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This is a cool wrap-around shot of the downstairs of my studio. This studio was built in 1969 by my grandfather Ralf W. Johnstone, and now is used by myself (CJ Metzger) my mom Linda Johnstone Allen, and artist-sister Miss Mindy. This space holds decades of artwork, including art by Ralf, his wife Jeanette, his students (while teaching art at USC), his daughter & Grand-daughters.
Stranger #4: Órlaith Cullinane.
I meet Órlaith while taking pictures of historic buildings around Dundalk with my wife, she was actually the catalyst for the whole afternoon in the Bridge Street Studios visit where I also meet Rachel; we met Órlaith right outside the building, and she graciously invited us inside to experience their active creative hub and gallery.
Órlaith is an exceptionally accomplished fine artist who specializes in powerful charcoal drawings and experimental, multi-material sculptures. Born in Armagh, Northern Ireland, her creative path has taken her all over the globe. She studied and graduated from prestigious art schools in both London and Belfast, completed her Master's degree at Trinity College Dublin, and later moved across the Atlantic to San Francisco. Yet, despite living in some of the world's most famous cultural capitals, the relentless noise and frantic pace of big cities never quite sat right with her—she rarely stayed in one for more than two years.
Twenty years ago, she moved to County Louth and finally found her anchor. Today, she lives with her husband in a cozy, peaceful cottage nestled halfway between Dundalk and Carlingford. When she isn't pushing the boundaries of raw materials in her studio, she loves nothing more than settling into the calm of her cottage with a good book and a hot drink. When I asked if she would ever move back to nearby Armagh, she smiled and told me it’s a wonderful place to visit her family—perhaps once a week—but Louth is where her home is.
Thank you, Órlaith, for welcoming a wandering photographer into your space, sharing your global journey, and being a wonderful part of this 100 Strangers project.
Behind the Shot
Environmental portraits in low-light workspaces are a test of speed and adaptability. To capture Órlaith amidst the raw ingredients of her craft—surrounded by the sculpted maquettes, sketches, and tools on her studio shelves—I shot wide open at f/2.0 using the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 prime to let in as much ambient light as possible.
In a classic portraiture twist of fate, the dim studio lighting managed to trick the autofocus system, causing it to lock tightly onto the vibrant, high-contrast texture of her pink wool jumper rather than her eyes. While I plan to return to the studio down the line to take a technically sharp portrait that does her full justice, there is a beautiful, candid authenticity to this frame that feels right at home in a street portraiture project.
The 100 Strangers Project
This picture is #4 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
Tucked into the culturally rich Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, this powerful piece of street art encapsulates the soul of San Francisco’s diverse history and enduring resilience. Located near the vibrant Bayview Commons Apartments on Third Street, the artwork draws inspiration from the legacy of Maya Angelou, with the words “I Rise” boldly emblazoned on the utility box. The message, a nod to Angelou's famous poem, reflects the strength and perseverance of the African American community in the Bayview neighborhood, which has historically been a hub of Black culture and activism in the city.
The painting depicts a confident, regal figure wearing a colorful headwrap, evoking both historical and contemporary themes of black pride and identity. This mural, like many others around Bayview, celebrates the community's rich history while promoting unity and empowerment. Street art has flourished in this area as a way to highlight social justice issues and honor local culture. The creative use of public spaces, from utility boxes to entire building walls, brings life to the streets while fostering a deep sense of community pride.
Bayview is not just known for its murals but also for its architectural significance, blending old industrial structures with new development. The neighborhood is a tapestry of artistic expression, with many other pieces nearby, making it a hidden gem for those seeking off-the-beaten-path art in San Francisco.
When you visit, take a moment to pause and absorb the strength behind the brushstrokes—this is more than just a mural; it’s a visual anthem of resilience, painted in the heart of a neighborhood that continues to rise.
the colors really make me feel calm and refreshed... the best way to feel when trying to be creative.
LOOKING CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTOS?
I SHARE A MUCH LARGER CC 2.0 PHOTO ARCHIVE ON MY OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
👉 nenadstojkovicart.com/albums/gallery/3
At the top in the middle is an option to search by keyword.
Welcome to the serene and minimalist gallery space within the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). This image captures the essence of modern art curation, showcasing a room with clean white walls and a polished wooden floor. The lighting is soft yet focused, perfectly highlighting the artworks displayed. On the left wall, you’ll notice a large abstract painting with deep green and blue hues, featuring vertical streaks that create a sense of movement and depth. It’s a piece that invites contemplation and personal interpretation, resonating differently with each viewer.
In the background, another abstract work catches the eye with its bold black lines looping across a white canvas, adding contrast and complexity to the space. This piece embodies the dynamic energy of modern art, challenging traditional boundaries and encouraging viewers to engage with its intricacies.
A simple wooden bench sits in the center, offering a spot for visitors to pause and reflect on the art around them. The bench’s unadorned design complements the gallery’s minimalist aesthetic, enhancing the overall ambiance without distracting from the artworks.
SFMOMA, a cornerstone of San Francisco’s cultural landscape, is renowned for its diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum’s architecture, blending form and function, creates an inviting environment for art lovers and casual visitors alike. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated to foster a deeper appreciation of the artistic expressions on display.
