Valentina Vitols Photography and Creative Writing

We moved!

2009-12-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

We moved! I recently got my own domain www.valentinavitols.com and moved all the info on this blog in that direction. Please, come visit us there!

Thank you for your support. See you at www.valentinavitols.com!

Photographs, trips, Seattle events, holiday photo sessions and what comes with that (plus the nephew special!)

2009-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Sculpture by Ted Trey Jones. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

It's been a while since I last posted an update here. My excuses are valid, though: moving to a new home (in the neighborhood of Eastlake, Seattle), putting up a show and traveling.

A lot has been accomplished. I feel these last two months deserve a bit of a "thumbs up", like the one pictured above, a sculpture by fellow artist and very talented furniture designer Trey Jones. This particular photo shoot was a fun challenge (4 hours), and reminded me how much I enjoy working around other media and with art.

Now, a bit about the trips and the latest work at the studio.

First, we went to Mexico, specifically to Puebla and Tlaxcala State. Three main goals had us fly there: my teaching gig at Esperanza Viva (for Aver School), working a possible photo tour to the area and a long-awaited photo trip. This trip might take two or three blog entries: Mexico is infinitely generous when it comes to giving to people. Images, food, conversations, moods, vibrance. This is why I have been there 7 times...and will go back for more.

Two images called people's attention during the show. The first one was taken on a visit to Hacienda Soltepec (I remember telling my friend Ruth, who was standing next to me, "this one is making the cut!"). The second one was taken close to Puebla's Downtown, on a morning Ryan, Ruth and I went for a photo stroll. Mexico is "texture photography" galore.

Vaquero. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Mexico 2009

Ojo de Metal y Palo. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Mexico 2009

The experience teaching 40 students (ages 8-16) was wonderful and unforgettable. I was blessed to have Ryan helping, and the amazing support of Ruth, founder and Director or Aver School, an initiative I feel so honored to have worked with. The best part of the experience was the kids. Full of life, bursting with interest and very talented. If you want to see the final works of our students, please take a look at Aver School Flickr Pool here.

Kevin & German, my students at Esperanza Viva. Photo by Valentina Vitols. Puebla, Mexico 2009

In the mean time, I had the chance to work with some absolutely amazing clients, at the studio and outside, taking advantage of the end of the Summer and the beauty of our Seattle parks. I met Tanya and Jeff at the Seattle City Stimulus closing party, and they were just ready to bring the family to a photo session. Including their four-legged daughter, Emy.

Wonderful Sounders Family Fun! Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

Loved, loved, loved when Jeff, Tanya, their girls and their cute Frenchie Emy wore their Sounders gear to pose for a family portrait. The day of the studio session they were headed to neighborgh Quest Field for a fun afternoon of my favorite sport, soccer.

Then it was the girls' turn. They were wonderful to work with (including the pup girl).

Alexandria & Sidney holding their cute Frenchie, Emy. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

A few weeks later, I had the chance to work with a great couple, Timothy & Lori. Even though they got married in Hawaii, they wanted an engagment session in the city where they live, so they asked me to photograph them at Volunteer Park. It wasn't a promising morning, but y'all know how unpredictable Seattle weather can be: a rainy sunrise developed into a golden morning. Couldn't be better. It was so much fun to work with them!

Timothy & Lori at Volunteer Park. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

I also had the chance to work with a little doll named Violet. Photographing children is becoming one of my favorite parts of work. Her loving parents chose The Olympic Sculpture Park for the session, and wind et al, we made it work into some stunning images.

Violet at Olympic Sculpture Park. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

Then, the trip to Europe came. We went to a photo trip with fellow photographers from my home country, Venezuela. The school where I began my studies in photography, Roberto Mata Taller de Fotografia, organizes amazing trips through their traveling company, Larga Distancia Expediciones Fotograficas. Thanks to them, I know my country fairly well, and got the opportunity to go to Southeast Asia as a photographer in 2007 (Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar).

This time, we went to Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. For those who don't know, I'm half-Latvian and a citizen of the country. My father was born in Riga, so this trip was very important to me. I will be writing individual posts for each country in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned.

After the photo leg of the trip finished, we spent almost a week in London visiting my family. I got to enjoy my little nephew, who is the most adorable, smart and food savvy little gentleman on the face of earth (yes, not a drop of objective feelings here, I know). Both Ryan and I shot thousands of photos (you read it right). We will be showing them soon, too. For now, here are some candids that I shot while strolling with the family through the city.

Double Decker Bells! Photo by Valentina Vitols. London, UK 2009

My little man. Photo by Valentina Vitols, London UK 2009

I posted these two photos on Twitter asking which one people liked the most (color--or colours, as spelled in the UK--or B&W). Answers were 50-50. Thoughts?

Do you like B&W or Colour? Photo by Valentina Vitols, London, UK 2009

Hey, London! Photo by Valentina Vitols, London UK 2009

After we were back in Seattle, we attended a book event with Jaden Hair, the food writer for Tampa Tribune, television chef on Daytime and Tampa Bay's CBS whose blog, SteamyKitchen.com, is a smashing hit. We got together at Bustle in Queen Anne, in a lovely event put together by Keren Brown Media (@franticfoodie on Twitter).

All assistants were encouraged to bring their signature dish. Jaden picked one to prepare in her TV show. The lucky winner was Scott Heimendinger (@seattlefoodgeek on Twitter).

