Blue Ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair!

This week starts the “Great Minnesota Get Together” aka the Minnesota State Fair, a special place in my heart since my wife brought me there on a date in 2011. We enjoyed the animal and people watching and loved the creative activities building and fine arts exhibition. A few years ago we entered a friendly competition of entering the events. She won a blue ribbon for her pickles. And this year, I won mine.

R. J. Kern and Juror Kristine Heykants at the 112th Fine Arts Exhibition at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair with the First Place photograph.

I’m proud to share this blue ribbon (first place) photograph, Live Action Role Players, Blue Earth County Fair, Minnesota, 2022, at the 112th Fine Arts Exhibition at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair— the largest art exhibition in the state. Kristine Heykants, the photography juror, writes in her criteria statement:

I am looking for images that give witness to the breadth and depth of human experience in a way that is unexpected, with the desire to assemble a collection of images that represents photographic practice in Minnesota in 2023 in a holistic and inclusive way. Within the context of the State Fair where artists are limited to one entry, there is the added challenge of creating a statement or narrative in one image. I am excited to see pictures that make me want to learn more about the subject and the photographer.

Digital catalog HERE >>

Special thanks to juror Kristine Heykants, the participants who offered trust in front of my camera, The Photo Touch for printing, Jim Ross framing, Penn Barnes for transportation, Matt Steaffens for lighting assistance, Zach Rinehart’s leadership at the Blue Earth County Fair, and the support of my family— all essential ingredients required to create this photograph:

Live Action Role Players, Blue Earth County Fair, Minnesota, 2022, archival pigment print, 31 x 41 inches framed, Edition 2/7 SOLD.

About the series:

The Last Fair showcases summer animal contests, aspiring to enhance awareness in the changing face of American pastoral life. “If this was the last year of your county fair, what would you miss most?” I asked this question at over a dozen fairs, in response to the Ramsey County Fair (Minnesota, USA) remaining canceled since 2019. “The kids with their animals,” I heard. I considered how joy isn't fully appreciated until gone. Small agrarian communities in the U.S. are changing, and the county fair isn’t necessarily the highlight of a kid’s summer the way it used to be. The 360-acre family farm has grown to over 10,000 acres, which has had a huge impact on rural America. County fairs are among the casualties. Although there is evidence that this way of life is disappearing as kids leave the farm, the crisis of climate change and a concern for both sustainability and stewardship of the land point to a path for survival for agricultural practices and traditions. Using a large format camera with studio lighting, I follow a photo documentary approach, not allowing myself to composite images, remove elements, or rely on artificial intelligence (AI). Orchestrating a photograph requires months of planning— and a hefty dose of patience and a sense of humor.

Portfolio Reviews: Identifying and Hitting Goals {Pt 2 of 3}

This week I shared the second in a three-part series of helping fine-art photographers grow.

Portfolio reviews have been an important part of my career development. Lots of questions you should consider when planning your portfolio reviews: Which ones to choose? How to select reviewers? How do you create memorable leave-behinds? What questions do you want to ask? Recommendations for follow-up from portfolio reviews. How important is networking? What type of networking do you recommend? I also shared actionable tips for building a photographer’s fine-art network specific for those who don’t like to ‘network.’

Like what you are learning? Reach out and learn more about 1:1 mentoring >>

Acquisition: OSU Museum of Art

A year after the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art booked my touring exhibition, I reached out to the curator, Carla Shelton, and offered her an upgrade to the exhibition of eight silver gelatin prints. She obliged. Since the loan fee was higher than the original budget, I offered to donate my artist proof silver gelatin print (printed by Keith Taylor). She said yes!

What a nice set of Walker Evans prints the OSU Museum of Art has! Wonderful that they made their collection digitally accessible and searchable, too. I stopped dead in my tracks seeing Marion Post Walcott’s "Children of Tenant Farmer, Younger One with Rickets on Poor Eroded Land, Wadesboro, North Carolina” Seeing that poor child with rickets made me just think how appreciative I am for healthy children.

