A couple of months ago, I got a call from the curator of a museum in the suburbs. He asked me if I wanted to do a summer exhibit about the story of my life! That started a journey of reminiscing that was pretty interesting!
First step was being interviewed by my friend Dave Hoekstra to provide a narrative for the show. We sat in one of our favorite restaurants for three two hour sessions with a tape recorder. He then wrote the story and I started pulling images to go with the storyline. This is where it became interesting- Lance at the museum jokingly said that I was more difficult to deal with compared to most of his subjects because I am still alive!!!!
It was really difficult matching up photos with elements of the story, as some of the early stories brought back moments where I was really a pretty bad photographer. I then had to make some large drum scans., as the elements of the exhibit are going to be about nine feet high. The coolest part of this is going to be the 40 foot tall banner hanging from the outside of the museum!
So…if you are around the Chicago area this summer, here are the details:
May 31 – August 25, 2013 Shutter to Think: The Rock & Roll Lens of Paul Natkin
Paul Natkin is widely considered to be one of Chicago’s most accomplished music photographers. Starting in the early 1970s, Natkin traveled the world documenting signature moments of drama, excitement and excess that propelled rock’s tumultuous history. His astute eye and knack for capturing “the decisive moment” earned international acclaim and resulted in numerous magazine and album covers. Learn the stories behind many of Natkin’s photos of rock icons including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Pearl Jam, The Who and more. Narrative written by Chicago Sun-Times writer Dave Hoekstra and interpretive video elements produced by Tribeca Flashpoint Academy. Experience engaging interactives including a Rolling Stone magazine photo op and a spyglass for kids to discover hidden clues. Ages 8+.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission: FREE Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst , Il.