We were lucky to catch up with Melvin Chappell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melvin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I have been a photographer for more than thirty years. My focus has always been on the fine arts of the craft. I set up my booth at shows in the Philadelphia area and its surrounding counties. This way, I can reach a very broad layer of people and introduce them to my fine art photography. I not only get my own solo show, with hundreds of images to exhibit. I also sell to many people.
Over the years, I have sold well over 3,000 images that went into hundreds of households. This is not only in the USA but also internationally. There is nothing like the foreign visitor stopping at my booth to find a Philadelphia image to take back to their native country or continent.
I also participate in group juried art shows. My work has been exhibited in many galleries. Including The Woodmere Art Museum, The Museum of Erie, PA. and “The Art of the State” in Harrisburg, PA.
My favorite day of the year is Christmas. On that morning, I am filled with joy, knowing that dozens of people will also rise to find a Chappell photo under their tree.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started as a lover of the work done by photographers like Ansel Adams and Steve Curry. Both provided examples of how to capture nature in its full glory. The Curry style was admired because he was able to take urban scenes and make them seem both artsy and natural.
I emulate the concepts and ethos of these very great photographers. Like Gordon Parks, I found that being diversified in style and technique, I can stay in the game and win sometimes. I also make sure that my work not only holds up nature as the glorious gift of life, but also captures the activities of the human race’s impact on nature. That’s when urban phhtography blends with nature. The urban forest is a subject matter that cannot be ignored. I look for opportunities with my vision to capture those urban scenes that capture our common reality.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
For more than thirty years, I have been creating and selling photographic images. I go out to capture the image. I do the post-production in the computer dark room. I print the image on my Canon printer. I package the image and prep it for public display. I have art/ a product that is all hand-crafted by me.
But I work a second job that demands forty or more hours of work each week. Having the job is important for my livelihood and my future retirement.
Knowing that I do have an income that provides me with a decent standard of living, I can pursue my dreams of being an artist. It is because I worked an 80-hour work week on both endeavors that I was able to build a happy home and a place in my community.
I am a recipient of the “Immunate the Arts Award”. This is a grant that the City of Philadelphia awards to artists. The funds that I received from this award made it possible for me to take on additional projects without fear that it won’t be profitable.
I think the government and the rich should be forced, by law, to contribute to the arts and to grreater good of the community. We all win if that happens or when it does happen from time to time.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All work created by Melvin A. Chappell.