Are you an artist?
–––
If you are a photographer and you've ever wondered if you are an artist, I offer you this from Ansel Adams:
"Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art."
Sure, there are photographers that only document what is in front of their lens, and you may well be one of those. So how can you tell if you are an artist?
This is what I tell my students:
You are an artist if you wish to create something with your media which communicates more than its component parts.
Now, you become a remarkable artist when you become fluent in the language of how to communicate with the tools of art and move past merely documenting what is in front of your lens.
An artist will use these tools to show us what we have never seen before.
The best artists will show us what we never could have imagined.
This is the stuff that makes your jaw drop, makes you stop in your tracks and makes you say, "Wow!"
I am still aspiring to be this … ;o) … and I hope to keep learning and growing to the end of my days.
A real artist is made.
He makes himself.
And all it takes is to be damn unwilling to be otherwise.
………….
–––––
#MonochromeMonday with thanks to HBE Jerry Johnson Manuel Votta Nurcan Azaz Steve Barge and Monochrome Monday
#MoodyMonday with thanks to Philip Daly Carol Buckwalter and Moody Monday
#BreakfastClub with huge thanks to dear Gemma Costa and Breakfast Club
10000 PHOTOGRAPHERS / #10000photographersaroundtheworld with thanks to Robert SKREINER
#hqspart with thanks to HQSP Photo Art Web Promoting and Rinus Bakker
#hqsplandscape with thanks to Eric Delcour Araceli MO Rodolfo Seide Johnny Minor and HQSP Landscape
#LandscapePhotography with thanks to Margaret Tompkins, Carra Riley, paul t beard, Ke Zeng, David Heath Williams and Landscape Photography Landscape Photography Show
#rgwoodpost #naturephotography #MondayMotivation #inspiration #bwfineart #bwphotography #blackandwhitephotography #monochrome #monochromephotography
agreed!!! ))
ReplyDeleteYes!!!
ReplyDeleteSo true - and excellent photo, love the mood and the composition!
ReplyDeletereally like the image, composition is excellent and it has that great moody feel to it...
ReplyDeleteSome high-flying, photographic art here!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing capture !
ReplyDeleteYou are the one who made me and many of us believe in ourselves and also believe we are artists as well ! Can't thank you enough for that and everything else that you do for us :) ! Hope you have wonderful day and week Robin!
very beautiful shot, thanks for sharing with Breakfast Club
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words that are filled with inspiration and your dreamy photo spurs me on towards greater things! Robin Griggs Wood Thanks for sharing with MCM!!
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! I feel that I am an artist, definitely!
ReplyDeleteI love your post Robin.
ReplyDelete+Robin Griggs Wood Beautiful photograph! And I love the quotes and words ! Simply fabulous !!!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiring post Robin! :)
ReplyDeletedamn unwilling :)
ReplyDeleteWell then - now we know who are the amateurs. ;-)
ReplyDeleteInspirational all the way around!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. Superb monochrome capture !
ReplyDeletewow, beautiful
ReplyDeleteIncanto Robin Griggs Wood
ReplyDeleteI am not an artist, but appreciate their work
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, and a very beautiful shot, my friend! Love the mood here!!
ReplyDeleteTatiana Parmeeva -- :o)))!
ReplyDeleteSam Breach -- yes, you are!! :o)
ReplyDeleteCora Triton -- thank you, dear!
ReplyDeleteCaspar Thomas -- thank you so much for saying that!
ReplyDeleteBill Pevlor -- :oD ... thank you, my friend!
ReplyDeletelovely.. the photo and the sentiments!! ♥
ReplyDeleteSaji Saju -- aw, so sweet of you to say, dear ... I'm so glad, and thank you!
ReplyDeleteGemma Costa -- thank you so much, dearest friend .. :o)
ReplyDeleteJerry Johnson -- thank you very much, my friend ... and I'm glad!
ReplyDeleteShelly Gunderson -- you are, dear! ... and thank you !
ReplyDeleteDarla Hueske -- :o)) .. that makes me happy! .. thank you!
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC PICTURE!!!
ReplyDeleteTisha Scurich -- thank you for saying that!
ReplyDeleteSteve Savoie -- thank you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteRichard Ball -- heehee ... damn straight, my friend!
ReplyDeleteSteffen Gliese -- ;o)
ReplyDeleteLauri Novak -- thank you, dear! Happy Monday to you!
ReplyDeleteDelcour Eric -- thank you so much, my friend!
ReplyDeleteElna van der Walt -- thank you!
ReplyDeleteAlberto Cane -- thank you ... :o)
ReplyDeleteI am just waiting for you to finish with all the "Thank You's" so you can start in on the curse you's Robin Griggs Wood that way you can say hello to me too!
