Ups and Downs

Getting your work seen is one of the most challenging tasks, even in the digital era.  The problem is all those tremendous photographers out there.  They do great work, and we're all trying to get through a narrow portal and depending on the judgement of a person, the juror, who knows nothing at all about us.  They have our images to be filtered through the theme of a show, the size of the gallery, how they react to our work on their computer monitor.  Maybe others are better photographers than me and they get more acceptances for that good reason, or maybe others deal with rejection better.  It's still a disappointment for me, whenever my work isn't accepted.  It is easier to take, when I look at the accepted artists and think, " That's great work.  I hope I can do as well in the future."

That makes it especially satisfying to get into a competitive gallery like the ASmith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas.  Amanda Smith and Kevin Tully run a first-rate operation there.  The shows are always outstanding and draw photographers from the US and beyond.  And they are great people.

One of my works, "Big Rig," was accepted in "Vistas" at ASmith by Dan Burkholder, and outstanding photographer whose work I admire.  He also has some distant personal connections to me.  We have never met, but he's about the same age, was raised in Hagerstown, MD and went to college at Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster, PA.  I'm living in Annapolis, MD and went to Dickinson College, down the road from Lancaster in Carlisle, PA.

"Big Rig" was shot through the cab windshield of a big rig truck while I was acting as a courier for the National Gallery of Art.  We were transporting a 17th-century painting to the museum of art in Quebec City.  As you can see in the photo, the trip began in a downpour, and it continued most of the trip.  You truly get a different experience of the road in the cab of a long-haul truck.  One thing I learned from such trips is; have some respect for the drivers.  It's a tough job.

"Big Rig" will be at the ASmith Gallery in "Vistas" from November 3 - December 17, 2017.

Turning a Corner

For most of this year I've felt like my work was drifting.  I haven't been as interested in landscapes as in the past, but nothing else has really caught my attention.  That's changed.  Since visiting Portugal I've been making more and more photographs of people.  So I've added an new page to the website devoted to this new work.  I'll see where it leads me.

If you include nudes in the category of People, things are going well.  "Red Nude" (2016) was just juried into the 4th Open Call Exhibition at the Providence (RI) Center for Photographic Arts and the Captured Beauty Exhibition at the Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria, VA.  After the Storm (2016) was also accepted into Captured Beauty and TJ's Lunch Counter was selected for the National Juried (all media) Exhibition at Larkin Arts in Harrisonburg, VA.  All motivation to keep working and moving forward.

Red Nude

After the Storm

TJ's Lunch Counter

Upcoming Exhibitions

Excited to share that while I was traveling in Maine this summer, I returned to find that I was accepted to the following exhibitions:

Global Perspectives at the Maryland Federation of Art (online gallery) will feature "Lisbon Funicular" (2017), "Monk on the Beach" (2017), "Storm on the High Plains" (2016). Rahel Joseph, gallery director, ILAM, juror.

"Girl" (2015), "Concentration" (2017), "Mannequins" (2016), and "Monk on the Beach" (2017) will be featured in Humans, What's Up Magazine from August 10 - November 20.

And am thrilled to have received the excellence award for Human Interest and Portraiture for "On the Tram, Lisbon" (2017) at The Soul of Photography exhibition at the River Arts Chestertown, MD. From August 4-27. Jay Fleming, photographer, juror.

People

The long break from concentration on making pictures during the winter somehow made me more curious about people and street photography.  I think it may have been the many political demonstrations outside the office where I worked and the throngs of people in the legislative buildings during the session.  

Whatever the reason, I found that I made many photos of people during my visit to Portugal in May, and I've continued to make images of people on the streets and outdoors since my return.  Most of them are stronger in black and white.  Here are a few I'm working on, now.

This group of men and older boys were body surfing at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  The sunlight on their bodies made me think of classical Greek figures, but it's their reactions to the surf that created a play of forms in different postures.

This older man and a few others fished near our hotel in Portugal each morning and evening.  As he does here, these men often cast and waited motionless for fish.  They perched precariously over the sea below them.  They demonstrated great patience.

Award from Maryland Federation of Art

"Nevermore" received a second place award in "Flora and Fauna," a show sponsored by the Maryland Federation of Art and shown at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.  This was a national, juried show with entries from around the country.

I'm especially proud to have received this honor, as I have been a member of the MFA board and have received a few honorable mentions in members-only shows, but never any awards in a national show.

