So I promised more details in my last post and so here they are.
The show’s theme is “doing a lot with a little” which is something that I believe a lot of people can relate with. I decided to do the show because I really felt that God had put it on my heart a while ago to really do something for Springfield, and more specifically to give back to the community. I didn’t really know what that looked like at the time, but I knew he wanted me to do something. I started taking photos with my iPhone this last summer and really started to play around with some of the editing programs. I want to give a shout out to a photographer who I have been following for some time now for really inspiring me to get out and do this: Chase Jarvis. I’m sure he will never even see this, but if he were to, I just wanted to say “Thanks!”
One thing I never thought would happen was the life transformation that would come because of it. I know that might sound a little strange that a cell phone could change someone’s life, but it really did. I think that having something so small, and so simple really gave me a greater appreciation for what I have. I have a great camera with some really nice lenses, but any more it seems like I spend just as much time taking photos with my phone as I do my real camera.
The camera on the iPhone, while great, is still very limited. It has really challenged me to focus more on things like composition and subject matter. It has really made me look at things in a completely different light. I have really slowed my life down from the way I used to be. I used to run around a lot more and take things I had for granted. By using something so simple, I have allowed myself to really focus more intently on things, especially on the things around me. A photographer once said that at any given time, there are at least 10 great photographs within 10 feet of you. And I’ve really believed that for the last six months, and I can tell you that it is so true.
I decided to put this show on, not only for the reasons I stated earlier, but also because I want to encourage other people to open their eyes to the beauty around them. Even things that they might not normally see or take the time to look at. The show’s main purpose though is to give back, and to give back to the people of Springfield. Something I am really passionate about is giving, and giving my Gog given gift to others. I have set up the gallery in the hopes that I can sell every piece on display to give as much as I can to a local homeless shelter that supports people who have no place else to go, or who may be disabled and cannot work. I am giving 100% of everything that I make from this show to the Washington Street Mission in Springfield, Illinois. If you feel inclined to donate, I will pass everything on to them. They are always needing sugar and coffee that they serve every day to the people who come in off the streets.
I am going to have a closing reception on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 to talk about the show and to give people a chance to talk with me in person. The reception will probably start at 5:30 and last until about 8 tentatively. I really have no idea how this will look, but I just really don’t want to bring anything home, because whatever I do bring home is money that couldn’t go to the mission.
I want to give thanks to my lovely wife who spent a lot of her time last week helping me to set up and install my show. I could not have done it without her constant support and love.
