Forging Meaningful Connections in the World of Art

In Making Connections, we examine the ways in which we share our work, the impact our images have on the subject and the audience, and how our images create opportunities for connection.

My photography journey has been full of highs and lows, but has been consistently enriched by the meaningful connections that I have made along the way. It’s truly remarkable to think of the many amazing people I never would have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with, if not for my camera. The power of photography to help connect people in a meaningful way cannot be understated: one nature image can help brighten a patient’s day, one encouraging word from another photographer can help build your confidence, and one hour of solitude in nature can reframe your mood and positively alter the way you view the world. As social and connected creatures, these relationships and profound experiences can help us grow as photographers and fuel our creativity.

*Photography installation in the corridor of Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health, Modesto*

Achieving representation in a saturated art market can be very difficult, and many photographers are left wondering how to get recognized in the tactile world of art, outside of the digital world of social media. To gain some insight on this, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down and asking some tough questions of two wonderful women who are forces in the art world: one an art gallery owner, the other a healthcare and corporate art consultant, both talented artists in their own right. Having worked with both for many years, I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did from this enlightening conversation, but I certainly was wrong!

“It is through making myself vulnerable, focusing on what fuels me creatively, and continuously plugging away at developing my own technique and artistic vision, that I’ve very slowly gained the respect and support of a clientele. ”

*Solo photography show at Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Sacramento*

Believe it or not, gallery owners and art consultants are not two-dimensional people who exist for the sole purpose of rejecting photographers’ inquiries! They have the challenging job of identifying and curating work that matches the interests of a particular client base, and it is important to recognize the nuances of this process, impacted by each individual’s background and context. With an art degree from Sacramento State, Cynthia Lou is the owner of Sparrow Gallery on the flourishing R Street corridor in midtown Sacramento. The gallery celebrates underrepresented artists of all mediums, with 10% of the represented art as photography. Our paths crossed through a common passion: with a background in the architectural field, Cynthia recognized that many practicing architects, including myself, are closet artists, and opened her gallery to a show around that theme. Likewise, with a degree in painting from UC Davis and an accomplished background as a painter and drawing instructor, Kira Stewart, founder of Art Consulting Services, is absolutely passionate about all mediums of art. Disillusioned with the pressure of being a full time artist dependent on sales, Kira married her passion for art with business and now leads a thriving art consulting firm focused primarily in the healthcare art market.

*Experimenting with printing on new mediums, such as these acrylic blocks, currently on display at Sparrow Gallery.*

Cynthia’s representation of my work at that first gallery show, and in the years since, has helped build my confidence, connected me with an audience, and inspired me to continuously improve my photography. Likewise, Kira saw potential in my photography early on, when my images were legitimately cringeworthy. Kira’s representation of my work compelled me to learn evidence-based principles in nature and landscape photography, as well as helped me define my passion for creating imagery for healthcare environments, a zeal I’m likely to pursue for as long as I hold a camera. Through my relationship with Kira and Cynthia, I’ve learned to put ego aside, continuously ask for feedback on how I can improve, and take chances in experimenting with new techniques and print mediums to make my work stand out, even at the risk of failure. It is through making myself vulnerable, focusing on what fuels me creatively, and continuously plugging away at developing my own technique and artistic vision, that I’ve very slowly gained the respect and support of a clientele.

*Local imagery of the Stanislaus River used in Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Modesto’s elevator lobby.*

In that vein, it is imperative that we, as slow photographers, sometimes put the camera down and take the time to focus on our online presence, our pricing models, and our brand. If you have a website, keep it up to date with new content. If you sell work across multiple platforms, maintain clear and consistent pricing so your clientele doesn’t look elsewhere for a cheaper price. Likewise, a regular presence on Instagram shows the art gallery owner and the art consultant what you’re currently working on, and how your work is evolving and growing. According to Cynthia, “Instagram shows you’re constantly working and shows the direction you’re working towards; clients really do look at Instagram!” As a visual medium, Instagram is a good resource for emerging photographers that may not be able to afford expensive website hosting fees.

So, once you have your online presence in order, what really is the best way for a photographer to approach a gallery owner or an art consultant to get a foot in the door, with the end goal of gaining representation? Kira’s art consulting business screens numerous submissions from artists and photographers on a weekly basis, which typically includes a curriculum vitae and examples of the artist’s work. It’s a tough truth that decisions to represent a photographer can be made with a 2-second skim of the CV, and a 30-second review of their work. It is during this crucial first impression that the art consultant assesses whether the work being submitted is in alignment with their clients’ desires and aesthetics. A rejection does not necessarily mean the photographer’s work is bad, it may very well be a good fit for a different art consultant with a different and unique client base. By the same token, every art gallery has an aesthetic that caters to their audience. It is the photographer’s job to do their homework: take the time to visit the gallery and get to know their website and, if they sense a compatibility, submit their very best work that really stands out. And finally, respect the gallery owner and “please don’t embark on a sales pitch during a gallery opening, when the focus is on clients and customers,” according to Cynthia. Kira has similar advice for professional photographers, “I’ve cut ties with talented artists and photographers with strong work if they are difficult to work with professionally. It’s about maintaining professionalism, communicating with clarity, and following through on your commitments.”

*A collage of local architectural landmarks mixed with foliage shot in downtown Modesto in Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Modesto’s elevator lobby.*

Since joining the Slow Photography Movement, I’ve learned how important it is to put the camera down and take a break from running from location to location capturing a large quantity of shots. My biggest periods of growth have come from times of quiet reflection and studying color theory, tonality, mood, technique, and even other artistic mediums. Lessons learned doing this are extremely important in the art world. Art gallery owners and art consultants are looking for craft and quality, and in this digital age of cell phone cameras, not just a snapshot. Both Cynthia and Kira stressed the importance of being true to your vision, and once you’ve mastered a technique or composition, then move on and experiment with something new. Cynthia’s advice to photographers is “don’t be discouraged when you don’t get chosen, it’s not personal and every artist experiences it.” It’s also important to not change your style to please others or gain favor. Kira encourages photographers to “Always be true to yourself. If you are true to yourself, in art, in business and in life, your collectors will find you. Always live your values in everything you do.” By honing your craft through practicing mindfulness and humble self-reflection, you will find your audience.