Ed Snyder's "Stone Angels" at Art for the Cash Poor!

On July 17-18, 2017, I will be showing (and selling) a sampling of my 17-years’ worth of cemetery photography at InLiquid’s 16^th annual “Art for the Cash Poor” event. This is a large social event in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood that will feature 100 artists, beer, live music, food, and great art - with no single piece costing more than $199!

I’ve been an InLiquid (sort of an artists’ collective) artist for over 10 years and have done the AFTCP event many times. In recent years, however, I’ve not had the opportunity to attend. My job would take me to various parts of the U.S. on the same weekend. (I would, in those instances, make the most of it and visit and photograph the grand Victorian cemeteries in the region.) In the few years since my last AFTCP showing, I’ve made a lot of new work, a portion of which you will see at the event. I will have matted prints, greeting cards, and my books for sale - which I will gladly sign. (By the way, if you purchase a book at the event, you save shipping costs versus buying them through Amazon or Blurb.com!)

StoneAngels ebook version available as well!

Artist and critic Don Brewer describes my work as “dark tourism,” and it is. Quite voyeuristic for most observers. A peek into the dim dark corners of everyone's mind, where death lurks, awaiting us all. I just happen to get a little closer to it than most of you. (Read Don's review of one of my exhibits here.) Quite often, people will tell me why they are buying a particular photograph. Sometimes it’s a funny story, sometimes disturbing, but always informative. Sharing such feelings and emotions helps us all grow, and I’m glad people find their own meaning in my work.

I do enjoy talking with all of you, so please stop by! I appreciate hearing about new cemeteries I haven't visited, and quite honestly, am surprised by some of the stories you tell me. Recently a woman approached me at a show and proceeded to tell me about the morning after her husband died. He was in the hospital and she received the sad news that night. The next morning her 5-year-old son woke up and came in to see her. She told him what happened and he said, “That must have been when Daddy was in my room last night with all the bright light around him.” I didn’t know what to say either.

Visit InLiquid’s event page to see the kind of art (and all the artists) who will be at Art for the Cash Poor with me (I will be outside, by the way, near the bands and beer!). Great opportunity to meet talented creators, for instance, my daughter Juli Snyder who will be there with her abstract “Black Arrow Arts” paintings and prints.

"Fractures in Light," Juli Snyder

Art for the Cash Poor: June 17–18, 2017 – Noon–6pm

InLiquid is pleased to present our annual summer art sale at Crane Arts located at 1400 N. American Street. Based on the premise that everyone can be an art collector, AFTCP is one of the longest running art festivals in the Kensington/Fishtown area. The best part: all works, by both emerging and established artists alike, are priced at $199 and under. This is a one-of-a-kind event where first-time collectors can speak with artists firsthand about their process, inspiration, and above all: find their niche within the arts scene.

For more examples of Ed Snyder's work, please visit these sites:

http://www.edsnyderphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mourningarts/?hl=en

"Uncle Tom," by Juli Snyder

My daughter Juli (Julianne Snyder) is an abstract painter (there is a link to her website at the end). She publishes a newsletter about her work and in May 2016, she wrote what you will read below. I asked her if I could publish it on The Cemetery Traveler blog and she graciously agreed. Take in her words and artwork. Thank you - Ed Snyder

"You Gave Me Hope," 8x8"

I had a sweet message ready and rarin' to go, but I was walking the dogs and heard someone playing bagpipes, so instead, I'd like to tell you a little story.

Bagpipes always make me think of my Uncle Tom.

He was an especially awesome, animated, hilarious dude. He had a motorcycle. He played in bands. I remember riding in his gigantic Lincoln Continental that felt (and looked) more like a boat. Out in Wilkes Barre [Pennsylvania], when I was a kid, we'd have fires in his backyard. He'd sometimes give me his lighter to play with or let me secretly watch Ren and Stimpy and MTV in his bedroom while the rest of the family was downstairs. Family shindigs were always especially swell when he was around. He was the life of the party, and besides my grandparents, really held us all together. I remember sometimes I'd hide his cigarettes.

Unfortunately, he had a massive heart attack in his mid 40s. He was a heavy smoker, and ended up paying the ultimate price. Pretty fucked up. I remember it so clearly: driving to his funeral. Someone was playing bagpipes. Somehow I made it from my dorm in Philly to Wilkes Barre in about an hour. Please don't tell anyone that. I kinda feel like he had to have been watching over me because in retrospect, that def wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, but I wasn't even thinking.
Sometimes we live our lives as if we're invincible. We're not.

I remember during the nite before the funeral, waking, the sickly light from the Temple [University] campus street lights creeping into my bedroom, and while attempting to close the curtains more, knocking the remainder of my Starbucks frappuccino on my windowsill into my hair. Weird shit. ANYWAY. Bagpipes.

"Make A Wish," 12x30"

It's detrimental to us to do the same shit every day. It keeps us stuck. That in mind, I consciously have been taking different routes when walking the dogs. Tonite was no different, and I followed the sound of them. When I found the source, I stopped briefly and took it in. I allowed myself to really feel it and let the emotion well up.

I always take hearing bagpipes as a sign that Uncle Tom's around. It's rare that I hear them, and it's comforting. I got goosebumps, listening to it. I wish I'd gotten to know my Uncle Tom as an adult, but I sure was blessed as heck to know him at all.

"Precipice," 12x16" 

Links to Juli Snyder and her Black Arrow Arts website:
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