...Emulation

There is a saying that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," and I find that saying to ring true. If something catches your eye to the extent that you want to emulate that look, behavior, technique, etc. that is flattering to the person that created it in the first place. It shows that it has been seen and heard by the masses, which is the ultimate desire—I believe—of any creator.

This week in my photography class the topic is portraiture, and we had the opportunity to interact with Judith Black and her work on the subject. She focuses on family portraiture inside the home, and photographing things as they are. When you look at her whole collection of work you can really see how much of the evolution of her family was captured. The aging of her kids and herself, the changing of the body, and the extension of her family are all demonstrated throughout her work.

After hearing her talk about her life, the personal impact of her work inspired me even more. She used the creativity and release that comes with photography not only to capture her life, but also to escape it. When you look at things through the lens of an artist everything changes, and your life and the life around you is shaped into something completely new. You notice new things and nuances that you wouldn't have noticed if you didn't look a little closer. Being able to look at things as an artist adds more color to your life while also allowing you to escape it's burden for just a little while and focus on what makes you happy; like spending time with your family or doing a hobby you enjoy.

Judith Black also uses some cool techniques in her work, and one that I found particularly drawing was using several different photos to make one whole one. Of her online database this is only shown twice, but it inspired me to take a try at it. You must pay attention to where you leave off and start again; and when photographing something live you must ensure they do not move... that makes this particular technique that much harder.

Inspired by Judith Black's works "1997.04.30 72A Pleasant St. (Looking out the back door, 9:30am)" and "1997.06.15.Laura"