I think I’ve been here at RB for 6 weeks or so, but I haven’t written anything since I frightened those shopkeepers, a while back. I don’t want to neglect the process of keeping an eye on where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I hope to go as a photographer… and as an artist (?).
I love the fact that at RB everyone is referred to as an “artist,” in a very matter-of-fact way. I have no trouble using that label for everyone else here, but it doesn’t yet sit easily on my own shoulders, or at least not in my own mind. My mother was a very talented painter, and my father was a good draftsman. I used to do a bit of drawing and sketching, but I never really worked at it, and never felt I had the talent to be what I thought of as a Real Artist. I’ve always loved photography, but I had the bad habit of thinking of my photographic work as being in somehow a different category, not really “Art.”
I’m sure that most of the wonderful and talented photographers here on RB have experienced some kind of process of moving into the mental and emotional space of Being-Artists. It’s new to me.
Anyhow, as I look back over my work during the time I’ve been here on RB, it’s obvious to me that I have learned a lot. That’s pretty exciting, and quite wonderful, for me to see. I’ve been delighted to experience some of my work being featured in various groups, and a lot of folks here have given me incredible encouragement in their comments. (It’s also instructive and helpful to me when one of my images gets no comments at all…)
Another new thing for me is that I feel as if I am working not just for me, but for my new friends here, too. I want to go out and get new stuff to show you! This is an interesting feeling, and quite wonderful.
Thanks!
Linda Gregory
I mirror your sentiments, Delany. My mother was an artist and silversmith and my father was a photographer. I have had art materials around me since I could pick up a crayon. I even took up decorative painting about 25 years ago and got pretty good at it, selling some of my work. In back of it all, though, was my camera. I got my first SLR when I was 26 and always loved photography. The expense of film and processing limited how much I did. When I joined the Green Valley Camera Club three or so years ago in order to learn how to use my new digital camera, my photography really took off. With about 850 members, there was always someone around who was willing to teach me something new. I took workshops to learn as much as I could about Photoshop Elements and now I even teach some of them. However, like you, I think the work I’ve seen on Red Bubble has inspired me to try new effects on my photos. I think I can finally call myself an artist.
RicAlexander
Nice words Delany. Its important i think, to have a way to show your work on the net. It certainly helps to keep your interest in it too. Photography is an art IMO. You have to compose, get the light right etc etc, So yes, it is an artform.