When I first started out as a photographer, I wanted to be a photographer whose work was only shown in galleries. I was in a show, and I won a blue ribbon. When I explained how long it took me to take that picture to my friend who was a commercial photographer, he asked, “Can you eat that ribbon?”

Thinking back on those times, my favorite artist was Norman Rockwell. I try to copy a certain aspect of his style when I do most of my work. I try to make the viewer feel like they were right there in the image, like they were there when it happened.

And I’ve always loved Peter Max. It’s funny, I like the artwork in Yellow Submarine, but I don’t think I like the movie that much. Any time I go anywhere where there’s a Peter Max exhibit, I run right to it.

Years ago, Peter Max was on the Arsenio Hall show. He took a shirt, drew his artwork all over the shirt, and gave it to Arsenio. I always wanted to know, what did Arsenio do with that shirt?

But like all things, life circles around to the beginning. I have been asked to show my work next month!

You are all invited.

It’s part of the Artist Illumination Series and West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s “Gallery Walk” at The Hickman, 400 North Walnut Street, West Chester PA. The exhibit  featuring myself and another local photographer runs from May 2nd to May 31st. More details on The Hickman and their Artist Illumination series can be found here:

http://thehickman.org/hickman-living/special-events/

Preparing for an art show is more work than I ever thought it would be. The last time I showed my images publicly was 1979! You have to figure out what you like, what you’re going to show, new work, old work, go out and do even newer work, etc. So I’m showing a very broad collection of my PR work and images.

If you get a chance to stop by, I really hope you enjoy it!

- Kevin S. Nash

Photo details: Peter Max mural, Atlantic City, NJ