Thanks to the reverse image search TinEye, I’ve discovered the original source of the header image currently in use for The Morning Porch — and now I need a new image. I downloaded it originally from a site offering free wallpapers, but what I downloaded and cropped was apparently already a crop of an album cover by a one-man band called Radical Face. Since the musician, Ben Cooper, is also an artist, I’m assuming it’s his work. Here’s a page from his website about the album, with the cover image and two others (as well as a couple of sample tracks — check ’em out).
Even if it were possible to get permission from Mr. Cooper for the use of his image, which I really like, I don’t want to keep using something so thoroughly identified with another creative project. I need a new header! So I thought I’d put out a call: anyone have — or feel like making — something that might work? I thought about trying to run a contest for this, but I’m not sure anyone would actually enter, which would be embarrassing. Let’s face it, The Morning Porch ain’t exactly the big time, even if I do have a whopping 2,269 followers on Twitter.
But if I do choose your art or photo for the header, you’ll get a permanent credit and link at MP, a feature post here… and $50.00, which is all I can afford. The dimensions of the current image are 940px x 198px, but I could go a little thicker or thinner on that. Whatever art or photo I use, it has to look good at a fairly low resolution. The current image is 63KB, which is actually a bit too large. Under 50KB would be best.
Send jpegs or queries to me at my usual email, bontasaurus [at] yahoo [dot] com.
UPDATE (1/14)
I have swapped in a section of a favorite painting by Clive Hicks-Jenkins, Paper Garden (see comments). This is a very satisfying fit because it includes, as Clive puts it, “everything there you might need for a morning break on the porch. A good view with a distant hill and an open sky, the reassurance of friendly neighbours (as that’s Ty Isaf, you can be sure that your ‘Morning Porch’ neighbours are really great to have around) a blackbird’s song for company and a cup of coffee to refresh.”
Clive is not only incredibly generous but a good sport: he swears he won’t be upset if I end up giving him the boot. So if you think you have something even more in the spirit of the blog and the Paul Eluard quote in the header, feel free to send it along. I’m very grateful to everyone who’s offered images so far: Tina Conroy, Gary Boyd, Natalie d’Arbeloff, Patricia Ternahan, Sarah Q. Malone, Rachel at Sungazer Photography, Ann-Marie at ammiblog, and Pete McGregor.
You are such a contrarian! First you say you don’t want to put it out as a contest because you’re afraid no one will enter….and then you put it out as contest in the next paragraph! Did you drink a cup of coffee and feel better inbetween??
Great idea, Dave–hope you get lots of entries and can’t possibly decide amongst them!
It’s not a contest, it’s just an offer. :) That’s not being contrarian, it’s being in denial. Don’t much care for competition… except when it galvanizes submissions.
And I hope you get them- there submissions!
Seven so far, not counting Rachel’s invitation!
But see, one reason why I didn’t make this a formal contest is that way I don’t feel obligated to take anything. I could ultimately just use one of my own photos, or find a Creative Commons-licenced image on Flickr.
If you see anything in my gallery that you’d like to use, let me know. ;)
I wish I had time to enter this, but I’m practically turning myself inside out with deadlines. However if you can find anything on my Artlog or Website that you like or that you can take a detail from that suits, then it’s yours.
That’s very generous of you, Clive. I never would’ve had the courage to ask — I’d hate to presume on our friendship like that — but I deeply appreciate the offer.
Might a strip from this make a header for you?
http://clivehicksjenkins.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/dsc03128.jpg
C
A strip from the top might just do it! Very close to the blend of wonder and whimsy I’m looking for.
Actually, a strip from “Paper Garden” might work even better, as it includes a bird, a cup of coffee, and a house with trees. I am testing it out on the site now — see what you think. I brightened it just a hair from your photo on the Artlog.
Looks good, though I’d be tempted to crank up the the colour saturation a little more if you have that option.
I like the idea of you having everything there you might need for a morning break on the porch. A good view with a distant hill and an open sky, the reassurance of friendly neighbours (as that’s Ty Isaf, you can be sure that your ‘Morning Porch’ neighbours are really great to have around) a blackbird’s song for company and a cup of coffee to refresh. What’s not to like?
Oh, nice! I like it.
Thank you Rachel. That’s most gracious of you.
Good call on the saturation! I was emailing you to ask permission for that as you were leaving this comment. Thanks. I have a strong feeling I may stick with this.
Clive is always lovely, but my first thought was, “You madman, you have so many beautiful photographs! Use one!”
Clive does look splendid! As ever.
Clive’s work is absolutely beautiful on Morning Porch. But, Dave, I agree with Marly.
I agree with Marly and Marja-Leena — you have wonderful photos to choose from. Still, I do appreciate your generosity of spirit in opening this up to contributions from others.
Might be a mission trawling through my photos, but if you do find something you like (or part of a photo), let me know and I’ll crop/edit to suit.
Thanks, guys. Yeah, I guess some of my photos might work, but it’s so much more fun to use other people’s images!
Clive’s work suits wonderfully. (Your own photos are gorgeous, yes. But the collaborative/sharing nature is a boon in my wee book.)