Brandon Sadler’s work balances between the beautiful and the grotesque, paying homage to many visual influences: street art culture, photography, mixed media, painting, and drawing. The artist integrates graffiti style and urban culture with the technical precision, bold imagery and clean linear qualities of Japanese printmaking. His focus is on human behavior, specifically, relationships underscored by sexuality, social politics, cultural iconography, and symbolism. Sadler’s ongoing fascination with man’s conflicted relationships with himself, society, and nature is what prompted the new series: Red Dawn.

This body of work is a return to earlier themes but, more importantly, it is an exploration of materials and techniques. At this moment the whole world is undergoing a season of extreme change, politically, socially, and culturally. It is under the pressure of this changing climate that Sadler has expanded. Using a process centered in experimentation, the artist pushes through his own creative boundaries and doubts in pursuit of a more mature vision; keeping in mind that the journey is just as important as the destination.

I first met Tristan the night of an eclipse (how lame lol) when he was outside of our dorm at the University of West Georgia (where he currently majors in photography) shooting with his camera & looking beyond professional compared to my little CyberShot I was snapping pics with. Ever since then I have watched his love for photography grow & his portfolio has built up to include some amazing shots. With my own creativity passion, I love supporting fellow artists & hope that everyone enjoys his work as much as I do!

What is your knowledge in this area?

That’s tough to say. I’ve been doing this for five years now, and have been serious with it for a little over two years. Photography is one of those professions where you learn more than just one thing everyday. To answer the question, I wouldn’t say that I have an “extensive” amount of knowledge in this area, but I know enough to know what I’m doing and to excel in it every day of my life. I won’t settle until I’ve learned all I can-so I’ll never settle.

What did you do to gain so much knowledge in this area?

I practiced, I pursued, and I stayed consistent.

When did your career start?

I started June 22, 2008. That was my first “official” photo shoot.

Why is Photography important to you?

It’s one of the few mediums I can use to fully express myself. My photography is what I see. No one else can see what I see because my eye is unique. It means a lot to me to share with others how I see things, and when I can, I get a certain level of fulfillment.

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?

I suppose I influenced myself when I first started out years ago. One day I just picked up a camera and started taking pictures. I really didn’t take my images seriously until people started to take notice. That’s when I realized that I could possibly be talented in it. I just kept with it, and eventually I got to the point where I am right now. Eventually I started to look at other artists’/photographers’ work. Lately I’ve been influenced by guys like Gordon Parks, Shannon McCollum, and D. Blanks, to name a few.

Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? If yes, why do you believe this is true?

Yes, A picture can go way beyond 1,000 words. A photo can provoke different feelings, expressions, thoughts, and idiosyncrasies in a person-along with words.

Do you have a favorite photograph?

Yes, there’s one photo that I took earlier this summer at a free concert Big Boi put on in Midtown Atlanta. It’s a black and white photo of him pointing out to the crowd.

Do you think that society would be different if photography was never invented?

A large portion of society would be “missing” without photography. There would be no history, no memories, no moments to look back on. I would even go as far as saying that photography IS society, in that the experiences that people have on a daily basis can be forgotten. Precious moments can be forgotten. Tragedy could be forgotten. Life can be forgotten.

Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion and expression in a picture?

Emotion and expression are the most significant and intricate part of a photograph. It’s a MUST.

Does the price of a camera matter in ways that it affects the quality of the picture?

 To each their own. I know photographers out there who can come up with unbelievable results with really cheap cameras. Although a camera is [obviously] a big part of photography, the more important aspect is the photographers eye. “Same camera, different eye”

Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like strokes in a painting?

Lately I’ve been playing with a method that literally involves “painting” a photo. Long exposures. I’ve used this technique twice at two local shows. I take the lights in the room, exposure my shutter for a long period while moving or “painting” the lights, and then at the last second, I aim my flash and my camera towards the subject. The results are excellent if it is done correctly.

Was photography just considered as a hobby to you in the past?

Yes it was, that’s how it all started.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A true photographer lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps photography. Their whole heart is into his or her craft.

What do you enjoy most photographing?

I LOVE shooting concerts.

In your opinion, what makes photography an art?

Anyone can take a photograph, but not just anyone can capture something that a message, feeling, story, behind it. If a photographer can convey something in a picture that goes beyond the superficial-that’s when photography becomes an art.

Do you believe that film photography will in the end be totally replaced by digital photography?

