More Paper!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6qgfdv2KsI

Finding interests in the most random things

"The holy grail is to spend less time

making the picture than it takes people to look at it"
-Banksy

 I have collected a few images taken on my phone throughout the course of the semester, most of these pieces I have made myself and others are just small inspirations collected over time.  It may be a little difficult to realize them as inspirations for photographs, but when I need a break of the clear cut use of the camera I lean towards other sources of creation to keep me going. 

Artists

Artists that I have discovered in the past and recently that are pushing my thesis ideas forward: 

In the following order: 

Lori Waselchuk

Peter Beste

Jonathan Torgovnik

Something New...

[New Ideas]

After trying to refine and construct another series involving psychological issues, I recently decided to take a break and shoot around with inspiration in mind.  Unaware of what theoretical background the snapshots had, I took pictures that were fun and interesting viewpoints.  During thesis review (with much hesitation) I displayed the following two photographs and to my surprise got a lot of positive feedback.  

I began to realize that not every photo project has to commit to a specific theme or understanding of the work and narratives can be formed after the creation of a series of projects.  There is a bit if excitement and adventure while juggling the random image.  In the near future I plan on looking into Tim Davis's work as well as reading "The Photograph as Contemporary Art" by Sarah Cotton.  

Journal Entry 2: September Series & Inspiration

Studio Journal: Inspiration

A few artists/photographs/images

 that inspire my work:

     Mary Ellen Mark

       James Nachtwey

Kevin Carter

Welcome Back Show Review

  The Welcome Back show at Mason Gross is a collection of works submitted by many different artists in the Rutgers Mason Gross community including faculty, graduate students, and alumni.  It was difficult to grasp one central theme from the entire show. Rather, each individual art piece spoke its own language that exhibited a distinctive and unique theme.  I was enticed by the works that have a deep historical meaning, whether that meaning lies in a person’s individual past or whether the meaning had a deep societal root.  Having a large passion for photography I found myself deeply interested in most of the photographic works in the gallery that portrayed strong emotions even when there weren’t people in them, as well as a sculptural piece that radiated encouragement and inspiration.

            Annie Hogan’s photograph, “Double Vision #2” is an extremely strong image in its deliverance to the viewer.  The double exposure of the photograph created a layering effect that spoke to me as a novel.  By combining the image of the rich, opulent house, and the slave cabin, this image displays the vast difference between poverty and luxury in a place that still exists today.  Her work makes you self aware of both the present and the past.

            

Lyda Craig, a former alumni of Mason Gross, is an artist who I had not known of in the past but began to admire as I viewed her work in the gallery. Because Lyda was disabled she found other ways to create and express herself through small golf ball pieces, constructed with string and other various household materials.  As a work of art I do not have an interest in the objectivity of the matter, but the story line behind it. This little series of work stood out to me at great lengths because it fully represents overcoming and healing through art (a concept I have grown to admire the most).

            

Kate Pollard’s photo “Reynolds Girls” is a direct form of emotion through photography.  Although there is no text to guide the viewer to understand the message she is trying to convey, you can clearly see the mood in the image.  Her subjects hold a sentimental value and draw you into their grief and healing processes.

            

“The Missing Portrait”, a handmade book with poems by John Yau and illustrated by Richard Tuttle is the most diverse and different piece in the Welcome Back show.  As you flip through it’s pages, the book delivers your with text and pictures like a story book ahead of it’s time.  I enjoyed this piece because I was allowed to interact with it and enjoy what was inside.