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?

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?

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.

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.

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.