Lillian's art and life

Memory Relics

2010-02-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hello All.
I have moved.
you can find all my recent work and more on this blog.
thanks for checking out my work and please continue to do so!
also please check out my website

peace and love

Lillian

New Blog

2010-02-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

I am moving to a new blog format, directly onto my artist website.
For now on please check out my website to look at my photography.
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me.

Etsy shop

2010-02-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

Guess what?
I finally started an etsy shop to sell my tin jewelry.
please check it out and let me know what you think.

Mickey

2010-01-30T08:12:00.001-08:00

Light

2010-01-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Forbes - the handsome husband

2010-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Looking Up

2010-01-19T18:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

Forbes and I went to Maryland for Christmas, and we both had a fabulous time. We went to DC one day and on our walk from the metro to our car I took these photos. Looking at other blogs there are so many joyful photos - I have a lot of cheer but it's this kind of shot that I enjoy taking the most. Unexpected with such a nice outcome. Happy Holidays everyone!

Looking Up

2009-12-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

Purty Flower

2009-12-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what this flower is but I have to tell you something. I LOVE them.

God Is Dead

2009-12-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

I have to say that at first I did not want to post this image. I don't believe in this statement, but I do believe in freedom of expression. For whatever reason, I was drawn to photograph it. In some way it may relate to my struggle with spirituality, but more then anything my struggle with organized religion.

Window

2009-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

a beach in Vancouver

2009-11-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

One of the few things I really wanted to do while in Vancouver was put my feet in the Pacific. I think Forbes thought it was a bit silly but, by the end of vacation on the last night we finally did go to a beach and I put my feet into the Pacific Ocean. Let me tell you... it was COLD! Next time I put my feet in the Pacific, hopefully it to be in Hawaii.

a work in progress

2009-11-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working a lot on photographing my earrings and jewelry. I'm looking into purchasing a photo 'tent' to help control the light better - or I may just try to make one. As I say in the title it is a work in progress and has helped me become a bit more professional about my practice. Eventually, I will have an etsy and when I do the photographs will be amazing I promise : )

Light

2009-11-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

Looking Up

2009-11-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

leaves out of a building

2009-11-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

It's not often that you get the opportunity to photograph leaves being swept out of a huge building like this. For Halloween this year a friend of ours had a camping party inside his loft right in Boston. It was a ton of fun, and in the morning these were the clean up photos.

awesome flowers

2009-11-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Jewelry

2009-11-11T08:48:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I sold some of my Antique Tin Jewelry in Providence. I had SO much fun meeting people and selling my work. I continue to make new work all the time and if anyone is interested in buying any of it contact me via e-mail lillianhelengraham@gmail.com . I am in the process of starting an etsy account(I know I have been saying that for a while now) but this time I'm serious. One thing I must say though it's way cooler to meet the people you sell your work to versus selling it on the interwebs... My plan is to make two sections one for my jewelry and one for my photography. Once it's up I'll let everyone know. promise. : )

Vancouver

2009-11-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

The jellyfish and Hydrangea were taken in and around the Vancouver aquarium. It was one of the first places Forbes and I went to while there. I know I shouldn't be judgmental but I have to say that it was the only time during the entire honeymoon when I thought to myself "the Boston Aquarium is WAY cooler then this." Seriously though the Boston aquarium is pretty rad and it took me a trip to Vancouver to really realize it. Everyone should take the time at some point in there life to visit Boston and go to that Aquarium.
The stairway and hanging succulent flower were taken at the UBC Botanical Gardens. They had suspended bridges in the trees which was where the stairs were. It was really cool and not so crowded which was nice because the Capilano suspension bridge was SO crowed comparatively. The UBC gardens was amazing and was also the same day we saw the Freedom the coyote so it will always be a special place in my memory. Though I must admit that the Capilano suspension bridge was very impressive.

Looking Up

2009-11-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is for my small ongoing series of looking up. I took this one in Vancouver Canada.

Pine Needles

2009-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Before we put the pool to bed for the winter, there was a pretty big rain storm that made the entire pool covered with a blanket of pine needles. It made some really cool patterns and brought out our little friend frog - whom inspired me to make a paintbrush image of him and post on the paint animals blog.

