sturgis.wordpress.com/2010/10/24/the-beauty-of-forests-ravaged-by-pine-beetles/


And please don't forget to support my Kickstarter project Beetle Kill by clicking here: http://kck.st/aOVzP9.  Even small donations will go a long way towards the completion of this important project.  There are some great rewards available too!

Support This Project!

NYTimes.com: How Pine Bark Beetles Created an Elaborate and Deadly Mess

Please check out this recent New York Times article on the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic.  And please don't forget to support my Kickstarter project Beetle Kill by clicking here: http://kck.st/aOVzP9  Even small donations will go a long way towards the completion of this important project.  There are some great rewards available too!

BUSINESS DAY   | October 28, 2010 How Pine Bark Beetles Created an Elaborate and Deadly Mess By DINA FINE MARON of ClimateWire DILLON,Colo. -- Cal Wettstein presides over a sea of dead and dying trees the size of Connecticut. Across his domain, hillsid...

Petaluma Valley Hospital Exhibition

I am pleased to announce that my photograph Boca Negra Canyon, Central New Mexico, 2009 #2 from the series Imprint has been selected for the Petaluma Art Council's Art Around Town Exhibition at Petaluma Valley Hospital.


The show will be held from Wednesday, November 10, 2010 through Wednesday, February 9, 2011.  


All sales will be through the artists directly, so please contact me if you are interested in this print.

Boca Negra Canyon, Central New Mexico, 2009 #2

Great New Rewards!!!

I am pleased to announce that we have our first backer for Beetle Kill on Kickstarter.  Thanks for getting the ball rolling Roxann Poskey!


Also, I have added a couple great new rewards especially at the smaller dollar amounts.  If you donate just $5 to the project you will receive a download of 20 of the best images from the project to use for your desktop, screensaver, or sharing with your friends online.


Even if you can only give a little I want you to get something special.  Thanks for your support!


Click here to back this project: http://kck.st/aOVzP9

Be the First Backer of Beetle Kill at Kickstarter!!!

BE MY FIRST BACKER!!! Be the first to pledge $20 to help fund Beetle Kill and you will receive a set of three signed and numbered 4x5 prints from this project. There is only one of these available at the $20 level. Also, a personalized thank you note featuring a picture from the project and I will mention your name as the first sponsor on my blog and zine.


Click here to pledge your support: http://kck.st/aOVzP9

Beetle Kill on Kickstarter

Check out my Kickstarter project.  Any support is greatly appreciated.  If you can't afford to help, but know someone who can, please pass it along.  Thanks so much!

NPR.org - How To Turn A Pumpkin Into A Camera

Nathan Larimer thought you would be interested in this story: How To Turn A Pumpkin Into A Camera

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130896843&sc=emaf

Imprint Video

Check out my new video from Imprint.

TED Prize Winner Makes Really, Really Big Photos | PDN Pulse

Check this out.

TED Prize Winner Makes Really, Really Big Photos | PDN Pulse

One Week Left!!!

There is less than one week left to take advantage my October special offer!


Until the end of the month you will receive a collector's set of three signed and numbered 4x5 inch prints from the book when you purchase a signed first edition copy of Imprint.  This is truly a great deal that I will not repeat.  So take advantage now!


$29.95 w/ free shipping 


Offer only valid at www.nathanlarimer.com!

The In-Sight Photography Project Annual Exhibition and Auction

There is one week left to support The In-Sight Photography Project by bidding on work in their annual auction.  My print "Butter Bean Beach, Coastal Georgia 2009 #2" is up for bid among work from some of the best photographers in the country.  Click here to bid online and support this great organization.

About The In-Sight Photography Project

Mission: The In-Sight Photography Project offers students a creative voice and outlet, an opportunity to experience success, tools for self-awareness and self-worth, and encourages them to become actively engaged in their communities. In-Sight teaches photography to youth ages 11-18 throughout Southern Vermont, regardless of their ability to pay. 

History: The In-Sight Photography Project was founded by Bill Ledger and John Willis when they were distracted by a large number of teenagers hanging around aimlessly in downtown Brattleboro and by the police who were moving them along for loitering. This scene was so distressing that they decided to teach a free course for these youths. Encouraged by an outpouring of community support, John and Bill built a darkroom and teaching facility.

