Kris Lett is the Creative Economy!

Kristopher D. Lett, 35 years old, Charleston, WV 

New Economy Factor: 

Mr. Lett was born in South Charleston, and grew up in Putnam and Kanawha Counties.  He graduated The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with honors in 1993 with an Associates degree in Photography and Multimedia, after which he moved to Colorado and began work as a full-time corporate photographer for Morton Buildings.   He literally lived out of his van full of photo gear and out of hotel rooms for two years, driving around the country for his job.  He then moved to Brooklyn, NY, and worked freelance for other photographers in multiple branches of the business, including fashion, celebrity portraiture, architecture, and still life.  After 6 years in New York Kris spent 4 years in Miami where he was mentored by another photographer and began to take a larger role in the shoots than ever before.  His work expanded to showing more of his personal artwork in galleries, and he began shooting more models, actors and musicians as well as shooting interiors for a large night club and clothing store.  He then returned to his home state and purchased his own photography gear, committing himself to launching his work in West Virginia.  One of his first jobs was to land part of the West Virginia Tourism campaign.  His website is www.kdlett.com.

(Poster's note:  I couldn't resist including Kris's personal favorite photo of himself "a few" years ago with Darth Vader!  Good to know DV keeps a close eye on the time via wristwatch....)

On West Virginia in the New Economy: 

Certainly progress has been made in West Virginia since I last lived here. Quite a bit has changed and so have I. I moved out into the world and began to find and appreciate the beauty in diversity.

West Virginia has many assets ready for development by the right people with the right attitude and determination.  At this point nearly anything is possible. There has probably never been a better time to be based in a low-cost, rural area. We can conduct business all over the country and the world from here and still enjoy the benefits of our natural environment, which must be protected.

I think this is a great place to develop as an artist and an entrepreneur.  I have produced some of the best work of my life since I've been back and in my free time I study as much as I can. The pace and life I live here are much more conducive to study than some other places I have lived. I'm really enjoying the benefits of simple things, just ease of movement from point A to B.  It would be good to have more people from other parts of the country and the world coming into West Virginia and living and working here!

The Create WV conference is the most positive action I have been a part of since I’ve been home. It is a place to bring in the best minds in the state and people from outside the state and country with proven track records, those who are on the cutting edge in the many fields.  Promote diversity, education and tourism.   Promote and support the Arts always and forever!

Posted by Elizabeth Damewood Gaucher

Comments

[Skip Lineberg]

What a fitting tribute to a phenomenally talented artist! Kristopher is gifted. But he is also caring, cool and fun. I am so glad that he is back in West Virginia.

[The Webster]

This post says nothing of any economic contribution by Mr. Lett. Like many who are on the fringe Lett self promotes but has contributed little. Where is the economic impact?

[Jeff]

Not sure if Webster has a personal axe to grind or not with his comment re: KD, but generally speaking KD and others who are "on the fringe" (not sure what that means exactly) contribute mightily to the economy both in direct and indirect terms. The influence of "bohemian" influences via art, culture and innovation in today's creative economy are pretty well documented at this point by Richard Florida and others.

In addition to the impact of their own art or creative services on the local economy, they serve as a powerful cultural and creative magnet to a place that ultimately begins to draw other "creatives" in entrepreneurship, science and technology. It's not just the research talking; I've seen it over and over in Philadelphia, Seattle, Alexandria, Chattonooga....etc. It's not the only formula for economic growth, but it is a powerful and predictable one.

Some may not buy into the formula, but it is pretty simple:

1. The creative class workers and entrepreneurs can often choose to live and create (tech, science, art, media, etc) anywhere they choose
2. They most often choose a place with creative and intellectual energy
3. Artists and cultural creatives add that very energy to a place
4. Therefore, it's a good thing to have a vibrant community of cultural creatives

But beyond that, personally KD has provided a wealth of support to the cause of Create WV and building the creative/new economy in West Virginia through countless hours of volunteerism with his photographic and other creative skills. WV needs a lot more folks like KD living and creating within our borders, and we're thrilled to have him.

[Amy Williams]

I too wanted to add a comment about the writer who says, "like many on the fringe Lett self promotes but contributes little economically..."

Living in a country that is involved in a war, and at a time when gas prices are super high and many are suffering economically and spiritually, reminds me of the importance of art and creativity. In many different parts of the world, people living in difficult times and places find ways to express themselves and solace through art. This is not valued in dollar terms, per se.

During this period of time especially, I think fringe could be considered a good thing. Fringe to me invokes the idea that someone thinks on their own and is willing to go against mainstream thought if needed. I doubt that most "fringe" people get up in the morning and think, "Aha, I'll think I'll be fringe today."

Also, I'm not sure why Kris Lett or any artist is valued by their economic impact. Some of the most creative and interesting people I know are not particularly valued by society from a financial perspective. I would hope that art would be valued economically, and of course sometimes it is. But if we only made art because of economic impact then unfortunately not much creative would be going on.

I think all of us have a little "fringe" in us. And I hope all of us have the freedom to do creative things - improving our community... whether they have economic impact or not.

[Mark Wolfe]

I heartily agree with Jeff's rebuttal to Webster's comment regarding my friend, K.D.

I recently had a show called FRINGE at Charleston's ReStore and this is the attitude I was trying to fight against. K.D. and others who were displayed in my photographic installation last month, are often hard working, artisitic, intelligent contributors to Charleston.

I'm not sure what "self-promoting" is either. We all need to inform and enlighten the general public and the best way is by using the available media to bring attention to what we want expressed.

As a small business owner I support economic development through art and creative processes. Art always improves on local economy, but not always in traditional means.

[Chuck Hamsher]

I also am unclear of what the "fringe" is or even where non-fringe begins or ends for that matter. What I do know is there is a dynamic art community in the area which enhances the quality of life, culture and economy. As the owner of an arts-based business (am I on the fringe? I'm really not sure - gee, I hope so! Are there meetings? Do I need to sign up somewhere?) the growth of recognition / activity / creativity from the visual art community helps build our region's reputation and is good for my business and countless others.

Seems some folks just like to cast stones and I've had a fair number thrown at me over the years. My reaction is to just keep doing what I do knowing some folks will like it and others will not.

Keep doing what you're doing Kris!

[Skip Lineberg]

Let's look into this matter of economic impact for a moment. Have you been around a professional, commercial photoshoot? The photographer, and sometimes an ad agency, is the hub of a flood of economic activity. The photographer is hired, as are stylists, caterers, assistants (such as grips or gaffers), models and sometimes even other set artists. Photoshoots can run for several days. After the shoot wraps, there is another whole slew of economic activity associated with post-production. Because a photoshoot involves such a variety of professionals, including artists and other creatives, and because it is event-driven and location based, it is a very centralized, time compressed economic flurry. It's hard to imagine a more straight forward example of economic impact, with direct and spin-off activities, than a photoshoot, especially if you've been invovled in one. And by the way, this is what K.D. Lett does for a living.