Farewell to the Corporate World

Above photograph taken from Brooklyn Bridge in New York by Daniel W. Coburn

The Reckoning

For the first time in my life I feel confident that I understand my purpose. I don’t understand why it took 30 years, because I was born an artist. From the time I was old enough to hold a pencil, I loved the act of creation. Constantly drawing and painting as a kid, I became obsessed with making pictures on paper or canvas.

As I got older I became influenced by many factors that led me wandering aimlessly on a path towards the “American Dream”_ I racked up credit card debt, bought a house, and have been engaged to 3 different women since I graduated high school :c) I’ve been married and divorced. I’ve found myself on the brink of bankruptcy and insanity on more than one occasion. It’s taken me 3 decades of life experience to realize that I’m not required to meet the expectations imposed by tradition and society. I refuse to live a mediocre life, work at a mediocre job, have a mediocre retirement, and then die a mediocre death. Yes! we can all find safety and security in mediocrity but where is the fun in that? We only get one crack at life!!

The past few years have been great ones. I am about to get married for the second time to an independent, strong, caring and talented woman. My career as a fine-art photographer has been a great success. I don’t have a credit card payment, car loan or mortgage to worry about. The timing is perfect, so now I can live the life that brings me happiness

The Reasons Why I Left

Friday was my last official day of work in the corporate world. For the last 10+ years I have been employed as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Jostens Printing and Publishing in Topeka. I gave my two weeks notice in Mid-May. My departure was quiet and uneventful. Just the way I wanted it.

Now that I am officially gone I feel at liberty to discuss some of the reasons why I left. I spent many of my years at Jostens as a model employee. I volunteered for special teams, special projects, and sacrificed my personal life to do extra work because I thought that I was somehow making a difference. I also thought that I was a valuable employee and that someday I would be rewarded for my hard work in the form of salary or special recognition. I was mistaken. I spent the last few years as an average employee with a serious chip on my shoulder which was definitely not a healthy situation. Perhaps the most discouraging part is that throughout my years with this company, I was always treated as if I was expendable. Regardless of my level of performance, I could always be replaced. It didn’t matter if I busted my butt or sat on my butt, I was always treated the same. My opinions and ideas didn’t seem to matter or make any difference. I am convinced that management really didn’t want employees that could think_ They wanted robots to perform a job and keep their mouths shut. Now I just sound disgruntled :c)

The good news is that I realized it was time to get out. In my 10 years at Jostens I saw very talented people squander their potential. I finally escaped!! It’s only been a week, but I already feel rested and relieved.

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. More photographs can be found on his official website.

Interview for Sunday Art Talk Segment on Channel 13 WIBW

Above photographs by Gary Blitsch owner of SouthWind Gallery. Photos hanging on the walls by Daniel Coburn (yours truly :c)

I was recently interviewed by Channel 13 news anchor Lindsay Shively for a Sunday Art Talk Segment. She interviewed me at SouthWind Gallery in Topeka on Tuesday but the feature will air on Sunday. Our talk centered around my photography and the release of my new book “Between Earth and Sky.” SouthWind Gallery will help me celebrate the release of my new book at a signing party on Friday June 6th, 6-9pm. I’ll be there to sign your copy!

Sunday Art Talk with Daniel Coburn
Channel 13 – WIBW @ 10am

First Friday Gallery Walk and Book Signing Party
Friday June 6th
6-9pm
Snacks and Refreshments will be served!

SouthWind Gallery
3074 SW 29th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66614

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. For more photographs and information visit his official website

Picher Oklahoma – Tar Creek Superfund Site

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You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. You can see additional photographs by visiting his official website

All photos contained in this post are the intellectual property of Daniel W. Coburn and are protected by international copyright law.

I am posting additional photos from my recent trip to Picher Oklahoma. MSNBC.com ran a story about Picher Oklahoma yesterday and it seems to have generated quite a bit of interest. You can see additional pictures of the site by visiting my previous post.