Common Ground Fair 2009

2009-10-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Me and my wonderful friend Emily drove up to Unity Maine this year for the Common Ground Fair. It was fun - so many amazing artists and crafts people. I sometimes wish I lived in Maine just so I could sell my work at that fair. One thing I will say is that I felt everything was cut short at night. The fairs I remember in the past went late with fabulous countra dancing and the sort. This year it seemed like everything ended at 6, and Em and I were a bit bummed about it. We still plan on going back but... next time we plan on bringing our honeys ; )

Fall Leaves

2009-10-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Freedom the coyote in British Columbia

2009-10-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Forbes and I went to Vancouver BC for our honeymoon. One of the days, went to UBC to check out the botanical gardens and ventured off to find a deserted beach. We hiked through the rain forest to get there and it was so beautiful!! While we were on the beach enjoying the view a coyote appeared out of nowhere to check us out. He did a half circle around us, let me take a few photographs, and was on his way. It was an amazing experience. Neither of us were afraid and we both just stood still and enjoyed the encounter. We decided to name the Coyote Freedom because he seemed so free!

2009-10-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

Details, Details, Details. So much went into planning my wedding, but one thing I was really happy with were all the small details that made it so elegant. Here are just a few of the details shots. I had an amazing photographer who really was able to capture all of them. I also chose to have a local landscape/flower designer Nancy Henderson, who had actually also designed all the gardens at the Peirce House where we were married.
I'm getting back into the groove of things and will try to start posting more often. Thank-you to all of you who still check out this blog!

Self Portrait On My Wedding Day

2009-09-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Kirsten and Gabe

2009-08-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

This one of the photographs I took of my friends Kirsten and Gabe, the day of their wedding. I had a lot of fun photographing that wedding and look forward to more in the future.
Next up: me and Forbes! ; )

lacking posts

2009-07-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

I just want to apologize for the lack of posts. I've been a bit under the weather, planning a wedding, organizing another weddings photos that I shot, and just generally trying to get shit done. Which in this case some how did not include working on this blog. I swear as soon as I get back from my honey moon - this blog will become awesome again.... or maybe sooner you can never tell....

flowers for my birthday

2009-06-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am 25 years old. This is the age I will be married. Two months to this day I will be married. I never like to have high expectations for my birthdays because it's just one more year, but this one is a little different - because this one I'm going to become a wife and a Graham.

Sunrise 6/27/09

2009-06-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Battle Of Bunker Hill Day - Charlestown MA

2009-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite parade in Boston. There is so much pride in Charlestown and lots of awesome people.

Fireworks?

2009-06-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

beached boats and horseshoe crabs

2009-06-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Down in the cape it was low tide, which gave a very interesting view on boats and the sea life. I found the horseshoe crab hanging out - did you know that horseshoe crabs have blue blood? I also found this crab hiding out and he came out for me - I love how you can see his eyes.

The Great Atlantic Ocean

2009-06-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Fully Celebrated Orchestra

2009-06-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

This was the CD release party for Fully Celebrated Orchestra's newest album Drunk On The Blood Of The Holy Ones. It was at a local jazz club in Cambridge MA called Ryles. I love these guys - and as always had a blast photographing them.

Landscapes

2009-06-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Artist formally known as Forbes Graham

2009-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

It was raining a bit outside and I didn't want to get my lens wet, so I decided to play around a bit with taking photos of Forbes in the car. I actually was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Rainbow

2009-06-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Rachael Frolics in the Wilderness

2009-05-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

My Garden

2009-05-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

My great grandmother's daylillies

Wild Geraniums originally from Syracuse NY, where my mom used to live.

Pretty Peonies

Dorthy Ann's Poppies

All of these flowers are in my backyard. I love how each flower has a story.

Somerville MA - Memorial Day Parade

2009-05-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Parade season has begun! Forbes plays trumpet in the Boston City Band, and travels all over New England marching down streets. This particular parade he had to play the bass drum. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Rachel and Tim on their doorstep and photograph onlookers of the parade. I am sure there will be more photos throughout the summer.

Catching the Light

2009-05-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Dark and Light of Life

2009-05-21T20:01:00.001-07:00

So I've been taking a lot of photos of nature lately and to be frank I'm getting a little tired of it. If any of you have checked out my website you will know that I dig the dark side of life much as I dig the light, but because of recent life happenings I'm more drawn to the light. I mean lets face it, I'm in love, and it shows. Anyway, I have a few new ideas up my sleeve that I will unravel in time - but until then please enjoy my purty pictures.... the dark ones are soon to follow....

Sunsets

2009-05-21T10:43:00.001-07:00

Smelling Lilacs

2009-05-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mom

2009-05-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to publicly announce on this blog that today is my mom's birthday.