Jaden generously sharing tips and stories with us. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

RegionalBest.com sponsored the event. Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

My cheese, leeks & turkey bacon bread bowl (I cook some times!) Photo by Valentina Vitols, Seattle 2009

What's next for the studio? The weekend of December 4th, 5th and 6th I will be having a Photo Open Studio for those who want to come and have their Holiday photos taken. Is a family event, so bring grandparents, kids and pets (got to love being a pet-friendly business!) Call or send an me an email for appointments.

To wrap up this long entry, I'm going to do something different, and this is a little present for my fellow Seattleites. I'm listing some great events happening in the next 15 days in the Seattle area, to which I'm positive I will be attending to. If you know of any great happening in town, send it my way to post it here (studio at valenvitols dot com).

Seattle Events:

November 18th, 2009: SPUN & Jesica Milton "Shop & Chill". Follow fabulous Sarah from SPUN on Twitter at @choosespun

Until November 19th: Screening of Venezuelan film masterpiece "Araya" at the Northwest Film Forum (@nff on Twitter)

November 21st: A Bastyrian Wintern Madrigal Feast and Fundraiser for the Bastyr University Arts Fund. Linda Phelps is doing a fantastic job as Bastyr University's choir director.

December 4th: The Carol Brunnettes Show - The Great Figgy Pudding 2009. Lovely @knitpurl will be part of this fun ensemble.

December 4th: Anomie Belle will be performing live, including new material set to release in 2010. Anomie Belle, Tristeza, Drew Andrews (of The Album Leaf) $10 / $12 day of show at the Sunset Tavern (5433 Ballard Ave NW)

December 5th: Ellie Bluebell Designs Annual Holiday Trunk Show. I love working with Ellie Bluebell for Holiday cards. I take the photos, they'll give you beautiful card to go with said photos! They also sell delicious Rosemary Salt (my salt of choice), Lavender Sugar and much more. Message me at studio at valenvitols dot com to send you the Evite!

December 5th: Stella Coffee 1st Anniversary get together (details on their FB fan page)

December 11th: Hello! A Seattle Music Project. Love supporting local bands? This will do it!

Feel free to add more events in the comment box. I will be more than happy to feature them in future entries.

Besos for all!

Valentina & Ryan get their photos married: Showing together for the first time at the Orange Door Studios Open House

2009-10-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Listening to great stories. Photo by Valentina Vitols. Mexico 2009

Holding the Pulque. Photo by Ryan Bello. Mexico 2009

I am very excited to invite fellow Seattleites to come visit Ryan and I at my studio. Please join us in a wonderful afternoon of art at the Orange Door Studio Open House! The best part of this event is that we will be showing the work Ryan and I photographed in Mexico. This is my first show with my super talented husband, which has me jumping up and down.

Nothing can top sharing a passion with your significant other.

Dog. Photo by Ryan Bello. Mexico 2009

Bull horns. Photo by Valentina Vitols. Mexico 2009

Our show is called Mírame, Tócame (Look at me, Touch me), and it's a collection of Portraits and Texture images we made while in Puebla and Mexico City a few weeks ago. We will also share our experiences at Esperanza Viva, the house for homeless children in Puebla we visited for four days. Along with Aver Schools, we taught a photography class to children between the ages of 7-15. Both Ryan and I were humbled by the experience, and are very grateful to all the people we got to meet and work with during the duration of our trip.

Tree. Photo by Ryan Bello. Mexico 2009

We'll have nibbles, music specially picked for the occasion, and a small portrait studio set for those who want to bring their cameras and play with studio light. We also want to let everybody know that this a kid-friendly event (in my studio).

Doors. Photo by Valentina Vitols. Mexico 2009

Some of our neighbors will have their studios open. We encourage you to visit them as well.

Participating artists:

Christopher Balder - Scott Fife - Laura Haddad & Tom Drugan - Martino Hoss - Gene Gentry McMahon- Jen T. Mills - Joseph Pentheroudakis - Sally Schuh - Ellen Sollod - Valentina Vitols

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Time: 13:00 to 16:00
Place: Orange Door Studios
Address: 1941 1st Ave S, Seattle WA 98109

Email: studio at valenvitols dot com

We will love seeing you there. Feel free to RSVP here.

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¡Hola RS! Welcome to Seattle!

2009-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Seattle!

A friend, a lovely American girl I met when she was working an internship in my hometown (Caracas), is coming to visit our darling city this weekend. I offered to give her some pointers, and provide a list of places to go and some activities to engage in while she spends Saturday night, Sunday and Monday in Seattle. She's coming with her husband, and they both love food, wine and micro-brews.

I wish I could expand a bit more with menus, and describe places in detail, but that would make this entry endless. When it comes to Seattle, descriptions can get so exciting, they take over the tip of my fingers, possess them and order them to write a book if possible. Concisely as I can, here's what I recommend to my friend, one day at a time.

Saturday

I have always said that Seattle's essence drifts playful between its neighborhoods. I have a soft spot for Seattle views and dinner in Wallingford. This wonderful neighborhood is a step away from our own stomping grounds, so we visit and enjoy it on a regular basis.

A Saturday night in Seattle can shine like a thousand stars by jumping onto these:

1. Enjoy the view of Seattle from Gasworks Park: I am a local and cannot get enough of it. My husband and I find it interesting, "heavenly industrial" and romantic, so much we had our wedding photos taken here.