See the entry here >>

It's the People 2023-24 Photographer

I’m excited to be a part of Hennepin Theatre Trust's It’s The People 2023. This public art project, made in collaboration with Clear Channel, highlights members of the community in the theme of “Network of Mutuality.” This year’s project will also launch alongside the first Minnesota Triennial. The portraits will be displayed on billboards and large-scale banners across Minneapolis this summer, and the Minnesota Triennial will be hosted by Public Art St. Paul June 24 – September 16.

In collaboration with Sachidanandhan Venkatakrishnan, President of the Tamil Association of Minnesota (Minnesota Tamil Sangam, or MNTS, a non-profit organization), I will create one large-scale tableaux photograph depicting MN artists performing Tamil dances and traditional music instruments rooted in southern India and Sri Lanka.

As a portrait photographer since 2006, I am interested in sharing stories of the Minnesota community, especially those underserved in the arts. Lighting, styling and a formal approach elevate my subject out of the ordinary, telling a visual story of strength, character, and confidence.

I was intrigued with the theme, “Network of Mutuality” phrase drawn from the 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. quote: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

R. J. Kern selected as a portrait photographer for the “It’s the People” commission by Hennepin Theater Trust.

ACQUISITION | University of Minnesota

The DELUXE PORTFOLIO EDITION of The Unchosen Ones (edition of 10 + 2AP, $5500) was acquired by the Gorman Rare Art Book Collection at the University of Minnesota. Special thank you to curator Deborah Ultan and Jennifer Phelps (Burnet Fine Art & Advisory) for making this happen!

Photo by O. Kern

Tomte, Year 12

Year 12 of the Tomte series is here, chronicling on-going Kern family antics.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BLOG POST >>

Warmth and humor lurks beyond the home, extending to school and the sledding hill. We have another cousin to feature, as well as evidence of intergalactic alien visitation (all welcome here) documented by my son and his first Nikon DSLR camera, gifted by my Dad. Witness homemade ginger-bread houses, a candy home, and a Lego battle while cookies cool. New to this holiday series? Discover the antics from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Enjoy!

NEW WORKSHOP | Business Practices for Fine-Art Photographers

The act of photographers helping each other builds community and results in a better, more robust art world. From this foundational premise, I will be offering my help to other photographers as they navigate the business of fine-art photography. In this online workshop, I will impart essential career tips that allow emerging fine-art photographers to grow creatively while also growing their business. Hosted by Santa Fe Workshops, this virtual experience runs January 10 - 26, 2023.

Nevada Museum of Art Acquisition

“Dumb and Dumber, Freeborn County, MN” found a new home at the Center for Art and Environment at the Nevada Museum of Art, in honor of my friend Greg MacGregor (not dead yet). Greg recommended I reach out to them about a touring exhibition, for which they politely declined (this time). However, one thing lead to the next and the museum was interested in acquiring my work, thanks to the efforts of William L. Fox and Sara Frantz.

What really excites me is the trapezoid created between artist, collector, curator, and museum thanks to my friend, Jamie Siller, who donated the COLLECTOR’S EDITION’s of “The Sheep and the Goats” (Ed of 50) in honor of her late husband, Gino Siller. Gino and I used to photograph weddings together, and were in Ireland in 2012 when I created the first photograph for the project. Lots of warm fuzzies to know the book art project he acquired in 2017 will be given a new home in a public museum collection.

View the entry in the online collection database here >>

Jamie Siller holds the Collector’s Edition of The Sheep and the Goats, donated to the Nevada Museum of Art in honor of her late husband, Gino Siller.

