Thanks for your Support!

Backyard pano - the weather was PERFECT!

Works by Matt Larson, b/w silver prints and Polaroids

Works by Rebecca Sexton Larson

Art work was all throughout our studio home

View of flat file room looking into darkroom

Guests enjoyed the Patrons Lounge - big screen to watch the big game

B/W silver prints by Matt Larson - Holga works

View of backyard deck

Hallway looking into library

Tintypes on wall cubes by Rebecca Sexton Larson

Polaroids by Matt Larson & book signing

Dining room entry with table offering small works

SextonLarson.com
ToyCameraplay.com

Biennial V, Museum of Florida Art

Museum of Florida Art
Biennial V

April 9 - May 30, 2010

Received a GREAT email today! Entered two pieces in this year's Biennial V at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand. The piece below was selected. Some of you may remember this image was used on my blog header a while back. I should have the my Polaroid book completed by the time the show opens. Congrats to Becky too (Rebecca Sexton Larson)--we're both in!

Polaroid #72, #73 & #74

(c) Matt Larson, 2008

Museum of Florida Art
600 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, Florida 32720
P-386.734.4371 • F-386.734.7697
www.museumoffloridaart.org

The FORMER Tampa Museum of Art

The art community is waiting for the opening of the NEW Tampa Museum of Art this Saturday ... we've waited long enough, the drama is over and now Tampa finally has its new museum. From what I've seen so far, it's going to be FANTASTIC for it's a beautiful space!

It was during my Polaroid Project that the former museum was set to be torn down, so on Saturday I went down to make some final photos of the building. I was not the only one, Mic Knight was there too and had the same idea. We said hello and went about our way. I made a few shots that day and simply put them away. This weekend, is probably the best time to share my final image. Before I left I went back to check on Mic, I really liked what he was doing. After talking about his "rubbings" I asked if I could take his portrait. Thought I would share that shot of Mic Knight again too.

Polaroid Project, 2008
(c) Matt Larson, 2008
VIEW ON TOYCAMERAPLAY (DOT) COM

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of taking a group tour with architect, Stanley Saitowitz ... and you know me, I will never pass up the opportunity to make a portrait.

Architect Stanley Saitowitz
iPhone Portrait
Camera Bag, Helga Effect
(c) Matt Larson, 2009

So this weekend, for all of you in Tampa, show up and show your support for our new museum--you won't be disappointed. Promise. I'll see you all Saturday at the opening!
http://www.tampamuseum.org/

Please welcome ... toycameraplay.com

http://toycameraplay.com

Polaroid 600 Image to Photogravure

Today was a special treat and an awesome way to start the new year. We visited Bleu Acier this afternoon for a demonstration by Erika Greenberg-Schneider on the photogravue process. The treat was not only that, but Becky has passed on two of our images for Erika to use in the demo. Wow! I'm hooked.

It was great to experiment with image-making and see an image extended in such a way to become so much more than what it was originally.

I've always professed it's not all about the quality of the camera and the camera was a tool in which to make the image. At least this is usually the talk I give when doing the Great American Teach-In. The kids always get a kick out of learning I shoot with plastic cameras or just an iPhone. Their faces are priceless.

Initial Test Print, Polaroid 600 Image

Printed as a Photogravure

(c) Matt Larson, 2010

Anyway for today, a special ToyCameraPlay thanks for Erika for taking the time to show me the ropes this afternoon on the photogravue process, seeing the press, the plate polishing, etc. Becky says I looked like the amazed little kid. Love that!

Here's a little bit from Bleu Acier's website below ... make sure you check it out! Specially if you're a collector of works on paper--it's the best around!

Atelier Bleu Acier, a collaborative and contract studio owned and operated by Erika Greenberg-Schneider, supports the following techniques in printmaking: Intaglio, Photogravure, Lithography, Photolithography, Relief and Monotype. As a collaborative Master Printer, she has worked with artists such as Matta, Dubuffet, Pierre Alechinsky, Dominique Labauvie, Max Neumann, Bernar Venet, Beverly Pepper, Georg Baselitz, Chuck Close, Paula Scher, Sylvie Eyberg, Jovi Schnell and Robyn Voshardt/Sven Humphrey.

