Rhythm & Light

All about Neil

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awip2062
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Rhythm & Light

Post by awip2062 »

Carrie is putting out a book of NEP pics.

Major drool time, but do we want to pay the cost? It will likely be pricey! Alright, alright, I know. We will pay the price, but we will not count the cost.

The expected publish date is May of next year. Here is the description of the book:

Description: Neil Peart, drummer for the legendary rock band Rush, is often recognized as one of the world's greatest drummers. This photo book features intimate portraits of Peart as captured by professional photographer Carrie Nuttal (who is also Peart's wife.)

I think it may be from the same set of photos that she displayed at an art exhibition in September of 2002 that was described thus:

?Rhythm and Light ? is a series of intimate portraits of legendary rock drummer Neil Peart. The exhibit is a collection of hand-printed, rich black and white photographs made in Toronto in 2001 during the year-long creation of Rush's new album, "Vapor Trails." She set out to capture all of Peart, ?? to portray his quiet grace to sheer brute strength, and as a result the images range from the lyrical abstract to stark realism." The work is a study in a classical sense of one of the world?s most leading musicians.

I also found this on the project:

Carrie Nuttall

"Rhythm and Light"
Artist Statement


The project is a series of intimate portraits of legendary rock
drummer Neil Peart, taken during the year-long process of creating,
refining and recording Rush's new album "Vapor Trails." Through much
of 2001 I observed and photographed Neil at work in a Toronto
recording studio, and what began as a portrait session soon evolved
in to a "study" in the classical sense, of one of the world's
greatest drummers. Universally recognized as the most influential
rock drummer of all time, Neil is also the band's lyricist. Drawing
from his extensive knowledge of literature, history, nature and
philosophy, Neil's intellectual, thought-provoking lyrics have earned
him the name, "The Professor" from his fans.

As I tend to do with those I love, I had photographed Neil many times
and in many settings prior to the onset of this project. Since Neil
had been on hiatus from Rush since before we met, I had never
experienced him in the roles of musician/lyricist; it was a part of
him I was completely unfamiliar with. I was naturally curious to get
to know this side of my husband, and observing and photographing him
at work seemed the perfect means to do this.

Rush was returning to the studio in Toronto and I was pursuing my
photography career in Los Angeles. Having been inseparable since we
met, and after being married only four months, we were faced with the
difficulties of being separated for what seemed an eternity. Knowing
I would be miserable neglecting my career, and that we would both be
miserable being separated, we devised a plan where I would spend time
every month in Toronto.

As time passed, and these separations became more difficult I came up
with a proposition for Neil. "I'll spend more time in Toronto if you
allow me to photograph you at work." Much grumbling ensued until he
grudgingly agreed. Never before had Neil allowed anyone - friend,
family member or photographer to be privy to the day-to-day process
of his creative life in the studio. Knowing this was a unique
opportunity, I approached the situation delicately. Not only did I
not want Neil to feel uncomfortable, but there were other people in
the studio as well who may have felt self conscious with an outsider
hanging around. With great effort, I was able to maintain the balance
between "getting the shots" and not being intrusive. Much to Neil's
surprise, (and mine) he truly enjoyed having me with him at work and
quickly became very enthusiastic about the project.

As a first-time observer of Neil in his creative environment, I was
surprised to note the quiet elegance, grace and refinement that was
evident, along with the more expected raw, powerful, intense energy
associated with rock drumming. His motivation, discipline and
notorious drive for excellence were an inspiration to me as an
artist. My goal was to portray all these facets, from the quiet grace
to the sheer brute strength and as a result, the images range from
the lyrical abstract to stark realism.

My images are intentionally different from traditional "rock and
roll" photography, which often portrays its subjects in a glamorized,
one-dimensional "rock star" mode. My goal was to portray the subject
as an individual, with all the emotional and visual complexities this
may involve. Not to idealize the subject, but to artistically and
sensitively convey an observation of this master at work. Because of
these factors and my choice to shoot only in black and white, many of
my images tend to resemble classic jazz photography.

For me, a portrait does not have to be of a person's face nor does
the subject even have to physically be in the image. "Hands of Time"
which depicts Neil's blistered, calloused hands holding some well-
worn drumsticks provides an enormous amount of information regarding
the subject. "Time Out" depicts Neil's work setting at the studio,
complete with drum kit, his discarded shoes and the bicycle he so
loved to ride to and from the studio.

