danielincandela.com

I worked at an art museum. Now I work at a race track and for a racing series. They seem very opposite and I catch people off guard when I reveal anything about my career. There are many differences. There are many similarities. But all in all, it’s incredibly different.

I loved my time in the museum field. I will always look back with fond memories and understand that it was a critical period of my professional life. It was a time to make mistakes, learn, take risks and importantly, deliver success. But I don’t miss it. I left at the perfect time.

Before I left I got to present in New Zealand

There are considerable differences between the museum field and the for-profit racing industry. In my current role, ‘more’ comes to mind. More projects, more content, more deadlines, more expectations, more opportunities and so on. These are all good challenges. I’m in a smaller team but with more resources. More/larger departments to interact with, across more companies and stakeholders, more collaborative relationships with drivers, teams, race tracks and sponsors. More. In fact, I’ve never seen so much content in my life. Speed comes to mind too – which is an obvious parallel to draw, but it’s true. Everything happens in a New York Minute. In the museum field, I remember working with exhibition calendars planned 3 years out. In racing, we have that kind of planning, but there’s also intermediate, current, pressing and last minute schedules. It’s an amazing juggling act that is sometimes smooth as glass and sometimes rough as sandpaper.And when you work online, you have to respond instantly. I’ve never worked so many hours in my life, or been awake and such strange times. I’ve slept with my laptop countless times, sat in a million meetings, traveled at the drop of a hat, over committed, barely hit (and missed) deadlines, consumed lots of energy drinks and so on.

You can catch me in the mirror

The bigger the challenge the greater the reward. That’s what I love about this job. As a museum professional, I felt a similar objective – be the best, be innovative, develop projects that would change the field, be immensely proud. I did all of these things. Which is why I can look back with no regrets. It was an incredible career.

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Back in August I wrote about my experience in racing, holding a camera. Last week, on the IndyCar blog, I wrote about some of the changes in our photographic approach for the 2011 season. Both were good, important posts for me. In a slightly sad move, it means I won’t be taking as many photos this year. But on the flip side, our photography for 2011 will feature more images, more diversity and more photographers. There’s no need for me, and I’m OK with that. I’ll take the odd shot or two, like this one from the season opener (below). But not as many.

Messing with a fish eye

I wanted to pay homage to 2010. Give thanks to IndyCar and IMS for allowing me to spend the season taking photos whenever I wanted, in any area I wanted. It’s not something I ever took for granted, and it was a complete honor, especially as a photographic hobbyist. I was able to rub elbows with some real artists – photographers I admire. Photographers that create images that move me (and hopefully race fans). This season, I get to really reflect on their work. In 2010, I followed in their impressive foot steps, snapping away, never feeling completely comfortable, but relishing the opportunity. Here are some of my favorites.

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Filed under: Flickr, Motorsports, Photography by Daniel
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The 2011 IndyCar season is just around the corner. Events all over the US, with stops in Brazil, Canada and Japan. It begins in March and ends in October. And I’m thinking about museums. Last race season, I made it to 4 museums while traveling for racing. I figured for this season, I would offer my museum suggestions for each IndyCar race. It’s easy, I complement the race venue with my museum pick. Here goes.

The first race is in St. Pete, Florida and this is an easy choice. The Dali Museum. Dali is one of my favorite artists (surrealism!) and they just opened a new building last month. It’s a must see.

Dali, brilliantly crazy (image from Dali Museum on Flickr)

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Filed under: Motorsports, Travel by Daniel
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I became a father 14 months ago at the ripe age of 36 11/12. It’s a feeling and role I’m still getting used to. It’s made me think a lot about being a man, what it means to be a provider and protector and what I want to teach my son Oliver. I’ve also found myself thinking a lot about my dad.

We're both kids

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Filed under: Dad, Motorsports by Daniel
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You’ll notice new posts from me every four to six weeks. It should be more frequent, but it’s difficult to carve out opportunities. I also write from time-to-time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway blog, the INDYCAR blog and you see it differently than.me. I feel like I bounce all over the place.

Balance – it’s been a struggle over the past year – new baby, new job, new adventures, new projects, new challenges. Sometimes I think I barely made it. And sometimes I think I could handle more (that’s the balance issue for you).

I used to cook regularly. I’d dream of becoming a chef. I’d spend a big part of my Sunday’s creating recipes I’d never tasted. Those days are mostly gone.

Although I did whip this up this afternoon

I would love to attend culinary school. If I ever retire (or win the lottery) – I want to become a chef. Perhaps own a small restaurant. Or travel around the world learning about new cultures and recipes.

I consider cooking a creative outlet. It’s up there with writing and photography for me. There’s the process, decision making and final creation. It’s shared, offered and provides. And people love food.

I haven’t cooked a meal in months. I made my son a scrambled egg recently. I sauteed some spinach a couple of weeks ago. Today I made carrot cake. It’s been a tough year for cooking! How can I find the time with a hectic job and a baby son?

It’s okay though. Cooking’s not going anywhere – unless we all start eating space meals.

Unknowingly, I redirected my creativity into other areas because of such big changes in life.

I try to be creative in my approach to fatherhood. I use my rare free time to write more than I ever have. I take photos whenever I can. I’m more thoughtful about the personal projects I undertake. I’m leading a healthier lifestyle to best cope with stress and lack of time. I’m more selective in what I watch or read. I’m starting a clothing line. I actually feel like I’m hitting my stride and I’m lucky to have a wife that does nothing but encourage me.

Looking through the lens - enjoying photography

So cooking might be on the back burner, but I’ve learned that through the challenges – both personal and professional, I’ve not slowed down. I’m still creating and I’m definitely growing.

I think that one of the characteristics of creativity. It’s not something that can be suppressed. It always finds a way to emerge, even if you may not know it at the time.

I’m not cooking much anymore, but I’m creating more than ever – with less time, more responsibilities, and one year older.

Here’s to finding balance…

Filed under: Food by Daniel
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