I think it will, but I hope it doesn’t. Film photography gets down to the bare essentials. Not knowing what you’re going to get, developing it, mastering it, etc etc. That’s the beautiful part about it. Sadly it is slowly dissipating.

Do you prefer using film cameras over digital?

I do not. They’re two different aesthetics, and I enjoy both equally.

What motivates you to do what you do?

Passion. Without passion, I would’ve stopped a long time ago. You won’t last a day in your craft if you don’t put your heart into it.

Check out Tristan’s Portfolio:

www.flickr.com/photos/tristography/collections

Add Tristan on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/TristanTristanTristan

Follow him! @TristErvPhotos

Check out his Blogspot!

www.tristanervinphotography.blogspot.com

Tucked behind the EyeDrum Art Gallery on MLK, is a row of Graffiti art nicknamed “Graffiti Row“.  Right by the train tracks, you can find the work of a few different ATL artists.  The featured Art & Artists are always changing, stop by and check it out sometime…you’ll like what you find.

Greg Mike

The Gallery, opened by ATL artist/designer & fem-fATL homeboy Greg Mike, featured panels of comic book panels fused with contemporary and street art. If you missed out be sure to check it every last Friday of the month, a different showcase will be featured….and they are not to be missed!

M.M. Perez, P.Myrick, Erica Awalt, Allen Manry. Design by Caitlin, amanda Athorpe, C. Limon

… And I Agree

fem-fATL proudly supports the work of female artists

Make sure you attend the opening exhibition of “GRACE: LUSH | ETHEREAL | COLOR”

Featuring the works of female artists: Mary Farmer, Sue Hong, & Anne - Davnes Elser

Where: 3/19 @ Kai- Lin Art Gallery (800 Pchtree St, Suite A)

When: 7 – 9 PM

March 11 @ 7 p.m :: Home Sweet Home: A Feminist Look at Nellie Mae Rowe

Assistant Professor of Art History Joyce Dohen from Simmons College, Boston, will be examining Nellie Mae Rowe’s expressions of women’s space & life in context of the 20th century feminist history. At this event you will be able to observe Rowe’s art which consist of images of her home as well as distinctive objects within that define her feminist lifestyle.

Click here for more info on Nellie Mae Rowe

March 13 @ 2 p.m :: Of Shine, Bling & Bixels: Toward a Post-Soul Art History

Krista Thompson, Driskell Prize Winner & Associate Professor of Art History at Northwestern University, presents her investigation of  ”post-soul art history” by displaying the leading contemporary artists and black popular photographic practices. She will be giving her view on the new meanings of “post-soul art history” and black politics in contemporary society. She will take us through the changes of art from the Black Power movements of the 1970′s to today’s perspective of “Bling Bling” as today’s youth calls yesterday’s “Mau Mau.”

Click here for more info on Krista Thompson

Both events will be held in the Hill Auditorium.

These programs are free and seating is limited. Seat reservations are required.

Tickets are available through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000.

Tickets to the Museum are sold separately.

For more info visit www.high.org

Valentine’s is approaching and it’s in about 2 weeks bitches! Which is an inside joke with fem-fATL.com because before our site launched we kept saying 2 Weeks for about 4 weeks and it was a big mystery what was to come. So about a 2 weeks notice is the right amount of time to fill you in on upcoming events where you can find me in the A, on the art, technology, and party side.

January 29

Popstars + Cokeheads: The Art of Greg Mike (Opening Night)

@ Kai Lin Art Gallery
7-10PM followed by FEVER party @ Halo Lounge
Running through March 6, 2010

I’m looking forward to ATLanta studio artist and designer Greg Mike’s exhibition, which starts TOMORROW. Greg Mike is a studio artist and designer (among various areas including fashion) with street art roots . His exhibition has been on tour and is finally here in ATL, where the artist calls home. I’m not particularly a fan of pop art, but those cans look like they are screaming out something to be heard and the show has been getting lots of buzz through Twitter and Facebook online. Opening night is going to be a big night for Greg Mike, with lots of young locals and hipsters running through to take a peak and be seen. Following the opening ceremony will be the FEVER party at Halo, where Greg Mike will be hosting the evenings events. I’ll be writing up a review of the show following opening night, so look for that on fem-fATL.com, if you don’t make it out the first night. I’ll give you my best in art criticism! Finally, the show will run until March 6th, so plenty of time to stop by.

