A Decade Later

Wow. Look at you here. You dropped by to see where things landed and what’s next in this artistic journey.

Thank you.

In case that opening sentence is odd to you, please allow me to make a re-introduction.
My name is Dean and for the last decade I’ve been sharing a photo-based story called “Tacoma And The Sea” on a big social media platform. I had no idea that it would take me on such a wild ride. A couple of TED stages, NPR’s THE WILD, guest lectures at the University of Washington, dozens of podcasts, live storytelling shows, classrooms, on-the-water programs….and so much more. It’s been a passion project.

I’ve made a lot of friends along the way. Lost some too. That’s life. The human experience can be brittle.

After a decade of participating in the social-scroll, I simply decided I’d had enough in that sand box. No regrets. Just had enough. So now I’m moving over to something a little slower paced. No gamification. No “like” button. No transactional foundation. And thankfully, no algorithm. I just wanted a place I could park my art and stories, on my terms. Higher resolution images and stories told as long as I want them to be.

How many of you are “following” here? I could care less. The goal here is simple: a more meaningful experience.

I’ll also be aiming to put more printed photos out for viewing in the real world. Where we can stand shoulder to shoulder, look at them, talk about them, and then maybe head out into the sea and recreate new and unique experiences as friends, you and I. Or maybe we never meet. Maybe the stories and images simply inspire you to find your way through the sea.

To my friends and family who followed this over as I exited stage left of the socials….thank you. Your notes and encouragement are what built this website. I’m not kidding. 3 days ago when I said I was closing the door on the socials, I had no plans to do this. But you all showed me that these stories mattered. I was humbled, deeply. So this place is a new celebration for us, together.

Be patient with me as I slowly add new content. I’m in no rush. Let’s reel things in a bit and enjoy the slow meal together.

Oh, and a plug for that first upcoming chance to do this “live and in person.” I’ll have a few prints on show at the Barlow Gallery on Market Street in Tacoma on Nov. 8th and 9th. And will be on site to say hello and talk story with you. I’d love to see you there.

Thank you for being here.

Much love,

~Dean

PS - there is a “contact” page up there. Feel free to drop me an email. Share a story. Or let’s meet in the sea somewhere.