I should know this person…
Archive for October, 2004
When the flock veers left
October 3, 2004From LensWork No. 29 (editor’s comments):
On one hand I am suggesting that copying the old master leads to little of value. Don’t go to Point Lobos because Weston had already done it so well. On the other hand I am suggesting that the masters became masters by copying themselves. The paradox is simply this: repetition of what has already been done is a useful technical exercise but rarely produces artwork of merit. Repetition on one’s own createive vision however leads to refinement, increasing depth and sensitivity, and generally does produce better artwork.
I’m taking this as good news for me. Looking back I see that I’ve spent about 10 years reworking on-line photo galleries. Never satisfied with what I’ve made, I keep rebuilding. From the above quote I can hope that I’m not just spinning my wheels, but actually making progress towards a refined product.
