DC Shot List's Hot Shot Spotlight on Claire Bouleau

Article and photos by Betsy Spruill Clarke.

If you still haven't been to Claire Bouleau's Photo Graffiti exhibit at Zone Zero Gallery...why?  What are you doing?  Considering that it ends on April 30th, you should probably get crackin'.  That is, if you want to see some really beautiful works of color and moment infusions.

At first, I thought--considering the photo used to market the show--that these were going to be compilations of urban artwork images.  Of course, I was wrong.

While the exhibit is appropriately called "Photo Graffiti," it isn't about spray-paint street murals.  Graffiti, at least by my definition, is artwork--most commonly with a paint-source medium--that permanently changes the appearance of a landscape--often an urban structure.  In this particular case, Claire Bouleau combines camera, light, color, frame, and timing to permanently change the way the viewer would typically see the landscape or setting that she has captured.

The following is the DC Shot List interview with Claire Bouleau...

DCSL:  What was your inspiration behind Photo Graffiti?  How did the concept come into focus for you?
CB:  Some do photography in-studio, or settings that are well prepared and defined.. I  consider myself more of a spontaneous, visual poet, combining reality with imagination. I love to explore the unexpected in the mundane, find beauty where one would not expect it. My camera is my eye, is my mood in the moment. It is both intimate and fragile. Just like with actual Graffiti, I use my camera in open public space, and my response to particular places forms color compositions--photo paintings of emotions--distinguishing my personal world.

DCSL: How would you describe your niche?
CB: Are you talking about my photo work?  If so.. I would not necessarily describe it as a niche. It's more a way of seeing the world in a painterly way. Mood Impressions. I enjoy the ability of playing with some emotional landscape, being surprised, capturing the rumors of colors, situations, shapes, sometimes in a semi-abstract way. I rather prefer to suggest, leave room for imagination and guessing.

DCSL: How did you get involved with Zone Zero?
CB:  Zone Zero was created by two French photographers, Pascaline Steiner, and Jean-Louis Atlan.  More than a gallery, it is a place with a real sense of home for photography.  I like the they treat photography. Its' beautiful, sober, and homey which is a very complex combination. In that way, Zone Zero is a very unique place. I knew Jean-Louis before. He has been following my work for some time , and encouraging me. He belongs to this rare breed of photographers who like [other photographers'] work. Not only that, but he has a keen, inquisitive and generous eye. In a way, I could tell that Jean-Louis Atlan is my mentor. He has been incredibly supportive with a wonderful patience and attention to details.

Claire and owners/creators of Zone Zero gallery, Jean-Louis Atlan and Pascaline Steiner

DCSL: What drew you to DC and how long have you lived here?
CB: I moved from Paris to DC in 1993. Initially to be for just a year, I was willing to experiment life in another settings, with a new language, as a freelancer. I then became a radio and TV producer for the French media. Obviously, I decided to stay here. I enjoy DC more and more everyday, although, I love Paris--my  home city--whose beauty can move me to tears (especially at night).

DCSL: Do you do photography strictly on an art level or are there other areas where you apply it?
CB: I also do photos of artists' sculptures. For instance, I recently worked on Dalya Luttwak's show at the Katzen Center in Washington: Hidden Roots. She does stunning large scale roots. We really had a wonderful collaboration on this project. And the catalogue is great!

DCSL: Claire, your blog says you are also a journalist....do you freelance or work for a specific company?
CB: I am a freelancer. I used to work for the French National Public Radio, France Inter, using words instead of images. Then I switched on to documentaries for French TV productions.

DCSL: Can you give us a shot of future art project plans?
CB: My next photo project is about DC and it's hidden beauty.

DCSL: 

Looking forward to it, Claire!  Thanks for the chat.

So Grab the Camera or Go Get Some!

Photograph by Claire Bouleau

Well, to be honest with you, most of my weekend will be spent with my husband as we continue to revamp the house, HOWEVER, there are some great things going on and I will be sure to break and go check them out.

You may remember that Adam and I had a bit of trouble getting to Photo Graffiti at Zone Zero before my photo shoot at Hudson, a couple weekends ago.  Well, tomorrow, I plan on seeing both the artist, Claire Bouleau and one of the partners of Zone Zero, Jean-Louis Atlan.  I will be toting my camera, in hopes of getting a quick shot of them and my notepad for any tidbits that I can share.