Gasworks Park, Wallingford, Seattle. Photo by Valentina Vitols. 2009

2. Dinner. Depending on the mood and on what gastronomy your taste buds are expecting to be visited by, my pick would be Cantinetta (North Italian cuisine) or Joule (Asian Fusion). If you desire a low-key, homemade-like dinner, there is the wonderful, heart-warming Golden Olive (Greek-Mediterranean).

Bring your Endive Salad back, Cantinetta!

Be ready to feel the swirling tentacles of the Octopus dish at Joule, playful in your happy mouth!

Ask for the exquisite Roasted Beet salad at Golden Olive!

Lovely food at Joule, Wallingford, Seattle. Photo by Valentina Vitols. 2009

3. Night Cap. No question about it. Drive to Phinney Ridge to wrap up the night at Oliver's Twist
and enjoy great music, truffled popcorn (a bit too seen in the city, but it goes well with libations) and enjoy the not-for-under-21-drinks like a Jack Rose (apple jack, lime, homemade grenadine) or the Presbyterian (bourbon, ginger ale and soda water).

Sunday, oh, lovely day

1. Brunch is a must. Thanks to the power of Twitter and Facebook, I have a long, long list of great Seattle restaurants for brunch now. Among all those suggestions, my picks are either Lola (Modern Mediterranean / North African), Salty's on Alki (Big buffet-style American food) or Springhill (Northwest).

2. Quick stop at SAM (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays) for some art. On the way out, make sure you get some coffee from Stella Caffe. Secret: they make a "Truffle Mocha" with chocolate truffles that is not on the menu and it's to die for. Speaking of which, before you head to the bus, shop for Grey & Smoked Salt Caramels at Fran's. These are all within a minute walking.

Hammering Man at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

If the decision involves going to West Seattle (either Salty's or Springhill), a stroll thought Alki Beach after brunch will kill the calories and warm the heart. Beautiful and vibrant, there is so much to see in Alki it can easily take a few hours of the day, even for locals. The views of Seattle and the landscape being the most impressive part of this tour.

Beveridge Place Pub in West Seattle should be one of the stops of the West Seattle adventure, especially if there are beers enthusiasts in the group. This place has one of the best selections in town. Patrons can bring take-out in (including dogs) and eat and enjoy a Lager, Porter, IPA or Stout (among many others).

View from Alki Beach. Summer and its fiery colors. Photo by Valentina Vitols. 2009

Now if the decision is to stay eat in Belltown (Lola), I'd suggest to hop on the bus (17 or 18) and go to Ballard.

What to do in Ballard? Half-a-day might not be enough to cover all the fantastic things to do in this traditional Seattle neighborhood.

1. Ballard Farmers Market. On their blog, they say they are more reliable than the Post Office, as they open year-round, rain or shine, from 10am to 3pm. This market is delightful and is the quintessential Sunday activity for many Seattleites.

2. Coffee at Caffe Fiore and then a short walk to snack at Cafe Besalú. Coffee, chocolate and orange zest blend together and the result is a Sevilla, one of Fiore's most delicious coffee drinks. The Americano itself, is bold, licorish and sublime, according to my husband. A short walk to get pastries at Cafe Besalú afterward, will make anyone sing.

3. Ballard Locks. Preceded by a stunning botanical garden, the Locks are one of those places I always bring my guest of out-of-town to, and they love it. Seeing boats go up and down in the water to either go into Salmon Bay or the Puget Sound is very entertaining, and unique. Salmon are going through the Locks right now and its possible to watch their pilgrimage through a large, underwater window located in the area.

4. Golden Gardens. Hopping on the bus or the car might be necessary, but Golden Gardens is still in the neighborhood, and a stop that won't be forgotten.

5. Early dinner at Ray's Cafe, with a breathtaking view of Shilshole Bay can be perfect. Ray's is famous for superb dessert.

6. Night cap. A perfect way to wrap the day of would be at Sambar. This minimal lounge has a sophisticated wine, beer and spirits list, where the cocktails' names sound like music, and become seductive in your hands. The have perfect frites, and even better steak to accompany them. Dinner was already served, but there might be still a little space to share!

Monday, Monday

1. Pike Place Market: enjoy the loveliness of an early Monday morning at the Market. Go before 11am. You'll be able to roam around, take some beautiful photos and talk to vendors and artisans.

Sunflowers are still around. I love this kind. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

Frequently, the surprised question "Three dollars for a bunch of Dahlias?" can be heard. Yes, flowers at the Market are beautiful and CRAZY cheap. Three things I would do while in the market? Have a couple of cinnamon sugar doughnuts, snap a free sample of Orange-Cinnamon Tea at Market Spices and get at least a bag of Chukar Cherries spectacular Bing Cherries. Don't forget fish can be shipped to NYC!

I know, I do love Sunflowers! Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

2. Lunch. I would stay in the Market and do any of these amazing places:

Matt's in the Market: the finds here are their perfect, sheer Don & Joe's Lamb Burger or the unbeatable Braised Beef Brisket sandwich. Both dishes include Macrina breads. If you're in luck, and they have Cantaloupe Sorbet, try it!

Maximilien: privileged view of the Puget Sound, adorned with dishes like Fresh Oysters with Champagne Mignonette or the Salade Norvégienne (Smoked Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Avocado, tomatoes and toast over mixed greens, dressed in Balsamic vinaigrette). Oh, la lá!

