2021 Holiday Tree - © JC Buck
2021 Holiday Tree
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." - Willie Nelson.
Silverthorne, Colorado
I recently listened to a conversation with Ralph Gibson, one of my all-time favorite master photographers, and he talked about the seven good decisions he has made in his life. The first good decision was to become a photographer. He recounts the story of serving in the Navy; he was at sea, on watch, middle of the night in stormy weather, and shouted to the heavens, "I am going to be a photographer!"
Gibson goes on to talk about how finding his vocation was like winning the lottery. As I listened to him, I reflected on my own life, the decisions I have made, and the one that changed everything – deciding and saying to myself, I will be a full-time photographer, and that is what I want to do the rest of my life. That commitment made back in 2013 was the best decision I have ever made. At that moment, I had clarity, following years of uncertainty and struggling to understand who I am and what I was here to do.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I am beyond grateful for having found my work; I have so many who support me, encourage me, and are along for the ride. Firstly, I must first thank my partner Liz for being the most supportive of my creative endeavors from the beginning. Right there with Liz are my parents, both my Mom and Dad, who are my most prominent advocates, my dad telling anyone and everyone he meets to check out my website! My mom has my work hanging in their home and often inspires the latest ideas and new subject matter. It makes me tear up just thinking about how lucky I am to have them by my side.
Then, of course, there are my clients and collectors. Without you, I would not be able to sustain this career choice. The life of a creative person is not for the faint of heart. We are putting ourselves out there, and that can be terrifying. And it can also be the most rewarding thing one can do. I can not thank every one of you enough.
It is genuinely cathartic writing these words. I am overwhelmed with emotions right now. In my last month's letter, I emphasized it is too easy to focus on what is next, what I have not achieved yet, and lose sight of the moment and small things that go right. We can find ourselves living a life of "tomorrows." Today, I am stopping to enjoy this moment, and thank you.
Over the years, I have written off and on, but this is the first year I have focused on putting words to paper monthly. And I am beyond thankful you take the time to read my thoughts each month and view my latest work. And I know you do; my email open and click-through rates are off the charts! Also, each month so many of you respond to let me know how my latest work resonated, and the words I shared sparked something in you.
It would not be a new month, another letter from me, without sharing some more work. I am excited to release a unique 2021 Holiday Tree print to commemorate the year. The limited-edition medium-sized 12" x 18" fine art luster print is of an ancient Bristlecone pine tree above the Goliath Nature Center on Mt Evans, Colorado's iconic 14er seen towering over Denver.
The print is a new addition to my series, Time with an Elder, a collection of large-format photographs of the same 2,000-year-old lone tree that I released in September. I am limiting this medium-sized print to 100 editions and only one size. It will be available for a limited time. The artwork will be shipped flat and is available for purchase today on my website. If you are local in Denver or Summit County, I will offer pick-up options.
I am thinking of all of you. I hope you, too, will have some time to reflect, have something to be thankful for, and enjoy time spent with friends and family this Thanksgiving holiday week.
Thank you for reaching the end of another one of my monthly letters. As always, if you know someone who may connect with my work, it helps if you pass on my letters and photography.
Happy Thanksgiving!
JC
