A few weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with a man that visited my booth at one of the markets at which I sell. He really liked my tag line (Hold On to Your Sense of Wonder) and seemed to understand what it meant…at first. Then he felt the need to share his opinion about my work, which I was fine with as I’m always interested to hear what people’s reactions are. He said “they’re pretty, but that’s it. They don’t challenge me.” He said it with a tone of voice that implied that because of this, they weren’t as good as they could have been if they did challenge him in some way. I didn’t know how to respond immediately, so just shrugged and let him go on his way with the opinion he’s perfectly free to have.
When I reflected on it later I realized he didn’t get what I am trying to do at all. When I say to hold on to your sense of wonder, it is a challenge I put forth to truly see the amazing beauty inherent in the ordinary. It takes effort to slow the hectic pace enough to give yourself the time it takes to open yourself up to the wondrous. The man in my booth saw pretty pictures, but he didn’t spend any time looking at them closely – he was quick to make a judgement. I wish I could have thought of a response while he was there and challenged him to take a closer look. The subjects I photograph do not have an audible voice – they are quiet subjects, but still have something to share with us. One needs to be still and quiet long enough in order for that very essence of an object to reveal itself. I do as much as I can to capture it in a photograph, but it still takes action on the part of the viewer to really see it too.
Whether looking for the wondrous through a form of art or in something directly, it takes time and a calm, open state of mind. I challenge anyone willing to take a glace at my work to take a minute or five and see if they can see the remarkable in the subjects I photograph. It’s there – I’ve seen it. I hope you do too.
And now, please enjoy our latest images:
by Jessica Rogers Photography
by Shay
by Mj Schaer
by Matthias Kirsch
by Carolyn Younger
by Sarah Flannery
Thanks so much to everyone that participated this week!
If you’ve been thinking about joining in POTW, what’s stopping you? Everyone is welcome – no matter what level photographer you consider yourself to be. Simply read the guidelines to find out how to submit your photo for next time. Please be sure to share the collection with one of the easy share buttons below so that others may enjoy it too!
Until next time, have fun shooting!
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Oh Jessica,
I’m sorry you had to deal with that but you are right, people who don’t take the time to see are all too quick to judge :(
I have found that a LOT with my abstract artwork, people either get it or they don’t, it took me a while to really understand that some people really do not get abstract art at all, they want to “see something”, I’m OK with that now :)
I like that you reflected on it and came to your own peace from that encounter. Life as an Artist is a tough one, everyone’s a critic and they love to tell you :(
Sometimes I will mess with people’s minds (and get really arty on them) if they get overly critical, it is fun, LOL, they usually have no clue I’m messing with them :)
It must be the sarcastic Brit. in me :)
Have a lovely day, cheers, T. :)
After writing this post, I came across a quote this week from Andy Warhol that works quite well for this situation:
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
I’m not overly concerned with the encounter I had with the “critic” – I wasn’t even at the time. I’m actually kind of glad for it now, because it simply helped me clarify in my own mind a little bit more why I do what I do. I’m secure and confident in the work that I do. It’s unrealistic of me to expect everyone to understand my motives or even like my work, and I’m ok with that. It isn’t a state of mind I’ve always had, but I’m happy to say I’ve got it now. :)
That’s a great quote. I happen to love your work and am glad that I discovered it! Keep doing what you do.
Lynn
Thanks so much Lynn! I will :)