I've decided it is too much trouble to take my own photographs now. When this model showed up, I sent her down to Olan-Mills with a blank check and told her to have her portrait made. When she came back, I merely scanned it and added ju-ju. That is what I'll do from now on, I think. They have the look I've tried so much to emulate. Just good kitsch. It is the one true art. That and the empty, sterile, people-less landscapes to be found on relentless websites. I read one the other day. It is written by a man that others must pay homage to if they are to get "inside." He is an "outsider," I guess. The piece I read was about his trip to the Chelsea gallery district. Didn't care for any of it as far as I could tell. Complained about the agenda of the galleries, I think. I mix him up with another fellow I hate to read from time to time who dislikes the academy and the museums. He just began teaching at some offbeat college--as an "outsider" too, I guess. Part time, perhaps, non-tenured. Wouldn't do, that. But if they find out that I am in cahoots with the professional portrait people, they might like this. I do. It is just hideously wonderful. The model thinks she looks insane. I didn't want to tell her. I'll tell you--later. There is a madness in all of us, though. A sure bet.
I watched Julian Schnable on Masterclass last night -- I haven't figured out if if I hate him or love him (which is a good thing --I think). He told the kids "just do things the way you want ...don't let the world push you -- push back."
ReplyDeleteSeems like such simple instructions for anyone who wants to be creative and yet the desire to please the audience is like the devil (on my shoulder anyway whispering.)
I wrote some poems (probably actually just one poem just in parts) the other day --first time in ages) shared them with someone -- his reaction was "I think they are trying too hard."
I said "okay" took them home and ripped them all up. I suppose I thought they might be brilliant.
It was called Jean Duval's Seasons -- or something like that. Probably inspired by the frothy girl photo you posted though I've written about Jean before. Of course she isn't just Jean -- they never are.
I've made simple photo copies of the 1940's photos I told you about -- sneaking them on to the copy machine at the shop. I tried to copy the slides.
Okay. So -- "just do things the way you want."
But the madness is a good thing, right? And shouldn't the madness bring back the mystery?
ReplyDeleteL, The problem for most people is that they don't know what they want. It is the hardest thing. And when we want contradictory things (I do), it is a schizophrenic enterprise. And that way lies. . . .
ReplyDeleteR, I don't know. . . "Peace on earth". . . .