Dealing with Snobs / Anger Management

Get Over Yourself!

Why is it that some artists feel the need to demean the work of others to inflate their own egotistical delusions of grandeur? It takes an incredible amount of courage for an artist to hang their work in a public venue and make themselves available for a critique. Maybe it’s because I am still struggling to make a name for myself, but I see no need for anything other than praise followed by a tactful dose of constructive criticism. I have zero tolerance for arrogance and snobbery.

I recently had to grit my teeth and smile through a painful conversation with a well-known regional artist. The discussion made me feel small, and in the midst of our banter I developed an incredible urge to kick this person in the crotch. However, I am not a violent person. I managed to escape the ugliness by keeping my cool, wearing a smile, and remaining optimistic.

I met this artist at a recent opening and politely introduced myself. I should have known there would be a problem when I complimented him on the pieces he had in the show_ he simply smiled and then agreed that his work was even more wonderful than I had proclaimed. This artist (who practices in a completely different discipline than myself) decided to give me an abbreviated and inaccurate course on the history of photography. He then used those historically inaccurate facts in an attempt to convince me that my work was inferior to the work of many others.

I attempted to make light of the comments, casually trying to change the subject, knowing that I shouldn’t create a scene. I could have easily debated every statement he made_ I could have made a real ass of myself_ but why?

Deep Breaths… Count to Ten

Needless to say, I was in a foul mood for the rest of the evening. My girlfriend and I had planned a weekend getaway. There were a few moments following the reception, that I felt myself getting angry with her. Of course, my anger towards her was completely unwarranted.

Anger Management

I typically react to criticism in stages. First is the shock, Second is the Anger, and Third is the reckoning. I eventually confront the situation for what it is, and then I attempt to make something positive from it. I’ve come to learn that criticism (be it constructive or otherwise) will ultimately fuel my drive to create new work.

Thick Skin

Rejection:

I would like to proclaim that I have completely overcome my fears of rejection_ but that’s not going to happen any time soon.

Opportunities are not given, they are earned. Talent will make others envious. Courage, ambition, and persistence will make you a success.

Everyday, I sit down at my desk with a list of “possibilities.” This list may include the names of influencial people: perspective clients, gallery directors, other established artists etc. The list may also include juried shows that I need to enter, or exhibit proposals that I need to submit. The list may consist of marketing strategies or ideas about bringing more people to my website. I might work on a collaboration with a local business or another artist.

What is my point?

During the course of a busy day I might make 5 phone calls, and submit 3 proposals. If just one of those efforts materializes, if I receive just one acceptance letter as a result of my hard work, I consider that day a monumental success. This also means I probably received several rejections, a couple of hang-ups, and also forfeited about a hundred bucks in entry fees. YIKES!

Is it all worth it?

Is it worth the monetary and personal sacrifices that I make to call myself an artist? I must be a self-centered, egotistical prick, because… YES! I think it’s worth it. Like many others_ I am driven to create_ to make something that reflects a personal vision which is ultimately a piece of my being. This may sound like a bunch of over-dramatized garbage but it’s really how I feel.

I experience bouts of depression, anxiety, and self doubt. I also know that I want to continue to create. I want those creations to be seen, lauded, and criticized. In order to expose my work to the masses, I have to maintain the business end of my work. Which also means I have to deal with mountains of rejection. However, the successes have been enjoyable.

Where to go from here?

Forge ahead_ with only a prayer and a pocket full of determination :c)

Photo of the Week 6/15/07

Hello Everyone,
This weeks photo is a conceptual image that will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at Strecker-Nelson Gallery which is entitled Beyond Mimesis: Contemporary Realism.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK CAN NOW BE PURCHASED AS AN UN-EDITIONED PRINT DIRECTLY FROM MY WEBSITE.
http://www.danielwcoburn.com/prints.html

Limited Edition Prints are available at the galleries listed below.

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BEYOND MIMESIS
Conceptual Photographs by Daniel W. Coburn will be exhibited in an upcoming show at Strecker-Nelson Gallery

Beyond Mimesis
June 22nd – July 28th
Strecker-Nelson Gallery
406 1/2 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, KS
http://www.strecker-nelsongallery.com

The show will include work by the following artists:

Aaron Brown
Daniel Coburn
Roxanne Graber
Steven Graber
Sally Johnson
Steven Johnson
Lacey Lewis
Joseph Lorusso
Barbara Waterman-Peters
Ann Piper

Public Reception for the Artists
June 22nd 5-8pm
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LIMITED EDITION PRINTS BY DANIEL W. COBURN NOW AVAILABLE AT THESE FINE GALLERIES:

Strecker-Nelson Gallery
406 1/2 Poyntz
Manhattan Kansas
785-537-2099
http://www.strecker-nelsongallery.com/Artists_nu/Coburn.html

Leopold Gallery
324 West 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816.333.3111
http://www.leopoldgallery.com

SouthWind Gallery
3074 SW 29th St # 1
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 273-5994
http://www.southwindgalleryoftopeka.com

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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

I will begin my residency in Mid July. I hope to post regular updates on my blog which will include new photos and details about my experiences. Over 3 million people visit Rocky Mountain National Park every year. My goal is to document this phenomenon and create a photographic essay about visitors to the park. This is part of my continuing study of mankind and his relationship with nature.

Stay tuned…

Tips for Fine Art Photographers: How to Conserve Cash

I thought I would share a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way.