In addition to this, Inked Souls, will be on tomorrow night and if we have made enough headway on the house, you can bet that we will be there! 

from their announcement:  "Art Whino is teaming up with the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) and Tagür sneaker company to bring you an incredible exhibition of one-of-a-kind, customized sneakers, paintings, and photography.

"Each artist will feature one pair of customized AKA Blank Tagür sneakers along with a painting.

"Four photographers will be featured whose subject matter rangers from 80's Breakers to customized semi trucks."

Um, did you say 80's Breakers photography?  Yeah, we're so there!

Anyway, the featured photographers of this exhibit will be Lady Glock, Michael Colon, James Walker and Roger Snider.

So, whether you've made plans or not, you best be squeezing these events into your daytimer...that is if you care what you expose your eyes to...if you really, really, care...

;)

What's pink and taupe with flat screens all over?

Hudson Restaurant & Lounge's Final Four party on Saturday night, of course.  This was just the pick-me-up that we needed after the let down of missing out on Photo-Graffiti at Zone Zero.

Adam found a nice spot to chill while I did my grip 'n' grin thing.  The guests were great - the type of crowd where even if they didn't know you, they were going to say hello to you anyway.  Always interesting.

For gigs like DC Magazine and Washington Life, my goal is to get what's actually going on, not just the folks at each event.  So, the amount of flat screens all over the place really helped the cause.  I think I counted 7, which also includes one outside.

And speaking of outside, there was an ice sculpture, that was also being used as a vodka shot chiller.  I would have loved a taste, but I don't drink on the job for two reasons:  1.  where would I even hold it?  and 2. someone has to make sure the picture's in focus.

Alan Popovsky (picture, above left), Hudson's principal, covered all necessary bases with this event. But then again, I wouldn't expect anything less from a guy who's expertise is also strongly rooted in event management.

If I were to change anything, it would be a little more space to move around in, but that would require moving the bar and curved wall.  And I don't expect that to happen on a photographer's request.

Habatat for Healing

Tonight is Habatat for Healing and DC Magazine is sending me to cover!  I've been looking forward to this event because it just sounds like fun and for a good cause, I might add.  Plus, I love any chance to visit with the gallery's owners, Jay Scott and Lindsey Scott.

A non-profit branch of HABATAT Galleries, Habatat for Healing is a two-month campaign to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and tonight is the official 2009 kick-off party.  For your generous donation of $20 you will get complimentary Maker's Mark drinks, Mezza from Me Jana, entered into a raffle, and and AND...the first 10 women through the door receive a complimentary gift bag from Shea Terra Organics.

For more information on tonight's event or to see the live auction that's on until 5, go to www.habatatforhealing.com.  Check out the pieces if you get a free moment today.  Maybe you will see something that you cannot live without and, hey, it's all for a good cause!

Hope to see you tonight.

Photo by Claire Bouleau. 
See more on Zone Zero's website...  http://www.zonezerophoto.com/index-slides.html?gallery=Claire%20Bouleau
Experience even more in person... 1000 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300

With the company of a patient and supportive husband, Adam, we jumped in the car with two objectives:  the Photo-Graffiti opening at Zone Zero in Georgetown and then photography for Washington Life Magazine of Hudson's Final Four party.

Choosing the best route, Adam came up with a logistically sound idea to just take Canal Road down because the Cherry Blossom traffic will be leaving the city.  And it was a great idea, until we got to the Key Bridge intersection.  Not giving any other options, there were police directing all incoming traffic over to Virginia.  Swell.

So, after seeking out an alternate entrance (several were closed) and fighting traffic, we realized that there was only enough time to park and run into Hudson. 

I have already sent one of the co-owners of Zone Zero an apology with hopes to come down to the gallery soon.  Turns out, as he wrote back to me, it wasn't the Cherry Blossom brouhaha, but a fire.  And this was the culprit to many others being unable to attend. So, maybe there will be another opportunity to meet Claire Bouleau.  I hope so. 

If you did get a chance to go, I would love to hear--or read--your thoughts on the event and show, so please don't be shy.  If you didn't but you do plan on going soon, let me know that, too!

If you're looking for Hudson photos, no worries.  They will be up tomorrow, along with a little coverage on the event.  Until then, here's a little taste of the action...

Check back in tomorrow for some more!