May 28, 2010
Two massive weddings this weekend means a lot of prep. I had hoped to spend today doing a few errands and then relaxing and looking through art books. Instead, I finished everything at 11 pm and finally climbed the stairs to my bedroom. Before falling into a coma, I was able to spend a few minutes looking through Nan Goldin’s, The Devils Playground, and had a sort of awakening. I’ve always been inspired by her work, but her photographs spoke to me in an entirely new way tonight. The contrast of incredibly soft, and crushingly real washed over me like a giant wave, and I felt something change inside. After 30 years with a camera, I want to give myself over to the medium in a much deeper way. True, this has been one of my passions for many years, but I think I can go much deeper. I’m looking forward to exploring this concept further. It’s all new, and my mind is focused on the work ahead this weekend.
This self-portrait is all I had to give last night. Nothing more, and nothing less. Realizing that fact, and choosing not to fight it, is definitely growth. An interesting note, although this image is very much Nan, I made it before looking at the book. There’s no getting around it. The ideas of those that inspire me are going to surface in my own work, and I’m totally fine with that.
What photographer or artist inspires you? How does their work effect your own, and are you OK with that, or does it give you pause? I look forward to reading your remarks by using the comments tab below this posting.
Facedown – Self Portrait – Downtown Los Angeles
ISO 640, 24-70 @ 70mm, f/3.5 @ 1/15 sec – tripod – available light