Interview with Wilson Cummer
1. How would you describe your career?
I do fine art
photography and also have a commercial business, in which I do event, wedding
and portrait photography.
2. What was a defining moment in your
career?
When I started showing
my fine art in local regional shows in 2008, and then got into a group show in
Charlotte, NC.
3. What advice would you give today's
undergraduate or graduate art students?
Expect to work hard
and long hours.
4. What advice would you give a young
artist that is just starting out?
Do what you are most
excited to do, and find your audience. Don't do what you think other
people want you to do; you just won't have the commitment that's needed.
5. Was there a pivotal moment in your
life when you decided to have a career as a photographer?
When I moved to
Syracuse in 1997, to follow my wife, who had a job offer, I decided to stop
working as a newspaper reporter and to start a photography business.
6. What inspires you and how do you
create themes for your work?
I photograph almost
every day and I enjoy making prints and looking at my images. I find my
projects develop from this daily shooting. I make pictures for a while
and then all of a sudden I realize I have a theme going, and I declare a project.
7. What's your background/history? How
have you developed as an artist through your life experiences?
I was a religious studies major at Yale, and have a master's degree in
elementary education. I was never trained in school as a photographer.
I've studied with a lot of good artists in workshop settings, and have
taught myself a lot. I learn from friends who are painters, composers and
other artists.
8. What are your goals for the future,
both with your work and life?
I would like to be
working full time as a fine-art photographer -- teaching, working and selling
art.
9. What interests you in photography
that relates to natural and built environments? (Your New Landscape Blog)
I just love to see
the intersections of the natural and built environments. I think that's
where we live as a race: half wild and half civilized.
10. In your opinion, what is the best
way for a photographer to get their work shown and appreciated?
Apply to juried shows
and any exhibition opportunity you can find. Go to portfolio reviews.
Approach galleries on your own and ask them to look at your work.
Be bold, but not pushy. You have to promote yourself, since no one
else will, and since there are thousands of talented artists looking for the
same opportunity you are.