Produce at Pike Place Market. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

Steelhead Dinner: what do you want? Rabbit? Coho Salmon? Lamb? Rainbow Trout? Yes, these are all in the menu, ready for you!

Le Pichet (a block away from the Market, on 1st Ave and Virginia St). I am just an eater with a really curious palate, and maybe a fairly good experience...and for me, Le Pichet makes the best lentils in Seattle. And the "craft" best coconut sorbet, too. Anyone wanting to venture into food adventures (sounds funny) should try their tongue dish, if they have it. Sublime!

Fishmonger in Pike Place Market. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

3. Ferry Ride. The Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry is, for me, a must-do for an out-of-town guest. The schedule allows visitors some flexibility to stroll around the island once getting there. Mora Ice Creamery is where one can quench the thirst of walking from the ferry terminal...only with creamy sweetness. Their Gianduja ice cream is fabulous. Along Marron Glacé and Dulce de Leche, they honor the flavors of the owners hometown, spectacular Buenos Aires.

Seattle from the Ferry. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

4. Tea Time in Capitol Hill. One of my new favorite places in Capitol Hill is HEALEO. A charming and urban "Nutrition Bar", this place carries more than vitamins and supplements. Their Caramelized Pear Tea induces non-stop sighing. They serve the teas in pretty, pretty pots. If you prefer smoothies instead, try their Almond Coconut Delight. Ever since I had it the first time, it reminded me of the good, ol' Cocadas in my country, Venezuela.

HEALEO smoothies. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

Other afternoon delights in Capitol Hill can be found at Espresso Vivace and Dilletante. First one prides on serving "Una bella tazza di caffe". True. Caffe Nico is a proof of this. Dilletante holds a long, long tradition, which includes a more modern cocktails-with-chocolate options!

Caffe Nico, Espresso Vivace. Photo by Valentina Vitols 2009

5. Wrapping up in Seattle. Around 48 hours in our fair city...not much but enough as hors d'oeuvres.

Whatever the decision is on how to spend the last hours in Seattle, which can include a bite at Quinn's or a drink in the new Tavern Law, don't miss one spot that is highly touristy but at the same time, breathtaking. Kerry Park is a place where people may say goodbye to Seattle, but, most likely, that farewell will become a promise to come back. I am not going to post a photo so your eyes will have the opportunity to look at this view without a preview.

Say goodbye to Seattle by making a last stop at Gelatiamo. Again, coconut will make you smile.

Enjoy your stay, RS!

Latest works: pointing the camera towards different subjects...not one step at a time, but many!

2009-08-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

One of the loves of my life! Photo by Valentina Vitols
Copyright © 2005-2009

Dave Sheely Designs. Photo by Valentina Vitols
Copyright © 2005-2009

This has been one busy, wonderful Summer. I have been working and photographing my "favorite things" here and there. Seattle, children, wondrous food, and fantastic small businesses' pieces of art. It has been "a bit here, a bit there."

Macaron from Honoré Artisan Bakery in Ballard. Photo by Valentina Vitols
Copyright © 2005-2009

Did I say food?

Recently, I gave my husband Ryan my "old" Nikon. By old, I mean a two-and-a-half-year old, great DSLR that was replaced by a full-frame DSLR for my practice. He has always liked photography, but now, of course, he's hooked. It is divine. We have been going around clicking. He now plays a lot with his Zooomr account and has a Tumblr blog, Cuh-Click.

My good-looking husband and his new toy. Photo by Valentina Vitols
Copyright © 2005-2009

Like me, he has been taking a lot of food photographs. Maybe that is the reason he used it to explain what photography has become to him. He told me, "you want photographs to be like a delicious plate of food, an interesting one, too. You don't want to eat the same thing everyday. Photographs should be always new, exciting and mouthwatering. They should be food for your eyes."

Palatable, uh? What a great way to put it!

I found this to be true for me. I indulge in the visuals. Observation is my tray of hors d'oeuvres. Rule of thirds (as simple as it sounds), is the way I prepare my food. Getting close to fill the frame is me leaning over my plate and breathing the aromas in, deeply. Photos are bites. Every angle, every attempt to look at a subject from a different perspective is like slowly chewing and savoring pieces of an entree.

Unusually orange but delicious OJ & Carrot Juice at Oddfellows Cafe
Photo by Valentina Vitols. Copyright © 2005-2009

Editing gives that nervousness and anticipation one feels between a meal and dessert. And the sweet rewards comes in the form of final images...nothing feels like a scoop of condensed milk ice cream (thank you, Joule) or Sugar Dusties with a large French Press (thanks, Art of the Table). That same feeling I have when looking at my handsome, beautiful, wonderful subjects.

@ZoeZendog. Photo by Valentina Vitols
Copyright © 2005-2009

I am thankful for the opportunity to point my camera at such interesting people and happenings. Many of these opportunities are tied to Twitter. Being @valenvitols has brought me such joy, and new friendships that I cherish like my old ones.

Gorgeous Lorna Yee performing a Chef Demo at the Queen Anne Farmers Market.

