My name is Steven Sean Gibbs. I have been  a Drum Maker and Passionate award Winning Photagrapher  for a very long time.Due to arthritis,in February of 2000 I gave up full time drum making and started with  well known copier company to make a living. The company was bought out by a large Japanese company who does not believe in cost of living raises and long story short,I have been living on poverty wages for many many years. I considered it an honest living,helping people and teaching people has always been in my heart.

     I also make some Gong Mallets for Gongs Unlimited,although it causes me pain that lasts for days to do so,but I need the extra income. My photography has cost me far more than I have ever made,although if I had the time and funds to travel and some help to promote my art Photography Business that would bless me and those who have been my fans so very much. I started Photography in the 70's and won my first award in High School. recently,in my first local Santa Rosa PHotographic Society contest that I entered and was finally able to attend,I won a first place,second place,and anHonorable Mention and Best of show. the last couple of months I have entered and won first,second,and thrird places in pictorial and other catagories. I am on Instagram and facebook as Steve Gibbs Photography and have  pictures for sale on SMugmug. I have hundreds more I need to re edit and add and then find ways to advertise.

   This Leads me to my heart felt request for help. A few months ago a massive flood (the worst in 24 years) hit the LIttle town in Northern California of Guerneville. The Russian river overflowed its banks massively.The flood projections were way low. We had thought we would get one or two foot of water at most. We ended up with around 8' of water submerging much of the lower story and flooding my Photography Gallery to the Rafters (see picture).Flood insurance was thousands of dollars a year. I had no idea when I bought my house about 9 years ago of how much if it was rotting away in hidden areas. 

       At this point I find myself with a house that has a failing roof, A Gallery building that seems too far gone to rebuild, and after replacing and upgrading the Electrical in the house( the house was yellow tagged) I found dry rot and seams opening up that will invite termites and mold. I have been working weekends as often as I am able and was able to get approved for a $33,500 loan. I took the first $25k of the loan and am working as best I can do get rid of the dry rot and prepare for a roofing company to replace the roof. I forgot to mention that Two weeks after the flood someone pulled in front of me and I was injured in a head on car accident. I have ongiong treatments,but despite pain I van not afford to go on disability.

  My paid off car was totaled and I know have a used honda fit (great car) that cost my all $4000 of my savings for a down payment. I now have 5 years of car payments to add to my fun and games.

     I was slowly recovering from over 7 years of having a mostly disabled girlfriend live with me as well, She could no longer afford rent after a year or so. I lost over $27000 in those years. I have taken all of this in stride and felt blessed to live in a lovely area and taken so many beautifull images. I have a new girlfriend who works from home in our tiny house and we love our simple life. I just need to get my house fixed,find the money and help to get my photography business going instead of working for a company that pays poverty wages to its Employees who have worked for them for dacades through thick and thin.  the money I am asking for is only part of what is needed,but it would enable me to rebuild and start to work towards my goal of selling my photography and being able to take time off for my soul instead of just spending it all working on my house and increasing my ever present pain.

    thanks for reading this and for your heart and consideration. Please see my Steve Gibbs Photography page on Facebook and  enjoy and Share some of my images of the Beautiful Sonoma County I am Blessed to live in.

   Steve Gibbs,

Photographer,Drum Maker,Musician and passionate nature lover.