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August 02, 2005
...the workplace...
I work at a painting studio, but we paint backdrops. Huge ones. Well, large scale at least. Usually their 10’, 12’ or 14’ high and can be pretty much any length. We paint almost anything. From generic “backyards” to single colors to cartoon city streets to blue skies. The studio has about 1200 backdrops in stock. And that is the main part of my job. I handle the rentals. When people call, I answer the phone. I get the backdrops where they need to go, be it downtown or Los Angeles.
The people that call are the photographers themselves, art directors, stylists, and photo editors. They all ask the same first question, “Do you rent backdrops?” I think it is hilarious, but that is because I hear it at least once a day.
We do things for fashion designers – for the runway shows. mav’s Gary Graham actually called us up to rent a backdrop for his invite. (He is super nice byt the way!) The photographer, Christian Larsen did a superb job. See:
And here’s what the backdrop looks like another way, publicity shot by Jeremy Leibman for The Pages:
We paint fast. Which is surprising because there are only three of us that work in the New York Studio (Sarah’s business partner Adelaide works in Vermont). Sarah has been doing this for over 20 years now. So she is pretty quick. And Johanna is an awesome assistant. We can turn out anything in a matter of days, although we would prefer a little breathing room. Sometimes the jobs are crazy last minute and we work our asses off.
I am going to do a little photo essay of the studio for a about a week. So you can see how we work (we’re pretty messy). And see how strong we are (we carry 10’ backdrops like no ones business). If you have questions let me know. Email me or write them in the comments. I’ll try to answer them, because I have a habit of assuming (and you know how that turns out) people automatically know what I am talking about!
Posted by wendy at August 2, 2005 12:20 PM
Comments
Look forward to seeing the photos. I've always been fascinated by the backdrops in old films like Jane Eyre and Gone with the Wind and it'll be great to see what goes into the making of them.
And thanks for your very lovely recent comments on my blog. Always appreciated.
Posted by: Jane at August 2, 2005 04:26 PM
wow! what a neat job! i love the graham look! very moody and sassy. can't wait to see more...
Posted by: jenny vorwaller at August 2, 2005 04:44 PM
Sounds like a really cool series, Wendy. Your fantastic photography skills and cool subject matter. I can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Martha at August 2, 2005 05:00 PM
ditto the above... looking forward to seeing things in progress.... and you do have a cool job! (even if you sometimes don't think so)... thanks too for your super sweet comment today....
Posted by: lisa s at August 2, 2005 07:52 PM
Messy and strong....ah yes, yes we are. What a great post! Can't wait to see the rest....
Posted by: johanna at August 3, 2005 08:07 AM