It seems to me that it has become "vogue" to seek one's true destiny in order to live in a constant state of "Joy" or “ABUNDANCE”. It also seems to me that it is unrealistic to think that it's actually possible in this cesspool of a world. I do believe however that everyone has God given talents...gifts if you will...and it is a terrible shame not to attempt to uncover them and use them to at least attempt to make life more than just tolerable. This thought process recalls the old adage..."If you love what you do for a living, you'll never work a day in your life". Photography is my passion and I know that I will never master it because every single time I shoot images I learn something new. My style changes with my life experiences so I am constantly evolving and it is for this reason that I find the art so mesmerizing and exciting. My goal is to one day make photography my life's work. The obstacle, in this venture, is that I don't shoot to garner the attention or approval from other people. I genuinely do not care if I am ever commercially successful though, I must admit there is huge gratification in getting paid to shoot pictures and an enormous gratification in seeing them published for others to enjoy. Photography identifies my true essence. I am blessed to be able to see beauty and uniqueness in common things and through photography, display these commonalities in an uncommon, artistic aesthetic. I know that I was born to be a photographer because I yearn, in my soul, to partake in some facet of it every day of my life.
Recently I retired from “working for the man” and have taken my life as an artisan in a different direction by adding Furniture Artist to my resume. Check the site for my latest creations and feel free to email me at vonradart@gmail.com for details, prices or commissioned work.
Regarding the Kustom Kulture genre...I've always considered myself to be a rebel. I adopted an iconoclastic view of life at a very early age. I didn't set out to do it. It happened organically. I don't like to follow and although I prefer to keep my opinions private, I seldom agree with normalcy and status quo. That’s why I identify so easily with the "fringe" of society and have taken the "rogue's" path, however more complicated and difficult it may be, to live my life. I will never take the time to explain to anyone any further because, much like covering ones self with tattoos, riding a motorcycle with no helmet, paddling out into dangerous surf or driving a drag car at a ridiculously high rate of speed, there is no viable explanation. You simply "get it" or you don't and no amount of convincing on anyone's part will alter ordinary folk’s opinion. And honestly, who has the time or motivation to try. The Kustom Kulture society contains a membership of free spirited, eclectic, adrenaline junkies hell bent on one thing...living life in the moment and to the fullest. A life that doesn't mesh with conventional thinking and conservative values. Although, I've never met a member that condemned the right to be conservative if that's your ideal. Live and let live I say...There are those that understand and there are those that don't. Haters gonna hate…I honestly don't give a rat's ass either way...Let’s Ride Muther F*ckers!
Von Rad
Philadelphia and the "burbs
www.kustomkultco.com
All images in this template are used with permission from the photographer Richard D Reimel. Contact at kustomkultco@gmail.com for further information.