My conversation mentioned here a few weeks back was of course insightful. I was able to quell some trepidation and answer some personal questions about myself as an artist, and best of all, I was able to get perspective from someone who isn't family or friends and didn't have anything to lose by being honest. *
This conversation allowed me to look at myself through the eyes of an outsider who was observant enough to quickly channel his thoughts and perspective in a new way. I certainly hadn't thought of myself in the words he chose, even though once spoken, he nailed it. His commentary was spot on, richly descriptive. His words portrayed a fair, artistic representation of me, words that provided structure, making it solid.
Always ready to say that I'm not technical, he reminded that the way I make my photos, (the way all photographers make their photos), is technical, in that there are steps to the process. He also pointed out that I needed to add more information on my website, because up to that point, I'd gone for the clean and spartan look. He reminded me that photographers love the geeky:
where did you make this? what gear did you use? And so on.
The basic gist was this: More content. More information. And a continuation of what I'm already doing, along with the need to make an artist statement.
As I said, he was verbose as he rattled off ideas on what to say about myself, and I do wish I'd taken better notes, written down some of those statements. At the time, (and I suppose even now), it seemed a good idea to listen and absorb. Weeks later, as my efforts to write something that I don't loathe become nil, I wish I'd taken key words for an outline; there are ways to use what's said without plagiarizing.
I feel that I'm coming into a new direction, even though the outline is blurred. What I took from the conversation, better than any brilliant artist statement, (although that would have been nice too), is the confidence to carry on. That I'm right where I should be. That I don't need to pursue outside resources to help My previous careers and experiences are the foundation for work, I will find my voice, (my way), in trust.
where did you make this? what gear did you use? And so on.
The basic gist was this: More content. More information. And a continuation of what I'm already doing, along with the need to make an artist statement.
As I said, he was verbose as he rattled off ideas on what to say about myself, and I do wish I'd taken better notes, written down some of those statements. At the time, (and I suppose even now), it seemed a good idea to listen and absorb. Weeks later, as my efforts to write something that I don't loathe become nil, I wish I'd taken key words for an outline; there are ways to use what's said without plagiarizing.
I feel that I'm coming into a new direction, even though the outline is blurred. What I took from the conversation, better than any brilliant artist statement, (although that would have been nice too), is the confidence to carry on. That I'm right where I should be. That I don't need to pursue outside resources to help My previous careers and experiences are the foundation for work, I will find my voice, (my way), in trust.
*Not that my family isn't honest. Honestly, M can be very good at critique, and sometimes the words he chooses feel harsh, so I don't take his praise lightly. But I also understand that it's hard to be objective about loved ones.
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