Art is just a fancy name for getting recognized. That recognition may be sought for in the deranged mind of an artist working alone, where their audience is people they once knew, living in their interior mental space, or one posting daily Instagram photos to people they interact with today, or want to.

Commercialism is the attempt to realize recognition for your “art” today. Does it have anything to do with the prime motivation, with the art, as art?

All your photos seem to be of young people. That is your world. What does art mean to young people? Usually it means their art, not your (my) art. How much art is consumed because it inspires the person to make art where they can also get noticed? What should I take away from your photographs? What emotions or thoughts do you believe go through a viewer’s mind that are unique to your art?

If I jumbled up your photos with those of another 25 young photographers would I be able to pick them out? I’m sorry that may sound insulting; I don’t mean to be. I’m just trying to separate the concept of commercialism with your artistic journey.

I know the effect my photos have on viewers — confusion. Because I don’t know what I want to say. But I know enough that a million likes wouldn’t change that depressing reality, for me. Partly, that’s a function of my age. I truly envy you. I read your article and think, “yes, be positive! You can do it! We need more art in the world.”

Unfortunately, I don’t think or not think about commercialism. If I did I would shoot photos that inspire people to shoot photos that inspire other people to shoot photos to be part of the mass belief that there is some real art-lover buyer at the end of that line.

Instead, I shoot photos and they make me depressed. Twenty years later I look at them and they give me some joy. Will this be your future too? Who knows. I put it out there as in the realm of possibilities.