Richard G
Veteran
Best wishes kutitta. Some very insightful advice here. Sometimes listening is the best thing to give a child; and playing one of his games.
Have been diagnosed with blood cancer and need help!
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nongfuspring
Well-known
Hi Kutay,
What city are you based in? I'm neither an Aussie or live in Australia, but I have shown there a couple of times and might be able to dig around and provide some suggestions to start with. As Calebarchie mentioned, exhibition programs are usually planned 6-12 months in advance and it's generally a time consuming and tiring process of proposal application, especially without a history of shows. Should you want to go down this route then you can also send your proposals to me to look over. I'm a "professional" artist, I normally have about 5-10 exhibitions a year in 3 or 4 different countries and I've written more proposals than I care to remember, so I may be able to offer some perspective.
Having said that though, my recommendation would be that if you must have an exhibition you do it independently by renting a space, have a nice opening and having it open to the public for a couple of days. If I may be direct, you have some great shots, but on the whole it also strikes me as very personal body of work that might not hold as much meaning for a wider audience outside as it does for you, your family, and friends. I would advise that should you put together a successful application to a gallery you might find that in the end it could come at the sacrifice of the personal significance of your photographs.
Wether or not your work goes into a gallery has no bearing on the quality or importance of what you've made and does not validate it one way or the other. The real achievement is in the fact the photos were taken in the first place, exhibitions are just context. Like the others said, making a book is a great idea and in some ways can be a much better way of seeing photographs, and has the added benefit of making for a great gift.
Do let me know if I can help in any way, and best of luck fighting this.
What city are you based in? I'm neither an Aussie or live in Australia, but I have shown there a couple of times and might be able to dig around and provide some suggestions to start with. As Calebarchie mentioned, exhibition programs are usually planned 6-12 months in advance and it's generally a time consuming and tiring process of proposal application, especially without a history of shows. Should you want to go down this route then you can also send your proposals to me to look over. I'm a "professional" artist, I normally have about 5-10 exhibitions a year in 3 or 4 different countries and I've written more proposals than I care to remember, so I may be able to offer some perspective.
Having said that though, my recommendation would be that if you must have an exhibition you do it independently by renting a space, have a nice opening and having it open to the public for a couple of days. If I may be direct, you have some great shots, but on the whole it also strikes me as very personal body of work that might not hold as much meaning for a wider audience outside as it does for you, your family, and friends. I would advise that should you put together a successful application to a gallery you might find that in the end it could come at the sacrifice of the personal significance of your photographs.
Wether or not your work goes into a gallery has no bearing on the quality or importance of what you've made and does not validate it one way or the other. The real achievement is in the fact the photos were taken in the first place, exhibitions are just context. Like the others said, making a book is a great idea and in some ways can be a much better way of seeing photographs, and has the added benefit of making for a great gift.
Do let me know if I can help in any way, and best of luck fighting this.
daveleo
what?
I too am sending you my best vibes and hoping that you do respond to your treatment.
My vote is definitely a well-produced book or books.
Hang in there.
My vote is definitely a well-produced book or books.
Hang in there.
ricnak
Well-known
Wow Kutay. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I second some of the other posts about not giving up. Medical Science has come along way.
I lost my father when I was 17. My parents parted ways when I was 8 years old. Dad was always a "luxury". He always had a camera in his hand whenever I went to visit. Spent many nights in the darkroom with him. Never quite "got"his interest in old folders until he died and they were left to me. He made two prints of most of the photo's that he took. One for me and one for my sister. Best gift ever.
I lost my father when I was 17. My parents parted ways when I was 8 years old. Dad was always a "luxury". He always had a camera in his hand whenever I went to visit. Spent many nights in the darkroom with him. Never quite "got"his interest in old folders until he died and they were left to me. He made two prints of most of the photo's that he took. One for me and one for my sister. Best gift ever.
Lawrence Sheperd
Well-known
Kutay, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but equally glad to know that the body and Mind have amazing recuperative powers. I wish you peace and tranquility no matter the outcome.
I second ricnak's remembrances of his father's passion for photography. It was my father's fascination with film that eventually spurred my interest in this art. Your son, too, will remember - in his own time - your love and devotion to your medium. A well-conceived book (and your actual photos and gear) will become his treasured possessions.
Sending you all positive thoughts.
I second ricnak's remembrances of his father's passion for photography. It was my father's fascination with film that eventually spurred my interest in this art. Your son, too, will remember - in his own time - your love and devotion to your medium. A well-conceived book (and your actual photos and gear) will become his treasured possessions.
Sending you all positive thoughts.