For more information: http://www.gregmike.com/

February 4 – 6

The Art History of Games

@ Woodruff Arts Center / Rich Auditorium

Into art? What about games? Well I know lots of artists and lots of gamers and lots that identify with both… and this is the event for all of the above and some. The Art History of Games is a three day public symposium hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology (my alma mater) and the Savannah College of Art & Design. There will be plenty of talks  from the areas of games studies, art history, and cultural studies to feel your academic nerdiness needs… or at least mine! All of the events of course are an investigation of games as an art form. As with the history of photography and other technology when they first arrive, a great debate always occurs over whether or not such media is a form of art. Obviously photography is considered art and photographers artists… or are they? Is everyone on flickr an artist? I guess the debate continues on with some convolution from the digital age. But in other news, hey games are now art and you are on the wrong team if you don’t agree! The goal of this symposium is to more clearly articulate the role and importance of games as a form of art. With talks by some of my very own amazing professors (Jay Bolter, Michael Nitsche, Ian Bogost, Celia Peirce) and some other greats from the media world (Henry Lowood, Jesper Juul, Nathalie Pozzi, Eric Zimmerman) – lets just say you aren’t as technosexual as you think you are, unless you join this party! See you there (gives vulcan salute).

For more information and to register online: http://www.arthistoryofgames.com

February 8

Sonic Generator Concert with Resident Composer Michael Gordon

8PM / Reception to follow
@ Woodruff Arts Center / Rich Auditorium

Once again, I must rave about Sonic Generator. Art + Music + Technology = Sonic Generator, Georgia Tech’s contemporary music ensemble-in-residence dedicated to using technology to transform music in all the ways that we compose, perform, and listen to it. I’ve been to several performances in the past and am always delighted by the experience. It’s one of the art events in the ATL that actually rocks my socks with its innovation and execution. To me this is the avante garde of contemporary times. This is where art continues to push boundaries. In addition to my inability to stop praising Sonic Generator, they’ve brought on resident composer Michael Gordon, whose piece Light is Calling was performed last year by Sonic Generator in their final show of the season. Light is Calling with video by Bill Morrison stole my heart as I’m sure it will affect you. If you have never been to a Sonic Generator show, this is one event I advise you to put on your calendar.

For more information: http://www.sonicgenerator.gatech.edu/

February 11

Fem-fATL hosts Sex & Candy party

@ Sutra Lounge
9PM – 3AM

Indeed set aside the night of February 11th for fem-fATL‘s very own Thursday night party at Sutra Lounge. Before there is Valentine’s day… there’s Sex & Candy! We are psyched, we are also looking for a special Valentine’s day Bachelor of the Month, so guys look your fly-est and also introducing fem-fATL material girl Silvia Couture and the launch of her new site and fashion line. What can you expect from our pre-Valentine’s day LOVE fest? If you are lucky… some sex & candy! Otherwise the party is going to be fem-fATL style with hip hop – because this is ATLanta baby! and the girls here like to dance… I frequently bop. We have lots of events lining up as we plan, so come early and meet the fem-fATL crew. More information to come, don’t worry, you won’t miss it! Guys, fem-fATL is bringing the eye candy, you bring the sex.

To RSVP: http://fem-fatl.com/rsvp/

February 13

The Femme Fatale Show

@ WonderRoot Community Arts Center
8PM

Yo! Finally on my two weeks list is the announced Femme Fatale show at the WonderRoot Community Arts Center on Feb. 13th. Anything femme fatale is obviously up our alley. Watch out for event flyers to go up on fem-fATL.com very soon. What you should know is that the art show is open entry and accepting all media forms under the inspiration of film noir and the femme fatale. It’s not too late to submit your art as well. WonderRoot is taking submissions until February 6th. To submit your art, email art@wonderroot.org with contact information and the number of pieces you will be submitting (3 pieces max). The opening reception on February 13th will include live performances by Naomi Lavender, Allison Weiss, GRL PRTY (w/members of The Back Pockets), Clementine Willowilde, and Geri X. I don’t know who any of those performers are, but I’m looking forward to hearing their music and finding out if I like them or not! It will also be interesting to see the different interpretations of the femme fatale. It’s easy to think of the femme fatale in her double crossing seductive charm ways. I’m sure there will be a mix of artwork that depicts the femme fatal as devilish or carnivorous. I’m also expecting to see some depictions of the femme fatal as a tragic character. And of course depictions of the fem-fATL, the woman who is dangerous because she’s got it all together!

For the WonderRoot Call for Submission: http://artrelish.com/wpmu/blog/2010/01/21/wonderroot-tv-call-for-submissions/

That’s all between now and Valentine’s Day,
but you can always find me in the A!
ps… #2weeksbitches