RAW: Allure in Seattle, WA by Richelle Swinkels

Raw: Allure

by Richelle Swinkels

     Raw was a week ago today! It was at Nuemos in Seattle, WA. Leading up to the first big event I was featured in was stressful! Making sure that I had everyone, worrying whether or not it will work, what will it be like, what will people think of my work, and all the other crazy thoughts that run thru your mind while experiencing anxiety. However, as nervous as I was, I was also filled with excitement as I looked forward to the event.

     Nuemos was a cute bar located on Pike Street in downtown Seattle. There were fashion designers, make up artists, painters, photographers, musicians and so much more featured at this event. It was such an honor to have my work displayed next to other amazing artists! It was even better to be accompanied by two of my biggest supporters, my mother and amazing boyfriend! I could not have asked for better help to get everything together and make it a successful event.

     "Disturbingly amazing", "intense", "creepy yet cool", and "extremely deep" were just some of the descriptions that heard about my art, which I loved! At first it was extremely odd and nerve wrecking to see people staring at my images, over time I finally got the guts to begin asking viewers questions about their opinions, thoughts. When I did finally talk to people, I LOVED IT! Hearing such positive reviews from people, hearing such support, especially from the other artists, was incredibly encouraging! Many people would walk by and glance, just as they did with other art, but then it was followed by a double take and the majority would then turn and give their full attention. Most stood there quietly as I was told by several "there was a lot to take in", which felt good. It makes the hard work worth it when people realize how much there is to each image, and how much of a story and hard work I have put into it. When they'd ask me about my art, and hear how personal each image was, they all loved it. 

     I got a ton of compliments, encouragement and suggestions on where to go next. I even got a few people wanting to work with me, that is until they realized I don't live in Seattle. Besides the exposure and support, the next thing I really enjoyed about the event was connecting with other artists. I really look forward to networking with other people who can inspire me, and give me advice.  I can't wait until my next show now! Seattle, check. Next stop, hopefully Portland! Cross your fingers and wish me luck! 

Graduation & Beyond by Richelle Swinkels

Graduation & Beyond

by Richelle Swinkels

     After realizing I haven't blogged in two months I realized so much has happened in those two months! Since my last blog I GRADUATED!!! Yes I graduated Spokane Falls Community College with my degree in photography. It's been a long bumpy road since I started this program fresh out of high school at 18 years old. Heart aches, death, drug addictions, prison time, unhealthy relationships, mental struggles and recovery, and I finally overcame it all and finally finished the program. I've come to learn so much about myself, and my goals in life and am slowly making them happen one step at a time. I've realized I want to help others with their identity and mental struggles, I want to help teens avoid the path I have taken. Through the use of art and photography I want to express what I've gone through and help others find themselves as well. However, that is a goal that you

can't do in a day. To begin getting exposure and work towards this I finally submitted my work to an event and will be featured in a gallery event called RAW: Allure in Seattle, Wa in 2 days! That makes me feel so amazing and so great, I can't wait to see what opportunity and feedback I get from this. Nothing comes easy though, so of course I have a ton of anxiety and my nerves are through the roof! I'm also awaiting hearing back of submissions to other gallery events I have submitted too. *Fingers Crossed* 

     On top of just working on my passion of conceptual art I got hired at a Portrait Studio and am actually making a living now doing photography. I work for Boutique Portrait Studio specializing in baby photography, and I can't lie I LOVE IT! I forgot how much I adore making mothers cry and emotional after creating beautiful images of their children. Still getting my art in people's homes and making heart-warming art. As much as I would love for it to be my own business, you have to start somewhere. I'm blessed with an amazing boss who is teaching me so much, and learning from someone who is already successful and helping their business grow is a great opportunity. This position is really showing me what it takes to run a business, and helping me gain experience in a professional setting and providing me with a wonderful mentor the entire way. 

     Things are going in such a positive direction, leaving me eager to see what the future holds! I'll be blogging throughout my experience at RAW! Wish me luck!