Some Artistic Thoughts

A photograph is usually looked at - Seldom looked into.

                                                                             Ansel Adams

I have been a sponge over the last year and a half on all things photography as we have spooled up the company and the direction in which we want to take it. One thing is guaranteed is there are as many opinions as there are photo sites on a 21 megapixel sensor.

The technology that exists in photography is astounding. It makes image capture easier, quicker, and less expensive in the long run. That is unless you grab every upgrade that comes along. What fails here is that without the artist eye, none of these devices are worth a hoot!

As I was saying earlier, some of the issues my cranial sponge has been absorbing have been more along the philosophical line. The zen, yin & yang, or a transcendental philosophy's to photography. 

No I am not a follower of Eastern Religions but simply the fact that many people find wisdom and reason in

such things brings the thought process into the realm of art and thus photography. There is an innate sense of the human spirit to seek things in balance, in that we are happiest when all things are stable in our lives. On a spiritual note I believe we humans have a desire to be "right" with our creator. From an artistic perspective what translates from the artist eye to the canvas or print the viewer eventually sees must be in balance. Often we can not put words to an image or a piece of art as to why it draws our attention. What is it that causes us look into the image?

The word image originates in the word imagine. But who's imagination is it that an image reflects. Is it the artist who captured it or the viewer who interprets it? Much like verbal communication where the speaker will say something but the listener may interpret it in a much different way. The less concise the speaker, the more open to interpretation the words are.

So where are we. Do we make an image so descriptive, say an architects blue print where there is no allowance for interpretation. I say not! Where a writer communicates with words, and painter or photography communicates with color and light. The less descriptive the more personal interpretation is allowed by the viewer. This is one part of a fulcrum in the balance of the image. The other is very simple... It must tell a story. The viewer must have somewhere to go in the image in order to allow their imagination to carry them. 

That my friend is what I believe to be the essence of art.

Take care and I may choose to continue this tomorrow... Doug