Pop Culture References

I've decided to start selling prints. Both canvas and paper, and probably even a few different sizes. Over the next few weeks (or possibly around New Years, because, holidays), I will be releasing more information concerning these prints. I will also be hosting a contest on Facebook for a free print giveaway, probably in raffle form.

A close friend of mine once told me, "If you're good at something, charge for it." We were in Fresno, California, and working for a marketing company that sold satellite TV service. The discussion was on the topic of technical support on computers, something we were both familiar with. Though, at first, I objected to the idea, he was able to change my viewpoint.

It may have been the way I was raised, it may have been my beliefs in Free Information, but something seemed morally wrong with asking for money for my services. He is a musician, and explained the unfortunate belief that if someone asked him to play at an event, he should be content with the exposure and not need to be paid. We discussed helping people with broken computers, plumbing in need of repair, and, finally, art purchases.

In all of these situations, I held the idea that doing any of these services for free, to help someone or otherwise, is not only acceptable behavior, but the "honorable thing" to do. It took quite a while to realize that meant I believed receiving payment for a service was dishonorable. Imagine my surprise, then, when I was told that not having a charge for your services, even a small one, will dishonor yourself and allow others to believe you aren't worth paying.

There was an artist, named Walt Wilcox, who's sons were lifelong friends of mine. Walt was an amazing creator, and his grasp of the art was as thorough as it was strong. He was the first 'real artist' that I had ever met. He had a studio in his house, and he would be excited to show us the works he had in progress and to tell us about his growing business.  He was a wonderful storyteller, and really enjoyed spending time with us, hearing our stories, looking at our creations.  This man was the reason I began to develop my art into something more than photography.  He was the reason I began to experiment with editing, and ultimately the man who taught me to consider myself an artist, even if I'm the only on who does.

Walt died a number of weeks ago. It was sudden, and it was a terrible surprise. I never had the chance to tell him that he was an inspiration for me. To tell him how he taught me. In his death, he taught me one last thing. There is no reason to hold back taking risks. It is not always the best way, erring on the side of caution. And now, with these thoughts and ideas rolling through my consciousness, I begin my campaign of printmaking, and charging for them.

Besides the contest, of course.

Black/white

There is an idea in the creative field that in order to be a successful Artist, one must find a personal "style." Something that separates you from the rest of the world as indeniably yours. This transcends all media, be it music, sculpture, visual arts, etc. In order to be identified in a virtual ocean of peers and like minded creators, one must absolutely shine.

And, really, it's true.

Maroon 5 comes to mind. Adam Levine has a voice so completely his own that even if you don't personally care for his band or music, when "She Will Be Loved" comes on the radio, you know there is nobody else that this could be.   Nirvana has the same effect. If we look into the world of visual art, it is even more concentrated. Picasso, Da Vinci,  Ansel Adams. All of these men worked tirelessly in their field to push the boundaries of art. They were not the only artists of their time, but they are remembered for what they created, the changes they brought to visual media. And they all have an unmistakable style of art.

We currently live in a world where, no matter the genre, no matter the medium, the market is inundated with artists that are skilled and creative, men and women who work just as tirelessly and want to be seen and heard just as badly as the men and women who changed the world with their creations. So, as a growing artist attempting not only to make a name for myself, but understanding that in order to do I must break new ground in whatever field I am attempting to claim as mine, what am I to do? How do I create something that is both memorable and identifiable? In the digital arts world, where there will always be someone better, or more creative or more vigilant, where do I even start?

I have to start with me.

Art is (to me) about using something to convey not only a message, but a feeling. It is a chance to show an entire audience what is important to me, a moment to share my innermost thoughts and feelings with complete strangers. So where do I start? What is something that is so important that simply an image will share with someone how I feel?  My family. Being a father has changed me so completely, I require a different view on the world around me than what I had before. My children have the power to make me laugh or cry at every sentence. My pride is in them. So, I have decided to share two images that I have been working on. These two pieces are of my two daughters, and I hope you can see in them what I do.