I am going through the book Art & Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland. I will be posting quotes and reflections as I work my way through it. As with all my posts I always enjoy hearing your thoughts or comments, whether they agree or disagree with my point of view. So that said, please comment if you feel inclined.
“Artmaking involves skills that can be learned. The conventional wisdom here is that while “craft” can be taught, “art” remains a magical gift bestowed only by the gods. Not so. In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive. Clearly, these qualities can be nurtured by others. Even talent is rarely distinguishable, over the long run, from perseverance and lots of hard work. ” Art & Fear
Most people would agree when I say that the strongest most unique art is usually made by people that know and are comfortable with themselves. I love the process that is defined here.
I think that art comes from a deep dark space from within. For some art is an expression and is the path to develop who and what we are. Art can come in any form, it can come from some very troubled souls.
keep posting !! and nice photo.
Sometimes the old ways are not the best ways… When you were in school and learning to write I expressed displeasure with the teaching techniques. Teachers were not correcting sentence structure and spelling, things that I was taught first when I was young. I relented after a teacher explained that it was more important for students to find and express their voice. Sentence structure and spelling would come later. They were right, having a voice is far more important. You kept your voice and your spelling and grammar developed through your life long exposure to stimulating literature like “Art & Fear”. And your voice in photography is evolving, growing, and improving for the same reasons, you expose yourself and strive to learn more, to be better. The best is yet to come. Keep on pursuing your dreams Garrett. I love you, Dad
agreed, some of the best art comes through exploring the dark places we all have inside us, but they also come from inspirations through idealistic notions and better times. highs and lows i suppose.
Thanks dad appreciate the words, but I do regret to say that I still hold my pencil wrong.