For feedback, I showed Frédéric some of my initial work for the next exposition, a couple concept photos that capture the essence of my theme.
He told me I was being shy. That my work isn’t shocking or disturbing enough. Technically, it’s perfect, but lacking the qualities that make it art. For my subject, there’s a fine line between artistry and commercialism, and I haven’t yet crossed that line.
It made perfect sense, what he said.
My subject includes a lot of skin. But as a photographer who doesn’t have an established reputation, I find it extremely difficult to get people to take their clothes off, even for non-nude photos. I’m trying to work on a limited budget, with limited materials. I can’t afford to pay people to be my models, so I rely on the favours of friends1.
Working with models is a challenge in itself. There’s an element of uncertainty and unreliability when dealing with people, and being a control freak, this has proven to be extremely frustrating. It would have been simpler to photograph objects instead of people, but human shapes are the source of my interest.
It’s also difficult for me to photograph what is not considered “conventionally” beautiful (to my tastes, at least). Bless the beautiful, I once wrote.
In addition to all this, it’s hard for me to forget the meaning I’ve always placed in what I create. For this exhibit, I’m trying to create out of pure aestheticism. It’s not an easy thing to do, but I have to let go of these old habits.
At this point, the success of the show is still uncertain. Hopefully I’ll be able to pull it off in time. January will be busy. I know if I can overcome these challenges, I’ll be able to overcome so much more.
It’s become a test of myself more than anything else.
- Tiana was nice enough to put out an announcement on her blog for model help, and carefully noted that I’m not creepy. [↑]
I’m not sure if my sister would take all of her clothes off, but she hardly wears any anyway and you can always make it seem like she’s naked, lol. My sister just likes getting her picture taken and for photoshoots she prefers that she is given complete direction. She’s really easy to work with. She said she wanted to get in touch, and when she’s back in Ottawa, if you still need models, she’d be happy to volunteer.
I’ll certainly take advantage of that offer, if not for this project than another one I have in mind. Thank you!
Did you ever see that dumb flick The Truth about Cats and Dogs? It showed a photographic comparison between the beautiful girl (Uma Thurman) and the substantial-but-dorky average girl (Janeane Garofalo), and how similar they became under the photographer’s eye. Uma even looked a little bleak, while Janeane looked better than you’d ever seen her look. It was about how they were viewed after he knew them both well.
I have always been amazed at how the one who loves me can take a beautiful picture of me, in the most interesting way, while those who know me little take wretched ones.
I think it’s what you find in your subject, and maybe you’ve got to get past surfaces somewhat. Right now you do beautiful portraiture, and it’s obvious what you find lovely, but you’re working with people that are like gorgeous sunsets. They’re always so. You can do so much more!
But pure aestheticism is also a form of art, it doesn’t have to be shocking or disturbing. But then shocks are effective in attracting attention.
Shocks can be achieved through meanings though. Say, a woman with heavy sensual make-up, but dressed in Maoist uniform could be shocking as it would bring out the stark contrast between capitalism and communism.
Or do you want to explore eroticism, sensuality, or simply the human form? Are there nuances. I’m just asking questions here, trying to understand.
@xibee — I haven’t seen that movie, though I’ve seen it around in the video store. The idea of it has intrigued me; even though you say it’s a dumb movie, I’ll try to rent it when I can.
I’ve always tried to bring out the best in someone through a photograph, whether I know them or not. I suppose that there’s always a superficial side to someone, or a first impression that can influence me.
The gorgeous sunset analogy is perfect. All my models are beautiful. But I’ve realized that I need to let go of this. I don’t think it’ll be very hard, because I know that if I can do this, I’ll have many more possibilities.
@Uncle Joe — It’s true that art can be purely aesthetic, but I understand why Frédéric, the owner of the art gallery, told me what he did, because he explained a bit more when I saw him last.
There’s definitely a commercial side to art. Artists depend on people buying their work as a source of income. The reason why the next exhibit is in February is because that’s an ideal time for people to have money after the holidays, thus being able to spend on artwork.
Without being shocking or disturbing, which affects us emotionally, people may believe that they can create such “art” for themselves. While it’s certainly not true, as there is much planning, much skill required in what appears to be simple, many people don’t know this. Take the work of Jackson Pollack for example, whose abstract expressionist paintings were very intricately created. People who don’t understand often say that their kids can create such art by throwing paint on a canvas. When I showed Frédéric my portfolio, which was a mixture of all the pictures I’ve taken, he told me to stick with one or two themes for the gallery. Otherwise, people would think that I’m a “picture factory”, who churns out as many photos as possible for profit, thus de-valuing my work.
Unfortunately, the direction of my current project isn’t shocking through meaning either, because it’s a rather simple subject. It’s more of an exploration of the human form, with a bit of sensuality mixed in with it. No one is willing to “help” me with the erotic side, which I could do, had I the right models (i.e. willing to be naked). There are definitely nuances to it, even though it may be a simple subject.
I like your idea of capitalism vs communism, I’ll have to approach it some day.