ANTHONY R. VIZZARI | ARCHTOGRAPHIST

Chicago & Damen Avenue: Food Paintings. How can you not love these?

A few images of the photobooth we installed at the 44th Ward Dinner Party. The photos are not great, but you get the idea. Also, a sample photo produced by the booth.

Traveling Through the Desert: Egypt? Gelatin Silver Print, Circa 1910. From the Collection. I’m absolutely exhausted. -Been burning the candle hard at both ends trying to get things done this week. We finally installed our latest digital photobooth in at the 44th Ward Bar on Halstead & Addison. They had their media opening tonight, and we wanted to have it ready for the event! Tomorrow is the grand opening, so, I’ll go back tomorrow to run some tests on the software. It was a custom build, suited to fit in a strange little nook they had. It was a very small area, so an interesting design. I’ll posted some photos as soon as I can. We worked our tails off the last two days to make the deadline, but we finished with 5 minutes to spare, no kidding. Now, I can concentrate on other things, for a bit… like the convention and a few other photobooth projects. I received a call today from the lab. They broke my last blood test tube “in transit”, so, I have to go back an retake it! RATS!! Wh

Two 2.5x3 silver gelatin prints, from the collection. Day to Day: I was tired today… there’s a ton to do, always, and it’s a fight to get down the list. I guess I’m going to have to resign myself to the fact that the list will never end? Just as soon as I cross something off, another task is added! So, why fight it? Nevertheless, I managed to get a good amount done today. On the top of the list, I made an appointment with Dr. Richard Warner in New York City. I’ll be headed back East in May, just for a quick consult. I don’t know what Warner will say, but feel it’s worth the trip. I really like my current Oncologist (Benson), but see no reason why that should stop me from seeking ALL opinions at reach. The hardest part is waiting for things to happen… waiting for appointments, tests, phone calls, etc. I’m ready now and have no interest in waiting, but trying to be Zen. I have a good feeling about Woltering and Warner, and looking forward to those trips… I feel positive. Thanks: Of cou

Me in the photobooth with a new hair cut: 03/23/2009

"God Bless America" after "American Gothic": A new sculpture on Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. 03/22/2009 Are you familiar with a little painting by Grant Wood, called American Gothic ? It’s probably one of the most famous 20th century American paintings? Well, someone, or some artist, had the foolish idea to turn it into a massive sculpture. This new incarnation of the painting is an obscene steroid-injected effigy that hulks over awestruck Michigan Ave. tourists. –To make matters worse, the piece is entitled, God Bless America . This sculpture is despicable in that it is less about art, and more of a tourist trap. I could expound about my disdain for this work, but I will spare you the rant. All I can say is that Grant Wood is turning in his grave right now! What struck me most about this piece was not its lack of imagination, but the homeless man sleeping on it. Swarming with tourists, all standing in front to get their photo taken, it was a zoo. And n

Cathy teaching Andrea to make "little chickens"... We had my parents in town this weekend. It was good to catch up and take a few days off. It was also good to see family, since I rarely get a chance to go back home myself. We strolled around downtown Oak Park, Chicago, and had a few nice dinners. Cathy also taught Andrea how to make a chicken dish and the meatballs that I like. (little chickens…) We now have a whole tray of chicken in the freezer, as a reserve. Awesome! We also got Andrea’s folks out for dinner tonight. So, all in, we had a great weekend. Thanks guys!!!

Still here... Got a new iPhone yesterday, since my old one was being a jerk.

Monitor wires from the radio receiver to my stomach. And, my Levis! Wireless capsule camera (capsule endoscopy). The orange part is the holder. The white part is the camera. The lens is facing into the holder, so not visible here. Me wearing the "radio belt". Yes, fancy fashion, if you're a mountain climber, or, suicide bomber? I haven’t had anything REAL to eat for nearly 36 hours now. I do not count chicken broth, water, or plain gelatin as food. Sorry plain gelatin! Sorry chicken broth…! Adding to the pleasure, last night I had to drink 10 ounces of a delicious, yet powerful laxative. Yes, delightful, indeed. But it’s all worth it, because today I got to swallow that small wireless camera! In my images, you can’t see the lens. The way it’s positioned in the holder, I couldn’t photograph it… actually, I could have gotten the shot, but I think the nurse was nervous that I might drop it? The orange thing is the holder. The white part is what gets swallowed. (Any

Photobooth Portrait: 03/18/2009: Surgical instruction in a photobooth. Book plates from a early 19th century manuscript. Acquired in Amsterdam, 2007. I’ve been quiet on the blog over the last few days. I’ve been working, staying busy… We’re gearing up for the convention, as well as trying to finish those custom orders. Also, the weather has been great. I set-up one of the vintage booths in the shop, since we’re now at a point where I can leave the chemicals over night without the heater on. I’ve also been organizing the darkroom, and working on some computer and other misc. projects. And grrr… not to forget, one of my vintage booths in a very profitable bar had a major meltdown! There was much cursing!!! I spent St. Patrick’s Day in a bar, but I was fixing a booth, not drinking! Except for one O’douls (non-alcoholic). I had to perform some serious surgery on the booth’s strobe unit. Hence the inspiration for my piece today. I’m working on a series of photobooth portraits from antiquari

