Ireland - Photographic/Art - Group
I have looked on with interest at the development of Ireland as a photographic/art group – time has not allowed me to engage more with the group, apart from uploading some of my photographs.
Have these photographs been my best work?
Can I truly be the judge of that question? A question I ask myself every time I look and examine one of my images. I have hundreds if not thousands of photographs in all different states of form and development. At this moment in time I am working on three different photographic projects, that will change and develop with time.
There is a constant development in the way I see my photographs, this consists of continually editing of images. This editing is embraced with continued research into past and present image making – this enables me not only see my own work in a different perspective but also other peoples.
So Martin, you have a difficult job in maintaining this group, but I do feel what has been said, has been a little harsh.
A lot of photographic work and I include my own, deals with the past and present in relation to the land into visual landscape. I study paintings from 18 century to the present day, always trying to keep an open mind. This is then endorsed by writings and poetry covering the same time span. If the guidelines of this or for that matter any group, are to constrain you could run the risk of having so many images that look the same.
The contemporary photographic art of Anthony Haughey would not be accepted, his photographic work dealing with borders and conflict is very dead pan – not aesthetic at all, but sill very strong profound images. The great Australian photographer Frank Hurley, who in the last years of his long established career photographed Australia. Hurley’s landscapes were wonderful, outstanding photographs of Australia and classed as some of the best propaganda photographs ever made!
We all have a romantic view of Ireland, but if we can, let us not let that romantic view stop photographers and artists that use other forms of expression ask questions. Ask questions about how we visualize the land and its changing population.
Martin Mullen
Well written Carl !
I suppose we all set different standards for ourselves, and all see differently and that for sure will always be.
It is, and will be a difficult group to maintain and believe me that myself and Co moderator Claire are searching for the best way to strike a balance.
As you rightly pointed out, the country is a changing society, and that romantic view and perception of Ireland is changing , and quite quicky too.
Your line – To constraint ,you could run the risk of having so many images that look the same. This is a very good point and deserves thought.
I don’t want to be the judge & jury of everything that is submitted. I didn’t earn that right from any place. But as moderator, I felt that many saw it as my job to maintain quality which was the big debate over recent days.
So, I made some adjustments, biggest of which was switching to Approval and the removal of a number of works.
Al I can say is that I have received quite a bit of support on this since implemented and I have had no complaints to date form anybody.
But, getting back to seeking the ideal guidelines, suggestions have been made, and this may be a way to go , is that each member would have a max number of images or works that they can display at any one time. If they want to upload new work they have to withdraw to keep to the same number.
Doing it this way, and I know it is partly restriction, the member is quite responsible for their quality of work and for the overall quality within the group, and could also satisfy themselves with how they perceive Ireland.
If you feel you have any views and suggestions re Guidelines, and I’m sure you have ,do contact me by Bubblemail.
Martin
(group moderator)
serenity
CARL- A VERY WELL WRITTEN JOURNAL AND I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU IN YOUR WORDS “A LITTLE HARSH” . I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS AND THAT MAKES THIS WORLD A MUCH BRIGHTER AND HEALTHIER PLACE. WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT WAYS OF EXPRESSING OUR CREATIVITY AND TOO MUCH HARSH CRITICISM MAY DAMAGE SOME PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IF THEY ARE AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR PHOTOGRAPHIC OR CREATIVE JOURNEY.
ONE THING THAT ATTRACTED ME TO THE REDBUBBLE SITE WAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO “ADD COMMENT” I DO BELIEVE THAT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WITH POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS IS HELPFUL. I WONDER IF OTHER GROUPS HAVE THESE DIFFICULTIES OR IS OUR EMERALD ISLE STILL FULL OF CONFLICT WHICH DESTROYS THE BEAUTY OF OUR ROMANTIC AND ENCHANTING LAND???