We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kent Burkhardsmeier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kent below.
Kent, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
In 2012 after nearly 30 years of a successful career in the corporate world, I noticed a loss of spark at work. I was not sure why, so I began reevaluating my career opportunities. During this time, my creative/artistic passion for landscape photography manifested. I developed an action plan to shift into this new career.
In July 2015, I launched KJB Images as my full-time photography business. Ever since, I have been a full-time photographic artist.
Kent, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Nature calls me through the whispers of leaves rustling in the breeze, waves lapping onto a beach, birds chirping to the rising of the sun, and moonlit shadows cast onto the landscape. A calmness descends upon me while sitting and breathing with nature.
Sharing these moments with another human while viewing one of my photographic images fuels my passion for capturing nature’s beauty in a printed art piece.
In 2015, I left the corporate world of information technology, picked up a camera, and wandered through nature—listening, observing, feeling, and photographing. As time passed exploring different locations, I refined my photographic style to the essence of nature. Allowing the calls of nature to compose my images.
Studies found we can reduce our stress levels, breathe easier, restore our cognitive state, and experience moments of peace while within nature. These studies have also discovered viewing images of nature extends the same benefits. So when you cannot step into nature, you can reduce your stress and enhance your wellness by visually and mentally “stepping” into an image of nature. My images offer this sanctuary in your home and workspace. My images of outdoor nature invite peace, tranquility, and serenity.
During the pandemic, my refuge was daily visitation and meditation with images of nature I had previously photographed. They calmed my anxiety from the uncertainty and fear harbored within me. During these meditation moments, I started writing short poems inspired by the image of nature. Thus began the poetic writings that I refer to as “whispers from nature.” They are intertwined with the images.
Since 2015, I have received numerous photographic awards, exhibited in multiple galleries and exhibitions, represented by several galleries, and fostered an international list of clients. I published 2 photo-poem books during the pandemic.
Landscape photography comprises a majority of my portfolio. From July 2021 through May 2024, I lived full-time in an RV traveling across the USA and Canada capturing images and whispers from nature. These will be the inspiration for the 3rd photo-poem book.
Nature inspires both my photographs and my writings. I enjoy immersing myself in nature—hiking and exploring—while being attentive to my surroundings before making an image. I love shooting early in the morning before sunrise and after sunset when nature dances with color. I seek to find the extraordinary within the ordinary. Nature offers so many lessons about life and enhances our wellness. The beauty and well-being shared by nature drive me in my photographic artistry. Sharing this through an image to another human is the purpose of my art.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Recognizing, understanding, and valuing artists and creatives.
Recognizing the business challenges faced by artists and creatives. There are many barriers to entry into the market for an artist to become successful. Studio space is expensive. Cost of sales are relatively high – commissions, transaction fees, taxes, etc. And marketing channels are cumbersome – social media, galleries, art fairs, newsletters, etc.
Understanding the artistic effort and process creatives employ to create their works. Most artists do many ‘non-creative’ activities preparing, researching, exploring, feeling, and visualizing before they pick up the paintbrush, type the first word, mount the camera on a tripod, walk on the stage, or play the first note. Many have spent countless hours over many years learning and refining their craft. Many have endured hours and days agonizing and questioning their talents.
Valuing the artistic creations by paying fair prices to the artist. Once you recognize their business challenges and understand their artistic efforts, you begin to value their artwork and paying fair prices to the artist. When we put the artist first, supporting and encouraging them, the ecosystem thrives.
Support your local artist. Buy original artwork. Visit and spend time with an artist. Host an artist at a work event, social gathering, or in your home with family.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is meeting and befriending other artists. Since becoming a full-time photographic artist, I have become friends with talented photographers, abstract painters, landscape painters, watercolor painters, and writers.
I have had the joy of collaborating with artists from other mediums to produce new, original mixed-medium artwork. I have learned their story, passion, and inspiration while sharing mine.
I have learned new ways to see, create, sell, and think from these other artists. We have shared ideas on overcoming the business challenges faced by artists.
Many artists work solo but we are a community. Engaging and creating art together is wonderful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kjbimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjbimages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imageskjb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjbimages
Image Credits
Personal photo credit and copyright: Claudia Johnstone
All other photos credit and copyright: Kent Burkhardsmeier