A look at the uniqueness of human creativity, particularly in art, which distinguishes us from other animals.
Regardless of taste, the creativity of art is a uniquely human expression of many of our thoughts, impressions and emotions. At least, I can’t think of another animal that has created language, painted chapel ceilings or achieved the myriad ways in which we are creative. Of course, that doesn’t mean that some animal might not surpass us in some future (or we finally encounter E.T.).
It’s not often that I photograph any of those human expressions, but here’s one of them…
Human Impact
I know that graffiti might be a controversial expression of art to some, but an expression it is. I found this work as my wife and I were taking one of our Cardigan Welsh Corgis for a walk along a rail trail. As the light was playing across it, I knew I had to capture it.
And, yes, I played a bit with this image, as it is an exposure bracketed set of images, which enabled me to push the color expression a bit more. The artist(s) definitely created something interesting on this rusty old bridge. Also, I marvel at how they suspended themselves to paint with a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. I still appreciate this view; hope you enjoy it as well.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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4 thoughts on “Us Humans”
Bower birds create bowers to impress the ladies, but on the other hand they presumably don’t think to themselves ‘Hey, why don’t I create something completely different for a change, not just at breeding season..’.
Brian, there definitely is. Interesting thing is that graffiti is nothing new, as temples in Egypt have Greek inscriptions left by the vandals of antiquity.
Bower birds create bowers to impress the ladies, but on the other hand they presumably don’t think to themselves ‘Hey, why don’t I create something completely different for a change, not just at breeding season..’.
Definitely artful, and I think your analysis is 100% on the mark!
There is a vast difference between street art and mindless graffiti
Brian, there definitely is. Interesting thing is that graffiti is nothing new, as temples in Egypt have Greek inscriptions left by the vandals of antiquity.