Last Tuesday, I put a call out on the interwebz for a little help. I needed to sell 50 photos in one week to keep my head above water during uneasy professional times: http://matness.storenvy.com
With less than 48 hours to go, I have to say that the collective response has been beyond heart warming. As of this morning, 32 prints have been sold. My original post has been shared by dozens of strangers and friends alike on Facebook and Twitter. You’ve offered me small contracts, publications, potential photoshoots, and offered to lend me a hand in my search for more stable employment.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to reach my goal. Folks have told me for a while that they would be interested in purchasing some of my photos but I had assumed those were but polite words shared amongst friends. I’m humbled by the thought that my work will be on walls across Canada. From BC to Newfoundland & Labrador, my call for solidarity was answered with enthusiasm and compassion.
With the money raised so far, I won’t need to worry about June rent, utilities and loan/credit repayments. It’ll also mean that I’ll be able to breathe easy during my upcoming one week research/writing trip that I’m allowing myself to take after a decade of religiously collecting air/reward miles.
Making it to 50 would see me through July and hopefully give me the time needed to find the right job.
I’m a fan of the term coined by my dear friend Katie Arnup. This past week has been an experiment in Solidarid-art. We’re almost there. 2 more days to sell 18 more prints. We’ll also have the extra challenge of competing against a potential Habs elimination in the final hours of Tuesday, but with your help, I’m sure we can make it happen.
One last push, gang.
Thank you again for everything. Je vous aime muchly.
With love and solidarity, always,
Mathieu
PS: Go, Habs, Go