My last post here was essentially a quiet exit from the music business and a semi-retirement my identity as strictly a “music photographer.” I can report in the past couple of months it’s been liberating to get off the hamster wheel of wristbands, pitches, proposals and expectations both humble and grandiose. I’ve been able to sit quietly and have more space to absorb and reflect while separating what’s important, personal and honest about that work, and what’s not.
Strangely, by following the Law of Inverse Costanza, I’ve been getting better opportunities and results doing the opposite of what I’d usually do, which is care way too much about what people think and how the work is received.
But there is, in fact, something exciting to share: an exhibition in my hometown of St. Louis at the distinguished Bruno David Gallery called Show of Hands, opening this Friday (reception from 6-8PM, 7513 Forsyth Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63105)
The show is an opportunity for me to try and say some things about photographing and observing music, and my drive to push the conventions of the idiom through a shift in perspective from the overwrought to the subtle.
Much of the work was created for and first published here at TMDB (thank you to those who have supported it generously through your paid subscriptions), but I also discovered threads that took me back over the last 12 years. Looking at the work from a new perspective renewed my appreciation of the artists and organizations who allowed me to create good work. Special Thanks to Sharon Jones (and Saun and Starr), The Gang at Antone’s, Big Ears, Makaya McCraven, The Cactus Blossoms, Daniel Lanois, Kelly Finnigan, International Anthem, Blake Mills, Pino Palladino, Lee Fields, Stuart A. Staples, Joe Henry, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Earle, Winter Jazz Fest, SML, Tortoise and so on…
Hope to see some of you there, and appreciate any good vibes sent from afar.
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