Galleries and the Columbia, SC Art Scene
12/2/2004 4:21PM:
I have an appointment with a gallery owner on Monday to show her my Daguerreotypes and my prints. My hope is that I can hang some prints, get my name “out there,” and get some money. Columbia’s a tricky city for photography as art. For the most part, people around here want to buy paintings of palmetto trees, ducks, and hunting scenes. Combine this with the current trend of huge paintings with vibrant color and black and white photography has to make its voice even louder. Maybe I underestimate the art collector’s scene in Columbia but it’s pretty rare that I even see a gallery in Columbia that’s making an effort to sell fine photographic prints. Based on the examples that I’ve seen in the city’s galleries, I’m confident that my work will stand out.
On the technical front, I’m trying to build a workshop with a darkroom so that I can work more effectively. Aside from the financial burden (I’m looking at least $15,000 for a decent structure), I’ve had a depressing lack of energy, motivation, and time to work on my art.
I’m trying to make more time but I feel very guilty because this is time that detracts from my time with my family. I’m hoping that the meeting with the gallery owner will be enough to refresh my energy, spirits, and motivation.
-Jon
