Projects As Platforms

Hello there.

Ten years ago, I introduced my first big creative portrait project called Artists In Jackson. Through that project, I got to know our local artists and reminded the community that we have a talented bunch of people right here in our hometown. 

And - bonus! - I met and made some good friends along the way.

Since then, a lot has changed. I worked on a spiritual sequel, Musicians In Jackson, and then the pandemic hit.

Here we are five years later, and I’m happy to announce I’m working on my next big portrait project:

Artists In Jackson 2

This one will be a little different. Instead of disappearing for six months and re-emerging with a fancy book and a bunch of pictures, I want to treat this project more like a platform.

Here’s how it works:

• Over time, I’ll work on photo subjects and help tell their stories.

• You will see these profiles periodically as I work on them and get them done. You don’t have to wait for a book - you’ll see my progress as it's happening, either on social media or my website.

• And it will just keep going. There’s no end, there’s no finish line. Artists In Jackson becomes a platform to tell stories, not a website or a book.

At a point in time, when I have enough profiles done, I can collect them all and make a book or a ‘zine of some kind. 

But that’s not the goal. The goal is to tell stories about creative people in our community. 

And I have some profiles already set up to publish - one, reaching back several years, on Dione Tripp. That one, the first one of this new project, is live right now:

Artists In Jackson: Dione Tripp

I have a head-start on others, and you’ll see them soon. As always, I’m open to your ideas and tips on creative people in and from Jackson.

I hope you’ll join me in this new experiment. I’m excited to share once again these homegrown artists, their work, and their stories.

Recent Blog Posts

• The Law of F*ck Yes or No: Are you really into the thing you want to do? Then do it. Otherwise, say no.

• Fuji Film Simulation: Took a day trip up to Leslie, Michigan, to try out virtual film settings.

• Michigan Rocks: My family loves stones, crystals, and gems. Here we are living large at the Michigan Gem and Mineral Society’s rock show.

Things I’m Into Lately

• Remember five years ago, when lockdowns started? I went downtown to photograph an empty Jackson. Five years later, I still feel like I’m dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic.

• Love this Bloggers portrait project by Gabriela Herman. Simple, stark - just my style.

• Speaking of bloggers: Austin Kleon had this to say about making stuff: “So many of my good ideas come from what looks like goofing off, wasting time. Art is play.” Amen.

• While my family loves rocks, I love geology, including the origins of the Michigan basin.

• Did you know about domesticated foxes?

If you want to follow all the Artists In Jackson 2 activities, like the Facebook page or follow me on Instagram.

And please share anyone you think would make a good portrait subject.

Take care,

Dave Lawrence