Fitting In

I've been thinking alot lately about a new project. "Hozhq encompasses the notions of connectedness, reciprocity, balance, and completeness that underpin contextually oriented views of health and well-being" (Stokols, 1991). I've felt that connectivity with the land and the people (ancient and present) ever since we made the move to this area. Everytime we go out on a hike, we can breathe it. It's very alive. I really want to try to share that feeling, that awareness, that connectivity through my photography.

Like I said in my previous post, this year is a time of change and opportunities, and I want to make the most of it. But sometimes, "making the most" of something simply entails stopping, breathing, and "seeing".

HAPPY NEW YEAR

So the new year is upon us, and the winds of change are blowing in my direction. I don't believe in new years resolutions, but this year is the time of transformation. And I'm really looking forward to it. So many opportunities have already opened up, which will undoubtedly present more. These are definitely exciting times.

I am currently showing in a juried exhibition in Sedona, have a photo in the current Shutterbug magazine, and have submitted a portfolio (hopefully for publication) to B & W magazine. I am also approaching other galleries for showings, and will be submitting to Arizona Highways magazine. So, I'd appreciate it if you keep your fingers crossed.

and now for something completely different.....

Trying something new here. Just wanted to share some more of the Oregon trip.

Flagstaff ... and stuff

So .... Pris and I went to the opening night reception in Flagstaff last saturday at the Coconino Center for the Arts. I was very pleased to see my photo prominently displayed just as you walk into the gallery. There was a very good turnout of people (maybe a hundred or so when we were there), and even some red dots going on some pieces all ready. Lots of impressive works. I want to go back again (maybe next saturday) when I can look at things without alot of people around. Hopefully, this one will sell too.

And..... I got my grant application completed, so that's in the works. Just won't hear til next March ! All in all, its been a busy month. Still have to sort through all my Oregon photos to find the keepers, and put some up on the website.

Just an observation I noticed the other day .... I've found that since our library is selling used books and magazines, that I now go to the library to buy books and magazines, and go to the book store to read them, but not buy them !

WOW !!

Just got back from a "worldwind tour" of the NW corner of Oregon and into Washington. What a place ! Such diversity .... I really can see why people move there. Granted, I was there under postcard perfect weather conditions, but still the water, and mountains, and trees, and ocean, all different from any I've seen. Having said that, though, parts of it did remind me of upperstate Maine, the dairy farms of Vermont. But, the people are friendly and courteous, the waterfalls are amazing, the ocean changes from day to day, and they have pirates ! Four days of travel and sightseeing was way too short. I took 700 photos and I'm still sorting through them, but I definitely will be planning a longer visit in the near future. Like New England, Autumn and Spring must be spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to go to that part of the country, do not hesitate. Around every corner, you'll be saying "wow" !

Time for a shift

So .... I've gotten juried into another gallery exhibition. This is encouraging, but slow progress. One piece at a time. I've decided that it's now time to start exploring all my avenues with renewed vigor, as the politicians would say. I've recently upgraded my camera and have resolved to take my art to the next level. I'll let you know when I find out what and where that next level is. At any rate, my curiosity and desire to improve and experiment with my craft has been restored. It's been a busy summer, and I've learned a lot (and found that I have so much more to learn), and it's been exciting again. Tomorrow, I'm sharing an adventure in Oregon with my wife. I've never been there, but have heard so much. The opportunities for new sights and new ways of looking are unbounded. I can't wait.

no such thing as coincidence

who would have thought .....I know, my wife did from the start.

Just by chance, I discovered that an art gallery in Maine was having a "call to artists" for a juried show. "coincidence" no. 1; the gallery is in the same town that our very dear and close friends live in.

"coincidence" no. 2; the juror of the show happened to be the former director of the phoenix art museum (now living in Maine).

"coincidence" no. 3; that another show I submitted to in Flagstaff, AZ was listed on the Maine Commission of the Arts website.

So... having only one week to prepare, I scrambled around, developed two images for submission, put together the materials, and on the sunday before the day to mail the pieces, I found a giclee printer who did a marvelous job. Bottom line, not only did the two pieces get there in time, but one of them (the one shown here) got in, and was judged third place ! Yikes !! who would have thought ? So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that have had faith in me, and supported me. ESPECIALLY my wife !