Love you mom - Happy Birthday!!! These photos are for you.

Carolina Silver Bell

2009-05-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Putnam has said for years how he has tried to photograph this tree but with no good results. I decided to take a few for him, in hopes that he would be happy with what he saw. My grandmother planted this tree many moons ago and to Put I think it is a constant reminder of why he loved her so much.

On a different note, I am sorry that my posts have not been as regular - I am still photographing everyday, but I am also planning a wedding so my time gets filled very rapidly.

More Philly

2009-05-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Johnny Brenda's

2009-05-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Philly

2009-05-12T06:14:00.001-07:00

Forbes had a mini tour with guitarist Tim Albro this past weekend. They started off in NYC which I didn't go to, but then had a gig in Boston, and then Philly which I was able to attend both. While the guys were setting up in Philly I took a little photo walk - I really enjoyed Philly and enjoyed photographing it.

Earrings

2009-05-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

So I've started to make earrings out of antique tins. A couple weeks ago Forbes and I went to a gallery opening to see some work by an artist friend of ours, Kris Waldman. Kris and I talked about recent works and I told her about my earrings. Well thanks to Kris she hooked me up with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Hopkinton MA, where I was able to sell my earrings at the "Mother's Day Boutique." It was a great experience, and I am so glad I was able to do it. Keep a look out on etsy.com, I will be setting up an account to sell my earrings and photography.

Baliset - at Felt in Boston

2009-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Faces

2009-05-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Driving into the Cambridge Somerville area on route 2 there is an abandoned building on the right with the logo "Faces." For a long time now, every time I drove past it I would want to pull over and take photos, but because there was always a TON of traffic while I was on the road people would never let me in to pull into the lot. Well yesterday my friend Rachael and I were finally able to pull over so that I could take a few shots. I tried googling "Faces" but was unable to find any information about this site, it must have been abandoned since the early 80's, but thats just a guess, really I have no idea. Some think that it was a night club / strip club, others think that it may have been a modeling agency. Either way the place is cool, especially if you were going to be stuck in traffic anyway might as well take a pit stop!

Bayous

2009-05-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

While visiting Texas I took a few walks with Samantha and Jackson in the local Bayous - these are designed for a place for all of the potential flooding to drain. They are everywhere and have tons of wildlife! While I was there I was actually able to witness these Bayous become completely flooded and let me tell you it was insane! Sadly I was unable to get an after photo because I didn't want to get my camera wet but, I have to say, it was really awesome and a bit scary. To see what can happen when the Houston area floods was pretty remarkable.

Looking Up

2009-05-04T04:40:00.000-07:00

Animals

2009-05-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Jackson the dog and Ms. Phebe the cat live in Houston TX with Ben and Samantha.

Texas Flowers

2009-05-02T05:27:00.001-07:00

Family

2009-05-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

I just came back from Houston Texas visiting my brother and his wife Samantha. I brought along my grandfather and had a great time. Texas seems like an all or nothing kind of state and I like that. My grandmother was from Austin so I guess I've got the Texan blood.. : )

Candlelight

2009-04-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Starring At The Sun

2009-04-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

Forbes

2009-04-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Alden

2009-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is Becky and Hiapo's second son Alden. What a gem.

Live Free Or Die

2009-04-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

White Mountain School

2009-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

This pond is off of 371 West Farm Road in Bethlehem NH at the White Mountain School.

Many many times I spent swimming, dancing, jumping, and laughing at this very location as a teen. It's amazing that it had been 6 years since the last time I had been there. It felt strange and like I had never left. I brought Forbes with me and showed him around. It was really great to see the few people who still remain there, and to introduce the love of my life to them. What wonderful memories I have from the White Mountain School.

Poladroid

2009-04-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

So thanks to my friend Kerry, I have checked out this awesome website that converts any digital image into an old looking polaroid photo called Poladroid. Pretty sweet.

Newport RI

2009-04-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Forbes and I on a whim decided to go to Newport RI yesterday. It was so lovely.

Rachael

2009-04-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

The Other Side of the walking path into Davis

2009-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Rachael and I went on a 'photo safari' on Friday. It was a lot of fun, and we found a really cool spot off of Cypress St in Somerville. It's literally on the other side of the walking path that brings you right into davis across from the red line.

