Hwhup The Deans List? The Jason Dean here, bringing an end to the Weekend like it was the World Cup. It started with so much fun and promise then quickly devolved into frequent bouts of intense sphicter-puckering, soul-crushing anxiety, and peering into the abyss that is Monday.

Anyways. Let’s get into it.

New Art in my own space

Here’s what I’ve been cooking up in the lab 😎

This is admittedly a bit of an experimental piece. It’s a fisheye shot I took in Ann Arbor back in February and, as is my wont, am just getting around to editing now. While messing with the tone curve, I accidentally dragged it down in the middle instead of the far right end and this is what happened. I like it mostly because it’s blue and gold- Wolverine colors- and has a yellow pall similar to the skies overhead most of this past week.

Hell to the Victors?

I often try to make my photographs have a painterly feel, but I really leaned into it here. I softened it quite a bit with the effects sliders and then cranked the noise reduction to further accent the softening. What do you think?

I’m thinking of calling this one ‘Stairway to Heaven’ both because of the colors and because it’s the stairway up to Linda Lee, the commercial fishing boat for Thill and Sons Fish House. I like the contrast between the dark metal of the inside of the ladder and the cobalt-blue paint outside, as well as the sky blue paint on the boat itself. Most of all I really, REALLY like fresh fish!

Consider this your (by which I mean my) weekly reminder to get offline, get outside, and touch grass.

Art on the Rocks

This coming weekend is the big day(s)- I’ll be at Mattson Lower Harbor Park for the 66th Annual Art on the Rocks! I can’t believe I get to share my art at such a well known Marquette art staple and folks I am going all out for my debut. I’ve added some new products and will have a TON of new artwork on hand there including three (3) prints that you have never ever seen before.

If you’re in town, make sure to stop down to Lower Harbor Park, say ‘hwhup’, and check out the goods!

Theatre photography

Tomorrow I’ll be taking production photos for Superior Shakespeare Co’s production of As You Like It. The production, which runs from July 21-July 24 at The Boathouse in Marquette, is set in Margaritaville and is sure to be an incredible show. Check it out if you’re in the area, and keep your eyes peeled for some of those photos to drop this week!

Waves are Wednesdays Preview

Behold: the wave image I will be sharing this week on social media for #wavesarewednesdays:

It’s going to be a crazy week of getting ready for Art on the Rocks, setting up for Art on the Rocks, and doing Art on the Rocks. In the midst of the flurry, it’s important to step back, take a breath, and remember what is important and why I do what I do.

And why I do what I do is because the work that I create is a connection point between me and people like you! My art is my expression of who I am and how I see the world, so it’s pretty awesome that you’re here and are vibing with the things I make.

Thank you!!!

Whether it was extreme heat or fire/smoke, this past week was a hellscape for many. Here’s hoping that this week brings reprieve from the flame.

See you around,

Jason