I recently made a trip to Picher Oklahoma with fellow artist Louis Copt. We volunteered for a field trip which took us on an adventure with about 50 high school students from Lincoln Prep Academy and Shawnee Mission East in Kansas City. Louis and I were to serve as mentors to these young artists_ scary, I know.

Picher Oklahoma is an old mining town in the extreme northeast portion of the state. The excavations in this town provided lead to make ammunition during World War II and Korea. Mining ceased about 50 years ago and the town began to sink as the underground shafts have filled with water. It’s no longer safe to live in Picher on many different levels, so the federal government is buying land from residents and business owners. Officials say the entire place will be leveled in 3 years_ The town will literally disappear.

The land and townspeople have been abused by the mining companies.  The city is rundown, and surrounded by enormous manmade mountains. These chat piles are mine tailings_ waste by-product from the mining process.  The land is heavily littered and polluted.

Deb Stavin & Dan Coburn Gallery Talk @ 6 Gallery Tonight 5/11/08

Hello Everyone

Come on down to 6 Gallery this Sunday at 5:30 pm. Deb Stavin and I are going to talk about our art with 6 Gallery director Sally Piller. It’s part of the ongoing Second Sunday Gallery Talk Series, and an informal way to learn more about what goes on in the minds (and cameras) of two internationally recognized artists who just happen to live in Kansas. And besides, you never know…there might be snacks!

716 1/2 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044

Friday Opening @ Leopold Gallery

Above photographs by Daniel W. Coburn

My ongoing exhibit at Leopold Gallery in Kansas City

I arrived about 30 minutes early to grab a few shots of the exhibit. About 6 o’clock I began greeting visitors and shaking hands as we had over 150 people for the opening reception. This exhibit showcased about 20 of my large-scale photos. Sales were good and I had some additional inquiries which I am sure will lead to more.

If you weren’t able to make the show stop by before June 12th to see my work as well as sculpture by Arlie and Dave Regier.

Leopold Gallery
324 West 63rd Street (In Brookside)
Kansas City, MO 64113

For more information contact:
816.333.3111

You are visiting the blog of fine art photographer Daniel W. Coburn. To see more of his work visit the official website

Large Scale Prints for Upcoming Show at Leopold Gallery

Above photograph: Artist Dan Coburn with a large scale print of his image depicting the Kansas Flint Hills.

This is just one of the large scale photographic prints that I made for my upcoming exhibit at Leopold Gallery in Kansas City on Friday. This piece measures 40″ x 60″ without the frame. I think the distortion in my camera lens makes this look smaller than it is. Ignore that goofy looking guy in the picture. He’s just there to give you a sense of scale. A couple of these pieces will serve as the focal point for my show. Arlie and Dave Regier will exhibit 3-dimensional works in stainless steel.

I hope to see you on Friday, May 9th, at an opening reception for the artists. Refreshments will be provided from 6-9pm.

Leopold Gallery
324 West 63rd Street (In Brookside)
Kansas City, MO 64113

For more information contact:
816.333.3111

Opening at Leopold Gallery This Friday – Gigantic Prints

I finally had the opportunity to make some very large prints for my upcoming show at Leopold Gallery which opens this Friday. These measure about 4 x 6 feet. An archival print is mounted on tempered board and a special UV lamination is applied which eliminates the distraction of glass. I think the landscape works form my “Silver Portfolio” are best shown at this size. In fact, I think these images have reached their full potential in this format and presentation style_ It’s been a long time coming.

I’ll deliver about 15 pieces to Leopold Gallery on Wednesday. My photographic works will be presented with sculptural pieces by Arlie and Dave Regier. These guys make incredible 3-dimensional pieces in stainless steel. Please join us at Leopold Gallery on Friday, May 9th, for a public reception.

Leopold Gallery
324 West 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64113

For more information contact:
816.333.3111