Photo Postcard of a Girl in a Shabby Studio, Circa 1910: Acquired 03/15/2009. For the Collection. "What I think is so extraordinary about the photograph is that we have a piece of paper with this image adhered to it, etched on it, which interposes itself into the plane of time that we are actually in at that moment. Even if it comes from as far back as 150 years ago, or as recently as yesterday, or a minute before as a Polaroid color photograph, suddenly you bring it into your experience. You look at it, and all around the real world is humming, buzzing and moving, and yet in this little frame there is stillness that looks like the world. That connection, that collision, that interfacing, is one of the most astonishing things we can experience." - Joel Meyerowitz I found this quote poignant , considering my recent posts on vernacular photography. I'm a Meyerowitz fan, for sure.

Family in front of house with X inscribed on print. (Recent Acquisition : 03/15/2009). Silver Print mounted on Board. Insurance: I couldn ’t help but get an entry in tonight before turning in. After three days of having a headache, I think I’m either getting better, or learning to live with it? My capsule endoscopy was scheduled for tomorrow morning, but I’m not going. Without getting into details, there’s some confusion at the hospital about who ordered the test, and who was supposed to get insurance authorization, etc. After countless calls over the last week, there was still no confirmation as of Friday from ANYONE. If you take the test and it’s not authorized, the insurance company can dispute it, and I’d get stuck with a $5K bill. If I go down there without authorization, I could end up sitting in limbo for hours, if not all day. Screw that, I’ll just let them figure it out, and I’ll reschedule. So, no test tomorrow. And, what is the deal with this test costing $5K? Really, this

Polaroid: Taken out the window of my old green Saturn on I-55 South, Misouri, on route to New Orleans. 2002. I've had a monster headache that won't quit for the last 2 days. I've been trying to work through it. Wrapped up some shop tasks yesterday afternoon just in time to get everything together for a photobooth event. We didn't get home until 1:30am. So, basically an 18hr work day. Today (Sat.), had to do some web work, photobooth work, and just more general work. Somewhere in all that, I found time to eat and watch a movie. And, there's a longer story in there about how a photobooth rental company on the west coast stole some of my marketing images. I have "the lawyers" on that one... so, we'll see. We'll save that story for another day, when my blood pressure needs to be elevated. From what I've read, the Sandostatin shot I'm on can cause headaches? Or, I could be just stressed and overworked...hence, pain? I have a lot to write about

testing the cameras... smile! I spent yet another long day in the shop. Today I was testing cameras, software, computers, lighting and "glitches". I also did some electrical work. We have an event tomorrow night, so, under the wire to get things done. However, today was a day of many gifts! We found mystery girl scout cookies in our mailbox today. Thanks Phil...you are sneaky! And Kari, thanks for the Carcinoid packet full of great info. And last but not least, Sylvie, thanks for the poetry, art and marshmallows! I think I'm going to have a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and, a Carmel Delight, while I read through some Carcinoid material. How about that?? Tomorrow, back to the salt mines!

Woman at Tri States Monument (NJ, PA, & DE), Circa 1900. Silver print (From my personal collection). Note the ghost image on the verso, caused by acid in the paper. Click photo to enlarge. I had a collection visit this morning to my MoMP collection . It’s nice to find people who can use my collection to further their research and work. It makes it worth it. The rest of the day I was very productive in the shop. I’m desperately trying to wrap up a few projects that are behind schedule… we have a ton of work and just too little time. After these current builds are complete, I’m go to start sub-contracting our designs. We’ll still outfit the digital components ourselves, and run tests in the studio / shop… but the rest of the labor and finishing will need to be done by someone else. With that said, if you’re one of the countless people who has sent me an email, tried to call, or text and have not heard from me… well, I’m up to my eyeballs right now and trying to avoid distractio

Vintage Photo (Personal Collection). Caption: "This is Skagg's Point. Fine view of Palo Alto, San Jose and mountains which you can't see in the picture." Vintage Photo (Personal Collection). Caption: "Charlie, Allen, Joyce and me. We look happy but weren't because it was cold." Treatment: I’m still on the quest for 3rd and 4th opinions pertaining to my treatment. There are two doctors whose advice I’d like to seek: Dr. Warner in New York, and Dr. Woltering in New Orleans. I spoke with Warner’s office last week. After I progress a bit further with treatment, I’m going to send my records to Warner for review and consult. He has 40 years of experience with NET, so, he may have some observations not already expressed? I also spoke with Dr. Woltering today. I called him directly, and he actually picked up the phone!! For those of you who don’t deal with doctors on a regular basis, THIS IS RARE!!! It’s next to impossible to talk to a doctor outside of their

