Australia is arguably the best self-publishing market in the world. It might be because they are in the middle of nowhere and communication with the outside world takes six weeks of trying to find a signal, but it could also be the Aussie spirit, which is, in my experience, unique. They treat self-pub like traditional pub. And they revere Australian artists, writers, and photographers. If you are Australian, you might debate this, but I can say with certainty that in all my travels for Blurb, Australia is tops when it comes to self-pub.
I had a show at Kinokuniya.
Well, I was part of a show at Kinokuniya Books in Sydney. I forgot all about it. I have my friend Garry to thank for the show. I’m a nobody, a nothing, but Garry is a made guy, like Tony Soprano, but with art instead of guns and dumping bodies in the East River. Garry asked for my books and asked for the ephemera that lived on my desk. Cameras, art supplies, prints, etc. These images represent what I sent.
A few weeks ago, I was at a gathering of photogs/artists, and someone introduced me to a crowd of strangers. “This is Dan, he’s in the collections of X, Y, Z, and Q.” “Q?” I thought. “What Q?” They were referring to an art institute in Latin America. I’d forgotten all about it. I then remembered I have work in multiple Latin American art museums. And I’d forgotten about them, too. This probably isn’t good. I should remember. I don’t think I’m having memory problems. I think I’m having notoriety problems. Never wanted it. The dream remains the same. Disappear. Now that I think about it, I might have a book in The Tate Modern in London. I know I did at one point. No idea now. It doesn’t matter. My ship sailed, sank, and is now an artificial reef for tourists.
But it does bring up an interesting question. Is it rude or arrogant of me not to care? Does it matter to anyone? Should I care and do more with it? I have no idea. I’m doing laundry and charging batteries. I’ve got important things to do. The museums and institutions certainly care. A lot of people work hard to make them what they are. Photography has mostly been a private experience for me. That might sound odd, seeing as I worked professionally for many years, and much of my work was “out there.” It was a private conversation most of the time. I’d smile and play along, but inside I was looking for the exit.
Having a show felt somewhat embarrassing. I love the way these images look, not these bad cellphone snaps but the actual prints IN the images. I do like how they look, and they motivate me to do more, but when people ask me about doing shows now, I reply, “I’m good.” Perhaps this is about internal vs external compulsion, the source of motivation, or ignorance. Anyway, in case you never saw these, maybe there is something you can glean from these images, prints, or show idea.
PS: Last night, I was reminded of another institution in which my work resides. I’d forgotten.
Comments 18
I think it is indicative of the fact that you live in the present and future not the past. I was in 5, maybe 7 group shows in Nashville when I lived there. I would be hard pressed to name them. It is all about the next picture not the last one. (on the other hand, if I ever get around to making a website, it would be nice to figure it out for the CV).
Author
I was attempting to determine how many talks I’ve given for Blurb over 15 years. I gave up. Same for shows. I would love to know, and yes, a CV would be a fun game.
Echo Michael Ross…
There are those that live in the past, those that live in the present and those that live in the future. You don’t need to even hear them speak. You can see it in their eyes.
I met you in person for the first time during a Seattle photo walk. You live in the present.
Author
Yo Jon, coming back to Seattle for Chasing the Light. We are doing a talk/lecture. And yes, the present is just fine with me.
Daniel: upon reading your response immediately looked up the PCNW calendar of events. I did not see mention of you nor Blurb. Is there a date set for your being there?
Author
June 7th is the talk/demo.
When I made a photo, it was the present but instantly it became the past. So yes I love living among things of the past.
Author
Past, present, future. All with solid qualities.
Re: forgetting the collections you are part of.
I don’t read it arrogance. From someone else it could be mistaken for false-modesty.
But I see it as you looking out the windshield and not into the rear view. Moving forward knowing (hoping?) that your best project, best photo, best collection is AHEAD of you. The focus, intent, and headspace is reserved for the now and the soon.
That’s my guess at least.
Author
Yes, I feel like I haven’t started yet. And before long, I’ll wander too close to the river and be consumed by the crocs.
“A lot of people work hard to make them what they are. Photography has mostly been a private experience for me.” … reversing this quote to be “Photography has mostly been a private experience for me. A lot of people work hard to make them what they are.” and it becomes the juxtaposition between the creative act and putting the result out into the world. You seem to be highlighting the creative act but not completely ignoring the work necessary to put it into the world (if the latter is compelling).
Author
I think you have at least two generations who are performance artists. The audience is the driving force. I came up before this, so my view might be very different.
If you don’t remember everything it’s probably because there was so much of it, as you say, and enough is probably happening now.
I’m bad at printing my own work, except maybe simple prints. Should I envy you for your work… Probably not, but I will anyway, it’s a combination of envy, admiration and inspiration.
Author
Start small. Make small prints and only the best. A good exercise.
When I find an artist whose work I enjoy and then see that their work is held by a full-page list of various collections, my first thought is “Great. I’ll never be able to hang one of those on my wall unless I win the lottery.” Secondary to that is good for them.
It might be good for you to have the information handy at some point, but should it bother you to forget? I’d say no.
Author
That CV is hugely important for some. For me, the thought of trying to figure out my CV is beyond my ability.
“Is it rude or arrogant of me not to care? Does it matter to anyone? Should I care and do more with it?”
I’d say it’s neither, Dan. You’re a fair dinkum legend, staying true to yourself. Your photos are epic chapters, shot for passion, not praise. You didn’t chase claps, yet they’ve fired up folks to showcase your work in museums, and that work has and will continue to inspire others. The fact you still get asked about shows proves it matters! Your photos touch hearts, and people crave more. As for caring and doing more? If it sets your pulse racing, maybe give it a burl. But if your current ventures spark joy and you’re happy folding laundry, charging batteries, and having private chats with your camera, that’s just as epic and others have to respect that.
Author
Ah, you are being kind. Most of what I make is average at best. But thanks for taking time to share your thoughts.