Taylor and Jelani's Wedding Day Faves

Photos of Taylor & Jelani's Wedding Day

Photos by Amy Martz
(813) 382-2976
www.AmyMartz.com

Pensacola, Fl
5 Eleven

Artist Theo Wujcik at Tempus Projects

I had the pleasure of photographing Theo Wujcik: On a Clear Day's opening exhibition at Tempus Art Gallery in Tampa, Fl. Theo displayed several of his latest large paintings, including my favorite entitled Spider, as well as several beautiful Lithography limited edition prints. 

Theo is a nationally respected artist that lives right here in Tampa Bay. Adornment for Theo was radiating throughout the gallery from multiple collectors, protégés, and bystanders alike. Many say he is Tampa's most famous artist. Despite his success, Theo is extremely approachable and very appreciative to his collectors and fans. 

Do yourself a favor and go see Theo Wujcik: On a Clear Day at Tempus Projects Now - May 03, 2013. 

Theo Wujcik striking a pose at Tempus Projects

Theo Wujcik talking to his fans.

Theo Wujcik with local artist Edgar Sanchez Cumbas and wife Sophia Nakis Sanchez

Theo giving back love to a fan, Sarah.

Theo Wujcik with adoring fans

Theo Wujcik with Kirk and Tempus Projects owner Tracy Reller 

Theo Wujcik exhibition at Tempus Projects

(Left) Sophia Nakis Sanchez, Edgar Sanchez Cumbas, Kathy Gibson, and George Anderton

Theo Wujcik goofing with a fan at Tempus Projects

Who is Vivian Maier?

Although she is unknown to many, Vivian Maier is by far one of the best street photographers of all time. Vivian was first discovered when an unsuspecting local Chicago historian, John Maloof, purchased over 100,000 negatives while at a furniture and antique auction looking for research.  Approximately 20-30,000 negatives from the 1960's-1970's were still in undeveloped rolls of film. Weeks of developing and scanning the negatives would give clues to the life of this mysterious photographer. He knew what she looked like because she took many self portraits. But who was she?

Self Portrait of Vivian Maier  

He found a name, Vivian Maier, written with pencil on a photo-lab envelope. About a year later, he decided to Google her only to find her obituary was placed the day before his search. The mystery continued.

What was not a mystery was the intriguing nature of Vivian's work. She was an incredible photographer. The historian tried to emulate her photographs going to the same spots as Vivian with the same camera, quickly realizing that the images she captured were of exceptional skill and very difficult to reproduce.

She often took photographs of children by a beach. The historian ascertained that Vivian was a nanny. He writes the following about her on his blog:

Vivian came here from France in the early 1930's and worked in a sweat shop in New York when she was about 11 or 12. She was not Jewish but a Catholic, or as they said, an anti-Catholic. She was a Socialist, a Feminist, a movie critic, and a tell-it-like-it-is type of person. She learned English by going to theaters, which she loved. She wore a men's jacket, men's shoes and a large hat most of the time. She was constantly taking pictures, which she didn't show anyone.

John Maloof, the unsuspecting historian who uncovered one of the best photographers in history, has since written a book about Vivian Maier.

Go see her work! Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows is now being exhibited at Tampa's awesome Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. My husband, daughter and beloved friends went last night to check it out. It was so amazing seeing her work on display.

You can also check out her work on the original Vivian Maier blog or the official Vivian Maier website. Below is just a very small sample of her brilliance. Photos are Copyright Protected by Maloof Collection, LTD.

Photo by Vivian Maier

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

Photo by Vivian Maier  

At last nights opening of FMOPA's Vivian Maier exhibition

(Left) Amy Martz,  Myla Martz, and Ann-Eliza Musoke at FMOPA's Vivian Maier exhibition

(Left) Tim Garning, Myla, and Anne super excited before FMOPA's Vivian Maier exhibition

Frolicking with the real Pepe le Pew!

I had the pleasure of photographing Sod Farms of Pasco yesterday for the Tampa Bay Times. After the shoot, I was standing at the front of the store when I looked to my left and saw what I thought was a sleeping cat. To my amazement, it wasn't a cat it was a pet skunk named Puzzola (skunk in Italian).

The owner of Sod Farms, Frank Balogh, was so awesome. Because skunks are nocturnal Frank woke up the sweetly sleeping Puzzola so I could play with him. Luckily for me, Puzzola's scent gland was removed so there is no unfortunate stinky moments!

What's it like to play with a pet skunk? It's sort of like playing with a large, clumsy cat/ferret mix but with larger claws and teeth. But don't let the fact that, similar to Pit Bulls, when a skunk bites you with its extremely sharp teeth it doesn't let go scare you off! Puzzola the skunk was extremely sweet! He likes to cuddle and loves to eat Doritos and pistachios. His favorite game is to rough house where he instinctively puts his tail in the air while he's on the attack!

It was such a pleasant surprise to end the day with a quick visit with the real life Pepe le Pew! Thanks Frank for making my day!!!

Me and Puzzola the pet skunk.

Puzzola the skunk curious of the camera.

Puzzola the skunk on the attack while rough housing with me.