Friday, April 1, 2011

Art-o-mat


Recently, I came across an Art-o-mat machine, and of course I had to try it. For those of you who don't know, Art-o-mats are retro cigarette machines that have been repurposed to sell miniature works of art by contemporary artists.


Art-o-mats are scattered all over the country. To find a machine near you, visit the website.


I pulled a lever pretty much at random, and not knowing what I was going to get made me feel like a kid at a gumball machine. I was super excited to find that I received a pinhole camera, with instructions on how to use it, and a pinhole photograph by artist Rebecca Sexton Larson. Check out her website. She has done some really amazing work using alternative photographic processes and mixed media.



I've always been intrigued by pinhole cameras, but I've never tried it before. I think I'll wait until it's a bit warmer out and less rainy. What about you guys? Anyone ever used a pinhole camera before? Or have you bought anything from an Art-o-mat?

12 comments:

  1. I've never even heard of one, but how cool! Thanks for sharing! (found you through EBT)

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  2. I've never heard of an Art O Matic but I'm so happy you shared. I love p.h. photography!

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  3. I have never heard of one, but it sounds like fun!
    I am interested to see what you come up with on your pinhole camera!

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  4. Thanks for sharing! I've never heard of an Art O Matic; that's so cool!

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  5. I've never heard of one, and I've never used a pin hole camera either. I must look for an Art O Matic.

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  6. I have never heard of an Art-o-mat, but what a fab idea! Have fun with your camera.

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  7. What an amazing idea! I've never seen one of these before - but now I'm definitely going to have to hunt one out!

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  8. That is such a cute idea! If only we had them in England!

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  9. Oh my gosh, I want to find one of those!! I've never of them before, but that is so awesome!

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  10. Such a brilliant idea, I wish we had these where I live! And what a great piece you got too.

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