The photo of a raven on a country road in Maine has an interesting story.  Out to run errands near the house we rent in Lovell, Maine, I saw a raven lying in the center of the road.  There was no blood to be seen, no loose feathers, and no sign of injury.  Still, the bird appeared to be dead.  I got out of the car, fascinated by the blackness of the plumage and the intricate patterns of the feathers.  I went on my way.

An hour later on the way back to the house I passed the same spot.  No sign of the bird.  No bloodstains.  No feathers.  Maybe it had only been stunned by a collision with another vehicle.  Its "mysterious" disappearance immediately made me think of Edgar Allan Poe, and I had a title for the image.

The photo also won a first place prize in the category of nature and animals last year in a local show.

Nevermore

Catching Up

Immediately after my last post in December, I accepted a full-time job with the Maryland Department of Legislative Services for the duration of the 2017 legislative session.  That really took my time and energy away from photography.  Then, there was general catching up on many things, and a trip to Portugal for 10 days.

I think a few of my photos (I took over 1300) are worth working on.  In fact, two have been juried into recent shows. "Lisbon Funicular" is on view at the Art League of Alexandria, VA for the rest of June.  "On the Tram" is in an online exhibition, "The Portrait," at the Motif Collective (http://www.motifcollective.com).  Take a look at both, please.

On the Tram

End of Year Surprise

I did not expect this.  After receiving only my second "best of show" award at What's Up Magazine, I got another at the December Open Exhibition of the Art League of Alexandria, Virginia.  Equally surprising what the subject; the first nude I entered in a competition.  "Red Nude" took home the best of show awarded by juror Robert Yi of the Corcoran School of Art.  His comments were especially encouraging.  He said, “This piece makes a statement. I love the combination of traditional and contemporary elements. The color and balance throughout the piece are fantastic. Everything is cleverly thought out – from the red nails to the red pillows.”
I also had a nude accepted into the Winter Member's Show at the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.  Thomas Berault, professor of art at Prince George's Community College selected "Nude in a Doorway."  He hasn't made award selections, yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Red Nude, 2016

Nude in Doorway, 2016

What's up? Best in Show

Thrilled to announce my selection as the Best in Show at "Fall on the Chesapeake" featuring "Autumn Reign" by What's Up? that will be giving me a feature in their January issue. More below and on their website.

What's Up? Media held its first Meet the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 10th, to celebrate its first art exhibit, "Fall on the Chesapeake."

More than 80 guests stopped by What's Up?'s Annapolis-based office along Defense Highway to view the original artwork, meet the Anne Arundel County artists, and enjoy complimentary champagne and lite fare.

During the evening, attendees voted for their favorite piece. After tallying the ballots the following day, both a winner and a runner-up were announced. Check out the January issue of What's Up? Annapolis to read more about the artists and their work.

Best in Show: Wil Scott's “Autumn Reign”

Runner-Up: Sheila Guevin's “Annapolis Tango Dock"

http://www.whatsupmag.com/2016/11/17/127775/whats-up-medias-meet-the-artist-reception

Two for the Road at Waverly Street Gallery

TWO FOR THE ROAD

A Photographic Journey

By Kate Stillwell & Wil Scott

January 10 – February 4, 2017
Opening Reception: Friday, January 13, 2017 6-9 P.M.
Artists Talk: Saturday, January 21, 2017 1-3 P.M.

Life is an adventure and mystery that reveals itself in innumerable ways.
Kate Stillwell and Wil Scott use their cameras to record the unfolding of these captured moments of people, places, and events encountered on their travels. While their images recall the physical journeys made to various destinations, their photography reveals in imagery the interior exploration of imagination and inspiration. These characteristics are felt more than seen, even when the images are clearly recognizable. Kate’s work displays vibrant color in almost every print. Wil’s images tend to be monochromes or black and white. Both artists are united in their inclination to employ strong patterns and visual rhythms in their work. Seen together, the combination of their works amplifies the impact.

http://waverlystreetgallery.com/twofortheroad/

A lot is happening.

