Lake Mary-Heathrow

Ahh, Lake Mary. I wish I could do that show every weekend. It’s close to home. I get to sleep in my own bed at night. And better yet, appreciative people who buy. And I had the wonderful experience of seeing previous buyers. It’s so nice to hear, “I bought a picture from you last year and it looks wonderful”. I can’t say enough nice things about the people who put on the show. They know me, come by and check on me, and really care how things are going. And I was awarded third place in photography. All in all, a pleasant weekend and a good end to the fall season.

No photographs this weekend. I chose to leave the camera at home and I regretted it. I’ll have to paint a word photograph – A beautiful calico cat sunning itself in the window across from my booth in a home with beige walls and black shutters which just match the colors of the cat, a tree just beside the window.

Since I didn’t get into Disney, I’m going to take next weekend to go take some new photographs. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I think maybe I’ll go back to Ocala or maybe to Kissimmee and try to get some eagles in flight. Or do the boat ride on the Dora Canal. So many photographs to take, so little time.

Ocala

Well here I am sitting in Ocala on Saturday night. This is the lonely part of doing art shows. The show is going well, sold a few pieces, one piece selected for judging which is an honor considering the number of excellent artists present. The show is very nicely done, with nice, organized people and possibly the best artist dinner I have ever had. I used to dry chicken and potato salad not chicken marsala and red potatoes. But the show is over for the day, my husband just called to tell me he is feeling very sick, sounds like the flu, and I miss him more than usual this trip.

I came up a day early hoping to get some photo time in on Friday morning. Friday morning was drizzly and grey, not necessarily a bad thing for photos but not good traveling weather particularly in a fully loaded van. I found myself on a two lane dark road with no shoulders in the rain looking at the speed limit sign thinking “I do not feel safe at that speed”. Of course there is a long line of people behind me by the time I finally find somewhere to pull over. There was no sunrise to speak of, just a slowly growing lighter, grey sky. I did find a lovely place to take pictures but then the rain started again.

It’s hard sometimes to juggle this life with family time. I realized this morning that I have forgotten to send the Halloween cards I bought for my grandchildren two weeks ago. So much to do, so much I want to do, so little time. I did buy that lottery ticket though J

Anyway, tomorrow will be a better day. The weather report has changed from 60% chance of rain to 30% and it’s Sunday and Sundays are always the best days at a show. Then break down, go home, and give Clif an extra hug for putting up with the everyday hassles of my dream.

Banning Canvas

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me--

and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Reading the forums and art show applications lately, I’m reminded of the above poem. Certainly nothing as monumental as the history that this poem details, but definitely something worth thinking about.

Digital photography and computers have changed the face of art fairs and photography in general, some say not for the better. Some painters are especially disturbed about our new ability to print on canvas. A vocal few, rather than use the increased competition as motivation to find ways to differentiate themselves, are saying photographers should be banned or restricted in art shows.

Some shows are listening to them. Recently a show that last year accepted many photographers has decided to accept only three this year, all of them traditional, black and white, darkroom photographers. This was after they gladly accepted our jury fees. I will be the first to say, that black and white photography, when done well, is incredible. I wouldn’t be driving five hours next weekend just to meet Clyde Butcher if I didn’t think so. But I believe color has its place too.

But back to the poem. If photographers are successfully kept out of the art fairs, who will be next? Perhaps the jewelers? There are a lot of jewelers at art shows. Get rid of them and there will be a lot more spaces for painters. Or will it be the potters? There’s always been that nagging question, if it is functional, is it art?

The fact is, we are all artists and craftsmen and each art form has its challenges. We should stick together rather than attack each other.