Tall Man: Circus photo from my personal collection. This has nothing to do with Argentina... except that I hope to acquire similar finds on my trip.... and, I like it! Andrea and I just booked our tickets to Argentina! We're going to start in Buenos Aires ....and poke around from there! We're going April 17 - 28 th . Buenos Aires is supposed to have spectacular flea markets?? We'll see! So, we're out of here! Yes, it's going to be hectic leaving the business behind for so long, but screw it! You have to enjoy the world for a bit, otherwise, what's the point of all the hard work? Other than that, it has been a BUSY day. Booked 3 jobs, received deposit for 2 more, and roped in another 2 to book next week!! Also, sent a ton of emails and made some decent progress on one of the digital booths under construction. Despite all the progress, still behind schedule. And taxes, yeah, gonna miss the March 15 th filing date for the business.... and, not sur

Found Cabinet Card photo of Maude Granger, Circa 1890-1900: Currently in my personal Collection: Acquired 01/19/2009 Photo of Maude Granger: From the New York Public Library Archive. Back in January, on my birthday, Andrea and I went to hit some of our local Chicago junk and antique shops. I came across some great finds, one of which is above... From the pose, signature and style of the image, I instantly knew it was a photo of a performer . Of course, it was buried in a box of cabinet cards, strewn about like used-dirty socks... but nonetheless, it called loudly to me through that "moldy old basement book" smell. So, I added it to my stack and walked out with a stash of new photos for just a few bucks. As is typical, when I got home I placed the paper bag of photos atop one on my COUNTLESS stacks of prints and images. But today, while organizing a bit, I came across it again. So, I decided to do a little research on it. It's Maude Granger (1851?-1928), a rather

Did another 4 mile run this evening and actually shaved a few minutes off my time. My legs feel good! I got a ton done today. It's amazing what you can do when not in a hospital. Today's picture is from a series I did a few years back at the abandoned Faria Ranch, Pinole, CA. Something about it just works for my current mood. More later... I'm crashing early tonight.

Found this door on my run today. On my route I run down one small alley behind a commercial disrict. That's where I spotted this little gem! Luckily I use my iPhone for music when I run... so, the camera is handy! Supreme Juices!! Even though I didn’t sleep well last night and was dead tired today, I couldn’t pass up the weather. I strapped on my running shoes and did my 4 mile route this afternoon. The running helps clear my head when the thoughts are getting crowded. I’ve been trying to figure out a prognosis for this disease, which no doctor has been willing to give me. Recently, Dr. Benson said, “We still need to see more of the pieces to put together the rest of the puzzle…” I thought that was surely evasive, but probably very true. Don’t worry, I’m not looking to write my obituary yet or anything, but for those who know me well, I’m a planner. I’ve always been someone who makes big lists, big plans, scratches things off, and gets stuff done. I like a neat schedule. Well, Can

Nurse preping my Sandostatin LAR 20MG (03/04/09): Just prior to being shot right into my "backside". $10K a pop! So if you don't have insurance, GET IT! 2nd Opinion: Went to Northwestern yesterday for my second opinion. I was happily impressed with how the staff, and doctors treated me. They give you a pager, kind of like what you might get at the Olive Garden or something? Their facility is new, clean, and relatively pleasing. We met with the nurse practitioner who manages Dr. Benson’s cases, as well as the man himself. They both gave us adequate time to discuss my case, and never rushed. Actually, I felt like I was the one who wanted to get out of there. At the end of the day, much of the information we have is the same. However, I felt that Benson explained things better to us. Also, their pathologists re-examined my biopsy slides. They concur with the U of C assessment, but noted that they felt the tumor sample was “well differentiated”, as opposed to “moderately dif

View from northwestern cancer center. 21st floor... Looking toward lake Michigan. 03/03/2009

I've just gotten through the first round of scan edits on the Polaroid series... So, I posted them to a temporary site while I'm building their "final resting place". Of course, new additions will also be added to the site as they are made. But until then, here are the first 24 pieces from the series. Tomorrow I'll be going to Northwestern. Hopefully we can start treatment soon? I put together a binder as big as my head including all of my medical records to date.... it keeps growing. Hopefully, my tumors grow slower than this binder, because it's becoming a whopper!! After tomorrow, I should have more to say. This last week I was trying to concentrate on work, and less about disease. This link should be working by Wednesday morning: http://polaroidepitaphs.com/ If not, try this one: http://photostruct.com/polaroid/index.htm

We hired Shawn Stucky, an awesome Chicago printmaker, to design our poster for the 2009 IPC. He's by far one of my favorite artists, and a cool guy to have a beer with too! Thanks Shawn. Above is the "almost done" draft, with a few minor revisions on the way. We'll be selling these online, and at the convention of course... get em' while they last! Visit Shawn's Site: http://shawnstucky.com/