__jc
Well-known
Please accept my best wishes too, Kutay. I hope that you and your son are able to share many many wonderful hours exploring photography together. All strength to you.
paulfish4570
Veteran
mercy, Kutay ...
Gid
Well-known
I cannot improve on the suggestions you have already received, but I can add my most sincere and very best wishes for your battle against your illness.
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
I would go for the book. Like others mentioned, you would have full control over the outcome, if your son is five he probably won't remember the exhibit very well, but he'll have the book.
I hope treatment goes well, keep up your spirits !
I hope treatment goes well, keep up your spirits !
DNG
Film Friendly
Kutay, my best wishes and successful treatments for you.
Today's treatments are very good, expect this to be past history also!
I understand why you want to prepare.
I am picturing you in full remission, playing with your Son, and enjoying your family for many years to come.
I wonder if you explained "Why" you want an Exhibition to the curator, if that would push this along?
I also like the book idea, it is a long lasting document, that can be a mix of photos, and your thoughts on different subjects. Maybe bits of wisdom thrown in.
A website is a good idea (Free is better)
Believing for all the success in your treatments
Today's treatments are very good, expect this to be past history also!
I understand why you want to prepare.
I am picturing you in full remission, playing with your Son, and enjoying your family for many years to come.
I wonder if you explained "Why" you want an Exhibition to the curator, if that would push this along?
I also like the book idea, it is a long lasting document, that can be a mix of photos, and your thoughts on different subjects. Maybe bits of wisdom thrown in.
A website is a good idea (Free is better)
Believing for all the success in your treatments
FranZ
Established
Hi Kutay, sorry to hear your diagnosis, but remember mind and body have more power than you might think.
You have had some sound advices, the book is a very good idea, but I would like to share another thought:
The best think you can give your son is your presence!
Metta for you;
regards,
Frans
You have had some sound advices, the book is a very good idea, but I would like to share another thought:
The best think you can give your son is your presence!
Metta for you;
regards,
Frans
zauhar
Veteran
Kutay, so sorry to hear of your bad news. Do not give up hope, give yourself a chance!
If not already suggested, you might consider an exhibition in a less formal and less competitive space - coffee shops often serve as space for local artists, for example. You might have personal contacts that could make it happen.
Wishing you a full recovery, God bless you and your family.
Randy
If not already suggested, you might consider an exhibition in a less formal and less competitive space - coffee shops often serve as space for local artists, for example. You might have personal contacts that could make it happen.
Wishing you a full recovery, God bless you and your family.
Randy
hendriphile
Well-known
Putting some thoughts together I realized I couldn't do better than what's in this post. Seconding the idea of a personal website with your best stuff organized into categories. And, of course, all best wishes...S.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in May 2001 (stage III - and there is no stage IV). At the time, my "expiry" date was considerably less than the TriX in my fridge.
Thanks to advances in treatments and the care from BC Cancer Agency and the expertise among the medical professionals here in Vancouver - I am still around. The treatments are not pleasant - stem cell transplant, massive chemo, long term use of Thalidomide and variations of that, but it has kept me alive - also a lot of credit has to go to Tuulikki, my wife, who is pushing me forward when you really only want to lie down and pull the covers over your head.
Attitude is probably the most important asset. You are in for a rough ride -but it is doable and the fact that you have your son is an incentive to stay with it. My sympathies are with you - and don't give up. There will be times when you wonder if the treatments are worth it - they are!
As for a legacy - look at at book and continue shooting, documenting the process. I spent 3 weeks in a sterile "bubble" for the stem cell transplant - brought along two cameras (M2/Bess R4M) and a couple of lenses (21/35), lots of TriX - and yes, most of the shots are of my feet, on the blanket, under the blanket - a couple of "selfless" with a multitude of plastic tubing attached to me.
Once you are through with the travails of treatment and your son is old enough to understand - a book will be more of a legacy than anything else. You can even use something like Blurb to do it - and have the people involved sign your copy.
Good luck and keep the spirit up.
Tom
Thanks to advances in treatments and the care from BC Cancer Agency and the expertise among the medical professionals here in Vancouver - I am still around. The treatments are not pleasant - stem cell transplant, massive chemo, long term use of Thalidomide and variations of that, but it has kept me alive - also a lot of credit has to go to Tuulikki, my wife, who is pushing me forward when you really only want to lie down and pull the covers over your head.
Attitude is probably the most important asset. You are in for a rough ride -but it is doable and the fact that you have your son is an incentive to stay with it. My sympathies are with you - and don't give up. There will be times when you wonder if the treatments are worth it - they are!