This project was also unique in that I photographed the same subject
in the same setting over a period of several months, which was a
challenge that required perseverance and much contemplation. Just
when I would think I had exhausted every possibility for a new,
interesting image and the story was complete, I would patiently study
what was transpiring and would eventually see something new to
capture.

As true partners on this project, I was allowed to document the
process in its' entirety, regardless of how unflattering an image
might have been. Grimaces are the norm when exerting oneself with
such intensity and Neil's lack of vanity and willingness to
relinquish control allowed me the creative freedom to develop the
project as I wished. Our relationship as spouse, lover and friend
helped create a symbiotic environment between two artists where that
ever-elusive "magic" was able to occur. I feel I was successful in
capturing the essence of this "master" at work as well as convey an
interesting story.

For more, go to:
http://www.nicoledintamangallery.com/ar ... index.html
Onward and Upward!
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PV
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Post by PV »

I want two! At least! Thanks, t, for the extra info. That was really interesting to hear from Carrie. Yet again, a whole new side of Neil we don't get to see or hear about quite often enough.
I don't have faith in faith, I don't believe in belief, You can call me faithless, I still cling to hope, And I believe in love, And that's faith enough for me... Neil Peart
neilpeart_gal
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Post by neilpeart_gal »

I've seen the pictures and have them saved. Call me cynical, but considering she wants $1200 or some crap like that for a PRINT, there's no telling what the asking price for this book is.

I'm sure she's already made enough $ off the prints, she doesn't need my $200 for the book too.
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PV
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Post by PV »

neilpeart_gal wrote:she doesn't need my $200 for the book too.
The book will be $60 and cloth bound which is an expensive procedure in itself. I don't think that's a bad price for it at all.
I don't have faith in faith, I don't believe in belief, You can call me faithless, I still cling to hope, And I believe in love, And that's faith enough for me... Neil Peart
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Post by neilpeart_gal »

Wow, that is pretty reasonable.

Sorry, I'm just full of vinegar today...! :roll:
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awip2062
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Post by awip2062 »

When are you not full or vim and vinegar, Tracy? Don't we love your deep expressions?
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Kares4Rush
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Post by Kares4Rush »

Wow, t! Cool! I will have to agree with NPG that I've seen the prints and they ARE pricey!

However, the book sounds reasonable, no? He's so awesome and perhaps it captures him in an odd way, like we wimmen may see him...not as a drum god but as a man. Gorgeous flaws and humbling humanity.
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Freeze this moment a little bit longer...
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awip2062
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Post by awip2062 »

I have seen the prints on her site and looked at the prices.

I think it will show him in a different light. Not as a star, but as a wife sees her husband; as a woman sees a man; as a friend sees a friend. Then again,...
Onward and Upward!
neilpeart_gal
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Post by neilpeart_gal »

awip2062 wrote:
I think it will show him in a different light. Not as a star, but as a wife sees her husband; as a woman sees a man; as a friend sees a friend. Then again,...
EXCELLENT point, missy!! And really, can you go wrong when you have such a subject?? SIGH
rushlight
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Post by rushlight »

I wouldn't buy it. Neil's my hero but those are just photographs. You can get them anywhere on the web. Besides I'm happy with his autograph and the words he said to me. :wink:
I love my Welshman.
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awip2062
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Post by awip2062 »

neilpeart_gal wrote:
awip2062 wrote:


EXCELLENT point, missy!!
Missy? Missy? hehehehehe
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Ogg
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Post by Ogg »

Would love to contribute but it's all a bit "girly" innit? :lol:...and I've been inspired by Mr Peart for almost 23 years the now.
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dw_drummer93
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Post by dw_drummer93 »

Does anybody know when the exact release date for Rythm & Light is? I went to my local library and they said it would be probably January and selling for $40.00.
Hearing is believing...
Yestermorrow
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Post by Yestermorrow »

Soon to be released in a pocket edition retitled: Rhythm & Darkness... :cool:
rushlight
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Post by rushlight »

Has anybody ever had trouble buying the book? I've read a lot of unhappy complaints from people who ordered it and it didn't come. I'm happy I didn't get it since I'm not a Neil lover like I was before.
I love my Welshman.
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