all photos ~ (embiggenable)
3.5 DAYS, APPROXIMATELY 442 MILES, 9 HOLES OF GOLF = 15 photographs.
Re: miles driven - from my house to Indian Lake is 97 miles as the car drives but only 40 miles as the crow flies (straight line). Of course, I am not a crow so driving it is. The hamlet of Indian Lake was our center if operations; it was where we bedded down and from where we ventured out–and back–each day. Monday to the south, Tuesday to the west. Weather was sunny and hot. Good food along the way to include a meal at an weirdly out-of-place Irish Pub; Guinness on tap and Irish egg rolls (stuffed with sauerkraut and corned beef).
Re: 15 photographs - this excursion was a bit of an oddity for me inasmuch as I rarely venture forth from home with the intent to make photographs. Rather, as mentioned previously, when I leave the house, I always bring along a picture making device and tend to keep my eyes and mind wide open for picture making possibilities. So, as this outing was mainly for the purpose of making photographs for very specific purpose, there was a bit of self inflicted pressure on me. Ya know, not a life or death kinda thing (artistically speaking), but a bit of success anxiety––sorta like, what if I head out and find noting of merit (project wise) to photograph?
In any event, I managed to get what I was looking for and, as an added bonus, I had plenty of time while driving about to think and fester, re: the project, it’s objective, and how to realize it. One primary thought on my mind during the drive about was the fact that a new version of project book was delivered to my house on the second day of my travels. The anticipation of viewing it was driving me to distraction if not actually driving me around the countryside.
That written, the new version of the book is still a proof version inasmuch as I knew I would want to add a few of the new pictures to it. But, I was also concerned about the revised selection of pictures in the book; some new ones added in place of other previous pictures which were removed––did it still convey the feeling I was looking for? And, the inclusion of picture locations on the facing page of the 2 page spread was a concern––did that work or was it a distraction? After viewing the new version I decided that the picture selection was good but that a few of the deleted pictures would added back in along with a few of the new pictures. That would bring the picture count to 70 images, a number that works for me. The picture location information? …. gone with the wind.
With those issues resolved, I turned my attention to the very daunting and all important task of writing a cover letter to accompany the zine “teaser” being sent out to galleries and art institutions. Daunting cuz I have come to the realization that a mere artist statement just won’t do the trick. That statement needs to be accompanied by an short and simple essay that speaks to 1) the uniqueness of the project––in the modern era it has never been done before, 2) it’s relationship to the early work––1870 thru 1890s––of Seneca Ray Stoddard and to that of William Eggleston in his William Eggleston’s Guide, 3) the book version’s popularity with Adirondack “locals”, 4) last, but not least, the pursuit of exhibition possibilities and the possibility of a permanent home for most of the 450 photographs collection.
All important cuz the cover letter really needs 1) to sell the importance of this work, not only for now but also future generations, 2) demonstrate that the work was created on a long term basis––over 25 years––and with a serious commitment to craft. While I believe that the work stands on its own merits, a little thoughtful “hype” might help it along.