Insulted and don't know what to do (kinda long)

[Tuckervill]

You should go. His words went BEYOND simple criticism of the work and he made it personal. Therefore, it's not about your work at all. There's something else. If you don't go, you might regret it some day, but know you'll have to deal whatever the "issue" with him is later.

Karen

[Duck on Wheels]

In my non-art-educated opinion, you have enough really good pictures on your flikr site for a show. Maybe not everything there is at that level, but some of those photos are gorgeous. So I cast my vote along with the others. Keep your appointment. Now that you're so set up to be disappointed, there's really nothing bad that can happen. You either get some constructive criticism and a "come back later when your work is even better", or you get a pleasant surprise. Win win.
That said, we would like to know which win it turns out to be.
And btw, you should put some copy protection (virtual watermarks) on your photos on the web to keep people from downloading them as freebies, or (G_d forbid) passing them off as their own!

[Biciclista]

It's kind of funny, you and I are in the same boat (except my husband is incredibly supportive).
What is this "you don't deserve" an invitation from a gallery. Why not? do you not take pictures?

Today I am dropping off some paintings at a gallery to be adjudicated. A few times a year they invite new artists to bring in their work and if they like you, you can join their artist's cooperative.
I probably won't get in. Am I ready? I don't know. Is my bringing my stuff there going to hurt them in some way? If they invite you to bring your work, that means bring your work. I am sorry that your husband has been so arbitrary with you, i know how badly it would hurt if my husband had done the same thing. I'd still want to know how he thought I was going to embarrass him. I'd rake him over the coals for that one.

Be brave, take your stuff down there; you might learn something
good luck.

[derailed]

Please go.
The gallery owner's opinions and tastes are the unknown. She may or may not like your work, for her own reasons.
Wishing you the best

[Selkie]

I checked out your photos and I love them. You definitely have something, there. You capture the spirit, particularly in your animal shots.

By the way, I started out as an Art major at Penn State. Spent my freshman year studying it and had several studio classes. Not that I'm an authority, but...

Do you think your husband was just having a bad day? Don't let his comments discourage you. Follow your dream---nothing ventured and all that!!

[AnnieBikes]

GO FOR IT!!! And good luck. Please let us know how it went. Amen to ...if they didn't want to see your photos, they wouldn't have asked you to come show them. You may find that they have some great suggestions, too.

[Mr. Bloom]

I checked out your photos and I love them.

Me too! I particularly liked "Basilica on Plastic" and "Dogs Eye View" (you could make a series of ordinary things from the dog's perspective!)

[mmouwse]

In my non-art-educated opinion, you have enough really good pictures on your flikr site for a show. Maybe not everything there is at that level, but some of those photos are gorgeous. So I cast my vote along with the others. Keep your appointment. Now that you're so set up to be disappointed, there's really nothing bad that can happen. You either get some constructive criticism and a "come back later when your work is even better", or you get a pleasant surprise. Win win.
That said, we would like to know which win it turns out to be.
And btw, you should put some copy protection (virtual watermarks) on your photos on the web to keep people from downloading them as freebies, or (G_d forbid) passing them off as their own!

DITTO THAT!
Please go to the gallery. The door is open, all you need to do for yourself is walk through!

[Brandi]

I REALLY like your photo's and if they were on display I would stop and really look at them and consider buying one or two.

[nancielle]

Did you keep the appointment? Inquiring minds want to know!

I hope you did. The gallery owner can give you a much more dispassionate opinion than your husband did. Take that info and run with it. I love seeing what creative things people can do with photography.

{shootingstar}I had photograpahy as a hobby where I did use my Nikon SLR heavily which I later bought a bounce flash and add-on zoom-wide angle lens. Now I don't use it anymore since digital cameras. hence, I no longer identify photography as a hobby.

Are my photos with my digital cameras better? Well, geez I sure would have to spend more money on more sophisticated digital camera(s). sometimes I hate the robotic confines of a cheaper digital camera that doesn't allow me the same fine-tuning control on focus, depth of field, lighting and timing compared to SLR. I used to shoot more accurately and faster/on-target timing with an manual SLR vs. your $300-$500.00 digital camera (no add-on accessories).

I can so relate to this. Years ago I used to shoot area indy bands and a friend's cats from her cattery (she did cat shows). Recently I finally purchased a digital camera but I don't feel the same comfort level or control with it (yet) that I did with the SLR that I had used forever.

[denny]

Flur- Heck yes GO!!

As for hubby! Hrampphhh!! He just spewed out all his personal insecurities like bad bile! I have a sneaky feeling he's really worried that you'll eclipse him in the art community.

I also dabble in art and photography and we are usually our own worst critic. This lady has invited you and obviously thinks there is something worth seeing. Go for it, if nothing else for the "constructive" input on not only what you could do better but also what you're doing very well. Your photos of the animal on Flikr reflect your best work in how you really see them. Your nature scapes are also quite nice and show a lot of potential.

Don't get discouraged. We're all rooting for you here and will love to watch you grow in somelthing you're passionate at.

In the meanwhile, hubby needs to take a class in communication and a chill pill too! That was just downright mean and arrogant and he owes you an apology!!

[Flur]

So I didn't go today, but that had more to do with not having anything printed to show - I was supposed to be printing my stuff today at class but we ran out of time. Tomorrow I will definitely be doing some printing and should be able to swing by the gallery before they close.

Thanks for all the support!

[tulip]

I'm not an artist, but I grew up around artists (my mother and stepfather) and I have a BA in Art History, so I know a little bit about these things.

I think my favorite photo on your Flickr account (from the few I've seen--I should be getting ready to go away for a week's business trip) is Kitchen Window. I love that photo because it contrasts interior and exterior and makes me wonder.

Please go to the gallery!

[redrhodie]

I like your pictures! I'm especially partial to the gray kitty. She looks a lot like Twiggy!

I have some experience with the gallery scene. I just want to say, don't put all your eggs in one basket. It may take sending out hundreds of portfolios before you find one place that will take (and sell) your work. You have to commit to trying. You have to get a thick skin. Part of being an artist is getting rejected, and understanding that rejection is just one person's (or jury's) opinion, and it may be based not on your work, but on what their market is, who their client is, and what they think they can sell. In the end, a rejection from a place that can't sell your work is better than an acceptance into a place that has it and doesn't sell, or, even worse, sells and doesn't pay you. Uh, yeah, that happens way too much.

Good Luck!

[Flur]

So I went to the gallery today after my class and they loved my work!! I'm so excited! I won't hear if I'm in a show until March, but they really seemed like they liked what I brought to show them. I'm thrilled!