Film (nov 09)

The thing with film is that I wait an extended period of time before actually developing and processing the photos.  Again, I found this roll from November 2009.  Enjoy.

2010 Photo I Final

Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era Chapter Reviews

Chapter 4

With photography I see that tradition definitely has an impact on my work.  Though I do prefer "western nostalgia" with my work, I know soon enough I won't be very relevant if I continue on that same path.   Finding new ideas can come from old, with further development and new ways of approaching art.  Art comes from experiences, with "lag time" during the time you learn something and then being able develop idea into new work. 
While a new artist is trying to find their own ground, they should learn as many techniques as they can.  Artists follow one of three patterns, those who start the most works over a period of time improve the most, those who learn the concept faster than technique become better than those who focus on technique, and those who work beyond their ability become better artists than those who stick to what is easy.  Those who develop a good method of searching are most likely to discover the areas of their ability and be able to create something worthwhile.

Chapter 5

There have always been misconceptions about artists.  In most cases I know some "artists" spend to much time obsessing about their image rather than the art they create.  Some create the mirage of "a starving artist who was abandoned as a child and now expressing their apathy through their obscene art."  It just seems so cliche for an artist to try so hard to develop some eccentric image, in order to make up for the crappy art they make.  Especially the current "hipster culture", where arrogance is only demonstrated through personality, and not the art.  Most successful artist are not the care-free, spontaneous, or the snob-elegant hybrid type.  

Typically most artist have to work another job to support their art.  Working at a steady pace and producing new art can be more beneficial, rather than having extended periods without any work. 

Chapter 6

He states that students don't understand color.  The do not possess the knowledge of color. This is why he began teaching a color class, to teach the art student who desired to master color.  It was labeled as a "monster", where it it was too comprehensive to understand.  I know that I haven't had much problems with photographs.  Usually the debate for me is choosing the tones.  I have knack for manipulating colors to set the mood.

Chapter 7

I view any ones art as a business.  Art Collectors have become investors.  In order to promote a business you will need exposure.  This chapter explains that an artist is not very likely to get any where without proper exposure.  Artists need to be able to express themselves through different types of media, from tv to galleries to the internet.  Although I do believe the internet has made it increasingly easy for "bad art" to get mixed up with "good art".

Chapter 8

I tend to look the other way when I hear about artists have to take financial risks when trying to base their work as the primary source of income.  I don't like thinking that after I finish school, I'll probably have to have some other resource for income.  I want to see myself selling my prints and live financially sound.  But like this chapter explains, for some it necessary.  Working in the education sector is not for me, I love photography but there's no way I could have the patience to teach it.  By no means do I believe its demeaning to work as an educator.  There are people better suited to teaching art than others. 

Chapter 9

The space that an artist works in is a key factor in the development of art.  I'm not sure what my 'dream studio' would be like, but I do know that it would be impossible for me to build myself one.  Like in the book, an artist can spend forever trying to build the perfect workspace.  Some artists make the mistake of trying to have a 'cool' place studio.  The studio should depend on function, rather than a ritzy location or who was murdered in it.  

A while back I had rented a loft style apartment that I found off of Craigslist.  It was interesting to me since I knew there was no apartment like that, it was a very comfortable place to dwell and I got to work at the business that was downstairs.  There was only one window in the living room and my room had no windows, which allowed me to manipulate lighting during anytime.  It was very useful when experimenting with some photographs.  

Chapter 10

Proper documentation of completed work is something an artist should keep up with.  Record keeping should include info such as: works title, medium, size, where and when, and a photocopy.  Since the IRS can say where a hobby ends and where a business begins, all income should be professionally organized and recorded.  It comes off as very useful advice, by clarifying expenses expected and ways to help offset costs with taxes. 

Chapter 11

I wasn't completely sure what aesthetic meant so I looked it up: Aesthetic- a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.  The book describes the aesthetic experience as relating close to life, death, and divinity.  Likewise, such an experience is something I've never heard of.  It explains that those that haven't experienced it find it hard to comprehend or acknowledge it.  The experience does not come through copies of artwork.  

Honestly I believe when you set your eyes on a piece of art at a gallery, it triggers some type of experience that can be influential.  Again, since I haven't experience anything near what it describes, I don't know how to acknowledge it.