horse portraits

Swung on down to a little part of Texas in South Jersey the other day to take some photos of Ariel. 

Why Knock It?

Okay, seems like I keep getting the same reactions about my New jersey project from the people who I love from Jersey. 

Why do I knock it? 

I'm told that that's where I am from. Yes, I certainly know that. I did live there for 19 years of my life after all. Formative years, teen years, I remember them all.  

So, why knock it? 

Well, I don't care much for the place. Not  to reside anyway. 

But, I am paying tribute in my photos for the reason that I do have a certain place in my heart for the big N.J. 

It's just not a place for me to live, not enough culture at your doorstep, not enough diversity in the community, not enough for me to feel at home like I do in a city where I live ten minutes away from the place I grew up. Yet, instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, I blend in and feel at home.

 

So, with that I give you my statement and hope that it gives clarity to those who don't understand why I "knock it."  Which I'm really not doing, it's my subject matter after all. I don't take these photos in Philadelphia, they are in New Jersey. 

I build my case for myself and anyone else who feels the same way I do. And I know you are out there. I can't expect anyone to understand. My experience is my own. So, to perhaps shed some light...

NJ and Me....

New Jersey  and you perfect together- so the slogan goes. This may be true for some perhaps, but our relationship could be defined as anything but perfect.

While I realize there are many Garden States experiences from the rural lands of South Jersey to the cities of Newark and Trenton, My experience of growing up in one of New jersey's many suburbs brought on a mountain of teen angst, boredom and isolation. I felt stifled and hamstrung by an inability to express myself in a culturally supportive environment.

At the age of 19, I moved to Philadelphia and haven't looked back in the fifteen years that has passed. When I go "home" to visit, traveling from one family member's house to another, I find humor and beauty in the suburban culture. I now find the scape endearing and I recognize the places that have influenced me to become the person I am today.

This is a homage to the place I grew up, the place I abandoned, the place I can now love from a distance.

God bless you, New Jersey.

Bird Reynolds

Shooting a friend in the nude is strange.

I had to squish my eyes shut as to not cross that border. 

I did however, peek at my mutual friend who was helping with lights to she how she was dealing with it. Her eyes were squished real hard too.

Classic.

By the way, Bird tattoos at Eddies @ 612 South 4th St. In Philadelphia. Go see him, he's a character and a hell of an artist!

Smiley

This is Smiley. He's been at the PSPCA for a while now. I'm dying to find him a home. He's an absolute doll but because of his underbite he looks a bit ferocious. 

I vowed to him that I would take him on a walk every time I come to the shelter and now he spins in a circle when he sees me heading his way.

If you are looking for a sweet, loyal friend, look no further!

CeCe

New portrait of the magnificent CeCe!

introducing Suzy

Well, you can only work at the SPCA for so long before you have another pet.

This is my new girl Suzy Quattro aka Susan, aka Suzanne.

Alias's include Susan K. Lewis, Suzanne Somers, Susan Powder, Susan Q Lucci.

She was in a puppy mill until a couple months back when the mill got busted. She has been making progress everyday  at her new home with her "big brother", Simon (whom she watches very closely. Yesterday she learned to walk up and down stairs! 

Please people, if you're thinking about getting a pet adoption is the answer. There are so many great animals looking for permanent homes &  the loyalty and love you will receive from one of these pets is incomparable. They never forget what you have done for them and even if you are inclined toward a certain breed (like myself) you can always find them out there too.

www.pspca.com

www.petfinder.com

Fliesher 4X6 show

Just a side note. I was in a group show 2 weeks ago 

@ Fliesher Art Foundation on 7th and Catherine. 

The show is down (I didn't even get to see it) 

But, the art is still for sale. 

$50 gets you a 4X6 original and there are hundreds of images to look through. 

This is a great opportunity to collect art on the cheap while helping to maintain a great Philadelphia Institution!

Check it out!

Banjo Bobby

This guy is so great. He will stop traffic to help people cross Oregon Ave. He gives you a handout about some aspect of his life when you talk with him (usually a write up from a local newspaper. He'll wave when you honk and tell you that he loves you. All the while picking his banjo. 

And guess what, no cup asking for change.

let them eat cake.

I just wanted to put this out there. 

Last week I shot 2 different burlesque dancers who, of course, are masters of image and flirtation. I have yet to go through the work because there is a lot to choose from.

This is the first of a few planned shoots I have with Darcy Deville.

my new whip

I bought myself something slightly extravagent.

car wash hussies

New Jersey, for a state that I abandoned without hesitation, I often wonder why I find the most beautiful things when I am there. 

I find nothing like this across the "border". I was laughing out loud while taking this photo.

Outrageous!

Burt/Bird Reynolds

Does anyone remember this centerfold? I grew up with it pasted to the back of my best friends basement door, compliments of her Mother.

It's making a comeback in my life.

My friend wants to make a new business card donning him in place of Burt.  Yes, a remake.

His name happens to be "Bird" -well, at least his moniker is Bird.  

He is changing his identity to "Bird Reynolds"...see where this is going?

All we need is the bear skin rug and we'll have the shot. I think were gonna be going with  "teddy bear" skin rug.

ART OPENING

I will be part of  group show with 4 other artists...

Friday September 19th @ the Raven Lounge 5pm-10pm

Partial proceeds go to support the Puerto Rican Festival.

This is an installment of The Official Puerto Rican Happy 

Hour hosted by Afrotaino Productions.

Come out and enjoy art, drinks, music & friends for a great cause! 

Simon

Sweet as he may look. I had to photoshop his weenie out

of every shot.

©Heather Raquel Phillips

it's so sad...

This season the South Jersey great, Clementon Park,

changed it's glorious sign.

It's now a cookie cutter billboard reminiscent of a chinese restaurant. Yea, I think they ordered from the same place the Dollar Tree gets their signage.

They even removed the ferocious white tiger underneath, now why'd they have to go and do that?

Total Boooooo! But, I got a picture of the late & great last year. Yes! I did something right.

©Heather Raquel Phillips