I need to post more often to keep up with what's happening.  First new shows.  "TJ's Lunch Counter" is a photo of a local restaurant in the small town of Wells River Junction, Vermont.  I was driving home from an opening at the Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction, Vermont, when I passed through Wells River Junction at about 10 at night in August.  Very small town with not a lot of activity, especially at 10 pm.  TJ's was empty but lit up brightly.  I passed by.  Then, I turned around in the middle of Main Street and went back.  Glad I did it.  The shot only took a few minutes to set up.  So far, "TJ's Lunch Counter"  has been juried into "Small Towns and Rural Places" at the 1650 Gallery in Los Angeles, "Under $500" at the Maryland Art Place in Baltimore, and.... "In Stillness" at the Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction.  Another photo, "At Anchor" was accepted by jurors for "In Stillness" and "Small Wonders" at the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.  "Mannequins," which has been in a few shows, has been accepted at The Maryland Art Place and the "National Juried Photography Show" at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, MD.  "Flow" is also in the Delaplaine show.  Finally, I have four works in "Fall on the Chesapeake" at the office of What's Up Annapolis magazine, including "At Anchor" and "End of Summer."

As you can see, I've been busy.  One new thing is a growing interest in street photography and night photography.  "TJ's" sort of fits into both categories.  Expect to see more of this kind of thing in the future.

TJ's Lunch Counter, Wells River Junction, Vermont

At Anchor, Annapolis Harbor

Mannequins, New York City

End of Summer (My back deck)

Awards and new shows

I've been busy making new photos this summer, but some older work has continued to receive recognition.  "Mannequins" was juried in "Contrast" at the PH21 Gallery in Budapest and into "Black and White" at the online Motif Collective.  "New England Geometry" was included in the Motif Collective show, and also at the Hill Center Regional Juried Show in Washington, DC.  "Big Rig" was included in "On the Road" at the Southeast Center for Photography in Greenville, SC and was just accepted along with "River of Green" to the "Water Works" exhibition at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.  "Trapped," which has been in a number of shows here and abroad, was just accepted into the online annex of "Black and White" at the highly competitive Black Box Gallery in Portland, OR.  And, "Nevermore" received a first place, nature and wildlife award in the Annual Juried Photography Show at the RiverArts Gallery in Chestertown, MD.  I hope I can get up this level of success.  Images are below.

"Nevermore," first place, nature and wildlife, RiverArts Gallery

"Trapped," in "Black and White" at the Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR

"Big Rig"

"River of Green"

"Mannequins"

"New England Geometry"

Summer Shows

I'm excited about some of my recent entries being accepted into highly competitive shows.  These works were selected by knowledgeable jurors and are shown in galleries that have impressed me with the quality of their exhibitions.  I've worked hard to create photos equal to the expectations of these jurors and gallerists.  Please have a look at these shows.  They are full of excellent work.

"Jumbo," a street scene from a corner of Fifth Avenue, has been juried into "Night" at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, CO.  It is also at the ASmith Gallery in Johnson City, TX.  Anyone interested in contemporary photography will enjoy following both galleries.

"The Fun Is Over" is included in "ARTifact," a show at the Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction, VT.  Davey Rothbart, juror, captured the essence of the show.  What struck me, as I pored over hundreds of beautiful, striking, poetic images submitted by a global array of deeply talented artists, was the thrilling fact that so many other people share my fascination with abandoned places and things. It brought me great joy to imagine each photographer on their own journey of discovery, jolted and tingled themselves, as they explored a shambling house at the edge of town, a rotting cabin in the desert, a junkyard heaped with ancient vehicles. These pictures gave me a chance to explore a range of haunted and exquisite spaces I might never have reached on my own, but more than that, they gave me a sense for just how many kindred spirits we have out there, a vast community of folks who share a particular curiosity and sense of wonder. Thank you for exploring; thank you for your unique vision; thank you for documenting what you've found.

"Big Rig," taken from the cab of a freight truck during a rainstorm, was in "Water" at the Southeast Center for Photography in Greenville, SC.  A new gallery, the Center has engaged leading photographers as jurors and staged a series of strong shows since opening.

"Mannequins" is on view at the PH21 Gallery in Budapest.  Zsolt Batory, artistic director, continues to attract photographers from around the globe to his shows.  I'm amazed ever time I'm accepted there.  The theme of the show is "Contrast."  I hope Mannequins speaks for itself in relation to the show's theme.

"Storm on the Plains" is a personal favorite.  It's gratifying that others also like it.  "Storm" will next be seen in "American Landscapes" at the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis, MD.  This is my "home" as an artist.  I'm always pleased to be included in one of the MFA shows. "Storm" was taken on the high plains of northeastern Colorado in 2015, when I was there to attend an opening at the Center for Fine Art Photography.

