Remember why you started

Because I didn't

I am two days post-exhibit, and frankly, it didn’t go as I intended. Well, kind of, but I'll explain further. I had previously done four exhibitions in Perth, all very different as I was starting this career in photography. I tried a lot and changed a lot along the way. One thing remained consistent: my value for printing your work. I think it's equivalent to fixing up an old car and never driving it. You don’t show it in its best form. So, I have always and will continue to do exhibitions when I choose to showcase my work.

Two days ago, I did my fifth exhibition, and I can honestly say it went both amazingly and terribly. Well, it depends on your prior intent behind it, but this is why I wanted to write this email. I truly know that one day I will be a fine art photographer who sells prints, but right now, I am not quite there.

So, why the email? As I said, I did an exhibit two days ago, and truthfully, it was amazing. I had over 70 people show up, some old faces and some new, in a space that was perfect for it. There was food, wine, and Tim Tams (important when you know the exhibit). People laughed and understood the frames and the story. They told me the images were beautiful, printed and framed well. Each print I embossed shone as the light moved. All things within my control were executed to the highest level I know how.

This is where it went wrong. I CHANGED MY INTENTION. Prior to this exhibit, I had said to people 18 months ago that I wouldn’t exhibit in Perth for a while as it’s not the audience for my art (partly true), and exhibitions are costly and time-consuming. However, with this series, Aussie Kulture, I had fully rebuilt the engine, upgraded the suspension, got it repainted, tuned it, and decided it was time to take it for a spin. So, we booked an exhibition.

To avoid the issues mentioned above, I did small prints in a venue that didn’t cost me anything as long as I set the room up. The wine was ticketed, so I didn’t have to pay. Overall, it was a very cheap gallery to put on compared to my previous ones. So, all in all, I did everything I could to make the work look amazing, display it well, and do what I love by putting on an exhibition. People showed up and enjoyed it.

So, why did I say I changed my intention? Prior to doing it, my reasons were to close the chapter of the series, showcase them, see how people reacted, and put on an event for others to laugh, drink nice wine in a great space, and look at my work. However, a few days before, I felt something change, and my entire focus shifted to the sales from the night. Yes, that’s right. I took all of the power out of my hands and placed it into others to determine if my night was a success.

Where did that get me? I didn’t think I would get sales, to be honest, and I didn’t, so naturally, it made me really not enjoy the feeling post-exhibit. Regardless of how many boxes were ticked on the night, the only one I had given any weight to wasn’t, and that sucked. Truth be told, you will be hurt 100 times more by your own expectations than by your reality. People loved the frames, the concept, the prints; they had a great night. I met new people, hung out with friends and family. It was really nice. I did a speech and didn’t mess it up.

But I messed up when I took all of the value of the night out of my hands, and this is my warning to you. Regardless of your pursuit, remember why you started and go back to it. Don’t get driven off course, don’t be led astray, or don’t lead yourself astray. You will be 100% a success when you get everything you want out of what you do. Sales will come and go, but getting a room with 70 people complimenting you on what you’ve created only happens in that moment. Enjoy it.