Vanishing Florida

It was always my intent to put together a book titled "Vanishing Florida". The photography was mainly concentrated on Florida's vanishing wilderness, but with a look at our history, especially in this area, I now realize that our historic venues are also vanishing. Our schools are greatly at fault for not emphasizing our local and statewide history. What made settlers come and stay in Florida? I can imagine what the pest situation must have been like before the advent of pesticides. And the humid climate could not have been the most inviting. I will continue to study the area, both in words and in images that I create. Stay tuned.

I've begun work on a photography project for the Martin County(Florida) library system and the Smithsonian Museum. It involves the history of Indiantown, Florida. Today I was brought out to an old black cemetery, far from anyone's sight. I shot some digital color images, as well as traditional black & white film. The cemetery is under the supervision of Thelma Waters. What concerns me about history and the historical significance of a place is that todays children are not being taught about their past. If we forget the past, how is it that our children or their children will know where we came from and the hardships we faced. We'd rather tear down a building or structure without knowing the significance it played in previous generations.

I've been fortunate enough lately to find other venues to submit my artwork to. I've also been invited to show again in Palm Beach Gardens City Hall for the Summer. The last time I exhibited there I had barely enough to cover the walls. Definitely not the case today. The problem is, how do I find a buying public. I know art is a tough sell, as people need to think about their car and home payments first, but collectors need to be able to find me. If you're following me here, I hope you've looked at my website. I'd like to hear any thoughts that come to mind. Signing off, for now. Kevin

I have been absent for quite some time, and apologize for that. There has been so much that has happened since my last post. If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin, you know what I'm talking about.My exhibition at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art went well, but I only sold a few small images. I'm currently in the middle of a three man photography exhibit at the Cultural Courthouse in downtown Stuart. A good place to exhibit, but not to sell anything. People here do not look at art as an investment, just an expense they cannot afford. I'll be showing 30-40 images at the Palm Beach Gardens City Hall June thru August this Summer. I think it's best to get my work out of the state. Florida is just not a good art market. The snowbirds here had the opportunity to display what they have on their walls in an exhibit two years ago. Not one piece was from a local artist. A very sad reflection indeed. Most do not even venture out to the Cultural Courthouse to view what's on display, even if the artist isn't local. Many companies and individuals donate large sums of money to the Arts Council, but never set foot in the gallery. I wonder why.

I can't believe I haven't posted in over 6 months. I have been busy trying to get new exhibitions lined up. The Lake Eustis Museum of Art show is coming up in about 2 months, beginning November 30th. I have a 3 week show in my hometown of Stuart in April, and another solo show at the Carrollwood Art Center in Tampa in December, 2013. My website is now with Artspan once again. I'm glad I can go in and add or edit my site by myself. I'm no computer whiz, and this site is easy. I'm on a few other websites, and am looking at on more. The more web presence, the better. I'll also be published again by the 1000 Friends of Florida in their December magazine/newsletter. This is a work in progress, and I have to continually work on it. Kevin

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.