----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 5:33
AM
Subject: Re: Biographies
Marilyn,
Thinking about your recent questions has been quite
insightful and again, I thank you for asking them and bringing a wider scope
to this forum.
If I were to be interviewed about my work I would like
to be able to share with readers those images that I am the most happy to have
made; the ones that satisfied a great need in me to be made. The ones that
made me glad to have been a photographer so I COULD make them.
I say this as though I might have planned out the images
ahead of time and created them in the studio and that is not the case. In
most instances these are images that just happened and I was fortunate enough
to have the camera to my eye and my shooting finger
ready.
I have a number of photographs that continue to give me
great, great joy each time I see them. Some are iconic of a time.
Some are excellently composed and give me a distinct
feeling each time I view them. Some are beautifully printed.
I think any artist, over a period of time, has in her
body of work those creations that are most special for one reason or another
and I always like knowing what they are because tho a full body of work tells
of an artist, knowing the favorites of the artist is like having a personal
conversation. You get to know them deeper.
I am also fascinated by knowing the equipment used to
make images...large format, medium format, 35mm, digital. I can put myself in
the photographer's shoes and get a sense of what they worked against when I
know the tools they used.
I like also to know significant life events and how they
impacted the work. I also am entertained knowing where an artist lived and
what their home space and studio space was like. And indeed, anything an
artist does outside of the work that impacts the work is important to
know.
What a great project idea.
Lea
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 10:13
PM
Subject: Biographies
If someone were to do a biography of each of you
as photographers what would be most important to each of you for
your biographer and the public to know about you and your work?
Would it be important to you to explain your
philosophy about your work? Your training and
education? Projects you have worked on? Awards you
have won? Mentors you have had?
What things about your personal life and history would
you want people to know? Would you want to discuss other
areas of your life such as hobbies or interests that are not directly
connected to photography, but that you feel add to your ability to do your
best work as a photographer (such as being a painter, writer, sculptor,
musician, parent)?
(I am considering doing a project that will involve
local artists of all types and genres and your answers will help me format
this project.)
Thank you for your help ahead of time.
Marilyn
