chukos says:

Dear friends, I am Sergey Churkin (also known as Chukos in Facebook and Flikr community).

I am professional broadcast designer, and my hobby is light painting, and I am 51 years old extremely married man. My family support my hobby so I am happiest Chukos in the world :)

And now I think it is time to create Light Painting World Alliance (LPWA). The non-profit organization which can to unite all light painters in real sterling community. Sense of LPWA is in making connections more easily, info movements more quickly and creative ideas more living. As result of Alliance activity I mean rising of artistic level of light painters and gradual transformation LAPP into an independent branch of world media industry.

At the still moment the international LP community consists of a large number of individuals, as maximum – of small groups of good friends. Examples of business partnerships almost none. Each light painter shoot and then distributes its own products - as how lucky they are. Rare single light painters deal with a professional (commercial) basis.

Meanwhile, the artistic level of many authors to come closer to the standards of the media market. However, such products are not marketable because of the lack of adequate consumer awareness of media service - customers have no idea about the creative possibilities (also the commercial potential) of Light Painting, and the target audience does not see the Light Painting as comfortable for a media environment - because of the total lack of positive experience of perception . There is a presence of a new layer of media industry, which has a powerful means of expression - and its lack of public recognition.

Moreover, the problem is already present of fraud Light Painting for advertising purposes - as nimble photoshopers draw pictures "like light paintings" on computer. These fakes are inexpensive to produce, and they discredit the very idea of light painting - consumer sees this "plastic" imitation and takes her for an art form. Why people buying a cashmere sweater, willing to pay for a lot of money? Because everyone knows - this stuff has great value itself (it has high consumer characteristics), and many people are able to distinguish real from fake cashmere. Whence this knowledge? Personal experience and widespread knowledge regarding the cashmere. Here is what needs to be done to Light Painting - widely disseminate knowledge about this art form and give the masses an opportunity to learn to distinguish a fake!!!

We can leave everything as is. Let all the self develops, how it goes. Many people think so; more successful light painters - for reasons of "less competitors is better"; less successful light painters - from disbelief in the possibility to change the situation. But even if nothing is done, then the natural course of events will lead inevitably Light Painting to the media market – I’m think no more than after 10 years. In this now successful artists likely to become icons of style, but the overwhelming majority of fans will remain producers of home photo albums.

Some of artists will accept my idea, some – no. It’s normal. Evolution, so to speak, natural selection:)

Who then need LPWA? Obviously, those who just stands on the border between professional and amateur, who are willing to work hard to get a commercial result.

I know, it is not so easily as told, but under moveless stone gathers no moss :)

I understand that a successful project development requires money, that is why I am going to look for sponsors. However, the successful attraction of sponsors is impossible without a demonstration of some potent results in LPWA activity - here a vicious circle: the effective LPWA work be able to ensure the flow of sponsor’s money, but for its effective work requires money, for the present is absent!

Will it break this ring? Can a group of enthusiasts without money to bring the project to a level sufficient for commercial viability? That is the question!

My motivation in this project:

a) personal progress (development) in terms of creativity, combined with the progress of each project participant;

b) the promotion of my personal creative opportunity, combined with the promotion of opportunities for each participant;

c) the attainment (in future) of the project to self-sustaining and/or effective sponsorship.

Money, as you see, are not the most important motivation for me, but I hope that the productive activities of the Alliance will do my art work commercially successful, and eventually add some coins in my purse :) I know that many artists paint for pleasure - and in this case, their participation in the LPWA does not contradict the idea of the Alliance.

I appeal to all artists throughout the world - are you share my point of view? If yes – post your opinion here! Your voices will be taken into account when drafting the Manifesto of the Alliance, which I hope to publish here December 1. After that, up until January 15 all friends who share such idea will take participation in Manifesto discussion, which resulted in the construction program should be Alliance. Of course, I have that program right now, but I want to develop this program has taken the greatest possible number of light painters.

That will be our 1st step to victory :)

Of course, friends, I have no right to insist on your involvement in this project – but I’ll very glad to realize Alliance’s idea with you :)

You can join the theme here:
www.facebook.com/groups/lpwa.info/
www.flickr.com/groups/1787331@N20/

Kind regards, Sergey Churkin
www.flickr.com/photos/chukos/

P.S. I’m sorry for my English, I hope in case of misunderstanding I can explain any thoughts by asking me about it :)
12:06AM, 9 November 2011 PST (permalink)