Robert Taft - Photography and the America Scene.
Interesting that this book apparently depicts the significant growth of the medium and integrates it into the social and economic growth of the country. One for the library me thinks.
How interesting to do a study to show the contraction of social and economic growth there and also in the UK.
The riots of recent and also the way our country is changing would be really interesting to document. Time, money, time, money...............fabulous thought though!
Lens art - looking and seeing. Content, meaning and impact.
As I read this book I begin to understand more and more the term Art of Photography and the structure behind the foundation of the course. Art and photograph are intrinsically linked.
The eye of view, the perception of truth, though whose truth depends on the artist in question.
Adapting your own truth is what counts. Taking your view or eye is what will allow the photograph stand out, really work and make you proud. But, what you see as the truth will not necessarily be everyone's truth, but hey I know that already in life. Nevertheless disappointment can build rather than destroy.
I feel that my photography will lead me to a place of human discovery and or an appreciation of difficult factors and achievements that can be documented. I know it will never make me rich in monetary terms, but it will be full filing from the aspect of my place in life. Well that is my hope anyway.
All these are thoughts that are being generated by understanding why I am doing this course and what I hope to achieve. By analysing this I can then see where my place in this world of art belongs.
The paths of modern art - Alexander Rodchenko
Touching a little of what Berenice Abbott created in her works of NYC an adaptation of life at that time. Not with just the buildings and structures but the very soul of the generation. What it's beliefs and foundations were constructed on. What was moral and right and what you expected to see around you.
But beliefs are not that structured anymore they are fragmented and difficult to bottle, as Abbott did. So a different way of looking at the social aspect within the UK is required in today's society.
In the open letter that I am reading, Rodcencko talks of a belly button view and explains how we tend to see things or attempt to see things from this aspect. This view will allow us to look at the subject to the top through to the bottom. Then you can start to create from this point, because you have the full picture initially. He talks of perspective and how certain angles can totally detract from the subject itself, which sometimes can be rewarding, but, if the subject is not so well known it can have an adverse effect.
I also think it is important to fully understand what it is you are trying to depict no matter how trivial. There must be a story a reason for the interest and this should hit you as soon as the photograph is in your mind and before the shutter is pressed.
Alexander talks of falseism in a photograph and the set up involved. Saying that instead of the camera taking the photograph, the subject matter is controlling the lens. I have never liked this type of photography and choose to stand back and observe, take without arrangement. The commercialism of what he describes is more of a money maker and bread-earner and I feel not artistic, necessary but for me looking from the outside not so rewarding.
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