After a quiet December (not complaining) things have ramped up during the beginning of the year! Another go at a photography book, new potential opportunities to stretch my creative muscle, and a new gallery relationship.
First, after completing a 3rd photography book in December (A 2022 Retrospective), I’ve begun a new book focusing on images of the high deserts of Southern Utah and beyond. My first for S. UT so I’m really excited and so far pleased with the design, layout and initial image selections. There will be limited text but I’m considering inserting some quotes from some of my favorite artists, photographers, etc. to serve as section breaks. I also have another book concept that I’m going to start in spring and pair up with my solo exhibit in September 2023 in Bozeman, MT. Playing with themes but I really want to focus on photography as an art form. Title of the book and exhibit might be something like, “More Than a Pretty Picture”. This one would have a bit more text including an introduction, foreword and potentially some text at the start of each section. Plenty to think through on this one. I love the creative side to the book making process!
Artist Residencies. I’m in the process of submitting applications for two opportunities in Montana later this year. First, I’m most excited about an opportunity for a two week residency at the American Prairie Reserve. Offered by Western Montana Creative Initiative who’s goals is to strengthen the creative capacity of (greater) Western Montana and foster dialogue and experiences that are culturally vibrant, healthy, and intellectually vigorous. A two week commitment in October on the Preserve. Such an amazing and inspiring place! A place that I’ve always wanted to spend time getting to know the rhythms of the prairie and the intimate corners that offer so much beauty that go largely unnoticed. I can’t help but think my late mother Virginia is watching over me on this one given that it’s the region in MT she grew up in. The other opportunity I’m working through is offered by the College of Humanities at the University of Utah in the Centennial Valley of Montana. This is also big beautiful country. Located in southwest Montana, it would be such a delight!
Finally, I’m very pleased with the new gallery relationship I’ve established with Cherie Stoddard at Gallery 873 in the Kayenta Arts Village in Ivins, UT (my home in S UT)! Cherie has a wonderful gallery and is very supportive of all forms of art including photography. Looking forward to sharing some of my work publicly and becoming part of the thriving arts community literally in my own back yard!
Until next time…
