Meet Working Artist David Foster
Artist David Foster has had a passion for nature photography for nearly fifty years.
Nature photographer David Foster, with nearly fifty years of passion for his craft, utilized The Working Artist course to overcome entrepreneurial reluctance and gain a more focused agenda for his work. The Working Artist helped Foster move past internal obstacles related to business steps, leading to increased proactivity and intentionality in seeking exhibition opportunities. This support culminated in his largest exhibition of 70 images for his 70th birthday at Georgia’s Callaway Gardens, and ongoing connections through the Working Artist Network, such as creating photo essays for On Your Doorstep magazine.
He focused heavily on photography during his twenties. Then life carried David through cross-country moves, marriage, kids and thirty years of employment in the non-profit sector.
All the while, he maintained his interest in photography.
Ten years ago, friends finally persuaded him to show his work publicly rather than keep his talent hidden. He has been exhibiting his work regularly since then.
Recently he decided to take The Working Artist course so that he could continue to extend his reach.
“I have been, at best, a reluctant entrepreneur,” David explained. “After my long stint in the non-profit world where I created many mission statements and strategic plans for work, I have typically resisted similar goalsetting for my artwork. Crista’s instructional style is very effective at working through my internal obstacles so that I could get out of my own way and move forward.”
For David, sales and money are not the ultimate motivators for his artmaking. “My passion is about getting the work out there and having helpful, positive ways in which it can be experienced,” he mused.
The Working Artist helped him overcome his resistance to those important business steps. David notes, “The Working Artist offers tools and experiences that support finding and implementing your artistic vision.”
He also reports feeling more energized, disciplined, prepared and bold with a more deliberate, focused agenda for his work. “Since the course ended, I have a heightened sense of proactivity and intentionality. I’m more assertive about seeking out specific exhibition opportunities that are in line with my vision to express the healing power of nature photography.”
David’s class completion also rides on the heels of his largest exhibition to date: 70 images marking his 70th birthday at Georgia’s stunning Callaway Gardens this past spring.
This October, David will be installing a solo exhibition featuring over thirty-five images as part of the Augusta (Georgia) Photography Festival.
In spring 2017, he will have a solo show at the Taubman Health Center, University of Michigan Health Systems. He is thrilled about this opportunity for his nature photography to nurture an environment that promotes well-being and healing.
In addition to the course itself, David also praises the benefits of Working Artist Network. By being connected with other artists who have taken Crista’s course, David was recently invited (by TWA alum Karen Thurman) to create four photo essays for upcoming issues of the online magazine On Your Doorstep that promotes nature’s preservation.
“Crista’s class continues to give back by providing ongoing support for my artist’s journey” he said.
We invite you to experience David’s beautiful imagery at www.davidfosterimages.net.
Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)