As my “competition season” for my photographs winds down, my “charity season” – where my artworks are donated to various charities and fundraisers – ramps up.
In the past, I’ve donated framed photos and artworks to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, as part of their “Art Saves Animals” annual charity fundraiser and auction. If anything I donate can help provide relief and food and comfort for the strays and abandoned, for the adoptable and the loveable, then I’ll do it.
The other day, I dropped off a framed print of Re-Lighting L-Ken’s, my lenticular color-changing shot of the decaying Albany drive-in eatery, for the “Art Saves Animals” auction. This is the same framed print that received a ribbon at the Altamont Fair, so you know you’ve got an award-winning artwork on your bidding sheet. The print measures 16×20 with frame, and the neon signage changes color as you stare at it. The effect comes from a printing process known as lenticular photography, it’s the same process that’s used in “magic motion” artworks.
I should mention that there are other charities that will receive my artworks for their fundraisers; the Albany Damien Center will receive my color-changing print of Fagbug and Vaudeville for their upcoming “Stylin'” event, and there are three custom-built projects for Historic Albany Foundation’s 2014 BUILT art show that I hope the Foundation accepts into the event.
Normally, these are the only charities to which I provide my pictures.
Well, that’s changing this year. Later this week, I’m shipping some of my photos off to a humane society in Massachusetts; I also have other shots that are scheduled for other fundraisers near the end of the year.
Why do I do this? Why don’t I just put up a page on the TU’s blog portal and offer these prints for sale and make a few dollars for myself?
Honestly, I think it’s because I really care about doing something positive. I’ve developed these photography skills and artworks and concepts over the years, and I know people like what I do. So let me take my talent and find a way to convert that into something even more positive, something more dedicated and beneficial.
I only get one shot in this life. Let me make the most of it while I’m still able.
And just so you know… the Re-Lighting L-Ken’s piece may not be the only one I donate this year to the Humane Society. There could be more prints, for all that you know.
And if there are more prints…
I’ll make sure to let you know. In case you want to help the animals, as well.
Chuck The Writer 