In September of 2020, I emailed several galleries looking for information on showing my work. One of them, Crete Creative Gallery and School, responded, saying they had an opening in May of 2021. I gladly accepted.
Since the initial email, I’ve gotten forms to read and fill out, and a request for the name of my show and a digital print representing my work. They also asked for an artist statement. I’ve read and filled out what I needed to. After some research on the web, and reading through the website of the gallery, I found the best name for a show is usually just two words. This ruled out my usual “Rust and Decay as Art” as a name for my show. I had to brainstorm this one. After coming up with about 10 choices, I ran them by my wife for input. We both thought “Time Lost” was a good fit for my work and what it represents. Picking a print to highlight my show was much easier. I ended up using my shot titled “Taillight #1” for it.
An artist statement sounds like it would be an easy thing to do. Again, I researched the web and the gallery’s website for ideas and inspiration. After several edits, and suggestions from my wife, it was done. I also wrote a bio, so it could be consistent across all my media. The bio got sent in instead of the statement, but the folks at the gallery were happy with it.
Over the past several months, I have been ordering my prints in metal for the show. Most of them are black and white, with just a few in color. I have tried to get a good range of my work that fits into the show title.
The gallery has made postcards for my show. Once they are printed up, I can pick them up for distribution. I had no idea they were going to do that.
I have started labeling each box with a print name, preparing them for transport. I still must box up the ones I have out for display and mark them. Then come May 1, I can take them to the gallery. In the meantime, I do what I imagine what other artists do, which is wonder if I have enough work, will they be received with awe and astonishment, and ask myself if I forgot anything.
Once the show is up and running, I’ll write another blog about it. In the meantime, keep shooting.
Rick Decorie Photography Blog 