Well, it has been some time, and I apologize for that. I did not think that when I last posted on January 11th, that November 2nd would be my next post. Nor, for that matter, that the state of the world would be what it is and has been during most of this year.
I want to say a couple things first, just to be clear… this is NOT a political post. I wanted to make sure no one is mislead on that and it was/is important to me that I wrote and posted this before the election (though I do hope everyone goes out to vote!) and results so that no one would be mislead about the title “The hand that is dealt” I have chosen. Sadly, I have been sitting on this title saved in my blog lineup since early March. Take it how you will in your own circumstances but “The hand that is dealt” for this instance means that I make no excuses for “success” or “failure” given the times we are in.
I really have only two “idols” if you will in my genre. Ansel Adams, whom I’m sure most of you have heard of, and Rodney Lough, Jr., probably not the same household name but in my opinion, the modern day Ansel Adams and someone whose work you should look at! Both of these men set the example for the standard of the quality of work I strive for. Both also come from very different time periods and world circumstances. Ansel rose to prominence during The Great Depression and is widely considered the father of the American Landscape tradition, photographically speaking. Rodney, on the other hand made a name for himself out on the art festival circuit in the late 80’s and early 90’s and has become perhaps the most currently renowned and financially successful artist in this field that I can think of. I have even had the pleasure of meeting the man, on my first cross country road trip in 2015. I got to meet my modern day hero and biggest inspiration and he did not disappoint! He and his wife are so kind and welcoming and gave me a complete studio tour followed by me just hanging out with him in his office editing room for about two hours talking all things life, hiking/camping/backpacking, and nature. Amazing.
The point to all this being, unfortunately, the art festival circuit (from what I am told anyways) is “not what it used to be” in relation to the grandeur’s of “success” some have seen during better economical times. But, none of that really matters. All we can do is play the hand we have been dealt and it is in this thought that I always come back to Ansel. I, nor hardly any of us, have ANY idea what it must have been like during The Great Depression. And to think of this man rising to such greatness during such times just really speaks strongly to me about what IS possible. I am in no way trying to make any comparisons of myself to these men, it is simply that these are the only professional influences that I pay any mind to really and so their stories resonate with me.
So I am here to tell you that despite being quiet for a while and the fact that there haven’t hardly been any art festivals to be able to be held this year (I and many of my friends had total cancellations) and we don’t know when things will resume on an even somewhat “normal” level, that I am in no way giving up! I am still playing my hand, it has just been on a bit of a pause. Many of you whom I have had in depth conversations with have heard me say that I fill in the gaps with landscape work. Well, this year has pretty much been all landscape work, which honestly I am thankful for. I know this year has been so tough on so many levels, so to have the opportunity to have a “backup” to go to for consistent income and for that to also be something that keeps me outside and that I enjoy doing AND it also be with a good friend, has been a blessing!
I felt it was important to let all of you know that has been what I’ve been up to. My dreams are still the same. I have simply been biding my time and making money that I can hopefully use wisely for the future of my artwork! I also wanted to say that I sincerely hope you all are doing as well as can possibly be during these times and please feel free to reach out and say hi, I would love to know that you are well!
And lastly, just so you know, things are not at a complete standstill. I am still capable of producing any work which has been available if anyone has any inquiries. I have quite a load of new work that I am chomping at the bit to be able to produce, but as some of my resources have also been affected, I haven’t had too much opportunity to do so. However, it has also accelerated my desire to procure more of my own “in house” capabilities which I hope to acquire soon and be able to have a very productive Winter!🤞😁
Speaking of which, looking ahead to later November and into December, I have just gotten word that the Central PA Festival of the Arts organizers are providing us with an on-line platform of promotion running through November 27th-December 18th. And also I have just submitted some work and thoughts to a Penn State student organization trying to promote awareness of art and mental health with an Instagram tag of @arts.for.health in which my highlight should be posting later this month. So please feel free to pass the words along to any interested and again, as always (and preferably!😉) feel free to contact me directly about anything!
Again, my apologies for taking so long to reach out to everyone, I realize I have a bad habit of becoming silent for too long at times and then it becomes more difficult for me to figure out what I want to say or how to go about jumping back into it. But, as the landscaping season continues to wind down, I intend for my voice to become more active and to get back to sharing what I do… (And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten my promise to finish up a couple stories I left hanging!) In the meantime, in the spirit of a Halloween post I made last year, enjoy a few spooky tree/forest pics from some adventures I was able to have recently🎃
My very best,
Brandon
