Residency Day 6, 7, and 8
It’s been a few days. I’ve had a few highs and lows. Where to begin...
Monday, day 6, I started really having trouble with the work I’d been creating (actually, I've been having issues with it for quite a bit now, but it's been in the forefront of my thoughts lately). It’s the same work from grad school. Nothing’s changed. I’m not taking any more risks. I’m getting to a comfortable location (physically and mentally [and maybe spiritually]) and I make my photos there. In that safe place. Nothing new. Everything old and boring. I’m trying to open myself up while I’m here, but this is not an undertaking for this residency. I need to make risky, inventive photos while I’m here, and once I leave I need to start dealing with my working process. It’s not in a respectable place for my work to be. It’s stale.
That being said, here are a few photos from the last few days. This is risky for me to be doing during this residency, because I always need time to fully process these images and decide what is working and what is just dribble. Putting these up days, sometimes hours, after shooting them is tough for me. It’s bearing my soul to all of you.
Waiting for the fish to bite
Smoking at the produce stand
Whacking weeds on a hill
Lifeguard on break
Lifeguard on break
Waterpark by the Mississippi (in the background)
Penny-farthing enthusiast
Clydesdales at Wal-Mart
(it sounds strange because it IS strange)
Red Wing potter
p.s. I think the “Quakers” from the Day 5 post were actually Mennonites. I want to write them to ask.
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5 comments:
Steve, the Walmart/Clydesdale shot is great! (the first one with just the horse and building) I also really like the one above with the biker, although it might just be that I like the subject matter. Thanks for putting these up, they look great and it's good to see what you're up to. I hear you on the "getting comfortable" thing. I was thinking something similar on the drive into work this morning. How does get out of that? Any insights are appreciated :)
Hi Steve,
Firstly, Congratulations on the New York Times piece! That is so awesome and I look forward to seeing it.
Secondly, thanks for inviting me to your blog. I am honored to be included and to be a witness to your process during your residency. May I just say, it sounds like you are being hard on yourself today. That is ok. It is kind of part of the creative process, but remember your strengths as well. It totally makes sense that you would start to question yourself and re-define yourself during this intense period of focusing on your art. It is probably a good thing.
Now, the photos. I also really like the back end of the Clydedale at Wal-mart, and the one below with the back of the man. And the second lifeguard on break. The umpire from day 2 really stands out as well.
Ok, enough words from me. Keep making photos!
Jennifer Starbright
"Life Guard on Break" is one of my favorites. She looks so board!
Steve, don't be afraid to throw it all out there. People want to see what you can do. I think the first shot of the clydesdale at Wal-Mart is brilliant. The lines whip you through it but the context is intriguing.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Gordon, I'm not sure how we get out of this funk. I just try to push through. If I get down about my work, I go out to make MORE work. It's funny how that usually works out the kinks - at least initially.
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