During one of my rabbit hole sessions with the internet I came across this video. In less than 10 minutes it highlights one of my favorite things about art (and when I think about it, it also applies to life), that we all see things differently. One might call this perspective and we each have our own, based off experiences, feelings, the way we were raised, what communities we grew up in, and what media we chose to consume. This video inspired me to start a challenge of my own.
I shot a series of self portraits against a white wall to serve as a blank canvas for creativity and invited artists of all levels to collaborate by editing the images. Faced with the difficulty of social distancing and the inability to collaborate in person, this challenge seemed like the perfect way to explore different perspectives and not feel creatively helpless.
The response from artists who have wanted to participate has been overwhelming and I’m grateful. This is a difficult time filled with uncertianty but one thing I know for sure, when you ask you get that much closer to having your needs met. Some artists have turned in images already and they are all so drastically different from each other, I couldn’t be any more pleased. Join me on my facebook or Instagram where updates on this project will be posted.
Matthew Dols from @thewisefoolpod reached out to me about my career as a freelance model. Being a photographer, he had come across my work and was interested in my perspective from the other side of the lens. Our discussion covered a lot of topics, what do you think I may have left out? What would you add?
We discussed:
The difference between the traditional role of models vs today
The need to build a community Adversity creates growth Communication is key TFP – trade for print Patreon, onlyfans replacing Tumblr Cultural differences in attitudes toward and appreciation of art The sexualization and exploitation of the female form Creating a book project Models as creative equals Self doubt and the fear of failure Photography workshops How photographers can better collaborate with models If you rely on things you know how to do, you only go places you have already been Body language and expressiveness How to choose the best model for your project Androgyny and gender roles Respecting the personal space of models
Found this really beautiful sentiment about the creative process and wanted to share. It’s something I needed to hear, so in case anyone else needs to hear it too.
“So here’s my advice: Whatever you choose to do, do it without concern for how it compares or will be received by the unseen masses. You know deep inside what is Quality for you. You know if something is any good or works. You have your own standards. And if the work isn’t up to your standards, don’t fret. Just keep going. Do another painting, another chapter, another song. No one has to read your first draft but you.
Think and plan. But then true learning comes from the doing. The messy process of lurching towards truth.” -John Couch
Browsing the internet as one does, I stumbled across this Toronto based creative haven.
The Darling House offers an intimate setting and aesthetically interesting features, available to rent for events as an AirBnB , or for filming and shooting purposes. The linked video demonstrates the thoughtful touches strewn throughout the mansion, just a peek to get the creativity wheels spinning. While the website shares examples of how people have utilized those creative prompts. My favorite example being Jazz Cartier’s music video Right Now, which has over a million views on youtube.
To see the fun for yourself The Darling Mansion’s website can be found below.
The creative process is only as elusive as you make it.
What do I mean by that?
Ever notice how when it comes to prioritizing your own artistic endeavors, you never seem to have enough time? There’s suddenly a dozen other tasks demanding your immediate attention? Somehow the entire day flew by and you haven’t gotten any closer to working on your art.
I’m guilty of it. Scrolling on Instagram or Facebook in the name of ‘networking’. Organizing and reorganizing and organizing yet again stacks of papers, books, my desk, anything at all to not have to spend time working on my art. While I’m not consciously trying to sabotage the time I’d have spent working on my art, but I am.
Yup I said it. I am my own problem. When I don’t commit to an action plan. When I allow myself to procrastinate. When I come up with excuses instead of producing results.
How do I change this? I focus on setting intentions. Intentions are baby steps, tiny little goals that I know I can accomplish, like working on my project for 5 minutes a day. I’ll agree to this because 5 minutes feels like no time at all. Then three days later I’ve put 15 minutes towards my goal and am feeling pretty proud of what I’ve accomplished so I’m encouraged to add another 5 minutes to my daily practice. A week goes by, I’ve stuck to my daily practice and it’s building my confidence. I can do this.
I sure hate it when the answer is that simple but it is.