As for a legacy - look at at book and continue shooting, documenting the process. I spent 3 weeks in a sterile "bubble" for the stem cell transplant - brought along two cameras (M2/Bess R4M) and a couple of lenses (21/35), lots of TriX - and yes, most of the shots are of my feet, on the blanket, under the blanket - a couple of "selfless" with a multitude of plastic tubing attached to me.
Once you are through with the travails of treatment and your son is old enough to understand - a book will be more of a legacy than anything else. You can even use something like Blurb to do it - and have the people involved sign your copy.
Good luck and keep the spirit up.
Tom
kutitta
Well-known
Hi Margus
It's very generous of you and if I will be able to get that stage I will definitely ask for your help, so many thanks!
It's very generous of you and if I will be able to get that stage I will definitely ask for your help, so many thanks!
kutitta
Well-known
Thank you very much all the information you have provided! Since yesterday I've found out few expression of interest call outs from galleries in Sydney and Melbourne. I am based in Sydney and if you have any contacts here that I can approach, please let me know.
Also thank you so much for your offer to review my proposals. I will definitely send my draft proposal to you for your review and feedback when it's ready.
Many thanks again to you and all others for your advice, offer of help, suggestions and best wishes, which are so valuable to me!
Also thank you so much for your offer to review my proposals. I will definitely send my draft proposal to you for your review and feedback when it's ready.
Many thanks again to you and all others for your advice, offer of help, suggestions and best wishes, which are so valuable to me!
kutitta
Well-known
Hi Tom
Thank you very much for sharing your story. It has given the hope and strength I very much need at the moment. The only thing I know for sure is I will never give up fighting. I've surrendered myself to the hand of modern medicine and with the support I receive from my family and great people like all of you here on RFF I will do my best to win my fight against cancer!
Thank you very much for sharing your story. It has given the hope and strength I very much need at the moment. The only thing I know for sure is I will never give up fighting. I've surrendered myself to the hand of modern medicine and with the support I receive from my family and great people like all of you here on RFF I will do my best to win my fight against cancer!
DT s
Newbie
Hi Kutay,
Like Tom A, and many others, I have been in similar situations, just remember you are not alone and take support offered even when you think you don't need it. Over my years of 'adventures' in healthcare its probably the best advice I can give.
Anyway during these sojourns a couple of my hobbies,once I've been well enough, have kept my spirits up, drawing and photography (even if its just been reading), then when I recover I cycle and snorkel. However what came to mind is that all of these are 'mindful' pursuits and have the ability of taking you away from harsh reality. HCB was conscious of this and this can be seen in his fascination with Herrigel's zen in the art of archery (I hope I've referenced that correctly). Other books that can be helpfull, Marcus Aurelius Meditations, and the wee Shambhala Rumi anthology, particularly 'the body is a rose'.
One of the most beautiful recurrent sunrises I've ever witnessed, is in Autumn when I have been a patient on the 7th floor of the Mater hospital in Dublin, when I was well enough I had a wee Oly XA 1 with me to record it (an opportunity was presented) . As to Tom A's suggestion of making a book about the process, I completely agree with him and with some sensitivity I'm sure your team will let you do it (Your Oly trip is wee and discrete enough for this), but widen the brief a teeny bit and include, anything that you give witness to, during the treatment period (not just illness related).
Like yourself I have bairns, two wee boys and the youngest of the two was fascinated with my film cameras, so for his last birthday we got him an instax mini, well 10 films later, he loves it! once treatment is finished your wee man can graduate to the Olytrip.
Anyway, all the very best and keep yer pecker up!
Dave
Like Tom A, and many others, I have been in similar situations, just remember you are not alone and take support offered even when you think you don't need it. Over my years of 'adventures' in healthcare its probably the best advice I can give.
Anyway during these sojourns a couple of my hobbies,once I've been well enough, have kept my spirits up, drawing and photography (even if its just been reading), then when I recover I cycle and snorkel. However what came to mind is that all of these are 'mindful' pursuits and have the ability of taking you away from harsh reality. HCB was conscious of this and this can be seen in his fascination with Herrigel's zen in the art of archery (I hope I've referenced that correctly). Other books that can be helpfull, Marcus Aurelius Meditations, and the wee Shambhala Rumi anthology, particularly 'the body is a rose'.
One of the most beautiful recurrent sunrises I've ever witnessed, is in Autumn when I have been a patient on the 7th floor of the Mater hospital in Dublin, when I was well enough I had a wee Oly XA 1 with me to record it (an opportunity was presented) . As to Tom A's suggestion of making a book about the process, I completely agree with him and with some sensitivity I'm sure your team will let you do it (Your Oly trip is wee and discrete enough for this), but widen the brief a teeny bit and include, anything that you give witness to, during the treatment period (not just illness related).
