Spooky Show Opens Today

detail view, "Aquarium" 2012

The fourth annual Spooky Show is opening this evening at the Lightbox Photographic gallery in Astoria, Oregon. One of my works, "Aquarium, 2012" was selected for the show, and it's a big honor because the gallery owner said it was really hard to get in this year. In the past, the show has been open- the more the merrier, until the gallery was full. This year, there was a juror who selected relatively few artists. As it turns out, I am one of the only artists from Oregon whose work is in the show.

"Aquarium" 2012

When it comes to photography, I'm very much an outsider artist. I don't belong to any groups or have any professional affiliations, and frankly, I find the whole photography scene rather underwhelming at times. Discussion of technique is about as interesting as watching paint dry, but photographers really get into it. As a result, I've had to endure some dreadfully dull conversations at photography shows.

I don't fit in, but that's not a complaint. I don't want to fit in. I want to stand out. My work does not resemble anything else in the show. It really doesn't even resemble a photograph, but I feel the work is strong. So, it'll be interesting to hear how people respond to it. Most likely, they'll ask how I made the image (yawn!) rather than what it's about. The latter is what interests me most.

The Spooky Show will be on display at the Lightbox Photographic Gallery, 1045 Marine Drive, Astoria, from today through November 6th. Opening reception is tonight from 6-9pm. For more information, click here.