Comments on: they say they are talking about photography.

by: Justin Kohmetscher

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 03:05:48 +0000

The Ongoing Moment is great! I’m almost done with it now (I read it on the subway on my way to photographing) and every time I put it down, I’m enthused. I think he’s kind of kidding us (and maybe himself too) when he speaks of not even owning a camera - as if that means that he’s got some “every-person’s” ability (or non-ability) to see art as an “outsider.” He is a very well-read author, and has obviously done his research.

There is something very refreshing about Dyer’s habit of not forming ideological endpoints - or like you call them “tidy conclusions.” I like that a lot, and he has actually made me very interested in photographers I’d written off - like a lot of FSA work that, while I appreciated it, I had no patience for it - and now I’m learning to slow down a little and stop looking for answers.

And - speaking of books - I just got your package today. I’m off to read (er… I guess, look, as most of the text is in Japanese) my new presents! Thanks John!

by: John

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 12:23:44 +0000

“…are seeing the photograph as valid as they are able, just like you or me or anyone.”

Exactly.

I like listening to music, and I know what I like- yet when someone who knows music, how it works, the history, etc, they probably have a different experience when they hear the same song that I do. This does not mean that my experience is “worse”, just maybe not as… full? I’m not talking about value statements, as I don’t feel “empty” when I listen to songs I like. Some stuff I like enough to learn more about but as for how songs actually work (like how a photograph works), this is something that I have little interest in. No tidy conclusion here.

You are quite correct about Critical Thinking– this is something that most people lack in terms of not only art-talk, but also in just about everything else, myself quite included. What do you reccomend to get better at this skill? Books?

Speaking of books how about that Mr. Dyer?

by: Justin Kohmetscher

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 02:41:32 +0000

I agree with your idea John - that “For me, what makes a good picture is how it works as a photograph.” However, I think that those who are only seeing what they expect (or the Trick) in the photograph are seeing the photograph as valid as they are able, just like you or me or anyone. It’s usually the lack of lexicon and familiarity of medium and other artists that prevent the general hobbyist from sounding intelligent. That sounds obvious, but I don’t think it’s always simple.

Sometimes, it’s just a lack of exposure.

When I taught my first photo class, I realized quickly that most of what the students needed to be taught was the ability to think (and then discuss) critically - with the experience and intelligence that comes from looking at other photographs. What they thought they needed to learn was technique.

It is the biggest difference between art and surgery.

I really like your analogy to early video games; they were perfect reflections on their own medium.