Uncategorized

Transition

Posted by Jeff
Copyright Jeff Ball 2006

This photo was chosen, in part, by a random selection by photojournalist, Jenn LeBlanc with the # 57

This photograph was taken while I was scouting the Denver industrial neighborhoods as part of a photojournalism class with Kenn Bisio at MSCD. At first I didn’t know what it was and it freaked me out a little. Was it a dog? or a cat? I’m still not sure.

I stood there staring death in the face and I realized that it seemed to symbolize the slow decay of the area I was exploring. Abandoned factories, houses, parks and parking lots scattered the landscape around me and this dead animal. It also seemed to stir some childhood instincts because I had the urge to poke it with a stick. Luckily, I resisted.

Fences

Posted by Jeff
Copyright Jeff Ball 2009
Copyright Jeff Ball 1998

Good fences make good neighbors? As I start to dig through my archives for photographs, I came across this one which I took with my newly created fisheye lens in the late 90s. This photo was taken not too long after Mathew Shepard was killed in Wyoming. It has always symbolized that fence where he was found grasping to life. As time has passed, this piece has become both difficult to look at and an inspiration to me. Despite his horrific death, it gave a face to the gay rights movement and we finally have hate crime laws to protect innocents like Mathew.

Reykjavik Ship

Posted by Jeff
Copyright Jeff Ball 2006

This photo was taken in the harbor of Reykjavik, Iceland in 2003. I took a trip with my friend Michael to explore both Iceland and Denmark. My handmade fish-eye lens is one of my favorite lenses to shoot with despite its low tech design.  I love the distortion and simplicity of the images it produces.

TOSA says good-bye to founder

Posted by Jeff
Unveiling of a Rainbow Alley Mural
Unveiling of a mural at Rainbow Alley, a glbt youth center

The Other Side Arts Says Farewell to Jeff Ball

tosa logoAfter eight years with TOSA, Founder and Director of Artist Development, Jeff Ball, has made the decision to pursue other ambitions outside of the organization. Though the decision is bittersweet, Jeff is excited to begin his new endeavors while continuing to support and encourage TOSA’s mission.

During his time with TOSA, Jeff was privileged to be an advocate for artists and an ambassador for the organization. To continue his tradition of providing a voice for artists, TOSA is proud to announce two positions in its Board of Directors to be filled by one artist representative from each of the Denver and Aurora locations.

Though Jeff Ball will be missed, TOSA is grateful for his loyal years of commitment and wishes him the best as he begins his newest journey.

TOSA Board and Staff

Disesent is Patriotic

Posted by Jeff
Jeff Ball
copyright Jeff Ball 2008

This piece was inspired by protesters during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Co. and the creative censorship imposed by local law enforcement on artists and arts organizations. The original image was taken at a war protest during the DNC and I created this three color serigraph print using the same community arts facilities that police targeted.

However, earlier this year, The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs sponsored a new mural to be painted in its place as a way of promoting the use of murals throughout the city hoping to discourage “tagging.”  I appreciate the leadership that DOCA took in supporting local artists.

Art Prints
prints from $22