Who is currently inspiring me?
We all have our heroes, the people who inspire us. I have gone through so many; the list keeps changing and rearranging itself. From filmmakers, writers, artists, to photographers. I thought it might be interesting to share the artists who have changed how I take photographs and think about photography.
Renato D'Agostin
His book titled: '7439' about a road trip across the USA from New York to California jumped at me. This dream of driving or riding across the United States. Stopping at small towns and truck stops, seeing the countryside that many never wish to venture out in. Seeing the beauty of the grassroots Americans that make up all the inner states. His book "7439" captures that in an abstract way, his way of viewing the world. That inspired me, and knowing he loves having his images in book form. I admire that.
Saul Leiter
Yes, a color photographer, his abstraction. I have always loved Leiter's work. I can't remember how I came to know his work. I think it was the documentary released about him before he passed. That gave me a glimpse into his work and the way he photographs. A man who didn't want the limelight, kept to himself, and enjoyed life. He did fashion and other things to pay the bills, and his personal work on the side is what people remember most. The way he shot through window glass. His use of colour to create an almost abstract painting feel. That abstraction, the way he framed a shot, is amazing.
Masao Yamamoto
The way he makes his photographic prints. I found Yamamoto's work while fumbling around on an auction website like Artsy. I almost purchased an original because I liked it so much, to the point of inquiring and having the cash. But I refrained and got a limited run of one of his books instead. For which I am grateful, as I got to see more of his work. The way he makes small intimate prints has deeply affected me. Some of his prints show signs of being held, frayed edges, damaged slightly. I love this effect that can only be obtained with a photograph being in physical form. To the point that I currently print all my photos at around 3x5 so I can carry them around with me. His idea of making the photograph personal, something you hold, instead of just putting it up on a wall, resonated with me to this day.
Jing Huang
The way he puts together a collection of images to make a series. His personal projects/series are just poetic to me. I can't help but get lost in each of his series and stop to think, why this photograph? His photos seem to look at things that are often overlooked. Taken for granted. From a table to some rocks or even a shadow or curtain. I can't help but get inspired by his work because it doesn't use the excuse of living in a boring town or place. Everything is beautiful and deserves attention. Life, that is what his images capture to me, life and a curiosity for it.
Each artist influences my photography in different ways. I can't think of not having at least one of their books. Obtaining a book by Jing Huang is the most difficult, as I believe he is self-published. I have two of Masao Yamamoto's books. As mentioned, "7439" by Renato D'Agostin. One of Saul Leiter's books.
I find it interesting that our tastes change, not drastically, but become more refined. What used to taste amazing to us is only good now. What I never thought I would love is all I can consume in my later years. We change as people, as artists. Our style, the way we speak, to how we view the world. We are not static; we are malleable, forever changing, even if you don't realize it. And so are the people who are important to us, those who change us and inspire us.
I find viewing a book to be so much more accurate in how the artist intended their images to be seen. What I mean by this is tones, gradients, exposures, and sequencing of images. A screen and the internet are amazing things. I have hundreds of e-books that are so convenient to read on one device. But one thing I can't do without is physical photography books. I'm by no means a collector. But I do strive to have at least a few books from each photographer I admire. Or who has influenced me over the years.
Let me know who inspires you and which photographers' books you keep coming back to. If you think about it, what is it about their work that speaks to you, and why?