The Black Square Newsletter
“Art has a voice - let it speak.”
- Rochelle Carr
It seems life has been very busy of late and it is unlikely to ease up for a number of weeks. Yesterday Shirley Steel and I worked all day on our book on Abstract Photography. It always amazes me how it’s easier to do things in creative partnerships than alone. We got through so much work yesterday. Am so proud of what we are doing together.
Nina is working hard on the second series of Articles of mine that she is editing for the second collection of my writing. Yes, I know the first still isn’t finished but is very close.
I have so many book ideas on the go. OMG. I really need a few extra hands and hours in every day.
Ben and I keep talking about some videos, they are still very much in the idea stage.
I am eagerly awaiting the first samples of some clothing I have designed with my work on them, while the shop in the Collective in Kiama continues to exceed my expectations. Something I couldn’t have done without the amazing input and support from Tash at the Collective.
Tonight I am talking at the Classic Safari Company about next years Namibia workshop and tour. Another trip that wouldn’t have existed without working in a partnership.
Thursday this week sees us hanging a show of my dear and late friend Emily Reader at the NPWS Heritage Center at Blackheath. This show will be on for two months. May and June. Stunning passionate colour panoramas of the Blue Mts, some particularly of the Wolgan Valley. A fitting tribute to her only remaining photographs. If only we had done something together when we had the chance. If anyone can help with telling people about it (marketing it), that would be appreciated. Once we have a date for the opening I will invite you all.
Collaborations are magical. They require you to leave your ego at home and really work hard at making something very special. They provide an opportunity for an enriching enthusiastic partnership. They work because one plus one equals more than two. The power is in the collaboration.
Actually, just working around others is worthwhile. I do so much fantastic work on trips away with other photographers. It’s one of the reasons I think people come to my workshops and tours. To hang out with others so that their enthusiasm rubs off.
I have offered a few internships in the past. I teach and mentor you in exchange for your hard labor helping me with my work. This allows people who can’t afford my usual educational offerings a chance to still learn from me. These are by application only.
Last week saw me in the Blue Mts, I have two more trips up there this week, before I head north for two weeks of ‘Creative Lens’.
Momo joins the family, a beautiful little Coton de Tulear. I assume he is, as he is a dead ringer for the breed. Walks with the dog and camera will be ahead for me. He lifts the energy wherever he goes. Unconditional love is beautiful.
Well, that turned into a newsletter. You can now correctly assume all is well for me.
Black Square is by Malivich 1932 from the Russian avent-garde. Amazing that this last photograph in the exhibition moved me more than any other. Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2019