ReplyDelete;-)
Andreas Levi -- thank you very much, my friend! Have a great start in your week!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the reminder Robin Griggs Wood Keep em coming... And the photographic art attached to words of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteSandra Parlow -- thank you so much, dear! You are an artist! ... ;o)
ReplyDeletebruce bryan -- thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteWray Post -- I'm not a "curse you" kind of gal ... I am an "uncircle you" kind, though ... but, miraculously, you are still clinging to several of mine and I can't shake you off ... hahaha! You're stubborn like that ... ;o7
ReplyDeleteChuck Palmer -- thank you kindly, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLoL
ReplyDeleteReally, I did!
Wonderful post! Text and shot are great! Thanks for sharing with HQSP Landscape
ReplyDeleteDick Meurs -- thank you kindly!
ReplyDeleteToo many times I see people liking what they call art only to find myself thinking its a regular snapshot. Where do you think that comes from? Do you think average art is more popular than really good art?
ReplyDeleteRichard Harlos -- well, you know my story ... and the countless hours I've spent crying and frustrated trying to realize my own goal. This is precisely the well from which I draw to give the truth of the matter to others. I had zero encouragement from the people in my life in my earlier years, and only developed the "damn unwilling to be otherwise" through sweat and tears. But it's not a bad way to live a life ... ;o) ... "what doesn't kill ya", you know? ... ;oD. Thank you for your well thought out comment, my friend. And I know that it can inspire others who may read it.
ReplyDeleteRodolfo Seide -- thank you so much, and for the time you take in curating, my friend!
ReplyDeletemarion o'connell -- :o)
ReplyDeleteDrake Forester -- I really understand that. Of course, then you would need to establish a clear concept of what is "really good art"––most of it is purely subjective. Based on the elements within the canvas or image frame (color, contrast, composition, etc.), certain of those resonate with individuals––similar to the resonating harmonics of instrument strings. The following is how I explain "good art" to my painting students, however:
ReplyDeleteOut in the world, there isn't a very clear definition of "perfect" art. Is it photorealism, balanced composition, "proper" light values, etc.? I've seen art done with all of that which was very boring.
So, what is it?!
In my long history of trying to define what makes "good" art good––since there are so many different types––the only common denominator that I could come up with was the palpable spirit of the artist upon the canvas.
Take into consideration the dichotomy of the two extremes of art creation: of forced "perfection" against easy, relaxed, "joy of creating art for the pleasure of making it itself". When one tries to "'do a bit of good art" and toils over it for ages getting frustrated at their own shortcomings as an artist, what ends up being conveyed on the canvas is frustration and a sense of failure -- hah!
When art is done for the pleasure of art, that pleasure and the intention of that communication is still tangible for the viewers to come.
It isn't the "rules" that makes an art piece great––just as it isn't what brushes, palette knives or tubes of paint that are used which make a painting great. It's the "soul" of the artist in the work––that's what makes it truly worth viewing.
That's only my theory, at least. ... ;o)
Nice pic
ReplyDeleteAli Husnain -- thank you
ReplyDeleteRobert Rixey -- how cool!
ReplyDeleteGlen McBride -- I have been a musician in my life as well (guitar, flute, piano) and the times that I felt that I was a true artist in music was when I took those things that I learned and created something new from them, something that others could hear from nowhere else. It is the creative spirit that makes an artist, plus the willingness to actually do the creation (the tougher part ... ;o)). Thank you so much for your kind words on the image!
ReplyDeleteRobin Griggs Wood, a gorgeous piece of work from you, as always, but to me, this one ending statement had more power than anything I've read recently: And all it takes is to be damn unwilling to be otherwise. Thanks for writing those words.
ReplyDeleteNo jani
ReplyDeleteSimos Xenakis -- thank you, my friend ... and I am so pleased to hear that. When you get the chance to do my mentorship again, you'll read my droning on about it ad nauseum ... ;oD
ReplyDeleteRobin Griggs Wood, I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteSoooo delightful! Clouds and rays, a raptor and reaching branches. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteBill Collins -- thank you very much ... :o)
ReplyDeleteSo totally true on what you wrote. I used to paint before then stopped for a long time, and eversince I discovered photography my life changed, I feel I have found my creative outlet and realized this is my true passion :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice photograph btw!
fully agreed Robin, and thus, fully agreed with ansel to :)
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as photography and creativity go, i´m much less documenting as i am telling stories about life, in visuals and words.
And as all artists go, good or bad, it´s an endless journey through all of life :)
Beautiful shot and post. Now this is ART :)
ReplyDeleteLike any medium, one being an artists depends upon their skill & what they say.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not creative & take photos, you might not be an artist. {^_~}
Amazing beauty! Love the lighting and mood. Great compsition. Thanks very much for sharing with Monochrome Monday!
ReplyDeleteYes i agree he was one of the best.have five or so of his workings very nice shot .
ReplyDeleteThis is me smiling at you, Robin Griggs Wood. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWell said! Very cool image.
