Lens Baby + Dr. Sketchy's

One of my goals this summer is to work on my portfolio. Since I don't have a 'specialty' this has always been a challenge for me. I like a little bit of everything: photography, drawing, painting, clay, etc. When my friend Martha invited me to the Dr. Sketchy's anti-art school drawing class in Kansas City, I was completely thrilled.

I haven't done much serious drawing since college so most of my drawings of the model look a little amature-ish, but it was so fun to be surrounded by other artists and photographers. (Peregrine Honig even sat behind me for most of the class).

After riding up an old-school death-trap elevator, the atmosphere in the West Bottom's loft was relaxed and cool. I felt like I was stepping back through time to an artist's haven in the 60's. The windows were open and a soft breeze would waft through the sheer curtains bringing in the sound of slow moving locomotives on the tracks below.

The loft smelled of braised chicken and sauted peppers, only $5 a plate. Some people in the crowd were only there to socialize, some were there to draw or take photos. Everyone was friendly.

The loft was decorated with a very eccentric collection of found objects, old furniture and fine art. There were plenty of things to photograph and as the sun went down (and the eclipse came up), I had a very good time experimenting with my Lens Baby.