I want to do something with this. This is one of those timeless faces, I just have such a strong desire to play with this image.
Did you ever take a picture like that? One that’s ok to start with, but you know, you just feel it in your bones that you’re going to work it over? This image is like that for me. At the time I took it, I knew I was going to “do something” with it, I just didn’t know exactly what. Now the time has come, and I’m tossing it around in my mind…playing around mentally with what I want to do, how I want to work it.
Sometimes, shooting out in the field is great-it’s what we all need to do, but working over images in the studio, reworking them, re-shooting, playing with them-that’s important too. Especially my work. I’ve always been that way. In a lot of ways, what I shoot in the field winds up as “raw material” for me to work over, to sort of “have my way with” once I get back to the studio. The studio is where like to play, where I’m most at home, relaxed, fiddling with things, twisting, playing, and experimenting. I like to think that’s where the “real” magic happens, though the field work is important too.
For sure though, this will be back in the studio at some point. Watch this space, you’ll probably see it here (eventually) once I have a go at it yet again.
Until next time…
Author
Yeh, I definitely agree with that philosophy, in general. A photo can simply be the starting place. The raw material, as you say. I recently 'borrowed' a photo reproduction in an old book. I photocopied it, ran the copier print under water to make it nice and soggy, then laid it out, and just started pushing on it here and there with my fingertips creating wrinkles and small folds in it. I carefully patted it out flat, left it to dry, and then photocopied that. The result was very interesting and I want to try some more experiments like that!
It is like you are working along on something, and you keep just working around on it, and you don't really have a clue just what you are looking for, and then suddenly you look at it, and go "WOW".
Author
Photocopy art! I love that stuff. You can really have a lot of fun with a copy machine.
Yes, it's very true too, the idea of "raw materials" and playing around with something until you get an idea, until something springs to life.
Thanks, Mythopolis, you've given me a lot to think about.