Spertus
Midwest Jewish Artists Lab
Crossing Cultures
You may have seen this image I captured in the Marais District of Paris. I’m showing it again now to “announce” that I have just learned that I was accepted to be a participant in the Spertus Institute’s “Midwest Jewish Artists Lab.” (Please click the link!)
A couple of months ago, Judy showed me a mailing she got about the program at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and suggested I apply. As many of you may know, I don’t normally do that sort of thing, but this opportunity looked particularly intriguing and appealing to me. So, I filled out the application which included a 500 word proposal and three sample images and submitted it on the deadline earlier this month. Here’s what I heard back, in part:
Thank you for your application to the Midwest Jewish Artists Lab at Spertus. We had a very large number of applications and we are delighted to offer you a place in the inaugural 2015-2016 cohort.
The program will feature an outstanding lineup of local faculty in Jewish Studies and the arts, as well as an exceptionally talented and diverse group of participants.
I am unbelievably honored, flattered, and excited, to say the least!
Generally speaking, my plan is to do a photo documentary of Jewish culture and life in today’s world. Probably focusing (excuse the pun!) on Chicago. I will try to capture the diverse lifestyles and customs including observant and non-observant practices. Totally non-judgmental, of course. Hopefully, I’ll be able to capture images that will be interesting for today’s viewer and serve as record of today for the future. I hope to have a gallery showing or book as the final result, but that is yet to be determined. In fact, there’s still a lot to be determined! The first meeting at Spertus will not be until late October. In the meantime, you may see me post some images in my photo blog on this theme (among other subjects, of course!) in the weeks ahead as I prepare.
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My favorite type of photography–what inspired me in the first place–is documentary/people photography like we saw years ago in LIFE and LOOK magazines, for example. My thanks to photographers such as W. Eugene Smith, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Elliot Erwitt, Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, Mary Ellen-Mark, and many, many, many more! And I have to be sure include Vivian Maier as a later inspiration.
This general style of photography, the photo story, doesn’t seem to be as popular or prevalent as it once was…such a shame. Maybe I can change that!
And, of course, my thanks to Judy for the inspiration and encouragement….among other things!
-Stephen M. Levin
“Life Scapes”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
Wow!! Great job Steve!!
Thanks so much, Brad.
And I JUST got the e-mail about your new album. Probably reading it the same time you were reading my post!
I’m gonna paste the link to your promo site here:
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/bradcole
Congratulations! Wonderful news and opportunity.
Thanks, Angie!
Should be fun, too!
Congratulations Stephen, keep the momemtum going!
Good way of looking at it, Marlan! Thanks.
I am so proud of you for being accepted into this Artists Lab at Spertus. I will be here to share the adventure!
Yes, Judy. I’m counting on that!
Congratulations, Steve! This will be an exciting project for you. Can’t wait to see images!
Thanks, Anne!
I already have some of the images in my mind. Lots of ideas!
Congratulations! So exciting. Can’t wait to see your photos!
Thanks, Nancy. I’m also looking forward to it!
Congratulations!
Appreciated, Dave!
Nice going Steve. And beyond congratulating you, congratulations should go to Spertus. They’ve chosen a real talent, and had the talent to recognize it. Nice going for all concerned. Looking forward to a great show.
So nice, Michael. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
That is just great Stephen and I know it was something you really wanted to do. Shelley and I cannot wait for you to share this work with us. We still have a couple of empty frames at home that we would love to fill with more of your photos.
Great! I hope to have something to fill those frames! haha
Thanks, Jay.
And bring back some photos of your fishing trip!
Mazel Tov, Steve! What an honor. Looking forward to seeing what you see. . .
Thanks, Sheryl! There’s SO much to see… It’ll be fun.
Fantastic!!! LOVE your photos. Mazal Tov!
SO nice of you, Rachel! Thanks.
I may call on you! That would be fun, eh?!
Congratulations! This is so amazing. Excited to follow the project and see the exhibit in 2016.
Thanks so much, Gayle! For sure, I’ll keep you posted.
This is wonderful news. I believe you could change us back to the “The Photo Story” how exciting, the greatness of the past brought forward to the present.
Your blessed… Thanks for sharing…..Ed
Thanks!
Mazal Tov. Spertus shows great taste.
Thanks!
Should be rewarding!
Wow Stephen! What an honor. Looking forward to seeing this.
Thanks so much, Shelly!
And I’m looking forward to seeing this, too. No kiddin’! I’ve got lots of ideas and energy.
What a great opportunity for you! Your talent and enthusiasm will shine. Know you will enjoy the experience!
Yes, I agree…a great opportunity. Just the sort of thing that I want to do with my photography.
Thanks much, Ronna!
A great avenue for your inspired work to grow in a prestigious forum, Steve. Mazel tov.
So kind, Alan!
It sounds like an interesting program…glad to have my project as a part of it!