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 Fr&eacutedéric, 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.

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.

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!