Archive: Workshop your Artist Statement!

[sandrajordan]

Here is my artist statement that came about on the last Working Artist course.  I’d love any feedback on whether you think it fits my work or if anything is missing.  My website is http://www.sandrajordanphotography.co.uk  Thanks

 
<p class=”p1″><span class=”s1″>I capture images that create space to breathe, like visual meditations.</span></p>
<p class=”p1″><span class=”s1″>Immersing myself in the act of photography as a type of meditation allows me to slow down and appreciate this beautiful world that surrounds me.  I search for simplicity in remote places and beauty in abandonment, going beyond the depths of the surface to construct sensory escapes that silence the chaos of this hectic world.</span></p>
<p class=”p1″><span class=”s1″>Much of my work centres around the expansive and remote Arctic, but even when photographing in an urban environment, I still seek the moments of solitude. </span></p>

[sandrajordan]

Hmmm not quite sure what happened there, seems to be some additional weird text! Here it is in its proper form.

I capture images that create space to breathe, like visual meditations.  Immersing myself in the act of photography as a type of meditation allows me to slow down and appreciate this beautiful world that surrounds me.  I search for simplicity in remote places and beauty in abandonment, going beyond the depths of the surface to construct sensory escapes that silence the chaos of this hectic world.

Much of my work centres around the expansive and remote Arctic, but even when photographing in an urban environment, I still seek the moments of solitude.

[Deleted User]

Sandra such a wonderful statement that has a real air of calm about it, just like your work.What first drew you to be inspired by these scenes? What’s the story behind your passion?

[sandrajordan]

Well that makes me very happy that you said that Lily, because ‘calm’ is what I try to create in my work so it’s nice to know the statement matches the work.

I used to work in the film industry as a production manager making TV commercials and the job was really full on and at times very stressful so I started taking photos as a way to slow down and combat that hectic part of my world.  I also live in London which at times I find too busy!!  On top of that my mind is ALWAYS crowded and so I think my imagery is an antidote to all that, both in actually physically taking the images but also the end product.

My work is totally based on gut reaction, I either instantly absolutely love a scene or it doesn’t stir anything in me at all, there isn’t an in between for me. Subconsciously I’m drawn to the minimalistic paired down scenery of a place, reducing it to it’s basic appearance without any interruption.  Interesting, now I’m writing this I think there is more deep delving to do as to why I take what I take, so thanks for getting me to think about it a bit more!!

[Deleted User]

That’s great Sandra thanks for taking the time to fill me in. It’s sometimes really good to sit back and think why we are drawn to particular things, it is easy to miss some reflection – especially in the chaos of a London lifestyle…!

[mikeatravels]

Fine Art tells a story without uttering a single word: it evokes emotion. From small gestures to dramatic actions, it is my intention as an artist to incite a reaction from my viewers. If you can identify with a piece, I have accomplished my goal.

My work is realistic in nature, and I work to communicate through what I see. The main goal of my work is not just a realistic depiction of the subject, but a thought-provoking display of their true character. In portraits, I focus on capturing the passion of the subject; I want their face to tell their story through expression. The position of the subject’s mouth, or the gaze in their eyes, are two small details that provide insight into someone’s character. I seek out the nuances which give the viewer an insight into emotion.

I frequently work off of photographic references. Working from photographs saves the subject a good deal of time and fatigue from maintaining a pose, and also allows me to work with subjects over great distances.

[Crista Cloutier]

Mike you had me riveted until that last paragraph. Would you consider losing it? because otherwise I think its perfect.

[mikeatravels]

Thanks Crista, I have no problem removing the last paragraph.

[sandrajordan]

great artist statement Mike.  I would agree with Crista, I’m not sure the last paragraph adds anything to the statement.

[mikeatravels]

Thanks for your suggestion Sandra, I agree with you and Crista.  I’m going to remove the last paragraph for my statement.