Fires in Los Angeles. Ceasefire in Gaza. New administration here in America. Lots to keep us thinking about realistic perspectives when it comes to photography. Listening to Coltrane made me think of you. Coltrane’s music makes us FEEL something. There is meaning behind it. If you don’t like jazz then pick another genre. Blues, reggae, R&B, whatever. Certain artists have meaning in their work. This also applies to painters and authors.
Look at van Gogh, or read Somerset Maugham and you know. Most of us aren’t working as photographers, so doing commercial photography isn’t one of our daily duties. We only have to produce work for ourselves. This allows us to focus on making work with meaning, but to find what that meaning is requires a major disconnect, especially for those of you who spend copious time online. You will not find your meaning through someone else. You will find THEIR meaning. Not the same thing.
Your meaning might not be pretty, but as long as it’s real and true you are on your way to becoming something. Making what’s hot, trendy, or what produces the most views or likes will not work in the long run, at least if you are searching for something more. Forty percent of the public eats fast food. Forty percent of the population never reads a book post-college graduation. Do you want to be in these groups? Or do you want to be in the twenty percent where the best of the best do what they do? I know the food situation has many contributing factors, but the question is, why be in the creative group that does little more than copy what’s already been done? Why not find something specific to you, regardless of its popular appeal, and go at it with tenacity?
Comments 14
The lecture about being an a$$hole cracked me up. Following what other people are doing….you’re right. That happens too much anymore. Us weirdos and outcasts have to stick together.
Author
Yes, weird people tend to not be that weird, just different from what the masses are doing.
yo compadre de luz … since Miles Davis ‘Blue Note sessions’ lingering down Blvd Filles du Calvaire had such a transformative effect on your audacious journey let Zakir Hussain-John McLaughlin and others “Making Music” tickle your soul 😉 from one low flying jazz poet to the next, stay well and please don’t put your head in a vice and eat light bulbs as much as i would love to capture that image 😉 cheers & kisses to amy xx monique
Author
Ahh Moniqueness, happy you were hear to listen. Yes, I also remember the shoes I bought right before that trip….were too small. Jazz is like the wind. No matter how many times you listen there is always something new waiting for you. The wifey is on fire with her creations. All is well. If all goes as planned we will be roadtripping again this summer.
Dan, your text reminded me of Mr. clubfoot, Philip Carey in Of Human Bondage. This book blew my mind.
When reading about Maugnam’s own life, you can read this:
“For ten years before his first success, he almost literally starved while pouring out novels and plays.” That said about giving “meaning” to one’s work.
“Forty percent never reads a book.” Boy oh boy.
Author
Funny how that happens. Work for ten years before a payoff. People are allergic to this these days. The lust for instant relevancy, most often obtained through conformity and facade.
Yeah, that video covers at least five campfires worth of subjects. Maybe 6.
Liked the number 2 quality blast. Been working every day to tell the people helping me out, or serving me, to ‘take your time, I’m not in a hurry.’ It takes a lot of effort.
Author
Isn’t it great to tell someone “Take your time, not in a hurry.” I do it all the time. You can seem their stress deflate. I also drive slow. Hey, NYC in April again.
Check out “The Coltrane Circle”
https://www.americanjazzmusicsociety.com/blog/john-coltrane-draws
I know nothing about music, other than playing the violin as a child, but love infographics.
This is really interesting, how he visualized his music. Think of the possibilities for a photo project if you are musical!
Author
Wow, wow, wow. Thank you.
If you find that ticket to Mars…..move over and make space for one more, please.
Author
Yes, plenty of room on the shuttle.
Really enjoyed what you had to say in this video. Yes. Soul. I know what you’re talking about. Thank you
Author
Yep. We all need it.