As a self-proclaimed “artist”, I often find myself in precarious situations that I can only work my way out of by means of my personal interpretation. Let’s call it an improvisational solution. We run into projects that clients just don’t seem to allow creativity, days when our brain will not break free of it’s own constraints or in this particular photography shoot: RAIN.
I’ve learned to accept the challenges set forth by the client, the mind or the powerful effects of Mother Earth. When you can dissolve these things as obstacles and approach them as stepping stones – you learn about yourself as an “artist”. You grow, you accomplish and you add to your repertoire infinitely.
Something I’ve always been intrigued with, is using art to view another person art. I guess it comes from within, but I also love this definition:
Anamorphosis is a distorted projection or perspective requiring the viewer to use special devices or occupy a specific vantage point to reconstitute the image.
It makes me think about the times I’ve collaborated with artists, without them really knowing. Yes, of course when snapping a photo, the reciprocating artist may perform a pose, and yes he is aware of your presence. What he may not know is the effects his art is having upon you. I really like that idea. These shots displayed above, were part of a series of photos I did for a music festival, Jam-O-Rama.
I’m going to end with a quote that really inspired me. It was posted by my friend, Dave McSweeney of Greenhouse Lounge. We’ve collaborated on a few things, to date.
Artists are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, artists face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they’ll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every role, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life – the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because artists are willing to give their entire lives to a moment – to that line, that laugh, that gesture, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul. Artists are beings who have tasted life’s nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another’s heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes. David Ackert