If You Love What You Do, Isn’t That Enough?
My High School photography class recap and deep thoughts on art, plus upcoming event (GIG) and more!
“Is it ok if I show you some of my pictures?” asked a quiet freshman who had taken my photography class as part of Monroe’s Upward Bound summer session. I smiled and exclaimed, “For sure! Let’s see!” They showed me a couple of their photos from our field trip down to the library space, and I’m not sure if I was more thrilled with the photos or with the fact that they asked to share their work with me. I mentioned that they had a great eye and attention to detail. I could be crazy or seeing things, but they may have beamed with joy.
This year’s three-day teaching experience was probably the best I’ve had so far. Each day, we started with me going over the various aspects of photography I planned to cover. Then we’d spend the last half of class, roughly 25 minutes, either outside or down in the library trying out what I covered. The kids were engaged. I actually witnessed a few of them taking notes! There was something very rewarding about having some of the kids show me the photos they had taken. One or more of the students would ask a question or seek my feedback on their creations. I joined them in taking photos and could almost see them “seeing” the images they wanted to create. I felt a small jolt of both disbelief and elation. However, at the time it didn’t really dawn on me what was truly striking a chord within me.
Recently, I ran across an article that laid out concerns about the homogenization of photos in various social feeds, the struggles of getting eyes on a project (those dreaded algorithm blues), and the inability to find “good” photographic work or engagement with a photographer when something was found that sparked curiosity.
I can appreciate these concerns, but I must admit I felt a bit sorry for folks in this situation where they feel trapped by the algorithm. What I recognized after teaching the photography class and then reading this article is that you don’t have to be an expert, you don’t have to strain for recognition, and you don’t have to search hard to find great art. It all boils down to loving what you are creating and then finding just one other person to share it with. Along the way, you are bound to find other art that inspires you and certainly other artists that you can engage with. The key is patience and persistence.
Receiving recognition for your work feels awesome. I get it. I’d be lying if I said that it doesn’t matter. That said, I would still take photos, write this newsletter and other stories, and play music, regardless of who is appreciating my work. The creation of art is really love. That sounds sappy as hell, I know, but using your gifts and making something that you dig sure does seem like love to me.
I love writing, taking photos, and playing music. Sure, it can be hard finding the words. The thoughts rumble around in my head and stubbornly refuse to find their way to the keyboard. My camera bag at a show goes from fifteen pounds to the weight of a baby elephant as my feet begin to ache and my knees get as cranky as an old man yelling at clouds. My right and left hands fail to become synchronized weapons of riff madness when I’m playing my guitar.
Despite the hardships, the process of creating is what matters most. I think this is what I saw on the students’ faces as they attempted to capture moments in time. Focused on their creations, the doing was what lit them up.
It could be that I’m very lucky, or it could be that there is plenty of great art floating around on the interwebs, particularly here on Substack. It has seemed fairly easy to find art that sparks my curiosity and intrigues me. Much of what I’ve found has inspired me to try new techniques or revisit the way I’ve always done things.
In addition to finding art that intrigues me, I’ve found that sharing and commenting on the creations of others go a long way toward cultivating meaningful engagement. It can also lead to some friendships built on mutual admiration. Again, it could be luck, or it could be that my mind has selectively ignored any non-responses. But everyone that I’ve ever contacted here on Substack has always been kind and receptive. In fact, just a few weeks ago, I shared with you some of the incredible artists I’ve found here on this platform.
The article that triggered my response may have been the result of a bad day or a series of bad days. The author may have thought “What is the point?” while also considering the generally low level of appreciation for art as a whole, and perhaps feeling a bit lonely. All things that I can relate to. Well, with the exception of being lonely, I’ve not felt that in many, many years (thankfully).
Getting the negativity out of your system is a good thing. I’m all for it. By all means, share what is troubling you. There is no sense in letting it sit and fester. However, my motto is once you identify an issue and get it out, what can you do to fix it? I’m not saying we all have solutions. There are lots of things I think are pretty jacked up, yet I believe that I have to try to spin it back to something positive. Whatever that may be. I could be delusional, but it’s a happy delusion.
In this case, my solution is the revelation that I had after teaching. There is plenty of amazing art worth checking out, especially here on Substack. There is also great art about to spread its wings, as I saw firsthand with the students I had the pleasure of being with last week. If you love what you do, then find one friend you can share it with. It may require a high degree of patience and vulnerability to achieve, but I strongly feel that it provides a gift that keeps on giving.
Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Our events calendar on Life In Michigan is a treasure trove of events we’ve scoured the interwebs to bring to you. There are a ton of great events coming up. From that list, here are a few highlights:
Head over to Eastern Market TODAY for the 9th Annual Detroit Festival of Books on July 19.
GIG is THIS WEEK - I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 25 for GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Arts Experience 2026, part of Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival. This is going to be awesome :)
Ladyship Warship at the Rumpus Room stage at Sounds & Sights in Chelsea on July 23.
Warhorses, The Lucid Furs, Mazinga, and Dark Red at Old Miami in Detroit on July 25.
Dissona, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Finality, Phyrxian Sun at the Sanctuary in Detroit on Aug 1.
In Other News
I know, I know… cripes, man! When will this damn contest end!! This is the last week of voting, and I’m currently running in 2nd place. Get me to the finish line, friends. Drop by the Chelsea Art Alley (located between 105 and 107 S. Main St., Chelsea) to see it on display. Voting ends on July 23!!