Butter Bean Beach, Coastal Georgia, 2009 #2

NPR.org - The Unseen Sea: A Different Side Of San Franciscos Famous Fog

I recently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area.  So when I found this on NPR's The Picture Show blog I thought it was pretty cool.  Check it out.

The Unseen Sea: A Different Side Of San Franciscos Famous Fog

Photo Bistro

I am pleased to announce that my work is now available at PhotoBistro.com.

Photo Bistro is a website associated with the photo-eye Gallery in Santa-Fe New Mexico.  Photo Bistro encourages collectors along with first-time buyers to purchase work exhibited on the site.  If you are interested in purchasing my work you can visit the site for specifics on any print like print prices, sizes and availability.

PHOTOBOOK!! at Davis Orton Gallery

I am pleased to announce that my book Imprint has been selected as one of 20 books for the exhibition PHOTOBOOK!! at the Davis Orton Gallery in Hudson, New York.  Thank you to the Davis Orton Gallery and to juror Paula Tognarelli of the Griffin Museum of Photography.


The PHOTOBOOK!! exhibition runs from Friday, November 19th to Sunday, December 19th.  (Hours are noon to 6pm, Friday to Sunday.)  


The Artists' Reception is Saturday, November 20th from 6 to 8 pm.


If you are in the Hudson area please be sure to attend.

October Special Offer

***For a limited time only!!!***

When you purchase a first edition copy of Imprint by Nathan Larimer during the month of October, you will receive a set of three signed and numbered prints from the book for free.  And as always, free shipping!

This offer is only valid at www.nathanlarimer.com.

"Imprint" by Nathan Larimer

            “Imprint” is my first major body of work and was completed as a part of my MFA thesis.  The project exists in two main forms as a gallery exhibition of limited edition fine art prints and as a published monograph.  Contained within the monograph are 30 photographs and a foreword by writer Lee Burbage.  The first edition of 1000 was designed by Ethan Waterman, published by Rock Run Press, and printed and perfect bound in Iceland by the Oddi Printing Company in the spring of 2010.

I will be updating this blog with the dates and locations of future exhibitions of “Imprint.”  The monograph is available at various galleries and bookstores around the country as well as under the Rock Run Press page on my website.  If you are a gallery or bookstore owner interested in carrying Imprint, please contact me directly: larimer.nathan@gmail.com.  

“Imprint” project statement:

Where does nature end and man begin?  When man leaves a mark how does it transform a place?  From ancient petroglyphs to contemporary graffiti, humans have always marked their environment.  Such marks mediate the relationship between nature and humanity, ultimately revealing a connection that our modern lives too often overlook.   My approach to these marks is that of an environmental portraitist, and my hope is they will tell a story about who we are, what we believe, where we come from, and given in moderation, even become harmonious and beautiful.  We are compelled to leave our imprint.

Introduction

For my first post to my new blog I wanted to introduce my work, and my goals for this blog, and myself.


I can best describe my work as “Fine Art Documentary,” although I may stray from those boundaries from time to time. I tend to work in halfway investigative projects, usually multiple at a time. By “halfway investigative projects” I mean I start with a specific subject matter, research and investigate it, and come up with a subjective and hopefully poetic visual representation of its story.


My most recent project was my MFA thesis, “Imprint.” This was an investigation into ways that individuals intentionally mark the environment for ritualistic, communicative, or otherwise non-physical functions. http://nathanlarimer.com/?page_id=156


I am currently working on two new projects. One is documenting the devastation of the invasive Asian Pine Beetle on the American West. This seems to be a story that is rather under told. My other current project is a documentary of American recreational fishermen. Due to my personal love for fishing, I see the cultural eccentricities that so often appear in fishermen and their angling methods. Through a combination of portrait, still life, and landscapes I hope to give a poetic account of the good and the bad that we fishermen express.


This blog will receive regular updates on my ideas pertaining to my work and the art and artists that inspire me. Please check it often and enjoy.