I’m finding myself having to write this inside, despite the fact that I’m currently enjoying a wonderful view of the South Carolina coastline. The heat of summer has made an early appearance, which my computer quickly made evident to me, is not the type of weather to be sitting outside in while posting a blog, as the cooling fan could be heard loud and clear. Aside from not being able to enjoy the sounds of the ocean, I have to admit that the lack of humidity and the ample cool air from the air conditioning makes being inside not that bad of a thing. Regardless of the weather and location, though, I wanted to just give a little update on what has been going on since my last post.

First and foremost, I’ve been having to settle myself into a new state of normality over the past month and a half. I’ve gone from being headquartered in one location to working out of two different places at the same time. My fiancé and I have rented a place in middle Georgia, close to her family, as we start our journey of living together. As of right now, I’m going back and forth between Georgia and South Carolina most weeks, but it will soon be both of us. Either way, though, it has made for the normal issues of getting a place livable and taking time, at least for me, to learn the lay of the land. Don’t get me wrong, it has been more enjoyable than I have wanted it to be, but I’ve just recently been able to get myself back to a good routine of work after adjusting to this “new normal”. Between all of the life adjustments, though, I’ve been sending out work and attending to suggestions I have received at recent portfolio reviews.

As May has unfolded, and is coming to a close, I’ve started to hear back from some places and have been relatively content with how work has been received. Of course, the majority is what is to be expected, and no acceptance, but that is far from the overall truth. Although I didn’t make the list of finalists, I recently was named a Juror Recommended Artist in the Premio Combat Prize, held in Livorno, Italy. There are a few other things I’m waiting to hear back from, and expect to hear about most of them by the end of May, so I’m sure I’ll have something to say in my next post; hopefully it will be positive.

Outside of sending out work for consideration, I’ve been splitting work time between shooting, editing, and concept development. All three of these things have been very much interwoven as of late, which has made for an interesting process. I don’t normally like to go shooting with too much of a developed concept, as it tends to stifle the fluidity of shooting. However, the new ideas I’ve been developing have been seeping into the overall process. I’ve found myself shooting to help with the editing process of a current project in it’s late stages, along with formulating and developing new projects, both of which have helped get me into a place, mentally, that has been very helpful. I hope to start sharing some of the new work in the next few months as it develops, and to update more on the last bit of the ongoing project.

As June comes around, I’m looking forward to helping out, for the second year, with the photo camp held by the Morris Museum of Art. After having had the experience last year, I can’t wait to try some new things with the group of kids that we have come in. It is always fun to share a love for photography, and art in general, with the kids. If nothing else, it gives the participants an understanding of different ways to see the world. Hopefully they come out of the program with not only some new direct knowledge, but also with some new, alternative ways to express themselves and approach life. We will be doing this for most of the month, so next time you hear from me, it may be MAINLY about the camp, but I guarantee it will all be positive!

I look forward to a new normal, new projects, exhibits, and opportunities to both teach and learn as this summer unfolds. I hope that all who read this have a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring summer, as well. I’ll be sure to notify any and all about anything upcoming, and update as the next month goes by.