Witch-hazel

2009-04-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

A friend told me once that Witch-hazel is the first shrub to blossom in the Spring, and he was right. There is a witch hazel tree in my neighbors yard and was the first splash of color after most of the winter snow had melted. Witch-hazel has many great attributes. It's an astringent that I use on my blemishes - but it's also good to put on bad insect bites, and to treat hemorrhoids.

Light

2009-04-09T20:55:00.001-07:00

Passover

2009-04-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

I hope all of my fellow jewish friends are enjoying their Passover. These are the before and after shots of a 19 guest sedar at my parents home. You really can't tell how much of a mess it was at the end of the night - just so you can get an idea, there were 9 kids ages 4 -17.

Fully Celebrated Orchestra

2009-04-08T09:40:00.001-07:00

This is Jim Hobbs' group Fully Celebrated Orchestra - these guys have been playing together for 20 years! From Right to left Jim Hobbs, Timo Shanko, and Django Carranza. I had a blast doing a little photo shoot of these guys in Timo's basement - it was a tight squeeze but I think I got a good one : )

Downstairs at Felton Antiques - Waltham MA

2009-04-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this awesome antique shop in Waltham called Downstairs at Felton Antiques the owner Hope, is a really nice down to earth woman whom I look forward to getting to know better. Everyone should go check out this store and buy one of a kind antiques.

doorways

2009-04-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I helped out grandpa begin the process of cleaning out the pool. I noticed that the cellar door actually had two doors, the first door is usually always open and the second one always closed. Over the winter grandpa pulls the first two doors closed - exposing walls in between them. These photos reflect what I found on those walls. Also - I want to say that my mom and her siblings growing up in this house had a pet dog named 'Brigie.'

Twitter

2009-03-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

I'm on twitter now.

Malden MA

2009-03-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

Forbes and I have recently been going back to our old stomping grounds in Malden MA because a really great vegan restaurant Vej Naturals - they have a killer brunch. After the brunch we took a nice stroll around one of the parks - where I took this photo. It always seems that after we move away from a place something good opens up in the neighborhood - but hey what are ya going to do?

looking through glass

2009-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

I love the texture of rain on a car windshield.

Wild May - 119 Gallery - Lowell MA

2009-03-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of Forbes' groups 'Wild May' - they sounded so fabulous, I enjoyed every moment of it! The last image is a piece of the music that Forbes writes for the guys to play - it's all about how the musicians interpret the numbers and shapes - it's so fun to watch.

fish

2009-03-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

These little guys live in Somerville, with my friends Rachael and Tim - look at them go!!

Ben and Sam

2009-03-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

October 12th 2008, my brother Ben married Samantha. I took these photos of them during the reception and I just love how happy and MARRIED they look. They in in Houston TX, just bought a house and a new puppy.... my we are all growing up so fast. :)

Waltham

2009-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

I walked all over waltham yesterday with my friend Kerry Hawkins. Kerry has a series of photos of mannequin's in store fronts- and there is a great mannequin display on Moody Street at the costume shop. Every time I drove past it I thought of her, so we finally went around and photographed together. I had a great time - and got a few good shots along the way.

Mickey My Cat

2009-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

So I've been home all week trying to kill off a virus that's taken my voice and hurt my throat. My photo subjects have been slim pickings - I can't be around Grandpa because I don't want to get him sick so thats the second floor and mostly my cat, Mickey.

VT

2009-03-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

I had a really fabulous time up in northern VT. Amanda, one of my closest friends, has the cutest dog Kia, whom I adore. We took a lot of cold walks together and enjoyed Vermont beer, it was great. I may be a little sick now because of it but it was SO worth it. I love the V T.

camera talk

2009-03-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

I got a new flash diffuser for a wedding that I'll be shooting this summer, and I've been playing around with it. It's actually really great because it's inflatable and attaches with velcro, so once I am finished using it, all I have to do is un-flate it and put in my camera bag with the rest of my gear. It's called a photoflex and I found it on the B&H website. Because I have this new computer, I have been shopping around for adobe photoshop and I never realized just how expensive it really is. On B&H Photoshop CS4 is around 600 dollars. I was lucky in the past because I had a friend who gave me a copy of photoshop CS for free, but therefore I can't update it - but also it's on my old computer that I still haven't gotten my data off of. It's been in the shop now for almost a month. crazy. I'll never go back to that computer place again...

But anyway that was a bit of a tangent.

