I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions.
Sure we’ve got goals for the Toy Photographers community this year. And yes, attending the Cannon Beach Toy Photographers weekend is a personal goal I’ve set myself. But that’s about it. Or so I thought!
I’ve come back from a week of camping down the coast without any resolutions or personal goals for this year.
I’d hardly had time to brush the sand from between my toes before a resolution snuck up on me without me knowing it!
Three things
Within the space of a few days being home, amid the mountain of laundry to do and the pile of camping gear to put away, three things occurred that shaped a personal pledge to myself for the year.
- Shelly and I had a hangout to catch up on what had happened while I’d been away lounging on the beach, chasing waterfalls and drinking beers in the sun (and rain). During our catch up we chatted about her list of manageable toy photography related New Year’s resolutions.
- The Toy Photographers Podcast was launched! Within the wonderful first episode James’ spoke to Shelly about her gallery and coffee house exhibitions.
- A local brewery announced it was holding an art fair next month. Little Creatures Brewing will be hosting Geelong’s biggest art fair with art of all mediums from local artist available for sale.
Now I love maths. And these three things added up to a resolution that I didn’t know I wanted.
Horizon Gazing
One goal
In 2018, I’m going to exhibit my photography. Now that doesn’t sound like much of a resolution, but there’s more to it that just simply hanging my photos on a wall.
This year, I’m challenging myself to gate crash the perceived ‘what is art’ party. I want to slip toy photos into places that they wouldn’t typically be. I want to sneak toy photography into exhibitions between paintings and pottery.
During my chat with James for an upcoming podcast I spoke about how a printed toy photo has a greater impact than the same photo on a phone screen. Many times I’ve shown friends unfamiliar with toy photography a photo on my phone, resulting in mediocre responses. But when the same image is printed, framed, and hung on a wall, they then see it as art?
It’s this, together with the three things that happened as I was still wiping the sand from my feet, which has motivated me to push toy photography beyond just the eyes of fellow toy photographers.
Little Creatures
I’ve applied to show my photos at the Little Creatures Brewing art fair. I’ll let you know what they say.
Surely some Little LEGO Creatures need to be shown on the brewery walls next to what is typically accepted as art?
– Brett
Have you made any toy photography resolutions or set yourself any personal goals for the year?
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It seems like a great resolution to me. I’ll have to come and have a look at the exhibition.
Thanks Tony. Application submitted and awaiting confirmation of acceptance… I’ll let you know if I’m exhibiting mate. Plus it’s at a brewery, so we can have a much overdue beer!
You had me at toy photgraphy, but beer works as well.
Ha! I’m happy to have helped bring you to the Dark Side on the issue of resolutions. I think yours is a great one! Good luck sneaking some LEGO in!
Cheers mate. Our chat for the podcast did have an influence on this resolution, you sneaky bugger!
Hahahaha! We’re rubbing off on you! I think this is an awesome resolution for the new year, and mighty doable as well. There is really nothing more satisfying than seeing your work in print, talking to people in real life about what you’re doing and especially seeing the smiles on peoples faces. Have fun!
I know! First your ‘basics’ tips pop up in my photos and now you’ve got me making resolutions. I’ll take it out on you on the air hockey table! And I totally agree with you about seeing peoples reactions to your work. It was one of the highlights of the aBC exhibition for me.
I don’t think I’m ready for printing my work yet, but I love the challenge you’ve offered (or maybe I just read that in between the lines). And YES. Come to the Oregon safari. It would be great to have you there Brett! Happy New Year.
Doug, I’ll be in Oregon! I look forward to catching up with you.
I have a resolution for the year, I will combine toys with long exposure photography.. I have so many ideas for this, but I’m just baby steps into it..
And good luck with your resolution mate.
Wow! This sounds so exciting. I look forward to seeing the results mate.
Great resolution Brett! Fingers crossed for a good finish of this one.
I’ll better stay resolution free. Oh wait, I’ve done one. Dang!
Thanks Tomek. Hopefully I can make this one work. Otherwise next year it’s back to no resolutions!
I love hearing this sort of epiphany, Brett. It really resonates with things I’ve been thinking about related to my own creative efforts, whether toy photos, fiction writing, or illustration. We often put ourselves in a box and then live in it, when the wide world is still full of fresh opportunities. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!