R. J. Kern and the late Gino Siller, Denver, CO, circa 2008

Get the Show on the Road! Tips for Creating and Booking Traveling Exhibitions

Once your solo exhibition comes down, how do you keep the show on the road? What factors are most important? What practical constraints make it easier to earn a "yes?" What elements are most important in creating a touring exhibition? What does a successful exhibition proposal look like? How does a touring exhibition keep your book alive? How do you manage shipping costs and logistics for shows booking 3-4 years out? How much should you charge? What about a retainer? What does a written agreement look like? How do you identify and approach potential venues while keeping your i's dotted and t's crossed?

In my first SPE presentation, “Get the Show on the Road! Tips for Creating and Booking Traveling Exhibitions,” I am excited to share the nuts and bolts of how I was able to book (in a matter of months) over 12 PAID solo exhibitions from my photographic project, The Unchosen Ones. Traveling exhibitions support my creative practice, keep my books alive, and create PREDICABLE income, unlike gallery print sales or grants. I'm eager to share my enthusiasm and lessons learned with a goal of expanding your audience for your photographic projects. 

Friday, October 07, 9:00am
2022 MWSPE Conference, Cincinnati, OH

This year's theme highlights works concerned with the ebb and flow of social, political, and artistic trends and how these tropes and themes can return with differing focus and intensity. Learn more and see complete list of of speakers here >>

Authentic Portraiture featuring Painterly Lighting

Authentic Portraiture featuring Painterly Lighting (Outside the Studio)
Thu Feb 3, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm ET (Recorded)

How do you create a signature style with lighting? What is your go-to travel kit when traveling? Why is hiding your main light with your fill light important? How does color add to a painterly aesthetic? What is the value of a leaf shutter and shooting medium format? I will answer all these questions and more, as I teach you my approach to painterly portraiture.

This session is recorded and you may watch here:

Center for Photographic Art (Artist Talk and Book Launch) - Recording

Here is the recorded virtual book launch and artist talk with the Center for Photographic Art (Carmel, CA) as part of their lecture series held on January 13, 2022. Thank you to Ann Jastrab for the invitation and the 50 participants in the presentation. You may watch the show below.

New EDU series!

To help a rising tide, I’m excited to share something big: a complimentary, four-part series of talks focused on helping emerging fine-art photographers.

Talk 1. Going from Weddings to Fine Art: 5 Tips for Emerging Fine Art Photographers

Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm ET

I will share tips vital to artists’ careers that are not taught in art school, including: working with a book publisher, landing a gallery, structuring limited editions, pricing work, and how to stay happy through it all.

SanDisk product experts will also be on hand to answer any questions, and will raffle off a SanDisk Portable SSD at the end to those in attendance Sponsored by SanDisk

Event Details >>

Talk 2. Finding, Identifying, and Engaging Your Audience in Fine Art Photography
Wed Jan 19, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm ET

Cultivating the right audience can make or break your business. I will talk in depth about what it takes to build your business, from branding and marketing to developing an online presence, putting together a portfolio and the various venues (galleries, museums, art fairs, etc.) to explore with your art.

Event Details >>

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Talk 3. Authentic Portraiture featuring Painterly Lighting (Outside the Studio)
Thu Feb 3, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm ET

How do you create a signature style with lighting? What is your go-to travel kit when traveling? Why is hiding your main light with your fill light important? How does color add to a painterly aesthetic? What is the value of a leaf shutter and shooting medium format? I will answer all these questions and more, as he teaches you his approach to painterly portraiture.

Event Details >>

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Talk 4. Business Practices for Fine Artist Photographers: A Crash Course
Thu Feb 10, 2022 3:00pm - 4:00pm ET

In the final part of this four-part series, I will dive into the best business practices for fine art photographers. If you are in the fine art world, or looking to break in, join us for the ultimate crash course for this section of the industry. How does one nurture a gallery relationship and how to know when to quit? Why is it important to differentiate between when a project is complete vs ongoing (some go on for years)? Why does this matter? Why does having a “shtick” matter? How important is publishing a book for a fine-art career? What are some of the outcomes (positive, negative)? How do you build a CV? How do you get work into a museum collection? How do I price and edition work? What are important factors to consider when negotiating a representation contract with a gallery? What factors go into the decisions of exhibiting competed work in a space (framing, mounting, transporting)? How does an artist assess effectiveness of marketing opportunities (art fairs, portfolio reviews, framing a large show)?

