I began looking for white on white images after I wrote a post yesterday (which you will read about on November 22) and this is actually a reflection in an old hurricane lamp I thought might work but then it took on a whole new life.
It may be the influence of my recent abstract work at the pond but I decided to really push the envelope with it, going way beyond my normal processing style. I wanted to explore pure abstraction and a painterly approach.
Due to my manipulation, the end result is, in my opinion, more of a painting than a photograph even though the original image was made by the camera. It is a bit reminiscent of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting actually. I think a lot of her abstract paintings are based on close up studies of natural forms. I just applied the same principles to a man-made object and reduced it to form, color and tone...a pure abstraction of the original reality.
When does a photograph cease to be a photograph...is that even possible? Can this type of photographic abstraction be thought of as a painting utilizing light as the medium? Should it even be called a photograph at all?
I don't know the answer to those questions but I can't help but think of Freeman Patterson's insistence that we must dispense with rules if we want to push the boundaries of our creativity. We must be able to embrace the limitless possibilities. I love his openhearted approach. The following is a quotation by Freeman that I may pin up above my computer just in case I am ever inspired to push the envelope again with my camera work...
There's only one rule in photography - never develop color film in chicken noodle soup.
A wonderful post that expands on this idea of breaking through boundaries is on Kim Manley Ort's blog. I love this quote she begins with "When nothing is sure, everything is possible." - Margaret Drabble.
10 comments:
Patricia, I LOVE this picture! Of course, I am in the midst of an abstract workshop at the moment and we are photographing light and shadows this week. I will post this post in the group.
I'm reading a great book called The Power of Twos, about creative partnerships. I think we sometimes spur each other on.
Yes, I actually thought of you Kim as I was sitting at my digital canvas "painting" this! We do seem to have that ability to mirror each others work, don't we! Share away!
At last someone on my wave length, this is what I love, pushing all the boundaries, breaking the rules...x
Thank you Sue. Coming from someone who makes fantastic abstract images on a regular basis, your comment means a lot to me.
Patterson's rule made me laugh!
I took Kim's abstract class, and really enjoyed exploring abstract images. Recently I was reading about Pictorialism, early 20th century movement in photography, which also merged photography with painting. Your image is just lovely.
I have always loved the simple elegance of white on white photography. As photography is art, I don't think it matters how you come to the finished product. It's your vision, your art. And this is beautiful.
Thank you Dotti. I love it too. I might try having it printed on canvas. You are so right, it doesn't matter how it get there, it is the end result that has to stand on it's own or not as a work of art.
Thank you Gina. I am familiar with the movement called Pictorialism which tried to duplicate a painterly effect with the camera. I love experimenting with these abstract images.
I personally love painterly abstracts...i find it's the only way to express how I feel about a place or a subject sometimes as it removes the edges. I was just painting the taller grass yesterday as it glowed from the rising sun.
There is something very mesmerizing about this image!
Thank you Kim! This was my first abstract done from something man-made. I love your comment about "removing the edges". That sums it up beautifully!
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