Whether you’re an avid art enthusiast or a curious passerby, SFMOMA provides a space to explore, reflect, and connect with the transformative power of art. This gallery room, with its thoughtful layout and evocative pieces, exemplifies the museum’s commitment to offering a rich and engaging art experience.
Ann Pibal’s LDFSX (2008), on view at the Hirshhorn Museum, is a striking exploration of geometry, balance, and color theory that challenges our perception of space. Painted in acrylic on panel, this 45 x 60 inch work features a hypnotic network of orange and white lines intersecting across a black background, creating an intricate dance of form and rhythm that evokes both architecture and abstraction.
Pibal’s composition is built on a minimalist grid structure, where diagonal and horizontal lines intersect, overlap, and create dynamic shapes that seem to push and pull at the boundaries of the canvas. The bold orange lines exude a vibrant energy against the stark black, while the white lines add a sense of balance and structure, guiding the eye through the work’s shifting planes.
Installed on a vivid orange wall, the painting’s chromatic tension extends into the gallery itself, blurring the line between artwork and environment. The interplay between the painting’s internal geometry and its external setting enhances its immersive quality, inviting viewers to engage with the piece both visually and physically.
LDFSX embodies Pibal’s distinctive approach to painting, where precision meets spontaneity and order meets complexity. The work reflects her interest in modernist ideals while embracing contemporary design sensibilities. Visitors at the Hirshhorn are encouraged to lose themselves in the painting’s rhythmic interplay of lines, discovering new angles and perspectives with each step.
This installation exemplifies the Hirshhorn Museum’s commitment to presenting innovative contemporary art that invites reflection, conversation, and delight in the power of form and color.
Sony held their Creative Space event at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park where people could try out their new A7 V mirrorless camera and several of their lenses.
San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is renowned for its eclectic mix of counterculture history, vibrant street art, and unique local businesses. A prime example of this cultural tapestry is the Central Haight Market street art. The mural, which brightens the facade of an otherwise understated building, captures the essence of Haight-Ashbury’s free-spirited and diverse community. The artwork features bold, colorful depictions that blend local landmarks with imaginative characters, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
The mural is split into sections, each offering a unique narrative that speaks to the heart of San Francisco’s alternative culture. One section showcases the iconic Golden Gate Bridge alongside the phrase “Love is Our Tribe,” a nod to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of the Haight. Another section features two quirky, otherworldly characters, perhaps a playful reminder of the neighborhood’s storied past as a haven for non-conformists and dreamers. The final segment depicts a towering evergreen tree, symbolizing both growth and the enduring connection to nature that many San Franciscans cherish.
This street art isn’t just about visual appeal—it also serves as a historical marker, reflecting the neighborhood’s ongoing evolution while staying true to its roots. The building itself, a classic San Francisco Victorian, adds an additional layer of charm and significance to the artwork. The juxtaposition of this historic architecture with contemporary street art encapsulates the unique blend of old and new that defines Haight-Ashbury.
Whether you're a fan of urban art or simply exploring the neighborhood, the Central Haight Market mural is a striking piece of public art that embodies the spirit of San Francisco’s most bohemian district.
This San Francisco warehouse captures the essence of the city's industrial past and adaptive reuse architecture. Located near the waterfront, this historic structure features exposed trusses and beams, characteristic of early 20th-century industrial design. The large, open interior space is illuminated by rows of windows, allowing natural light to highlight its raw, utilitarian aesthetic. Notably, the vibrant red door contrasts with the otherwise muted tones of the building, adding a splash of color and a hint of the structure's historical significance. The warehouse's blend of metal and wood elements reflects San Francisco's rich maritime and industrial heritage. Now repurposed, it serves as a hub for various enterprises, maintaining its architectural integrity while accommodating modern uses. This building is a quintessential example of how San Francisco preserves its architectural history, balancing old-world charm with contemporary functionality.
in my home (creative corner to be more precise) now
they make me happy *Ü*
(photo taken last Thursday)
While I was ironing a ton of clothes, I told myself to iron my fabrics as well ... I was so right. (Dec. 27th 2008)
This is the side panel of my IKEA Expedit Desk. My boyfriend made the ribbon storage for me using IKEA curtain poles and a free standing Eiffel Tower sculpture. He bought me some 'S' hooks so I could have some of my Tim Holtz treasure on display.
I tried to declutter/sort out my creative space ONCE AGAIN LOL. You can see a good part of my inspiration / WIPs wall on the right. Wooden clothespin are "sticked" to the wall with BlueTack. And the string is knotted to the doors. No hole. (we rent) This corner you see is approx. 1 meter x 1.5 meters. SMALL, I tell you.
(Jan. 24th 2009)
My Craft mojo has finally come back (from vacation maybe ???!) after two months of NOT sewing a thing.
I think I'll be sewing until I have enough stock to make a good shop update.
PS : there is WATER in that big mug. Yes, water. It's been hot today, and windy, plus the walks to/from the school, I am awfully thirsty !!! :D
Sept 03rd 2009
Rob Ryan's large tape, coming from a parcel (coming itself from a very special friend)
I loved it so much, I cut it from the envelope & taped it on my sewing machine