 |  TODDZILLA ATTACKS! Perhaps a mighty sage once spoke from a distant hillside: "Do not discount the leafless tree in the wintertime, for its roots may be making their greatest advance below." As part of the RORSHAK root development this winter, two recent shoots are worth noting: my first portrait session with the renown Nashville funkster Toddzilla, the minister of funk from the funky funk band "JonesWorld" and yet another session with my old friend Laws Rushing, commemorating our 10th year of photo shoots together. Both adventures turn the corners of my mouth towards the north for their air of humor, irony, and aesthetic panache. THE LEGEND OF TODDZILLA'S AMPLIFIER
In the year 2001, I had $1000 stored up to purchase a guitar amplifier. Over a number of months, I ventured through music stores and researched manufacturer's websites and user's reviews, trying to make a purchasing decision I wouldn't regret. One particular amplifier caught my ear as being particularly unique, and since it is possible to geek out concerning the particulars to the detriment of this story, I'll simply describe a particularly ironic particular that concerns Toddzilla. Being that the amplifier was a decade old by that time, I sought to have it serviced. Alas, when I rolled it in the doors of Nashville's own Corner Music, it was received with a gasp by Toddzilla himself, who proclaimed, "that's my amplifier!" Indeed, Toddzilla was the primary owner of the amplifier, and traces of his kitty cat's fur was still entwined with the amp's carpeted covering from years before. An instant bond was formed as I realized that I was now keeper of this powerful tool that had been the vehicle for one of Nashville's best and most iconic performers. I recalled Bilbo Baggin's discovery of a ring that grants the power of invisibility to its keeper, and was humbled.
In line with the first two RORSHAK signature portraits, Toddzilla is a pre-eminent talent whose image lends momentum the vision. Recall below the adventures with Donny Smutz and Mikky Ekko, respectively, and note the latest continuation with Toddzilla's portrait (above, lead image). Click here to learn how we made these images. Click on below on Mikky's photo to listen to his music, and click below on Donny's image to visit his artist site. Toddzilla plays this February 28, 2011, at the Limelight in Nashville, Tennessee. To say the least, it is an event of relentless stimulation. You can support Toddzilla and attend his Mardi Gras show by purchasing tickets here.
 Above, Mikky Ekko contributes to his portrait, and below, Donny Smutz survives a live burial.
ELVIS PRESIDES My buddy Laws Rushing invited me to make his portrait as he delved into the character of "The King." He is accompanied faithfully by his wonderful wife Stacey, who plays the part of Priscilla. Yes, Laws does perform weddings and will even play a few tunes for a reception, too. Click on the image below to see a really big version of this triptych.
Here is a proper Elvis exposure, perhaps one of my fave versions of the king and his lady (below).
I have posted a small gallery on the internets commemerating the images that Laws and I have made from over the years. His ability to step into character and his air of cool never disappoint the camera. The gallery resides here. It is still only a sampling from an archive that is mostly bound by film.
And just to put the bullet in the brain, here is second version of Toddzilla that links to an even larger version from our shoot. For the portfolio, I have to choose one to share above all the others, but its hard to decide on a favorite. This one is a mixture of Toddzilla, packaging tape, black foil. Enjoy! I hope that these two adventures have piqued your interest like they have mine! Thank you for reading this newsletter. Cheers! Rory | | | |
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