Event Details >>

Artist Talk at Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

On Friday, May 7, I gave a free artist talk, hosted by the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The talk was recorded and I posted it above.

“Focus Friday” is the name of their artist talk series, showcasing the work of artists in their permanent collection. I shared a preview of work featured in my new book, The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral (MW Editions, 2021), due November 2021.

In 2019, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art acquired two of my photographs for the the permanent collection: Josilin and Escapé, Benton County Fair, Minnesota, 2016 and Escapé (pron. es cahp é), Benton County, Minnesota, USA (see below). I also shared a special story about this pairing with a poetic ending.

Thank you to Christine Renc-Carter and Teresa Wilkins for inviting me to speak about my work.

On Friday, May 7 from noon - 1 p.m. ET R. J. Kern will be giving a free artist talk, hosted on Zoom by the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

New Book Project!

I’m delighted to announce my next book project, The Unchosen Ones: Portraits of an American Pastoral, will be published by MW Editions (November 2021), distributed by Artbook / D.A.P. This book features dyptchs of youth from my project, The Unchosen Ones, taken four years apart. Essay by Alison Nordström, photo editing by Sarah Leen and Bill Marr. The book will be supported by a multi-year traveling exhibition hosted by ExhibitsUSA.

Reviewing match prints for my project, The Unchosen Ones, before they are shipped to Singapore.

6-Feet-Apart {Free Artist Talk on Zoom}

I will be presenting new work in an artist talk hosted by Magdalena Solé on February 26, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET— it’s a free Zoom meeting and all are welcome!

CLICK TO REGISTER >>

After sharing my inspiration and a glimpse into my creative process, I’ll discuss how I transitioned from the commercial photography to fine-art and offer perspective of the importance of strategic marketing to help build relationships with galleries, publishers, curators, and collectors. I’ll highlight a few of my lighting recipes from my project, “The Unchosen Ones” and share a sneak glimpse into new work.

Special thanks to Ewa Zebrowski for helping make this happen!

Recently completed print promos used to market new work, designed by Kevin Omura at Kuleana Design.

MSAB Creative Support for Individuals Grant {Awarded}

I received word this week that the Minnesota State Arts Board awarded me a FY2021 Creative Support for Individuals Grant. I am especially grateful for the support, especially given the challenges of how the pandemic has changed the way I am able to connect with Minnesota communities. This grant will help me adapt to this changing environment, by maintaining visibility and staying connected to audiences, participants, students, and communities—both now and in the future.

My goal with this grant is to take the next big step of my project, The Unchosen Ones. I plan to edit and share a series of documentary vignettes (approximately six 4-6 minute videos), highlighting life skills learned by youth raising animals for county fair contests in Minnesota. While re-photographing over 50 participants (socially distant, of course) from July - October 2020, I set up a video camera and asked them a few important questions related to lessons learned since 2016. This will be a new challenge for me, as I will be learning all sorts of new skills related to video production. The resulting short videos will be released monthly, promoted on social media and the project website, www.unchosenones.org.

I am also working on a new book project and I hope the completed videos will help support the book project and traveling exhibition with Mid-Atlantic Arts Alliance (booking details here >>).

Behind-the-scenes of The Unchosen Ones project (2020) in Anoka County with Kol and Annabel (top) and Kenzi and Hootie (bottom).

Minneapolis Institute of Art adds photograph into permanent collection

One of the nation’s leading encyclopedic art museums, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), recently accessioned one of my photographs into their permanent collection.

"In a year when state and county fairs have been prevented, it is all the more touching to have this photograph in our collection,” writes Casey Riley, PhD, curator and head of the Department of Photography and New Media.

