Re: The Intellectualization of Craft

<p>Hi Julie! i do believe you post just inspired my "ah-ha!" moment of the day, and perhaps a message that will find itself in one of my document frames from the dollar store, with the "cliff notes" cover graphics painted around the frame =)</p>

<p>Learning how to harness multiple perpetual cycles of growth is one of my embryonic developments, because it truly leaves me with a feeling that I associate with "achievements" (or perhaps stages) of development in my youth. Feelings? Inspiration, joy, happiness, and hope. I value these feelings because I've hit dormant periods. My failure to perpetuate conceptual thought resulted in a blurred creative vision.</p>

<p>Now enter, the subliminal mind! I hit a dormant period recently for approximately two years. Life was out of focus. Lots of change. Transitional periods within my life. (excuses, I know) ... Then something broke. Somewhere along the line, I had developed a mindset that wasn't creatively conductive. A blockage. That traffic jam of a mindset finally burst, and what amazes me is; I never really stopped growing creatively or personally. I was growing and transforming during that dormant period, however, I didn't realize this growth because I didn't understand the importance of cultivation =)</p>

<p>My "reawakening" began when a friend had asked me to teach him photography. Stemming from my teenage years, one of my fundamental values is to pass on gained knowledge to others. Very similar to being groomed for a promotion within a company, with the requirement that peers and subordinates are cultivated to fill the position of which you are passing on.</p>

<p>Matthew</p>

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<p>I have also faced this question in my own life and work.. I recently acquired a Mamiya Pro TL and several lenses/backs/etc. and added this to my already well stocked kit of TLR's, RB67, Digital and film EOS bodies/lenses and the like. I took a number of rolls of 120 slide - trying to be methodical - trying to 'slow down and pre-visualize - only to lose my notes taken in loose leaf regarding exposure, f-stop, etc. I was overly disappointed in the results - and have now set out a bound-book (Moleskine - their "cartoon panel" art/sketch book) and have attempted to 'pre-draw' what I want to capture and then print the final 'achieved' image - but due to weather etc - that will be for next spring in the gardens. I agree that the philosophy of photography be kept - and I also concur that it is best left to each individual - after all - if beauty is in the eye of the beholder - then one man's floral macro masterpiece is another man's weeds<br>

I guess (in the final analysis) that the way to become a photgrapher (or a better one perhaps) is the same advice that the music student was given upon asking "How do I get to Carnegie Hall? - Practice, Practice, Practice!"<br>

My $0.02<br>

Derek</p>