Here is a photo I took in the middle of the night with the diffuser - it's the hallway in my grandfathers home - I love how warm the diffuser made the light look. That warmth in my opinion is important especially at a wedding.

xfest

2009-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a few images from the xfest at the 119 gallery in lowell ma. It was a really cool event with multi-talented people: musicians, dancers, performers, video.. it was quite something. Plus Forbes and I went to a really delicious vegetarian/vegan cafe style restaurant in downtown Lowell called Life Alive.

A Friend Lost

2009-03-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I found out that friend of mine, Andy from Marlboro College died from a motorcycle accident in Laos, Vietnam. He was really close friend to my studio mate Ryan - and my sympathies go out to you man. This kind of thing is never fair. I also want to send out my love to Andy's family. He was a really nice, down to earth guy whom was friendly to all - and it goes without saying that he will be missed.

Collages

2009-03-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today Emily Forbes and I played around with some old National Geographic Magazines I had gotten from the Weston dump. These collages are what I came up with. It was a lot of fun to do something a little different for a change.

My grandfather

2009-02-27T12:40:00.001-08:00

Is an amazing person.

Esther's Birthday

2009-02-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Esther, my sister turned 24 yesterday. We went bowling. It was awesome.

Good Will Hunting

2009-02-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Good movie.

takes place in Boston.

12th generation what what

Coraline and lovely flowers

2009-02-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

I went to see the movie Coraline in 3D. I loved the movie so much that I soon bought the book, with the assumption that most people have- the book is always better then the movie. Well, I have to say that they are both really awesome and I enjoyed the movie and the book just the same. The author, Neil Gaiman, is fantastic and I look forward to reading his other many books. I think what I enjoyed the most about the story is the magical spooky realm that it brings you into.

On a different note - Forbes and I went to the botanical gardens at Smith College. Here are a few shots from that above. It was so nice to be in a 'tropical' climate in the midst of a wintery mix outside. If you are feeling like you need a pick me up from the winter doldrums I suggest going there - just make sure you park in the designated parking places - those Smith cops are on top of their game if you know what I mean.....

Recent Gigs

2009-02-17T07:10:00.003-08:00

This gig was on 2/14 and the group is called Parampara Quintet

This gig was on 2/13 and this is Concord Ballet Orchestra Players
And this is Mi Ami from California

constructed reality

2009-02-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

getting back into the groove of things I made this the other night.

new computer and a promise for a better future

2009-02-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

haha, no seriously I have no excuse now. Not only do I have a new computer but I just got a STUDIO!!!! I am very excited to get back to work with my constructed realities. There will be more to come. In the mean time here is a silly photo of me from my photobooth.

Computer woes

2009-01-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

So I think my computer has passed on. It won't turn on... not even a little. Even if it could get fixed, it would still be a five year old i-book G4 with way too many large format photographs on it. It's my fault really, I should have moved those photos onto my external hard-drive much sooner than I did - yet I was always able to get away with it in the past.... but now that I sit here using Forbes' computer I realize just how much that computer will be missed. So many final papers and hours of frustration and creative genius was put onto that thing, I guess in a way people become attached to their cars I have become attached to my computer, and I never said goodbye.... SO goodbye i-book G4 it is time for me to upgrade. Now all I need to do is spend all my money. right.

reflections

2008-12-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

reflections keep me
It's time to return
an oblivion
of nothing
turning slowly
into change

O.K. I'm ready to talk

2008-11-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

So I went to NYC on Sunday and took over 700 photographs. I'm home now and have to go through all the photos and figure out which ones are worthy my time and which ones to discard. I take so many photographs on a daily basis that it becomes almost overwhelming to figure out which ones to post. I have an external hard drive almost full of photographs from the past 6 years that I have owned a digital camera - and then binders upon binders of negatives from when I worked with film. So many photographs such little time....
If I had the money I've thought about hiring someone to help me go through all the images, but then I think nah... I don't need no stinking 'helper' I'm a photographer I'm supposed to have that many photos.
Anyway, Forbes had never gone to the Whitney so we made a day trip before his gig to check out some artwork and caruze the city. Boy did we luck out!! Right now there is an exhibition of Alexander Calder's work from his Paris series. Calder was really into kinetic sculpture - he made circus characters and then brought them to life- using wire, wood, string, fabric and creative genius. If your in NYC go to the show, it's totally worth it - if not check it - I found this clip from his movie:

I'll have more photos up soon once I've gone through them all - I put that one up in my last post merely because it caught my eye...
Happy Thanksgiving Folks!!

NYC

2008-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

our Duck

2008-11-21T10:12:00.000-08:00