invoko -> Part II: Nella Cucina...

"The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart." -Samuel Chamberlain

As a follow up to the initial preview of invoko on the April 24th posting, I am pleased to share another installment of the collaborative Seattle experience. Anchovies & Olives is the newest addition to the local flavor of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and the fourth restaurant to open at the hands of Ethan Stowell. Guided by head Chef Charles Walpole, we were able to catch a rare glimpse nella cucina (in the kitchen) of the behind the scenes efforts taken to transform the catch of the day into a memorable dining experience. Stay tuned for the next preview post...

The invoko team actually spent a couple of days in San Antonio, Texas this week producing an interactive piece for United Health Group. The setting featured seniors dancing / socializing at the immense two acre Leon Springs Dance Hall. A more colorful and festive time it could not have been. I look forward to editing this work- both stills and video.

invoko -> Part II: Nella Cucina...

Center Stage with Bain Boehlke

The McKnight Foundation recently announced the newest recipient of the Distinguished Artist Award 2009—Bain Boehlke. As the founder of The Jungle Theater: a 150 seat performing arts theater in Minneapolis, Bain has been a dedicated thespian, director and set designer for over 50 years. This is my second year photographing the award winner for the McKnight Foundation via Velvetpeel. On par with last year, this assignment has proven rewarding in terms of getting to know a soulful artist. The visually rich theater environment provided an abundance of visually unending options. I’m proud to say that The Jungle Theater is a cornerstone of my neighborhood and certainly one of the gems of South Minneapolis.

Center Stage with Bain Boehlke

"Ola 2"

"Ola 2" is the recently edited second short of the video test produced back in December using Canon’s 5D Mark II. Some creatives at Colle McVoy recommended that I talk with Ben Cohen for the part II edit. Ben’s an up-and-coming video editor from Minneapolis who specializes in digital media production. He has produced, directed, and edited videos for many top agencies. Aside from working on award winning, integrated ad campaigns, he has also created original content including: music videos with exclusive Mtv premieres, multiple features in some of the web's biggest blogs and much more.

Thanks Ben for your suggestions and creative insight as I learn. Also, thanks to Ola Betiku our model and Adam Hester who assisted me on this project with “ideas” more than setting up stands. I am pleased to say collaborations such as this are becoming more frequent and I’ve never been more excited about the possibilities around the corner. I have no plans to become a full time film or video based shooter- rather find opportunities to capture segments of video to pair and cut together with my still work. It’s all about the web. What keeps me interested and psyched to be in this line of work is partnering with those who are at the top of their game in joint creative ventures.

Stay tuned…

"Ola 2"