When I was working on the image that eventually ended up on 591, I knew I wanted to make more like it. But what I was working on at the time was a series of photos based on E.J. Bellocq's "Storyville" portraits of brothel workers in the early 20th century. I wanted to build a set in the studio that would resemble some of those interior shots, but as I've said already, I found that I haven't developed those skill sets, so I shot with the most minimal set I could. On my next session, that image was in my head and everything became a bizarre mixture of influences. Now I'm either doing two different series--one I shall call "Storyland" based a writing error I noticed in Nan Goldin's pithy article on Bellocq, the other I am still unable to articulate but whose images I can see--or some assemblage of the two. It will work itself out somehow. A few posts back, one of my friend's commented that she didn't like "the scratched out face" of the woman on the divan. I understand the objection, but I wanted to emulate some of the defacing done to the portraits Bellocq kept. Here are few examples.
I like the images that are emerging from these shoots. I have a confidence about them that is new for me. I can't help thinking, though, that that should be a warning.
I can't open your blog at work anymore. :)
ReplyDeleteAs long as you move on from your copying to making New.
The scratching out didn't bother me at first and I liked the mystery but it could get old fast! I like the masks!
ReplyDeleteL, Why can't you open it? I'm blocked? Hmm.
ReplyDeleteR & L, I DO think I'm making it new. Look at it. It looks nothing like Bellocq's photos any more than the "Postcards" series looks like old anthropological photos, but the idea is recognizable. They are homages, not copies. I think these new photos are wonderful and only I will be able to dissuade myself this time. I don't even care if anyone else likes them. I feel that strongly about them. I hope you will, too.
Let's just say I definitely feel much more strongly about these than the Postcard series.
ReplyDeleteOh I can't open it (even though I am today in sort of a spy-like fasion) because you are doing tits and ass.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm in a busy office now with people all around who would be angry with me for opening such a site.
I'll have to keep looking -- honestly other than your photo being of the acceptable female body type of today -- I can't feel the New but ....
your confidence reminds me of Manet -- so confident of your vision,
the problem is not the artists or the confidence, but in my perception of your vision. I'll keep thinking on it.