So many of us struggle everyday. Our lives are now overwhelmed by information and situations. I have a lot of people that come to me about my art or photography and ask me how I get my ideas or where I find my inspiration. At first, I want to say that there is no simple explanation, but in truth there is… Inspiration is everywhere… It helps to be a lifelong learner. The more information and knowledge you have, the more things that can inspire you. It is sort of like a chemical or chain reaction. You learn to feed off of beginnings, off of basic thoughts and then start to think of possibilities.
One of the best pieces of advice I was given, was basically.. “Take time to take time”.. Okay so maybe it was actually, Take time to be quiet, rest and reflect, but once you take the time to breathe, the waters settle and you can start to gain clarity and focus on your purpose. What do you want to achieve? what is available to you? What do you have and what can you do with it? Then you use examples of things that are all around you. Artists throughout history have been inspired by simple beginnings. Even some martial arts were inspired by watching insects, animals and other living creatures. We all live in a world of cause and effect. When you start to see how things work, you also see what doesn’t work.
Start with the question of: What IF?
Here is one of my very first speeches in Toastmasters with a little talk called: “How do you find inspiration?”
Bryan, I met yesterday a friend of yours, Rhonda Scales. I was trying to trap and transport an agitated ass. Literally, she had a donkey for sale. As we tried to catch the beast, we got to chat. I explained that I am a dark room photographer, and she told me about you. So, here I am at your website. As I type, I am listening to your Toastmaster’s speech, now as you speak of a clown funeral. Good stuff.
I am moved about your saying that time passes us by, so we must catch our inspiration, or let it find us. Absolutely. Myself? I am inspired by many things — a glance, a sound, the time of day and shadows, a sad smile, interesting hair, great light, a room, a building, a car, my dogs and livestock, my sons, my own image in the mirror, and the urge to capture the essence of these assorted things before the moment passes forever. I dig photography, largely for that very thing — the ability to freeze forever, on film or memory card, a nano-second that will never pass again. Photography, to me, is a series of triumphs over those moments, memorializing them, sometimes stealing them, but stealing them for the greater good, and later, reliving them, as they develop in the darkroom trays. Or, for color, on the computer screen.
I would very much like to meet you. Looks like you have done pix of Nicole Moan’s corsets, as well. I am blown away by your artistry and intelligence. I am from Louisiana originally, but have been here in OKC for six years. I have a Master’s Degree in Fine Art Photography and I can say without hesitation that your work is far, far better than most of what I encountered getting that advanced degree. I have always proclaimed that a good eye is inherent, not taught – that is can be shown, and that some students might learn, but that its essence is a God-given talent, given to a few. You are among those few.
This work is excellent. I am not a master of Photoshop, but it seems that you are. These are amazing works of art – many, masterpieces. My email is above. Please write when you have time. I am on FaceBook, and have my own work, much of it scanned digital prints, at redbubble.com and on JPGMAG.com.
I cannot tell you what a thrill it is to see work of this quality. Going to school and learning all of this have given me a rather discerning eye because I truly DO know what makes a masterpiece image. I studying for too long not know. I don’t mean to sound snotty, but as you know, any idiot with a camera is suddenly “a photographer,” or a self-proclaimed “Artist.” It is aggravating trying to explain to someone that the KODAK MOMENT is bullshit and that images like that are trite and NOT art. Plus, I am a nice person, so I hold my tongue. But to be able to honestly acknowledge what I see here as spectacular is a thrill! Of masterpieces? YOURS IS IT.
Fondly,
Laura Green Hartley
I couldnt agree more. Some of my best ideas come when I am still. Taking a bath, sitting on the deer stand,driving. The beat ideas come from the “stills” of my day :0)