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Reba Williams, who has a septum piercing, looks through a gauge in Chris Taylor’s ear, in one of the photographs taken by Jimmy McDonald for The Art of Adornment exhibit to be displayed at Arts Richmond from Oct. 6 until Nov. 30.
Jimmy McDonald, a Richmond County photographer, is in the process of shooting digital photographs for an exhibit on adorning the human body. The work will be displayed at Arts Richmond in Rockingham during their “Art of Adornment” exhibit that will open Wednesday and run until Nov. 30.
According to Laura Daskal, executive director of Arts Richmond, the exhibit presents questions about contemporary societies and how they adorn the human form with art. The exhibit asks the viewer to think about art and the body, and ask, “Is it adornment? Is it art? What statements are presented? What are the stories told?”
This exhibit will feature the work of several artists including McDonald. He said he aims to capture what people do as far as decorating their bodies, and that the first things to come to mind were tattoos and piercings. While that is not all he seeks to photograph, he looks for unusual adornment as well -- such as abnormally long fingernails, or unusual hair styles and colors.
“I like having the chance to talk to people about why they chose to do it,” McDonald said. He is interested in the stories people share about the symbolism of their tattoos, such as pictures dedicated to lost family members, spiritual beliefs or simply something they like.
McDonald enjoys having the opportunity to take on a challenge beyond the portraits he does. He said this exhibit has given him “a good opportunity to do something different, and having deadlines helps.” He’s incorporated an artistic play on light, as well.
“As I see people or something interesting I approach them, and give them my card,” McDonald said.
He said he is “definitely not done.”
“Jimmy has been wonderful to work with on this project,” Daskal said. “Each artist’s work represents a mixture of interpretations of this theme and gives them an opportunity to present questions regarding modern customs through their art form.”
The exhibit will open from 2 until 6:30 p.m., and will be open to the public Tuesdays - Fridays. A reception for the artists will be held on Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.
“Jimmy always volunteers his time and energy throughout our community,” said Gene Chance, president on the board of directors of Arts Richmond. “We truly appreciate his hard work. Jimmy has done a great job on this project and his artwork reveals his talent and creativity through this exhibit.”
Staff Writer Dawn Kurry can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@yourdailyjournal.com.
What does Jimmy keep going? My mention of silly bands in my post is a fact not a jab at the people commenting here. Lots of people asked me about the band. Even though they may be a fad, they are still popular.
So, what's your problem and why is it with me?
Again, vote with your wallets on this one. I'll never call him to photograph ANYTHING ever again. After all, there might be some folks in the shot who actually rode the short bus at one time. I would not want to make Mr. McDonald stoop to photograph folks that he sees as less than himself.
And no,I don't count myself as among the sinless. But I do think Mr.McDonald's remarks reveal ALOT about what he thinks.
Good day!
Apparently, the whole "short bus" tag, doesn't really apply anymore if what you say is true. It seems by your statement that a "short bus" is just that, a shorter version of a full size school bus. Kinda like the difference between a Nissan Titan pick-up and a Nissan Frontier Pick-up. Or a Chevy Trailblazer and a Chevy Tahoe?
Both short and long versions of the school bus, according to your statement, have been responsible for transporting students which have done well. Which leads me to think, that they are equal in our society, meaning that what you have taken from the "short bus" comment that has upset you so bad, applies to the longer version of the school bus as well. That now makes me upset because you are implying that all students that utilize school bus transportation are disabled in some way.
It's not nice to have your words interpreted and turned around to make you look like a menace is it?
Good day!
That's retarded.
I did say that I handed out my business cards. That's the best way for people interested in participating in the exhibit to contact me. Some did and some didn't. I never charged anyone to photograph for this exhibit and I offered the photo files to them without any cost. This isn't a money making opportunity for me. Photography is something that I enjoy and this was a cool project to work on.
Maybe your complaint should be with the person(s) who invented silly bands. Have you had a bad experience with Silly bands?
If my attempt to volunteer my time and efforts to support local organizations like Arts Richmond and others in the community is desperate, then we need more desperate people in Richmond County.
Sweet Dreams!!!
Personally, I will NEVER require Mr. McDonald's services again. I wouldn't want him to be required to actually work with folks who might ride the "short bus."
Is Mr. McDonald's work "art?" Well, I guess that's up to the individual. Is it commercially appealing? I think that's evident. Should Mr. Bacon use it in "The Daily Journal" again? I don't know...I guess it depends on how many folks he personally knows who might have riden "the short bus" at some time. And how many readers find that phrase, used as a slam, appalling.
This one most certaily does.
All of this being said…does that make me wrong in the way I view these named pieces or does it make everyone else wrong in the way they view them? Art is subjective and means something different to every single person. I am pretty sure my love for Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” and someone else’s love for it would be for entirely different reasons.
God created each one of us different and unique. It would be a boring world if everyone liked and hated the same things. Just because one thinks something is “stupid” or “silly” doesn’t mean the whole world should feel that way. Where would the learning experience be? How could we learn to like different things without being given the opportunity? “Wonderwoman” said: “Art is something of taste and class…not a 2 cent rubber band…” Since when did art become defined by its materials? Art can be made from all kinds of materials…bronze, marble, metal, wood, paint, photography…yes, even rubber bands! We even have some art made from junk and trash!
Personally, I appreciate Mr. McDonald’s work. I have looked at his photography site and see signs of imagination, talent, hard work and dedication. Mr. McDonald, if this is an attempt at a new career, I would definitely NOT consider it “desperate.” Your work is wonderful and Richmond County should be proud to have someone like you to represent them. You show your love for the “Art” and dedication through your work. Thank you!