Top Chef Robin Leventhal performing a Chef Demo at Queen Anne Farmers Market.
Photo by Valentina Vitols. Copyright © 2005-2009

It doesn't matter if I just have to "walk up the hill" (pant, pant, it's Queen Anne) to visit my neighborhood's Farmers Market, or I take my "yes, a bit large" camera at a restaurant and keep my poor friends from eating (that's @bitterbiscuit, always!). I also flew to Florida, to see my family and meet some friends from high-school (Caraqueñas "exilees", just like yours truly). One of these gatherings ended up with an impromptu photo session of my friend María's daughter, at Vizcaya Palace in Miami.

Valeria at Vizcaya Palace, Miami, FL.
Photo by Valentina Vitols. Copyright © 2005-2009

Vizcaya Palace, Miami, FL.
Photo by Valentina Vitols. Copyright © 2005-2009

I will stop here. Have a wonderful weekend, Seattle (and everywhere else!)

¡Gracias!

Photos from the Queen Anne Farmers Market

2009-08-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

My darling husband and I visited the Queen Anne Farmers Market (in our neighborhood) last Thursday. Ryan is now the proud owner of a Nikon DSLR (his first one!) and has been snapping pictures around, happy as a kid! I'm helping him with some photo essentials, and the results have been wonderful. The best part, though, is to be able to share my passion with my love. Nothing compares!

I made some photos myself. Chef Becky Selengut was doing the weekly cooking demo and delighted us with Northwest Gazpacho. The photos on this post were later used in the Queen Anne Farmers Market Blog. Thanks to them for including my images in their lovely post (read the post by clicking here). If you want to see the rest of the photos, please click here to go to my Queen Anne Photos' Flickr page.

Stay tuned for information about a Food Photography Workshop I'll be teaching on September, 3rd at this fabulous neighborhood's Market.

Queen Anne Farmers Market: Thursdays 3-7 pm, June 18th to October 1st West Crockett & Queen Anne Ave.
Join them on Twitter: @qafarmersmarket

Enjoy!

Food Photo Workshop at the Queen Anne Farmers Market

2009-08-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Update: We had to cancel the kids workshop. We apologize for this, kiddos! This means that adults will get an extra 30 minutes of instruction. We have only two spots left. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Do you love food? Do you love tweeting about what you eat? Do you blog and have an interest in food? Are you intrigued by those purple carrots Mom just brought home for dinner (at the Farmers Market)? Are you interested in making art?

If you said "yes!" at least once, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn some basic tips about photography and how to take pictures of food. Take advantage of the spectacular specimens sold by the colorful flower vendors, the beautiful produce items, and other products at the Market, to make your best photos in the last days of summer.

I am very excited to announce that I'll be teaching a couple of Food Photo Workshops at the Queen Anne Farmers Market (located in my beloved neighborhood). I'll be there on Thursday, September 3rd, on the "Beautiful Food Day".

The first workshop is for kids, ages 6 to 12, (5pm-6pm) and the second one is for adults (6pm-7pm). Whether you have only a toy camera, a point and shoot, or a "prosumer" camera, this workshop is designed for all photography enthusiasts.

Join us for this fun activity while shopping at our fabulous neighborhood Farmers Market! Queen Anne Farmers Market: Thursdays 3-7 pm, June 18th to October 1st West Crockett & Queen Anne Ave.

Please register here:

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Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon Memories and Photos

2009-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

While strolling around this fabulous event (Sunday, July 12th, 2009 at Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle), I kept on remembering this dialogue from the movie Chocolat:

"Vianne Rocher: And these are for your husband. Unrefined cacao nibs from Guatemala, to awaken the passions.

Yvette Marceau: Psshh. You've obviously never met my husband.

Vianne Rocher: Well, you've obviously never tried these."

I believe in the power of chocolate as an aphrodisiac, a mood-enhancer, a spoiler and a sublime element that unites lives and souls. I am never ashamed to recognize my own, perfect addiction.

I bless the day Venezuela was chosen as the country where I was born and raised, a country that was gifted with one of the finest cocoas in the world. I grew up a bit unaware of this, but enjoying the struggle between the urgency to devour and the willingness to let chocolate melt between my teeth, and on top of my tongue.

It was exciting to hear "yes!" from most of the participants at my "do you use cocoa from Venezuela?" question. I am so proud of our cocoa. I told that to all the wonderful "artisans of the sugary" I met that afternoon.

My "Best in Show"? Claudio Corallo "Esferas de Massa de Cacau 100% con gengibre cristalizado". Flawless tiny chocolate balls filled with a mousse-like ginger paste. A caress for the tongue. Two of my three runner-ups were a big surprise for me, as I am not that into white chocolate. These were decadent and unforgettable: Suess Chocolate's "Citrus White Chocolate Truffle" and Divine Chocolate's "White Chocolate and Strawberry Bar" (found it to be very palate friendly, good for kids and adults).

My third favorite: Forté's Salted Caramels.

Please, take a minute or two to look at the photos I made from the event. Click here to access the online gallery where they are displayed at.

(All three photos in this entry are copyright © 2005-2009 Valentina Vitols. All rights reserved.)

Come see Valentina Vitols Studio at the 38th Fremont Fair!

2009-06-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that Valentina Vitols Studio is having a booth with I Heart Rummage, the fabulous and famous Seattle's indie showcase. Come see us at the underground garage in the Fremont Fair!

We will have Fine Art prints for sale, and will be doing studio portraits for just $20. A percentage of the profits for the portraits will benefit the programs at Solid Ground.

I'll be sharing the booth with the beautiful selections of handmade jewelry and original illustrations by LaRu.

