I’m sat here reflecting on this year and to be honest its gone in the blink of an eye, again! I felt like I was making a bit of progress in January when asked to give a demo at the Societies convention in London followed by working for Benro later in the March at The Photography Show at the NEC. Both went well for a few reasons but the main reason was the random timing and change of direction for me regarding my work. I met Lisa Grey who is an art curator at Flux and she has been a Godsend in terms of directing me and being a great outlet for my work. Before I knew it I was seeing my work displayed in Greenwich London alongside some outstanding artists.
It was my first experience and I loved it and more to the point I sold a piece of artwork to a gentleman that owns Damien Hirst sculptures! Things seemed to be going really well outside of the studio but I felt quiet inside the studio. I got the lads together in Gez, Deaks and Anthony and we got on with building a set called “The Kiosk”. It’s always good when we have a set build and we record behind the scenes stuff because it brings us together. It’s no secret that I am just the front man in this small team and I love listening to others chip in with ideas.
After a really great time looking at the exhibition in London I realised a couple of things. The first being that things “happen” in London and there are people who will pay for good artwork. The opportunities are more frequent but of course living there is not an option for me due to the expense. The other thing is that I have still not exhibited in my own town or even in South Wales. I find that a worry and it’s because venues are simply too expensive and yet these people would rather properties or rooms go empty than have possible revenue from passers by and commission from sold works. It just doesn’t sit right with me that my work has been exhibited in USA and London yet nobody really knows here. To put this right I am contemplating with the lads about an idea of exhibiting at my studio. That can be a 2020 goal!
Also on December 19th I was lucky enough to teach GCSE photography at my local comprehensive school and it really hit a nerve regarding teaching. I loved every minute of speaking with the pupils about my work and how and why I do it. Talk about giving something back to the community this, really made me want to do more so I will.
This was quickly matched by the enjoyment of doing a second podcast for Glyn Dewis and Dave Clayton’s “He shoots He draws”. This was episode 99 for the guy’s and I felt honoured to do it. It was said after that I came across a lot more content and happy with where I am in photography…… and I am.
I then did a facebook live set build walk through where I chatted about the Kiosk set up. This has got me and the lads thinking about doing more. We will be doing some more facebook live demonstrating lighting and portrait topics which will be free to tune in. Along with this I really want to push on this coming year with some free downloads, tutorials and of course more teaching.
I’ll wrap up by thanking the usual suspects in Gez, Anthony and Deaks but also Sarah who has become an integral part of us and what we do. Also Glyn Dewis for some sound advice and just being a great friend. I hope you all live your best life and achieve what you set out to do in 2020.
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