it was all a dream…

I started taking shots with my first gen iPhone immediately. I spent damn near a million dollars on that joint, and I still have it today…cracked screen and all.

I begin editing my photographs I shot with my 35mm “Jada”…that’s what I named my digital camera first. I loved how some of my favorite apps turned my photographs into…ART… I had no idea I was becoming an iPhonephotographer. I was barely getting my feet wet shooting as a novice photographer. The more photos I took with Jada, the more I begin to edit. I have thousands of photos that I’ve shot in the last five years, and I may have taken half with them with either the the original iPhone, iPhone3GS, or the iPhone4.

iArt was created in March of this year. I took this beautiful photo of a sunflower, edited it, and had it online within 10 minutes… Incredible. And because of my marketing background and eye for great products, I knew I could easily sell this photo.

I begin to research the genre immediately and intensely. I then begin posting my photos on photo-sharing social network sites such as Instagram. The more comments and love I received the more anxious I became to share my work with the public.

With the encouraging words and never-ending support from my family, lady, besties, and art family, I finally found the courage to take the steps in making a dream…I never knew existed, come true.

Over the summer I spent most of my time sorting photos on three external hard drives. I searched high and low for affordable frames for my fine art photography, but with a non-existent budget, I had to seek other options. My dear friend, and amazing artist suggested I make my own frames. She insisted that I could do it, with her help of course. Seriously??? I have never done anything “handy” except nail a nail in a wall to hang a photo. How was I gonna make a frame, let alone more than one? Well…it was easier than I thought! And with her help, I was able to crank out thirty frames!!!

One of the other besties, Trinity had submit a proposal to Project Row Houses to curate an exhibit for a class she is taking at the University of Houston.

mythos.by.bards was [is] a multi-media exhibit which consists of poetry, monologues, photography, and sign language to share and convey their “mythos” Each “Bard” and listener brought their own experiences.

The days leading up to the exhibit were short. It seemed like the time was flying by, and I was full of doubt. Would anyone show up? Is my work good? Will the prints get here in time for the installation? I was a basket case. All of that seemed to fade however, the moment I saw my baby.

She had done so much already by funding my endeavor. She and kid sister were truly there for me during the process…I hope to repay them soon for contributing to my “starving artist account”…

In the end…

The show was a complete success! So many people came out to support me and Trinity’s debut into the art world.
I didn’t actually take as many photos as I would have liked to. *note to self to hire / barter with someone for photography services for my future exhibits. But I did capture a few:

MYTHOS.BY.BARDS

The participants were awesome. Everyone in attendance were overwhelmed with the captivating stories by David Williams. Teardrops rolled down cheeks as Trinity recited a poem while demonstrating her sign-language skills. An impromptu acapella performance by a neighbor, poetry by friend, and a fable written by teenager Ray Gamble received great applause and praise. And last but not least… My work. People walked through the room smiling, pointing, and sharing their thoughts. It was an amazing feeling to see the reactions and receive the many adulations from some of my favorite local artists. [smile]

I’d like to thank:
Lovie Olivia, Trinity Williams, Robert Hodge, Ashley Clemmor, Project Row Houses, David Williams, Rayshaun Gamble, Tasha Robinson, Michael Khalil Taylor, Regina Agu, Lance Flowers, Gregory Michael Carter, Harold Steward, Charles Washington, Aleisha Dumas, Nadia Benitz, P-Funk and everyone else who was able to join us for our special event…

…and last but certainly not least my family…my sister Deonne, my mama, “Oh Sheila”, my cousin Tami LaTrell and her beautiful family, and my love Ms. Alix. Thank you all for your never-ending support, and unconditional love! “You Mean The World To Me” *in my Sam Trump singing voice! :)

I APPRECIATE YOU…
For all of your love and support during this process, and for coming to the show. I was so moved and overwhelmed by your presence and the success of it all! THANK YOU so very much!  LOVE…

B

Sent from my iPhone ;)

iArt by Billie Simone is available for purchase at: BILLIE SIMONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Advertisement