2012 cont'd.

I was given an honorable mention for my image "Undulations" in the juried photography show in Naples. In case I didn't mention it, Clyde Butcher was the juror, no doubt the most famous Florida photographer of all time. I hope to do a Swamp Walk with Clyde some time this Summer. I never thought I'd want to wade waist deep in any swamp in Florida, but I feel it's an opportunity not to be missed.

I was contacted by a gallery in Long Island, New York, about putting a few pieces in his gallery this Spring and Summer. I'm awaiting his contract that I will go over and have other gallery personnel look at also before making my final decision. It looks like a good opportunity though.

I hope the news keeps coming.

Off to a good start in 2012

There was no doubt that 2011 was a bad year for many artists, including myself. I am very optimistic that 2012 will be much better, and so far, the results are proving just that. Being invited to the inaugural exhibition at the Palm Beach County Cultural Council's new gallery in Lake Worth was an early boost. The exhibit runs from January 19 - April 14, 2012, with the reception on February 29th. I had a chance to visit the exhibit last week, and found out that one of my three accepted images had sold.
I also was accepted into a juried photography show in Naples at the Rookery Bay Nature Preserve and Education Center. The juror was Clyde Butcher, probably the most well known photographer in Florida. The reception is February 7th, and I plan on traveling back to Naples for the event. Even if I do not win one of the cash awards being given, it may open doors for me to exhibit through the United Arts of Collier County.
I have submitted to several museums and galleries in and out of Florida the past years and finally got word from the Lake Eustis Museum of Art to exhibit there from November 30,23012, to January 13, 2013. They have asked for 30 to 40 images, so it may well be a solo show. I'll keep evweryone posted.

Kevin

Current Happenings

The month of January could provide some much needed punch to my photography career. With the exhibit coming up at the Palm Beach Cultural Council's gallery in Lake Worth, the juried photography show in Naples in which I was accepted, my work is being exhibited in two new cities and audiences.
I submitted to the juried art show at the Elliott Museum here in Stuart, and will submit to another juried show at a gallery in Jacksonville. Both shows start in late January with receptions in early February. Results will be know soon. I'll keep you posted.

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.

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!

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.

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.