Textural similarities
by Mark ~ February 14th, 2010. Filed under: Michigan, art, artistry, landscape, my woods, nature photography, philosophy.
Textured hillside
There is one thing that kills an afternoon for me (in a good way?), and that is poking around for new music. My music tastes tend to be fairly diverse, which is probably reflected equally in my preferences for nature subjects. One of the things I tend to do is to go to the record labels of some artists I like, and poke around with who else they have signed. I have noticed that some of the indie record labels tend to have groups of artists that tend to appeal to me, even if they are from completely different genres of music.
So this afternoon I listened to a free preview of Peter Gabriel’s new album, and also ended up buying a new artist, The Imagined Village, from his RealWorldRecords label. Probably anyone that likes Peter Gabriel’s blending of world music into his work will end up liking some of the artists his label promotes.
Similarly, there seems to be certain photographic subjects that end up drawing my eye, even if from completely different environments. The photograph above from Denali National Park in Alaska in the fall, the photograph below, from about 5 minutes from my house in Michigan in the spring. They both contain similar elements of texture, graphical shapes, yet couldn’t be more different in terms of habitat, environment, time of year and location.
I have a feeling the similar qualities that attracts me to certain photographs may be similar to the elements that make me appreciate musical artists in much the same way. Similar but different. Perhaps this is what ends up defining us as artists.
Spring Textures
February 14th, 2010 at
Interesting post, Mark. There do seem to be essential elements in different types of shots that attract us. These same elements, if fundamental enough, can cross over into different art forms as well.
Lately, when I go out for a day’s shooting, I come back and put together a slideshow in Lightroom of my favorite shots of the day and add an audio track. I look for music that fits with the images. It’s interesting how the shots (at least the ones I select) have a coherence and I can usually find some music I like that also integrates well.
Adds another dimension to the experience. Though, for some perverse reason, I don’t like to go to photographers websites and listen to sound tracks when looking at their images!
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at
Bob, you are not alone. I don’t like soundtracks on websites either.
I hope that picking music comes easy for you – it is something I struggle with still. It can really enhance, or really distract from what you are trying to do.
[Reply]
February 14th, 2010 at
Peter Gabriel’s blending of world-beat and modern rock textures is unique and each photographer, or artist of any kind, if they are truly an artist, not just looking to sell a widget, seeks out alternative textures. I like the way you bring up the subject of textures and music and leave some of the connections for the reader to make here. Your images in this post and others are particularly interesting because of their texture, and also because of your quest for something different, rather than “pretty pictures for postcards.” I have always liked alternative rock, which good landscape photography is, and which Peter Gabriel is though his art has floated in and out of the mainstream hit parade.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at
Thank you David. Actually I was wondering after I published this post if I made any sense whatsoever!
So I am relying A LOT upon the reader to make some of those connections. Ha!
[Reply]
February 15th, 2010 at
Thanks for the tip on the music. I really like Gabriel, so I’ll have to check it out.
Wonderful photos. The colors in the top shot are just stunning!
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at
Thank you Lana. It is nice that you can listen to it for free. It is an album of covers, so it is interesting to hear his take on some of these well known songs.
[Reply]
February 16th, 2010 at
Wonderful images both and yet such a different color scheme for spring between the two. I especially like the second with more pastel tones, but really enjoy the geometry of the first image. Thanks for the news on Gabriel’s new work, I’m a fan going back to early Genesis.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
February 20th, 2010 at
Thank you Paul. You picked up on the aspects that I like from each of them as well.
I actually was not much of a Genesis fan, but Peter Gabriel’s “So” album was the first I ever bought on CD.
[Reply]
February 18th, 2010 at
I like both images Mark, for different reasons.. they each have their own mood and ‘feel’. (Have to admit for a preference for the second though, as it portrays the colors/textures of spring, which I’m more than ready for!)
thanks for the tip on the P.Gabriel tunes- another great artist. I personally feel enjoying music while editing photos or creating any visual art often enhances the process.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
February 20th, 2010 at
Thanks Cindy, I appreciate your insight. Ready here for a bit of spring myself.
[Reply]
February 22nd, 2010 at
That is a good philosophy Mark. How I find people is from reading interviews where artists say who inspires them. That is how I discovered Patty Griffin. Love her music. She is also under ATO Records which is Dave Matthews label.
[Reply]
February 22nd, 2010 at
I think you’re right, and beautiful images too. Funny, music and photography are both big players in my life, but I have a hard time merging the two. I will rarely process my pics to music unless they are client photos that I have no feeling for. If I feel passionate about an image I am working on, I am very selective about what track I listen to, or just process in silence. However, I will ALWAYS listen to music when updating my website… ok, enough babble from me. lol
[Reply]