Comments on: Styles come, styles go

By: Richard Wong

Richard Wong — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:23:41 +0000

Great thoughts Mark. I have never concerned myself with having a “style”. I just do what makes me happy. If it looks like a style then great, if it doesn’t then so what I still have photos. A win-win situation.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:57:07 +0000

All, thanks for the comments. It is somewhat of an oxymoron isn’t it? Being taught to develop an individual style – but then it rarely comes from thinking about it too much!

By: Jim Goldstein

Jim Goldstein — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:28:00 +0000

Sounds like a great show. I hope it swings through my area. Interesting thoughts on style. I’ve always thought of styles as shadows of ones creative self. As you journey through life your shadow morphs as the events or light around you change. Style to me is an important aspect to identify, reflect on and enjoy when viewing the work of others. It gives me insight to who they are and what they’re experiencing particularly when I have the opportunity to learn more about their life. I’ve never paid much attention to my personal style. It’s best to not really think about consciously for oneself in the short term. Interpretation of style is something that has greater meaning for others in retrospect. Thanks for the thought provoking post.

By: Lana

Lana — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:06:31 +0000

As you’ve said, I think it’s best not to worry about it too much. Unfortunately the art community likes to worry about it a lot, insisting on artists’ statements & categorizing works into neat, little boxes. Ironically, if a person paints in a wide variety of styles & themes, they’re generally considered “amateur” and “unprofessional” rather than “imaginative” and “creative.” I’m still trying to figure that one out, myself.
Glad you had the opportunity to see those works. A Rodan display’s heading our way–I’m thinking I should probably go…

By: julie

julie — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:37 +0000

Anothew new insight about a well worn topic, you’ve given me plenty to think about today…

By: Gary Nylander

Gary Nylander — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:51:24 +0000

I saw this same show while it was in Vancouver, B.C. recently, I was very impressed. Good points about style, I’m sure every artist has their various “phases” that they go through , that when added up at the end of their lives or careers make them who they are in terms of style.

By: SAPhotographs

SAPhotographs — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:18:09 +0000

Thanks for visiting my site Mark. You have some lovely images here as well as posts of interest.

By: Michael Brown

Michael Brown — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:23:33 +0000

A individual’s own unique style and/or how to develop a style.
This is one subject I am often asked about it seems, … a discussion that can lead into so many directions.
But when someone asks me questions in this area, I will usually wait for just the right moment in the conversation, and then ask them … “So when you have finally achieved your own unique style, … then what? What do you do then?
I will always let them come up with that answer on their own!

Nice post Mark!

By: Anita Jesse

Anita Jesse — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:21:55 +0000

It’s reassuring to see this stated so clearly and with such solid evidence. It seems to me that some pursue style for style’s sake. Often those photos are full of style, but they leave me cold. I’d rather sense passion in the work, and have the style be a bonus. I can’t imagine not being passionate about whatever creative endeavor I may undertake. Without that, it’s just a job.

By: Margaret Almon

Margaret Almon — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:14:58 +0000

I’m glad you emphasized developing a sense of what you like, and don’t like. I used to imagine that this sense was irrelevant, and it was a revelation when I first realized that this is the core of my art–paying attention to what draws my eye.