This is one of the most wonderful festivals our darling city offers. Come on and stop by! You'll enjoy it very much!

ABOUT THE FREMONT FAIR:

Fremont Fair is located in the funky and friendly Fremont neighborhood—Seattle, Washington's own "Center of the Universe."

Now in its 38th year, Fremont Fair returns to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the best of our community: art, spirit, sharing, celebration and working together to help each other. During Fair weekend, people from all walks of life come together to shop, eat, drink, perform, smile, dance, run, converse, debate, groove and parade.

And while Fremont Fair continues to emphasize good times, don't forget about the good work it does by raising awareness and understanding of the needs of low-income people in our community.

Produced by The Workshop, benefiting the programs of Solid Ground, all donations received during this FREE event go directly to fund their programs that provide shelter, food, advocacy and care for low-income families and individuals throughout Seattle and King County. YOU CAN HELP! Bring a buck or two to drop in the orange donation boxes at the festival entrances. It only takes $1 to make a difference!

Please join us in VAGABUNDA POR EL MUNDO closing reception

2009-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

I would love to see all my great Seattle friends this Friday at Neptune Coffee in Greenwood! It's the closing reception for my exhibit VAGABUNDA POR EL MUNDO, where you will be able to see some of the images I made during several photographic trips.

The joy of working as a photographer is not only about the photographic process, it is also getting to know the subjects. Conversations are as important as composition and execution. At the end of the day, when showing these images, people stand in awe not only with the phenomenal expressions of my fellow citizens but also with the little and big stories behind them. I am very fortunate to be able to show AND tell.

I would also love to invite you to check out my dear friend Lauri's blog, where she made a very nice mention about the show.
http://noesmuytipico.blogspot.com/2009/01/friday-pm-at-neptune-coffee-in.html

Hope to see you all there!

Artesanos, vendedores y perros

2008-07-09T23:19:00.010-07:00

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Peru.

Carne / Peru

2008-07-07T23:13:00.005-07:00

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Peru.

Current work: Miss Quince

2008-05-23T09:11:00.009-07:00

Currently, I am working on a visual exploration of the Quinceaños parties in the United States. Here are some of the latest images.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2008. Atlanta, Georgia.

¡Bienvenida a Buenos Aires!

2008-04-21T08:27:00.011-07:00

¡Hola, Buenos Aires!
Cabildo.
Encontré tus rasgos, (I found your features,)
tu sonrisa, (your smile,)
tus brazaletes, (your bracelets,)
tus planos (your blueprints)
y tus herramientas (and your tools)
en las abarrotadas calles bonaerenses. (In the jam-packed Bonaerense streets.)
¡Hola, Buenos Aires!

Simpáticas. (Nice)
Musas. (Muses)
Lunáticas. (Lunatics)
Alborazadas. (Lively)
Irreflexivas. (Light)
Ennumeradas. (Numbered)
Ubicuas. (Ubiquitous)

All Photos and Texts (and sudden translations) by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires

2008-04-21T08:19:00.002-07:00

Florida street.
She embraces him.
“Ché, there is sun underneath your eyelids”.
She whispers, whispers two three four
ten words.
He is silent, he hugs,
rests his cheek
and shows.

Two birds, heat
four wings
feathers entwined
hints on the skin
spring bursts in Buenos Aires.
dermatologic
Romeo and Julieta.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires II

2008-04-21T08:12:00.004-07:00

Florida,
a sensitive, allusive and evocative way
random
ephemeral elemental manifest
of the commercial music
the leather and the wool
the meats and the Malbec
of Argentines of peregrines
of idylls and love.

One day you will walk
into the roundness that precedes you
you’ll be a mother
maybe an Argentine wife.
Today you are distracted.
Today you’re the palm of a hand
a nose that breathes
earlobes that welcome sounds
the cacophony of Avenida Corrientes
one pair of eyelashes with makeup on
observing
sublime.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

En Argentino

2008-04-20T23:39:00.004-07:00

Nos vimos
en la boca del argentino
dijo tu nombre
dijo el mío
acentos pausas inflexiones
como las voces de los nuestros
jamás nos han pronunciado
pasan de largo los bonaerenses
nos imagino tomados de la mano
discutiendo
lo romántico lo empírico lo malcriado
somos seremos distintos
en los bordes de Puerto Madero
los semáforos a nuestras espaldas
verano en enero
la palabra claxon
quizás
podríamos descansar
observarnos, inquirirnos
en lo que no es cotidiano
lejos de lo que enamoró a otros
en nuestras mínimas coincidencias
garabatos de lápiz que se consumen
imágenes
que tiemblan en los dorsos y reveses
promesas en mano
a full house doliente
en este altibajo que somos
tú y yo.

Photo and Poetry by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Buenos Aires

2008-04-20T23:18:00.004-07:00

All photos by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

En Pisaq te espero...

2008-04-20T23:02:00.006-07:00

Alborea fresco claro
una luz que galvaniza imperceptible
aviva minúscula lo que yace, dormita
el observa como lo despierta
como lo hace bullicio y mercado
o silencio y misa quechua.
Las montañas peruanas crujen se abren
el clava sus ojos en mi.

Rodeos, ambigüedades, sutilezas
en formas figuras familiares
las chismosas oran sobre la carne
en monosílabos.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Pisaq, Peru.

