My Photo Wall at The Gallery

By Jonene Lee

"Is this all of your work" is something I get asked frequently when people walk into the gallery. "No ... I curate the gallery with other artist's work". So why don't I have my work up more? I don't know actually. I guess it's a self esteem, confidence thing. I've had my work in the gallery before and most of the time, it does't sell. My $25 prints sell a lot, but bigger pieces that I've framed or have put on different mediums? Almost never.

Maybe the price isn't right

Maybe the right person hasn't come in

Maybe they didn't like the frame

Maybe it's Maybelline

We can't be sure. I do know that after an exhibition, when nothing has sold, I sometimes feel shitty about my photos. I do and I think it's natural. You get your work ready, you promote the exhibition, the opening is fantastic, people like and comment on posts of your art and then ... crickets. No sales. The feeling is like coming down from a high (says the former addict) and it blows.

So what am I going to do about it? Give myself a wall every exhibition, that's what. Why not?

I took this photo during the George Floyd protest in Philly, 2020. We were walking around City hall and when I looked up, I felt peaceful. It was a tough time and most of us cried during the 6 mile walk.

This little corner of City Hall brought me some joy that day.

San Diego, 2023. Marc, my daughter and I took a family vaca to the west coast. The San Diego Cove was a favorite spot, if not for the copious amount of seals just lounging around, but for the gorgeous ocean views.

This one hangs above our bed when it's not in the gallery.

Another one from the protest. We were walking on Ridge ave about to cross over Spring Garden. A peaceful protest amongst people who want to spread love instead of hate. Imagine that ...

This is easily a favorite of mine. Before the camera phone, I would carry my camera every where I went. Clubs, friends houses, restaurants, to run errands ... EVERYWHERE :) I took this in the early 2000s I believe on 17th and Walnut.

My plan is to change my work with every exhibition to give you different photos and mediums to imagine in your space. Click below to shop my current wall along with some other fun photos!

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