Sometimes it can be difficult to build up one's own momentum, much less maintain some sort of consistency with it and communal energy is vital sustenance for artists. From a community I am rather familiar with, I offer you aspiring Hot Shot Justin Schmitz.
Justin hails from Chicago's Columbia College is a hot bed for real photographers in every sense of the word and a grounding pad for Chicago's blossoming and booming photography community. If you're looking for a good time this weekend, visit Justin's website, take a look at his links, and get caught up in the tightly-knit but expansive network of Chicago and beyond artists—hours of fun, I promise.
Not in acquaintance with him, but an off-and-on resident of the Windy City, I've seen Justin's stuff before. A couple of years back I bargained with him over a piece hanging in a very "Chicago" space and a fantastic one at that, Heaven Gallery. While the collector inside me is a flaky one, or at least a poor one, I have followed his work ever since.
When it comes to communal energy, Justin is well-fed. Exploring many a niche within youth culture, here is what he has to say:
My work stems from a desire to describe how young suburbia defines itself. The subjects I choose subjects, like all adolescent, are constantly striving to define their own identity. My photographs document a time transition, a time of confusion, and a time of questioning. The pictures I make describe how these kids present themselves to the world and how they deal with their own ideas of their still forming identity.
Here at jen bekman we have our own booming community. Check out the roster of past Hot Shots, all continuing to impress. Join in on the fun!