Framing:

Aside from the purchasing of equipment, the cost of framing will be most likely be your #1 expense. This can be frustrating since your frame will probably cost more than the materials you have invested in making your print.

1. Work in standard sizes (8.5 x 11, 11 x 14, 18 x 24, 24 x 36, 30 x 40 etc.)

Some people are opposed to this and feel limited by these standards. However, if you are preparing for an exhibit on a budget, this can prove to make things much more affordable. Most Hobby Shops have significant sales on frames in Standard Sizes. “Hobby Lobby” and “Michaels” are known for having “50% OFF” sales every other week. The great thing about buying pre-made frames, is that they typically include glass. Most of the time the glass is somewhat clean and this will save you a lot of time when framing your own work. (Those of you who have ever cleaned glass purchased from a hardware store understand what I’m saying) If you are going to take the DO-IT-YOURSELF approach to framing, save yourself some time and headache. Purchase a Fletcher Gun for Securing your work in the frame

I do not cut my own mattes. It’s too much of a hassle and you can usually have a frameshop cut them for a very affordable price. I also buy mattes and packaging from precutmats.com. Nice product and very cheap.

2. If you can’t work in standard sizes_ create your own standard.

I generally work by series. All of the images in my “Young Woman” series are the same size. I had my frame shop build 5 frames for me. Since all of the images in this series are the same size, they are interchangeable in those frames. I can display new work in that series by simply switching the prints out.

3. Choose a frame that can take a beating and still look good.

Buy frames that have a tough or rugged looking finish. If the frame takes a hit, that blemish won’t be as noticeable if you had chosen a very sleek contemporary looking frame.

4. Shop around for a good/affordable frame shop.

I have some of my work framed at a local business. I have built a good relationship with these people and they do great work… and it’s VERY affordable. If there is a problem, they work with me to make it right. Always shop around, and be careful of those shops that want to push their outrageously priced archival materials. Archival Materials are important, but you don’t need a matte that is 100% rag, and you don’t necessarily need to invest in UV or non-reflective glass.

Making Prints:

This will only apply to those of you making prints from digital files.

1. If you are in this for the long haul, you should think about investing in your own printer. You might experience a painful bout of Sticker Shock, but it will pay off for you in the long run. I purchased an Epson 2400 archival inkjet printer about a year ago. It has paid for itself several times over. This has been a very cost effective way to make prints and has also expanded my creative freedom. I can fine tune my images and create a print that represents my artistic vision_ which means that I’m not relying on the high school student working behind the counter at my local photo lab.

Equipment:

1. I make most of my large purchases through B and H camera. Great Prices, Great Products, Reliable Service… No, they didn’t pay me to say that.

Photo of the Week 6/5/07

Hello Everyone,
This weeks photo was captured last week north of Topeka on Leedy Road. The recent rains have brought floods and storm damage to much of Northeast Kansas but the unstable weather has also produced some magnificent cloud formations.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK CAN NOW BE PURCHASED AS AN UN-EDITIONED PRINT DIRECTLY FROM MY WEBSITE.
http://www.danielwcoburn.com/prints.html

Limited Edition Prints are available at the galleries listed below.

__________________________________________________________

PHOTOGRAPHS NOW AVAILABLE AT LEOPOLD GALLERY

Earlier this week I had a very productive meeting with Paul Dorrell at Leopold Gallery in Kansas City. I am now represented by these fine regional galleries.

Strecker-Nelson Gallery
406 1/2 Poyntz
Manhattan Kansas
785-537-2099
http://www.strecker-nelsongallery.com/Artists_nu/Coburn.html

Leopold Gallery
324 West 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64113
816.333.3111
http://www.leopoldgallery.com

SouthWind Gallery
3074 SW 29th St # 1
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 273-5994
http://www.southwindgalleryoftopeka.com

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PHOTOGRAPHS FEATURED IN KANSAS MASTERS INVITATIONAL

Two of my photographs will be exhibited in the First Annual Kansas Masters Invitational Art Show which is being held at Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan, Kansas. The show opens to the public May 4, 2007 and will run until June 16th. There will be a public reception for the artists Friday May 4th from 5-8pm.

All of the artists in this show are from Kansas or have been connected/influenced significantly by the landscape and culture of our state. The exhibit showcases the amazing talent of Kansas artists and is also a benefit for the Kansas Park Trust.
The event was curated by Don Lambert who is known for his early recognition of Elizabeth “Grandma” Layton and who is known as an authoritative art writer who has always been an advocate for visual arts in Kansas.

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SPRING SNAPSHOT

Members of the Lawrence Photo Alliance set out to document the city of Lawrence throughout the month of April. The results of their work will be showcased at both Lawrence Bank Locations through June 23.
There will be a public reception for the artists
Thursday June 7th from 5-7 pm at Lawrence Bank (23rd and Clinton Parkway in Lawrence)
Please join us for conversation, snacks and wine.

http://www.lawrencephotoalliance.org

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BEYOND MIMESIS

Conceptual Photographs by Daniel W. Coburn will be exhibited in an upcoming show at Strecker-Nelson Gallery

Beyond Mimesis
June 22nd – July 28th
Strecker-Nelson Gallery
406 1/2 Poyntz Ave
Manhattan, KS

The show will also include work by the following artists:
Aaron Brown
Daniel Coburn
Roxanne Graber
Steven Graber
Sally Johnson
Steven Johnson
Lacey Lewis
Joseph Lorusso
Barbara Waterman-Peters
Ann Piper

Public Reception for the Artists
June 22nd 5-8pm