Machu Picchu

2008-04-20T22:52:00.006-07:00

One
Machu
(viejo)
Picchu
(cima)
una vista
sin palabras sin sílabas
perplejos
muy cerca
del Templo del Sol.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. Machu Picchu, Peru.

Camino a Machu Picchu

2008-04-20T22:48:00.007-07:00

Estás tan cerca
el aire
circula por tus hojas
porque eres vegetal
sinónimo de tantas bondades
el deseo de las plantas
de mis pies
de los movimientos
de mi estómago
eres responsable
de la ensoñación del día
de hoy.

Cuando vuelva
en algunos meses
en pocos años
pensaré
“¿seguirá tan triste cómo la recuerdo?
estaré en el tren
deseando otras expresiones para su rostro.
Pasaré por el mismo lugar
veré las mismas escaleras
y recordaré a la niña triste.

All photos and texts by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2007. On the way to Machu Picchu, Peru.

Diptych

2008-04-20T22:05:00.004-07:00

Her figure
of immovable eyes
of constant age
a singular expression, still
an evocation, an allusion, an expose
revealing latitudes
discrepant, enraptured.
Uncovering a figure
on paper.

Her hands
the light on her nails
on the seams and stitches of the fabric
on the needle that goes, laboriously,
down and up, down and up.
She works in the market
a seamstress
right next to the beauty salon,
to the lady that sells fish,
and the couple that waits
around their display of sandals.
She smells like rambutan and mangoes
like leeks and hairspray
there is a little of all
in her.

Lacquer and sandals

2008-04-20T22:00:00.003-07:00

All photos by Valentina Vitols, 2007. Myanmar (Burma).

Young Cambodia

2008-04-20T21:39:00.005-07:00

Caracas

2008-04-20T21:27:00.007-07:00

Still - Move

2008-04-20T21:15:00.004-07:00

Still (Room)

Move (Car)

Devotion

2008-04-20T20:52:00.009-07:00

Ella

Juntos

Devoción

All photos by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2006. Páramo Las Lajas, Trujillo - Venezuela.

Diptych

2008-04-20T19:38:00.007-07:00

She was an heroic woman.
Her feet used
her eyes, her nostrils.
Yet she smiled for me
and posed.
I understood her
and she recognized me.
We sympathized.
She smiled for me.

She is beautiful
dim
brief.

Quiet Burma

2008-04-18T00:09:00.004-07:00

Diptych

2008-04-17T23:54:00.006-07:00

How beauteous! I conversed with him, and also with the place. I talked loud for his aging ears, I murmured to the ancient house. He got it just because he lived there for so long it naturally became his. Clean fingernails, an ashtray used for something different than flattening cigarette buts, his fan, his writings. We spent two hours together, and I got just an image per hour.

(Sea Breve / Cenicero. Charallave, Estado Miranda, Venezuela. Photos by Valentina Vitols. Copyright, 2006)

Bits of Venezuela in colors

2008-04-17T22:49:00.014-07:00

Los Nevados, Estado Mérida, Venezuela. 2005

Gallo de Pelea en Birongo, Estado Miranda, Venezuela. 2006

The unexpected birth of Fragments

2007-02-26T16:11:00.001-08:00

"I don't know if all the women in the photographs are beautiful, but I do know that the women are beautiful in the photographs."

Garry Winograd, on his series Women Are Beautiful.

I think a lot about plastic surgery and the unlimited love we Venezuelans have for it. I ran to CVS and I sort of wrote this story while walking through the shelves, and piling up bandages of all types in the basket. I ran back to the studio. Then I had a colleague putting the bandages around my head. All became painfully surgical.

This photo is the result of feelings of nostalgia and sorrow. At this point, I wasn't exactly aware that, for the first time since I began to live as a photographer, I was turning to camera back, and aiming myself. It all made sense more than a year later.

Studio Works

2007-02-09T12:23:00.002-08:00

Flying and knotting

2007-01-22T08:19:00.002-08:00

Flying cups and loose tiles

2007-01-17T21:50:00.003-08:00

Bowing for Lee Miller

2006-11-18T22:52:00.002-08:00

Lee Miller, born American in 1907, was an interesting dame. She received the Lady title from the Queen of England. Miller was a connoisseur of the surroundings of the camera, and a beautiful model-turned-into a photographer.

Her relationship with the medium began as a poser. Young Miller was photographed by famous artists of her time, especially by Edward Steichen. Later, she worked for Man Ray and loved him and tormented herself upon that feeling. An American woman enamored with turbulent Europe, she became a veteran war correspondent for Vogue Magazine --at the time, the famous publication was as concerned about world issues as it was for fashion. She was the quintessential adventurer, an woman who adored the Old World. She risked her life during World War II, in the pursue of images that would become some of the most telling visual documents of the 20th century, like her astonishing images of the Dachau concentration camp prisoners' liberation. Later in her life, she rarely talked about her war experiences. The memories of this part of her life had harsh effects on her health and her relationship with her family.

Old habits die hard, and the photographer returned to the fashion world, this time behind the camera. Celebrity photography completed her versatile work. She was well-known for photographing famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, her long-time and close friend. The images bellow are portraits of Eileen Agar and Picasso.

