Whassup niches?!?

First and foremost... I stole this blog title from James Victore's Burning Questions web-series. It was too perfect. And though it may pain my ego, I must concede that I couldn't even begin to construct a better title on my own. James Victore is an artist, activist, author and self-proclaimed firestarter who teaches creatives how to illuminate their individual gifts. I enjoy his "Burning Questions" series because he addresses topics like:

• "You're A Fraud? So Am I!"  
• "How To Trust Your Gut And Take Criticism"
• "Don't Let The Turkeys Get You Down"

These videos are helpful to those of us trying to navigate the "professional" art world; those of us who are simultaneously giving into our compulsion to create art while experiencing a constant fear of discovering we are, indeed, completely and totally talent-less. Obscene self-loathing aside, these videos are the perfect "talk you off the ledge" pick-me ups.

One of his more recent "Burning Questions" topic really jumped off the page for me. See below...

Recently, I've found myself considering the direction I am taking my art. Over the years I've tried to carve out a niche for myself (travel, architecture and nature photography) because I wanted my work to be "marketable" and "relateable". I did not have any pretensions to create "great art".  I just wanted people to enjoy my images. Photography is not my full time job, nor is it a viable source of income for me. It is passion, plain and simple; a compulsion I surrender myself over to because my DNA commands me. It has provided me with a lifetime of frustration, heartache and self-loathing. Some examples for illustration:

• Being "asked" to leave locations by police for using a tripod.
• Losses of entire rolls of film due to equipment failure.
• Repeated defeats during photography competitions.
• Outdoor art shows in the pouring rain, where no ones comes, and you don't sell anything.
• Repeatedly having to undersell for many different reasons.

All these experiences pale in comparison, however, to the reasons which keep me plowing forward.

• Having the opportunity to travel and document non-profits doing incredible work around the world and in my own backyard.
• Being asked to capture important moments in the lives of my friends and family.
• Having a creative outlet which constantly challenges me to slow down and consider the simple beauty of the world around me.
• Engaging in meaningful conversations with others inspired by the content of my work.

As I attempt to grow with my art, I find my expressions expanding into realms which don't necessarily fall into "my niche". As I tentatively share some of these "creations," I  maintain a moderate fear that it will be confusing to those who identify me with those very specific niches I have to carved out for my art over the years. Will I put those all those efforts in jeopardy? Or will a fearless pursuit of those things which make us happy and fulfilled, regardless of definition or niche, be the most honest attempt at truly living life? I don't have the answers to those questions. If I attempt the latter, however, my gut tells me I might get just a little closer to the answer than I am now. James Victore says, "when someone asks you what do you do, you say, 'I bring the party. I make powerful, sexy, memorable things that get people excited!'" I like that.

"Creatio" - Lisa Gallant Photography © 2014

QUESTION:

Niches... Good? Bad? Indifferent? Leave a comment below and let us know how the worlds we create for ourselves help us or hurt us.