Erika, thanks so much for this special day! And we can't wait to get our Dominique Labauvie print we bought from your last opening!

Yep! It's me! ToyCameraPlay

Both Photos, (c) Rebecca Sexton Larson, 2009

Lensbaby Portraits of Matt Larson

I was able to find a good angle to remove all the shell paths leading to one of the Grottos at Saint Leo.

On this day, the gates were open giving me access to the inside. Beautiful when the candles are lit. Very peaceful too.

Prayers are written on pieces of paper and placed within the rocks.

All Photos (C) Matt Larson, 2009

iPhone

Thought I would share a few photos I shot this past weekend at the Grotto in Saint Leo, Fl. Below is a written clip from the website of Saint Leo Abbey, Benedictine Monks & Retreat Center.

"On December 8, 1916, Father Augustine Feller, OSB offered the first Mass on the altar in the grotto. It is reported that 'the whole village of San Antonio, Florida made the first pilgrimage on foot-men, women, young and old, and the little Children." The annual custom of making this pilgrimage lasted for many decades."

New Holga & Diana Images!

Old Church--Santa Fe, New Mexico--Holga Camera

(Raw scan of negative on flatbed scanner)

Lighthouse--St. Augustine, Florida--Diana Camera

(Raw scan of negative on flatbed scanner)

Leaves--Tampa, Florida--Holga Camera

(Raw scan of negative on flatbed scanner)

Sneak Peak--It's nice to finally see some of my upcoming Diana and Holga images from previous trips. I think it's time to hit the darkroom. More to come soon.

All images, (c) Matt Larson, 2009.

Video Short--Mammoth Cave Hike

TITLE: MAMMOTH CAVE HIKE (Matt Larson)
(c) Matt Larson, 2009
Toy Camera Video Short
Shot with Augus Bean Toy Camera
(original raw footage shortage)

Mammoth Cave Hike
(C) Matt Larson, 2009
Argus Bean Toy Camera
Shot on Sepia Mode

BANYAN TREES. Toy Camera Video Short

TITLE: BANYAN TREES
(c) Matt Larson 2009
Toy Camera Video Short
Shot with Argus Bean Toy Camera

Remember Pong? Toy Camera Video Short

TITLE: PONG
(c) Matt Larson 2009
Toy Camera Video Short
Shot with Argus Bean Toy Camera

Backyard Studio for Boxfotos!

NEW BACKYARD STUDIO--CONVERTED SHED

Here's my documentation of the shed conversion into a painting studio.

I love this little trailer I have ... I think I actually use it EVERY weekend.

Home Depot had everything I needed to get started. Yes, there were multiple trips.
Below is a view of the inside before I started this little project.

... full of frames and extra furniture.

I used regular insulation and then this 1/2" board insulation for extra sound proofing. The studio is close to our back fence and the neighbors have a couple of loud kids that like to scream when playing in the pool. I have to say, this extra step has proved to be very effective. It was tested good today.

I'm proud to say, it's done. I've converted a storage shed into a painting studio for my wife. This has been a dream for us for some time and we just decided to do it. I can't believe how nice it's turned out--considering it was me (the photographer) doing it. Special thanks to brother Tony and good friend Paul for assisting me on key days when I was about to snap. It took three weekends longer than expected, but it was well worth the time! And my wife, Boxfotos, deserves it! Enjoy Becky. Now go make some art!

Inside view, showing drafting table and shelving. And her favorite naked mannequin boy.

ALL PHOTOS, (C) MATT LARSON
TOYCAMERAPLAY

"Roid Week 2009"

All Polaroid 600 images, (c) Matt Larson, 2009

ToyCameraPlay is participating in "Roid Week 2009"

Good Day in the Darkroom!

Today, I worked in the darkroom!

Don't let this happen to you! Today was the day I faced my past--
my past rolls of unprocessed film.

And I must say, it was a good day and I got it all done.
I'm all caught up and will soon be ...

... making prints from my NEW negatives.
And, lesson learned on letting the unprocessed film get out of control.

All images, (c) Matt Larson, 2009

Apple's "Camera Bag" App

I'm playing around with Apple's "Camera Bag" app that I downloaded on my iPhone. It's kind of cool once you get the hang of it. I can see where it's handy for bloggers to give your photos a little snap. I think there's something for everyone depending on your taste. Here is "Mr. Fix It" done using three of the filters effects.