ReplyDeleteStunning!
ReplyDeleteNICE once in a lifetime
ReplyDeleteAwesome everything Robin Griggs Wood !
ReplyDeleteAspiring! Aspiring each day! You truly are an inspiration, Robin Griggs Wood love this post!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Robin Griggs Wood - I love this part especially: "And all it takes is to be damn unwilling to be otherwise."
ReplyDeleteSwee Oh -- I love reading that! ... and thank you, too!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Hodsdon -- ;o)) ... so nice, dear ... and thank you as well.
ReplyDeleteMichael A Koontz -- I agree ... nicely said :o)
ReplyDeleteMilena Ilieva -- thank you so much, dear!
ReplyDeletePam Burrows -- true enough ... but then again, I known so very many people who have been told that they weren't creative and they believed it. That's why I mentor others, to at least give them a chance to have another viewpoint of themselves ... :o)
ReplyDeletePaul Paradis -- merci .. :o)
ReplyDeleteSteve Barge -- thank you so much, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAnthony Goodrich -- oh, that's nice!
ReplyDeleteLynne Goodwin -- :oD ... big one ... right back at'cha!! (with a hug attached! ... xo!)
ReplyDeleteSASSY CARTER -- thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteDoug Hagadorn -- thank you, kindly!
ReplyDeletej.l. b -- thank you!
ReplyDeleteShane Williams -- thank you my friend ... and I do hope you are having lots of fun along the way as well! :oD
ReplyDeleteMike Berry -- thanks ... :o)
ReplyDeleteBrad Buckmaster -- thank you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteCJ Cox -- I think it's working!! ;oD
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, too, dear!
Mark Tyler -- I'm so glad you think so, my friend ... :o)
ReplyDeleteI am an artist. I am also a student of Robin Griggs Wood
ReplyDeleteDid she make me an artist?
No, she did not.
Did she give me the inner desire see what others can not?
No, she did not.
Did she give me the longing to share what I feel?
No, she did not.
She opened the door and gave me the confidence to believe in myself,
as she pushed out into the world.
I loved every word of that comment, Doug Welch!!
ReplyDelete-))
ReplyDeleteAnd all it takes is to be damn unwilling to be otherwise....Favorite part!
ReplyDeleteYou consistently make me say wow, stop in my tracks and grab the dogs for a celebration of beauty dance. Your works are not only imagination and beauty at its best but inspiring and moving!
Thank you for each one of them that pass my stream and brighten my day! Robin Griggs Wood
I was very glad to read this today, particularly today! :-)
ReplyDeleteCheryl Cooper -- thank you so much dear heart!! ♥♥
ReplyDeletePam Wolfe -- oh, I'm so glad, dear! hugs!
ReplyDeleteHmm....
ReplyDeleteSTUNNING ...
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for sharing with the #LandscapePhotography theme!!
ReplyDeleteSubhashis Das -- thank you
ReplyDeleteTazein Mirza Saad -- thank you ... I and think this works for all art, even writing ... :o)
ReplyDeleteRashid Iqbal -- thank you
ReplyDeletePeter Phillips -- oh, that's awesome, my friend ... thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteMargaret Tompkins -- thank you very much, dear ... hugs!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts and beautiful capture Robin Griggs Wood
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Landscape Photography Show!
ReplyDeleteRobin Griggs Wood Just wanted to tell you this post has meant a lot to me. I've kept returning to it and re-reading. Every time I re-read it, I feel all 'stirred up' inside. I made a copy of it and printed it out so it's readily accessible to read yet again. The photo combined with the words are truly coming alive in my heart. You are ever a mentor even after one's official mentorship program has ended. *love and hugs*
ReplyDeleteRobin Griggs Wood I think those words nicely summarise what photography is for many people. My friend tells me how he has this inner battle with himself about not changing too much about his photos in post-processing but I keep telling him: "Unless you're trying to be a documentary/photojournalistic photographer, unleash the artist from within. Let people see what you imagined when you captured the scene, what your vision was, go and create something beautiful, go and inspire." I will definitely show him your post. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePam Wolfe -- aw, I'm so glad, dear!! ... hugs!!
ReplyDeleteArkadiusz Pretki -- what a great comment!! Thank you very much ... :o)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah; absolutely!
ReplyDeleteSusan LaDuke -- :o)
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDeletevery nice and good job
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mimmo Di Giuseppe!
ReplyDeleteLa regina del cielo!!!!!..... maestosa!!!!!.....
ReplyDeleteA thousand winds may blow
ReplyDeleteAs I sit quietly, feeling so close
Like diamond glints on fresh fallen snow
As I lay and come awake in the “morning’s hush”
I Smile, as though I can see “you” from afar
Like a bird’s flight, circling in a swift uplifting rush
JESSIE MAISY