Esta mujer adherida a la aventura y a lo rocambolesco, honrada con el título de "Lady" por la reina de Inglaterra, fue la clásica femme que alguna vez todas las demás deseamos vestir y paladear, así sea por nano segundos. Brillante y fascinante, atrajo la atención y la crítica del público hacia todas sus facetas: la de bellísima modelo retratada por los más prestigiosos fotógrafos de la primera mitad del siglo XX, la de aguerrida corresponsal de guerra para Vogue (que en la época de la Segunda Guerra Mundial era una publicación preocupada por algo más que la moda) o, sencillamente, la de una de aquellas interesantes e inquietas estadounidenses que frecuentaron los ambientes artísticos de vanguardia en Europa.

Este periplo europeo le permitió forjar amistades íntimas con algunos de los más grandes artistas de este período. Miller fue, además, la modelo y amante del excéntrico pintor y fotógrafo surrealista Man Ray, retrató con frecuencia a Pablo Picasso, fotografió la bañera de la residencia de Hitler en Munich con ella desnuda adentro (un autorretrato más allá de si misma, en una imagen que fue un acto de F...Y..! póstumo al Führer) y que luego se convirtiría en la esposa del artista y coleccionista sir Roland Penrose.

Lee Miller fue una fotógrafa excepcional y versátil e incluso, a pesar del horror presentado por muchos de los sujetos fotografiados por ella, casi sublime. No sólo ejerció su talento a través de los singulares retratos que hizo a los artistas y personajes famosos que frecuentó a lo largo de su vida. También trabajó como fotógrado de moda y perteneció al movimiento Surrealista, especialmente durante el período que colaboró con Man Ray. En su labor como corresponsal de guerra en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, fue uno de los primeros lentes en captar el dramatismo de los primeros días del fin de los campos de exterminio nazis. Increíble, tratándose de una mujer.

En 1925 y con dieciocho años, realiza su primer viaje a la Ciudad Luz, donde estudia técnica teatral en L'Ecole Medgyes y establece un círculo de amigos artistas. Un año después regresa a Nueva York y en un inusual accidente de tráfico conoce a Condé Nast, editor de Vogue. Nast la invita a trabajar como modelo para su famosa revista, conviertiéndola en una célebre modelo que posa para los más prestigiosos fotógrafos del momento, tanto del mundo de la moda como de las más innovadoras vanguardias artísticas. Uno de estos fotógrafos es Edward Steichen, quien asociado a Alfred Stieglitz fundó de la famosa The Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession, movimiento que cambió el mundo de la fotografía y el arte en New York. También Arnold Genthe y Horst P. Horst hicieron espléndidos retratos de ella.

A pesar del gran éxito que tuvo como modelo, la inquieta Miller decide regresar a París donde, en principio, continúa trabajando como modelo para grandes diseñadores de la época (Jean Patou y Lucien Lelong, entre otros) Sin embargo, su relación más importante con la moda es con la famosa Elsa Schiaparelli, creadora italiana estrechamente vinculada al movimiento Surrealista. En esta oportunidad, Miller hace contacto con Man Ray (Filadelfia, 1890) convirtiéndose en su modelo, asistente y amante.

Miller y Man Ray comienzan a frecuentar al millonario egipcio Aziz Eloui Bey, casado con la fotogénica Nimet. Esta relación se transforma en un tetrahedro de pasiones turbulentas, que llevan a Nimet a suicidarse. Man Ray intenta hacerlo también, impulsando a Miller a tomar la decisión de regresar a Nueva York, donde establece su estudio de fotografía. Miller se ve imbuida en una intensa y frenética actividad fotográfica que durará dos años y que será interrumpida por la llegada de Aziz, que viaja a Nueva York en plan de conquistador, decidido a enamorar a la joven modelo y fotógrafa. Al año siguiente (1932) Miller sucumbe al encanto del egipcio y se une a él en matrimonio. La pareja se muda a Egipto, aún cuando pasan largas temporadas en la mansión de Aziz en Saint Moritz. Después de siete años de juntos, durante los que retoma la relación con sus antiguos amigos intelectuales, Miller abandona a Aziz. Es en este período cuando conoce a su nuevo compañero, Roland Penrose.

Durante la guerra, fue comisionada por Vogue para realizar fotografías. Finalizando esta y en una suerte de fortuna fotográfica mezclada con el horror del conflicto bélico, se le presenta la oportunidad de fotografiar la liberación del campo de concentración de Dachau, haciendo fotografías terribles y espectaculares. Continuará realizando fotografía de post-guerra. En Hungría, se le presenta la oportunidad de fotografiar la ejecución de líder fascista Bardossy.

En 1946 regresa a los Estados Unidos y en 1947 finalmente se divorcia de Aziz Eloui Bey y se casa con Penrose. Ese mismo año, nace su primer y único hijo, Anthony Penrose. Unos años más tarde, la familia adquiere una propiedad rural, Farley Farm, en la que Miller lleva un vida más pausada. Muchos pensaron que, aparte de una serie de reportajes para Vogue durante los años cincuenta y de su trabajo para la biografía de Picasso que publicó en 1954 su marido, Miller había permanecido literalmente inactiva, teoría que se derrumbó con el descubrimiento, por parte de su hijo, de aproximadamente cuarenta mil negativos en el ático de una de las mansiones familiares.

En 1973 realiza uno de sus últimos trabajos, una serie de fotografías de Antoni Tapies que ilustrarían la biografía del artista preparada por Penrose. Miller falleció en 1977, en Farley Farm.