Sometimes people suggest that I use the term “eclectic” when describing my photo work, as opposed to my first choice; “schizophrenic.” “Eclectic” sounds more artsy. Gives me that respectable air of quirkiness.
There are moments when it really hits me how disparate my subject matter is. Like when I’m looking through my prints at the end of the day and see studio shots of glamorous burlesque performers, breathtaking landscapes, unsettling crime scenes, and serene images of the Japanese tea ceremony.
And the truth of the matter is, I enjoy shooting and printing all of my bodies of work equally, even though they seem so dissimilar. I get excited when I see that one of my crime scene shots truly has the feel of a vintage image, and a sunset image from Piha, Aotearoa can have the power to literally take my breath away.
Of course, this wide variety of subject matter makes it difficult to market myself. I’m often seen as the “subculture” photographer, but several of my projects are more classical in nature, more along the true lines of fine art photography.
But the fine art world has always seemed perplexing and convoluted. My world consists of constant creation. Who has time for “networking” and schmoozing when there’s shooting and printing to be done?
Ah, but there’s the challenge... How do you keep creating and make the connections necessary to enter the art world? If anyone has the answer, let me know!