Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The 80-20 Rule

Currently I belong to two groups or associations where participation is critical for success and longevity. It's a known fact that while many like to be in group settings, they're not prepared to help out and be active participants. The 80-20 Rule, as we know, is where 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. It's the same in some businesses too. When this occurs, the Group starts to fragment and lose its relevance. Both of the Groups I belong in are now suffering from this lack of participation. Myself and a few others are now coming together to reenergize these Groups and make them exciting once again. Time will tell. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Road Trip

The weather wasn't spectacular today, but myself and a friend from our Photography Group headed up to Lake Wales to Lake Kissimmee State Park. One thing people have to realize when they do a road trip with me is plan on walking a distance and putting up with the Florida elements - mosquitoes and other critters. Well, we didn't do much hiking, and got just a few shots. It's too bad, because the weather improved as the morning continued. Next time, I go it alone. I received my Audubon Magazines yesterday. My image was in the middle of the book, but no mention of me(sigh). It is my first image in the magazine, and I hope to contribute more in upcoming issues. Thanks to the power of the social media, I have submitted images to two interior designers for their projects. Never give up!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Other Avenues

They say if you want to stay in front of the pack, you must constantly reinvent yourself or find other avenues in which to use your talents. I know senior high school portraits are very lucrative for some photographers. I'm in the process of putting together some packages based on parents' budgets. I will not underprice my work, but rather explain what each package contains. I'm not looking to do a lot of this work, but if it comes my way, I won't turn it down.

On another note, Facebook and social media marketing may have introduced me to a new gallery in South Carolina. It may be a few months before I exhibit anything. Much more communication is needed. I'll keep you posted.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Off the Soapbox

It's time to get off the soapbox, and concentrate on things I can do, with the help of God, to better myself. I'm anxiously awaiting the next issue of "The Naturalist", the magazine of Audubon of Florida. I will have an image featured, as well as a little blurb written about me. I was also hoping to be published in ArtSi Magazine, but the last issue is way past due, and I wonder if the publication is going under. That would be a shame from my observation of one issue(in print), as it looks to have been a quality publication. I am in the process of submitting to more magazines, and am awaiting a response from another gallery in Texas, this one in Austin.

A further rant

In my last post about big box stores, I doubted the profitability of some of those stores. With the heavy inventory and overhead, combined with weak sales and an inept return policy, it didn't seem feasible. Lowes may be waking up to that reality. I recently heard that they are in the process of closing 7 stores in the midwest, in and around Chicago. I wonder if any action will be taken in Florida, and if so, where?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Random Thoughts about the Economy

To make ends meet, I find myself working for one of those big box stores. It's amazing how flawed these stores are, yet find themselves successful, or are they? The purchasing is done on a national scale, instead of regional, so many inventory items are purchased without thought. With so many items in the store, the company feels it is easier to just receive by the truckload instead of by each item, hoping that everything the purchasing dept. has bought comes in, and at the proper quantity. Cycle counts have to be performed in each department weekly to verify inventory, and make corrections as necessary. The problem I see with big box stores is they are jack of all trades, and master of none. They have destroyed America's small business community, which specialized in specific trades or skills. While our beloved politicians say that small business is the backbone of America, who do you think supports their election?

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Art & Business

First of all, I must say this is not intended to be critical of any artists. I just find it surprising that many artists along the Treasure Coast have no clue of the business of art. In order to be successful, you must know how to get your message across; in other words, displaying your work in as many venues as possible. If that's not your goal, you're a hobbyist, not an artist. I will go out of my way to help any artist wishing to learn how to submit to galleries. Artists, if you're out there, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Kevin Boldenow

Way too long - again!

I have no excuses for not posting here sooner. I'm working with local and statewide conservation groups to open up awareness of Florida's fragile environment. I will soon be featured in 1000 Friends of Florida's newsletter, and "The Naturalist", the magazine of Audubon of Florida. I'm still looking for contributing writers for my book, which I've titled "Vanishing Florida". The gallery business hasn't been kind to me as of late. I'll be submitting some work to a gallery in Austin, TX this weekend. I can only hope.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

2 Months?

I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post. I have to quit being so lazy and say what's on my mind, or what's currently happening in this artists life. I have been in talks with a few writers about collaborating with me on my next book, which I'm titling "Vanishing Florida". I'm also in preliminary discussions with a few Conservation Groups here in Florida. I hope to help them out by donating some images from their protected lands, and being introduced to the proper contacts to get the book published. Tomorrow I meet with the Treasured Lands Foundation of Martin County. On June 20th, I meet with the Indian River Land Trust of Indian River County. I'll keep you posted and promise not to disappear for such a long time.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Florida Legislature prohibits farm photography

The state legislature should have more important issues to worry about then photographers taking pictures of farms - apparently not...


(1) A person who enters onto a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the
first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes. (2) A person who photographs, video records, or otherwise produces images or pictorial records, digital or otherwise, at or of a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes. (3) As used in this section, the term “farm” includes any tract of land cultivated for the purpose of agricultural production, the raising and breeding of domestic animals, or the storage of a commodity.
27 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.

Literary and Visual Poetry

In my efforts to get my work published, I'm finding success with literary magazines, specializing in short stories and poetry. My latest was in May's issue of "Saw Palm", the literary magazine for the University of South Florida. In June, I will have my image titled "Cashel" featured in the Adirondack Review, and will be followed in December with an image in the Rockford Review. I'm planning on contacting other poets and writers to collaborate on larger projects as well. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Osceola Center for the Arts

I just viewed the application process for the Osceola Center for the Arts and Center Art Associates. I like the fact that they jury in artists. Their mission is to "raise the Center's cultural profile". Well said! Once accepted, the CAA acts as a conduit for the visual artist, serving as a promoter for the visual artists. Your $35.00 annual membership fee gets you into their database, and a venue for your work will be found as soon as possible. Your name will be included in their email list for all ‘call for artists’ and general information about the local art scene. I say that's money well spent.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Coming to a close

My exhibits at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, and the Fine Art Gallery at Seminole State College in Sanford come to a close this week. I have been invited to adorn the walls of the Raymond James office in Stuart. It's good to see a local business supporting local artists. The Arts Council of Martin County, and its Board of Directors just doesn't get it. If you don't advocate for the artists, what becomes of them?

Friday, January 28, 2011

Limited vs. Open Editions

I signed a contract with an art consulting firm a few months ago. They deal with open editions for the hotel industry. I have been reluctant to allow my art to be printed in open editions, but with economic conditions the way they are, I have no choice. I just submitted more of my work to this firm for a 5 star hotel project in Miami. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

First Exhibit of 2011

My first exhibit of 2011 is a group show at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg titled "Disappearing Florida". Four nature photographers, including myself, are doing our own individual take on the vanishing wilderness in Florida, and how it effects the livelihood of some Floridians. The opening reception is Friday, January 14th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please visit www.moreanartscenter.org for more information.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Climate Change

I'm sure most Floridians have not been too happy with our Winter weather so far. With the amount of earthquakes and volcanoes in 2010, it comes as no surprise. The Earth is going through some changes. Our Summer was about 5 degrees hotter than normal also.I happened to visit Riverbend Park in West Jupiter this past Sunday. The swamps had receded so far that I was able to walk across them. We are in drought conditions and have already seen two major wildfires. Time to pray for rain.