New shows

I've been juried into a few more shows, recently. "Severn River Bridge," posted below, was accepted into All That Art at Maryland Hall for the Arts in Annapolis.  This is a combination silent/live auction event to support the visual arts in the area.  The actual auction is on April 29.  Tickets can be purchased on the Maryland Hall website.

I received an honorable mention award for "Storm on the Plains," posted recently, from the Colors of Humanity online gallery in a show called "Skies." "Perfect Blue" was also juried into the show.  Robert Mintz, Chief Curator at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore selected "Tissue" for the Works on Paper exhibition at the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.  This show will be up for the entire month of April.  And, Andrew Overtoom, owner of the 1650 Gallery in Los Angeles included "Twice the Fun" in "Reflections: The Visual Echo," a national juried show at his gallery.

Tissue

Twice the Fun

Keeping busy.

Lots of new activity since my last post.  We had a violent storm roll through recently.  I got out in it and took a few photo that captured some of the intensity.  I'm posting two here to give an idea of what it was like:  "Deluge" and "Severn River Bridge."

Deluge

Severn River Bridge

"Tension"

Juror, Taj Forer, made a powerful statement about his selections for the "Shadow and Light" show at the Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction, Vermont.  I was fortunate to have my photo, "New England Geometry" included.  Forer wrote, "Tension.  If there is one theme I return to time and time again in photography, it is tension.  I know it when I see it and I like it.  These images are filled with it.  Tension.  Formal, conceptual, emotional.  As I culled through the some one-thousand photographs submitted for consideration, I found myself immediately drawn to those that arrested me; be it formal or be it conceptual, the 'arrest' was driven by tension in every single instance....the tension throughout this collection of photographs is palpable."

2016 keeps rolling along.

Since my last post, I've received an honorable mention from juror Matt Klos in the Maryland Federation Show at the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis for my work, "Flow."  Also, I had a work juried into the Colorado Environmental Film Festival Photo Competition in Golden, Colorado.  My piece is "Monument."

Happy New Year

2016 Has started on a high note.  I received Best in Show honors for "Storm on the Plains" in a show called, Skyward, at the 1650 Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.  At the Art League of Alexandria, VA my photograph, "Midsummer Dream," was given an Honorable Mention in the Winter Member's Show, Muted.  Finally, I had two works accepted into the Winter's Member Show at the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis, MD.  They were "Capturing a Shadow" and "Medusa."

"Storm on the Plains," Best in Show, 1650 Gallery, Los Angeles

"Midsummer Dream," Honorable Mention, Art League of Alexandria, VA

Fixing a Shadow

Medusa

The End (of the year) Is Near

As the year comes to close I have work in various places from Los Angeles to Annapolis.  Locally, I'm in two shows, "Small Wonders" (works less than 11 inches in any dimension including frame) at the Maryland Federation of Art Circle Gallery until Dec. 23.  My piece is "Drift."  Also in Annapolis, I have a number of framed and unframed pieces at the West Annapolis Artworks Gallery in a show called "All That Glitters" until Jan. 24, 2016.  One of my works there is "Ocean City Sunset."  Further afield, juror Jennifer Shaw chose "5 Lamps, 5 Windows" for an exhibition, Gathering, at the A Smith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas.  I'll be attending the opening reception in late January and traveling through the area to make pictures.  The show is open from Jan. 8 - Feb. 14, 2016.  Finally, my landscape, "Storm on the Plains," will be at the 1650 Gallery in the Echo Park District of Los Angeles in a show, "Skyward: The World Above Us" from Dec. 12 - Jan. 2, 2016.  A pretty good wrap-up to the year.

Please take a look at this show, if you can.  A substantial part of all sales goes to a local charity.

New shows.

I'm part of a three person show at the Arts Club of Washington, DC.  The club has many members interested in all the arts and has a prime location a few feet from Pennsylvania Ave. just east of Georgetown.  Tendrils and Flow are two of my 15 works on view.

Flow is also going to be on view at the ASmith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas in their Open/No Theme show from November 27-Jan. 3.  The juror was Dan Burkholder, a nationally known photographer.  It's even tougher to get into an open show, so I'm pleased to be included.

Finally, I was selected as a winner in the Quiet Waters Park Calendar Contest.  My photo, Winter Sun, will appear in the official calendar published by the Friends of Quiet Waters Park.