I give up! I was reminded again over the weekend how hard it is to explain the concept of the 'fine art' culture to some people. I was at an event where I was introduced to a couple of people. Of course, one of the first things people ask is 'what do you do?' Sometimes I hesitate to say because I know that most people don't get it. But, this time I took a deep breath and I said, "I'm an artist." Then the typical question was asked, "Oh, do you paint?" I felt myself cringing inside because I knew this would be a 'no win' conversation for all of us.
Answer: "No. I'm a fine arts photographer."
Reply: "Give me your card, my kid is graduating from high school and..... blah, blah, blah."
Answer: "Sorry, I don't do that kind of photography."
Reply: "Do you do weddings, I know someone who......Blah, blah, blah."
Answer: "Sorry, I don't take wedding photographs."
Reply: "Well, what kind of photography do you do?"
Answer: "Fine art photography."
Reply: "Well, what's that?"
Don't get me wrong. There are many photographers that take pictures of weddings, graduations, birthdays, reunions, and such things, and sometimes I am absolutely mesmerized by their photographs! But most of them would not define what they do as making 'fine art photography.'
I define my photography as 'social political.' When I am working on an art project it usually consist of some element of the politics of society. My goal is to make people take a look at the role the
y play in society. I understand that we all cannot live the same kind of lifestyle, but just consider this, do you have a positive or negative effect on the people around you? Do you attempt to empower people or control them. You see we, 'the People' make up this society, and we,'the People' influence other 'People'. So, as a 'fine artist' I make it my job to create images that hopefully command people to think about their contribution to society as a whole, good or bad, right or wrong. How do you affect others. It doesn't matter what emotion art brings out in the viewer. The point is, to take a good look and allow yourself to be empowered by the voice of the artist.
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