In July 2007, the Rick Gayle Studio location which I was in for 22 years burnt to the ground. I had been thinking of moving into a new space, but not exactly that way. The fire made it really easy to make the move…no packing, plus I learned a lot from the experience and best of all (thank God for insurance) – I got all new equipment.
The day after the fire I secured a new space and had it completely built out by the first August. I had the help of a group of very devoted people who really made the new chapter possible. On the one year anniversary of the fire I decided to make still life photographs of some of the charred remains I chose to save.
WOW, these pics bring back memories of that day. While the fire was scary and sad, it birthed a wonderful new outlook for you. My favorite of these pictures is the bowling pin — why was that in your studio in the first place?? Love the blog. Keep up the fabulous work. 🙂
I had about a dozen of them in my prop area. I used them many years ago for a shoot. I used to keep everything! As always thanks for you kind words.
Rick,
I am so sorry to read about your fire, but it sounds like it turned out well. I know you had treasured memorabilia in that space and it must have been heartbreaking for you at the time. It’s funny, I found your blog this morning and just yesterday I listened to a story on NPR about the pop artist James Rosenquist who had a similar experience – http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/blog/2010/1/16/james-rosenquist.html
Hope life is going well for you!
Rosemary
It was a dramatic situation, but I’ve been in great a new space that I share with Paul Markow for almost three years.
It is truly amazing to realize how much stuff we collect thinking that some day we may actually use it or look at it. What really happens is that almost all of it
winds up in a land fill. It was a blessing in many ways!