Bird, Bird, Bird is the word here at Life In Michigan. Brenda shares the joy we have been finding this year, birding.
Current Magazine
Mishal Charania was kind enough to take the time to talk with Chuck and Terris Ahrens (Sounds & Sights) in a preview leading up to GIG 2027 in Current Magazine
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Michigander
The Michigander Newsletter turned the spotlight on GIG 2026.
Radio Amor
Our friend Marty Slagter at Radio Amor shared a wonderful shout-out about GIG 2026.
Life In Michigan Podcast
We pretty much knew why everyone should Choose Marshall when out and about in Michigan, but we learned about even more reasons to visit thanks to our chat with Amy Peterson and Alena Guenther
Why Everyone is Choosing Marshall, Michigan
We love it when a casual conversation over a bowl of soup turns into a full podcast episode.
Substack Restack Attack
Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:
Thank you, Sean Dietrich, for sharing Jim’s story.
Scott Lipps shares some thoughts on cell phone bans at shows. What are your thoughts?
A fun conversation between Juliette Mansour and perfectlight about two of my favorite things: music and photography.
Adventures Yet To Print
We’ve been busy, but not much new on the Life In Michigan front. The Canadian wildfires pushed Sounds & Sights on Thursday nights indoors, so I should have some photos and a story on that. Yesterday was the Thunder Over Michigan show, and I’ll definitely have some photos from that as well. Then, there is GIG coming in hot.
Sunday Sip Flashback
Now that we have a couple of years of Sunday Sips under our belt, I thought it was time to dip into the archives for a Sunday Sip Flashback.
Sunday Sip
Hello, 2024! Welcome to the Sunday Sip, where the unexpected is just another part of our journey! This week, we're diving into a kaleidoscope of experiences that remind us of the beauty and unpredictability of life.
Sunday Sip
Happy Sunday, my friends. I hope this day is greeting you with a big smile and black coffee or tea or diet Coke or hot cocoa or whatever flips the lights on for you. I feel that your environment is important to reading or listening, so wrap yourself in your favorite space, and let's talk about normal people who inspire others with their work.
What Are You Reading?
I’ve been on an Ann Patchett kick lately, having read Tom Lake (2023) and her most recent book, Whistler. Both books are excellent with thoughtful themes centering around love and family. Ann does a particularly great job of creating interesting and realistic characters. While reading, I felt as if these people were sitting down with me to share their stories.
Tom Lake is set in a fictional Michigan summer theater up near Traverse City, which had me thinking of Interlochen. The story is cozy, warm, and it reflects the various aspects of affection, passion, and deep commitment. The protagonist is a mother and former actor named Lara Nelson who shares a story from her youth with her daughters as they and her husband work together on the family cherry orchard during the pandemic. From first loves and summer romances to the bonds shared with family, friends, and spouses, the book weaves them all together in a tender quilt. The characters realistically portray all the ways we can experience love and what it can entail, including heartbreak and loss.
In Whistler, Ann Patchett crafts another exquisite story that explores elements of enduring relationships, memory, and death. This time, the setting is New York City, where the lead character, Daphne Fuller, is reunited with her stepfather. Over the course of the book, we learn about the special relationship between Daphne and her stepfather and what led to their separation for many years. Through their memories as well as the reunion, Patchett shares the ways in which we find those who are dear to us and how that connection can survive over time. In this book, I was also particularly intrigued by a reference to George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo, which may become fuel for a future essay here in the Sunday Sip.
What Are You Spinning?
My introduction to Mothertomb came in April of this year at the Resinator Beer Release party at Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette. It was the band’s first performance, and they blew me away. Their new album, Dying To Live, does an excellent job of showcasing the hauntingly beautiful, yet heavy doom this band creates.
Mothertomb hails from Northern Michigan with Chance Gawlinski on guitar, Alice Gawlinski on vocals, Alton Minor on bass, and Mike Benitez on drums/percussion. The opening track, “The Summoning,” introduces you to the hypnotic quality of Mothertomb’s creations. The pulsing bass and drums are joined by lush and evocative vocals draped in reverb. The guitars add chiming arpeggios and single notes as the drums build tension. This tension culminates with the heavy crush of open guitar chords.
Each song has both a psychedelic and forlorn quality that feels ancient, with darkness just around the corner. My favorite track is “Mountain Hag,” with its sonorous and punchy bass riffs, pummeling drums, and Sabbath-esque guitars. Throughout this album, the vocals are both supernatural and ethereal, with shots of venomous rasp when the razor’s edge is called for in a particular tune.
Anyone who digs Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Acid King should definitely check out Mothertomb.
That’s A Wrap
As my buddy Sturgill once said:
“Keep your head out of the clouds
And remember to be kind
And just stay in school
Stay off the drugs
And keep between the lines.”
Thank you for reading. Seriously, thank you! I hope your week is excellent! Don’t forget to kick out the jams!
Now, here is your moment of zen:
Patience and persistence. Wise words. Even tougher than we all think, but what a feeling when it works.
Super happy your experience this year was the best. Also, love to hear kids just wanting to showcase their work and being receptive to comments.
Go ahead and teach, Teach!
Reading about your experience teaching art filled me with real joy. As an artist, I know how powerful it is to share that sense of possibility and discovery with others. The way you describe the moments of connection in the classroom—the small sparks when someone begins to see themselves as creative—reminds me why making and sharing art matters so much. Thank you for capturing that magic and for the work you do to inspire others.