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| Minimalist versus Maximalist |
I am intrigued by home design, and confide that I used to be an addict of the many home renovation programs on HGTV. I recorded the shows, and most often just watched the beginning and the end...skipped through all the middle parts...to see the "before" and "after". I have become quite tired of the repetition and similarity of all the programs and seldom watch anymore. I do, however, subscribe to a couple of home tour channels on YouTube. I prefer the "real people" episodes and not the designer features. Designer home tend to look the same to me. I like the comfortableness of the thrift store, antique store sourced homes.
How does home design relate to the artistic process, you ask? The extremes in home design are minimalism and maximalism. I love watching homes where maximalists live. Not hoarders, but people who collect things they love and fill up their spaces. I would love to spend time visiting those places and hearing the stories behind the collections. But I can't live like that. I lean towards a comfortable-to-me amount of things that other people may describe as more minimalist.
My photography and art are a contrast as well. When using my camera to capture what interests me, I am definitely a minimalist. Simple subject, simple background, minimal colour. (see left, above)
When I create composited work, using elements from many different photographs and blending them together into a new piece, I am definitely a maximalist. (right, above)
Advice from professionals stress that an artist should have "a look", a portfolio should be consistent. I have often struggled with this concept and have come to the conclusion that there is room for more than one way to express myself.
As I am currently not striving towards creating an exhibit, or looking for representation, that approach seems the right approach for me. Creating art should be fun!
This almost inspires an entire blog post about home organization, collections, and clutter. Fundamentally homes are, or should be, places where real people live. Surrounded by stuff that makes them happy or supports the things they need to do. I'm uneasy in homes that are sterile, or are merely a setting to show off their things. I think that things were made to be used, not put on a pedestal and admired. That's why I'm sort of sad about cameras that are sitting on a shelf gathering dust as part of a collection. They should be out in the world in the hands of photographer. I'm dubious about the professional advice that a portfolio should be consistent. Maybe if you're looking to monetize it or build your brand, or you really only have one facet of interest. Most of us have many interests, and the portfolio should be as diverse as we are.
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
DeleteIt was a bit of a ramble with words today, that's for sure. I totally agree with you about our portfolios. How boring to have only one "look" in our images.
Sara
I've grown to recognize, appreciate, and "fall into" your minimalist photographs. There's something poetic and calming about them. I've grown to recognize, appreciate, and "wander around inside" your maximalist photo collages. There's a complicated story inthem.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a lovely way with words, Helen. Thank you. :)
DeleteSara