Like yourself I have bairns, two wee boys and the youngest of the two was fascinated with my film cameras, so for his last birthday we got him an instax mini, well 10 films later, he loves it! once treatment is finished your wee man can graduate to the Olytrip.
Anyway, all the very best and keep yer pecker up!
Dave
lynnb
Veteran
Dear Kutay, I've only just seen this thread and I'd like to add my warmest thoughts and support. I think a book is very worthwhile.
The most valuable thing you have in life is time, and I'm sure you'll want to give first priority to your son and family.
Regarding your photographs, you have a number of challenges:
- I agree with mfogiel's suggestion to make small prints and put them on the wall; that makes it easier to organise pictures by theme and work out which ones to edit out. You can get bulk prints for 8-10c for large orders through places like Snapfish or by negotiating with a local camera store mini-lab. Buy some blu-tack to stick them on the wall. It's helpful if you include the file name on the print border (Lightroom can do this). You will need to go through this process whether for an exhibition or a book.
- prints are much more useful and less likely to be discarded if they are dated and have a note about who/what/where; this idea can also be incorporated into a photo book. I suggest you make quality prints of all your special family pictures, as a first priority.
- you may wish to consider one photo book for your family photos (showing your life before your son was born as well as his life with you), and another photo book for your photographs which you made as a photographer/artist.
A good friend of mine made a book for his son's 18th birthday. It included pictures of all his son's significant life milestones with comments describing each one, including his and his wife's feelings at the time. It also contained his thoughts and advice on how to be a good man, and how to rise to life's challenges. He explained to his son how he saw his own role as a father, what guiding principles he used, and how he hoped his son could understand him better and also gain some guidance in life by reading these words. It was a beautiful book. Perhaps you might consider doing something similar for your son.
Although I live in Sydney I don't have any idea of gallery exhibiting. I am aware of Stills Gallery in Paddington which has an excellent reputation - perhaps they can give you some advice - the director is Kathy Freedman.
I hope your cancer proves treatable and you can give us better news later on. Meanwhile I wish you all the best, and my warmest regards to you and your family.
The most valuable thing you have in life is time, and I'm sure you'll want to give first priority to your son and family.
Regarding your photographs, you have a number of challenges:
- I agree with mfogiel's suggestion to make small prints and put them on the wall; that makes it easier to organise pictures by theme and work out which ones to edit out. You can get bulk prints for 8-10c for large orders through places like Snapfish or by negotiating with a local camera store mini-lab. Buy some blu-tack to stick them on the wall. It's helpful if you include the file name on the print border (Lightroom can do this). You will need to go through this process whether for an exhibition or a book.
- prints are much more useful and less likely to be discarded if they are dated and have a note about who/what/where; this idea can also be incorporated into a photo book. I suggest you make quality prints of all your special family pictures, as a first priority.
- you may wish to consider one photo book for your family photos (showing your life before your son was born as well as his life with you), and another photo book for your photographs which you made as a photographer/artist.
A good friend of mine made a book for his son's 18th birthday. It included pictures of all his son's significant life milestones with comments describing each one, including his and his wife's feelings at the time. It also contained his thoughts and advice on how to be a good man, and how to rise to life's challenges. He explained to his son how he saw his own role as a father, what guiding principles he used, and how he hoped his son could understand him better and also gain some guidance in life by reading these words. It was a beautiful book. Perhaps you might consider doing something similar for your son.
Although I live in Sydney I don't have any idea of gallery exhibiting. I am aware of Stills Gallery in Paddington which has an excellent reputation - perhaps they can give you some advice - the director is Kathy Freedman.
I hope your cancer proves treatable and you can give us better news later on. Meanwhile I wish you all the best, and my warmest regards to you and your family.
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Kutay
I can add my best wishes and hopes for your treatment, but no better advice than you have already had about making a book, a website or having an exhibition. I do think however that some of the best advice was to spend quality time with your son, other family and friends.
What tomorrow holds is a complete mystery and nothing ever turns out quite as expected. There will be twists and turns over your illness so take each day as a creative opportunity. Have a good look at those around you, appreciate them, and give them encouragement in what they are doing. It's a gift that will be long valued and something very positive that you can give.
jesse
I can add my best wishes and hopes for your treatment, but no better advice than you have already had about making a book, a website or having an exhibition. I do think however that some of the best advice was to spend quality time with your son, other family and friends.
What tomorrow holds is a complete mystery and nothing ever turns out quite as expected. There will be twists and turns over your illness so take each day as a creative opportunity. Have a good look at those around you, appreciate them, and give them encouragement in what they are doing. It's a gift that will be long valued and something very positive that you can give.
jesse
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