The print acquisition, edition 10/10 of Kenzi and Hootie, Anoka County Fair, 2016, was a gift facilitated by Burnet Fine Art & Advisory. I thank Casey Riley for her support. She’s an amazing curator and leader in the arts community.

Museum acquisitions are important to an artist’s career. Curators can help promote an artist’s career in much the same way a food critic can make— or break— a chef’s career. I’m reminded of this watching my favorite Pixar movie, “Ratatouille,” in which a rat dreams of becoming a great chef, despite being in a rodent-phobic profession. 

For example, long-time curator, Ted Hartwell, who founded the photography department at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in 1972, helped photography gain acceptance in the art world by curating groundbreaking exhibitions by photographers such as heroes Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier-Bresson while promoting careers of Minneapolis photographers such as Tom Arndt and Stuart Klipper (I call both friends and have enjoyed swapping a print or two with over the years).

The Minneapolis Institute of Art has been important to me since my fine-art photography interests began to grow. During winter doldrums and snow storms, I would visit to gain inspiration. I love the free admission and award-winning educational programming. Seeing school children discovering art in the hallowed halls of “the house that Ted built” gives me great joy, and education, too. I always learn a thing or two when I visit, usually documented in my notebook. I would take special notes about the meticulous framing and presentation of work, or about what the artist says about the work (especially vocabulary used). My visits would bring joy seeing the brushstrokes revealing shadow detail in a painting created hundreds of years ago, or appreciating nuances in an early albumen prints by photography pioneers. My brain is pushed to figure out work I don’t initially understand—but work that curators deem culture should understand.

Visiting museums—especially the free ones— is a gift which allows me to better understand history, culture, and life. Often art addresses 'issues' in a way, well, that can’t be expressed any other way. I’m proud to help support such a special museum.

The Best of the Best: A Virtual Artist Book (Now Available)

Born during COVID-19 times, this virtual artist book showcases a collaboration between a range of artisans, writers, arts librarians, curators, and contributors in the photographic book project, The Best of the Best. This product is available on a sharable digital platform, secured by password-protection, available to stream in Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD).

The Best of the Best: A Virtual Artist Book features over a dozen components including video interviews, conversations, Q&A’s, interactive narratives, time-lapse documentaries, stop-motion animation, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and a virtual Instagram Live (IGTV) component, and of course all the essays and images and a digital signature page, too—all rooted to The Best of the Best project. Over 2 hours of recorded video footage created during self-isolation during COVID-19 times (June/July 2020).

The virtual book artist book will be produced in a limited edition of 24 + 4APs. This pays homage to the limited-edition nature of artist’s books as well as the 24 animals that participated in this project.

Purchase of The Best of the Best: A Virtual Artist Book may be credited towards the acquisition of The Best of the Best artist book, terms apply. Purchases are non-transferable, however may be shared on a .edu, .org, or .gov website or network affiliated with purchaser.

Learn more about The Best of the Best:

• fine art photographic series click here >>

• limited-edition (edition of 12) artist book click here >>

Purchase

Your support helps sustain on-going artist initiatives including community engagement through local exhibitions, artist talks, creative collaborations, and sharing the enthusiasm of “The Best of the Best” to communities across the globe.

Acquisition: Fidelity Corporate Art Collection

An outcome from attending PhotoNOLA portfolio review (Dec 2016), I am proud have my work acquired by the Fidelity Corporate Art Collection (Boston, MA). Thank you Alexandra Sullivan for helping to make this possible! The photograph, Rylee and Nelly, Clay County Fair, Minnesota, 2016 from the series The Unchosen Ones was published in National Geographic (Nov 2017).

Acquisition: Center for Photography at Woodstock

The Center for Photography at Woodstock (Woodstock, NY) has added Three Graces, Stearns County, Minnesota from the series Out to Pasture to their permanent collection this week. I thank Hannah Frasier for her support. I participated in the annual gala auction in October 2019 and enjoyed the experience.