Blind artist Pete Eckert wins "Exposure" competition.
By Bruce Hall
13 August 2008
Last week, I traveled from California to New York city to assist blind artist, photographer, and friend Pete Eckert with his showing at the Leo Kesting Gallery in NYC. Pete's juried entry won the Artists Wanted "Exposure" competition sponsored by JPG magazine and others. The award included cash, press promotion, and a reception hosted by the Kesting Gallery on August 7, 2008. Eckert's work was also projected onto buildings on the streets of Chelsea, Dumbo, and Willamsburg in NYC from August 4th - 7th.
My goal was to help take some of the stress off Pete, by helping him navigate the opening, and the city, and to photograph the energy, electricity, and excitement of the evening. Pete is a self contained man who can take care of himself in the world. But sometimes friends need a little help. He often says, "I am a visual person, I just can't see." Pete sees things many of us do not. I have spent time in Sacramento with Pete and his wife Amy, and I can tell you Pete has talent, and is in control of his destiny. His work is extraordinary regardless of disability. For more information about Pete Eckert go to www.peteeckert.com.
When we arrived, the kind folks from Artists Wanted and Leo Kesting were finishing preparations for the show and press meeting. From 6:00 o'clock on the energy exploded with hundreds of people streaming into the gallery, and pouring into the streets. The opening was an electric and eclectic party atmosphere that I will not soon forget. A fabulous band called HMB www.hungrymarchband.com came marching and playing from the street and into the gallery performing for several hours. Pete's very large color and black and white photographs hung on the walls, while his work was also projected on three walls in the gallery. For hours, Pete, with his guide dog Clancy, were surrounded by art patrons, and guests of the gallery asking questions, and commenting on Eckert's work. Pete tells me the most common question was, of course, "how do you do it?"
Finally, dear reader and fellow photographers,I realize a blind man making world class photography may be confusing, but Pete Eckert is an artist on many levels. He uses hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, and talent to make his art, just like sighted people. I am proud to know him.
Thanks to JPG magazine and all of the sponsors. And a special thanks, for making this such a great event, to: Dana, William, Jason, David, Ella, and everyone at www.3rdward.com www.artistswanted.org and www.leokesting.com
3 responses
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Charidy Bunsa said (26 October 2008):
Wonderful story to bring to the attention of JPGrs....I hope it gets into the mag!
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ZERINA PHILLIP gave props (23 December 2008):
This had to be fantastic. I missed it. Like the essay and photos.
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Bruce Hall said (23 December 2008):
Thank you Zerina and Charidy. I don't think jpg is interested in the story. They were a sponsor and I was surprised they didn't do more with the event. I suppose it was because a jpg member didn't win the compettion. A blind man won... and that makes some people nervous.