I'm having fun using these filters with my TwitPic account ... and once posted, the photos automatically post to my blog rail. If you have an iPhone, you may want to give Camera Bag a try. Let me know how you do.

Helga Filter, (c) Matt Larson, 2009

Lomo Filter, (c) Matt Larson, 2009

1974 Filter, (c) Matt Larson, 2009

NEW BLOG HEADER, NEW YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

I wanted to thank everyone for following my blog this year, it has been a blast working on it and sharing what I've been working on. Considering how CRAZY my life has been at work (three job title changes and dodging multiple layoffs) throughout 2008, I'm proud I was able to keep the blog going ... from our first Open Studio Sale to my year-long Polaroid Project.

ABOUT MY BLOG HEADER
Now that the Polaroid Project is done, I wanted a new header to reflect where I'm going in 2009, work-wise. Thanks goes to BOXFOTOS for designing it for me--she rocks! And I'm happy to say, it's back to film. It's back to my faithful Diana and Holga cameras! And to the 10 rolls of unprocessed film that is a year-plus old now. I'll share the contact sheets with you once the rolls are processed. I need to focus on making exhibition prints and getting in more exhibitions. Oh, and I do plan to self-publish a book on the Polaroids and will have that for sale soon. Watch for that! And finally, I want to put some movie clips on the blog ... yes, it will be with cheap, toy-like cameras too. Why? Why not.

OTHER CHANGES ...
This blog is taking over my identity ... it's by far surpassed my website SHOOTINGblind.com and Matt Larson. That's okay for I thought that may happen, and it did. So, on the rail is now a link to SHOOTINGblind for those that need more information like past exhibitions, artist statement, etc., etc.

And I'm on Twitter too, everything I shoot with my iPhone (a new project) automatically feeds this blog. Note that when that happens, it does not generate a "post." It just appears, so you'll have to check back often. If you're on Twitter, look me up ... I'm TOYCAMERAPLAY. Go figure.

More changes and new stuff will be happening as all these changes and improvements happen ...

So to recap ... my new blog header reflects all my favorite cameras and therefore reflects the type images you'll see. My blog IS now my OFFICIAL website and TOY CAMERA PLAY is king. Business cards and t-shirts to come. T-shirts ... hummmm, anyone want a t-shirt. :0)

Thanks again for following ... thanks for your support!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Matt
toycameraplay

Art-O-Mat

I love the concept behind the reuse of these cigarette machines. What a great idea! I remember seeing this years ago in an article but to see one in person was a real treat. I'd love to have some of my Toy Camera Works included. The price was $5 for any piece ... I think they'd be fun to collect too.

Larson & Larson Open Studio, Nov. 15

Okay, we're about ready for our first Open Studio (Nov. 15, 11 a.m. til 8 p.m.) and here is a sneak peak for you blog followers. I told you that you would always be the first to know what's happening in the studio (the big benefit for blog subscribers!). Below are some shots I did this morning throughout the house ... if you can't make it to our Open Studio, you can always call us for an appointment. And one more item before you read on ... it's TOY CAMERA PLAY's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY !

Matt Larson
B/W Holga landscapes $250 (originally $500); Polaroids $70 (originally $125).

Rebecca Sexton Larson
Handpainted one-of-a-kind photographs 1/2 off gallery price.
Small tintypes ($75) and handpainted photos ($65)

Rebecca Sexton Larson
Take a few minutes to cruise through the flat file and see original works going back 10 years--this is truly a MUST see. Note our recent new acquisition (over the flat file) to our collection by Daniel Morgan. We try our best to add a piece to our personal collection every year as our gift to each other--we're celebrating 24 years! Happy Anniversary Boxfotos!

Rebecca Sexton Larson
Original mix media photos on wood panels

Rebecca Sexton Larson
This is the perfect chance to own one her large original photographs at a very affordable price! More Polaroids under the bench...

Matt Larson
Original Polaroids price at $50 (originally $125) ...

... that's the big sneak peak (as promised), we hope to see you on Saturday, Nov. 15.

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU CAN!
THANK YOU!
813-876-2942