Hahaha! You’re right it is a bit schizophrenic! Everything I do has been an extension of my photographic practice. Mirrored Society Books actually began as an online store with 2 people. Now I am the only person running the store. I began writing articles, mostly interviews for Mirrored Society’s platform to help photographers get their work and book out there and to let people know Mirrored Society Books exists.
The idea of the Print Pomona Art Book Fair came about two years after the physical bookstore closed. The planning was intense. The goal was to bridge the gaps that were missing. Meaning there are many zine fests in the area. So, my idea was to harness and include makers of zines and incorporate artists’ books in specific photobooks and the importance of both as an artistic medium that many in the community don’t understand. Many feel the books are just “coffee table books” that are mass produced and can be purchased from Amazon!!!
Mirrored Society Center for Photography, is an initiative that came from an idea I had for the community I live in.
Where I live photography isn’t taken seriously and rarely there are exhibitions that include photography. However, 30 miles west in the city of Los Angeles there is an over-abundance of galleries and spaces that exhibit photographic works. So, there is and has always been a disconnect, which is unfortunate. In addition, I have always wanted more for people who have disadvantages because I was one of those people. Therefore, I had always had the idea of opening a Center for Photography for the community.
The Pomonan was originally called Pomona Voice, which was mostly about local stories. I was sent a cease-and-desist letter by a local publication because of the name. I really believe they fear the competition, although they’ll never be on my level hahaha!!! Anyway, The Pomonan, although not considered a “local” platform, I revamped it to bridge the gaps and fill a void that has existed in the community where I currently live for decades. I usually don’t write about local stuff; I leave that to the local yokels. I write about issues that are purposely left out of the local news. I feel The Pomonan relates to youth and adults who are tired of a publication that only highlights city government and businesses but does not hold city government or businesses accountable. To me, that is only “PR”, not real journalism.
The Pomonan also incorporates the arts, especially photography and books. Both artists’ books and now literary since I have opened BOOK-STORE by Mirrored Society Books. This means I have two bookstores!
I can say there are more eyes on the arts, especially photography, and books now. I will continue to create a book culture and not a follower culture here.