Michael Kenna

My “Inspiration” series showcases artists, teachers and publications who consciously devote their efforts towards practicing a more meaningful style of creative photography. Over the weeks and months to come, I will share some of these sources of creative inspiration. May they open your eyes, inspire you or even push you out of the box.

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© Michael Kenna

I don’t really attribute creative “influence” to any other specific artists. My photography is largely defined and influenced by a collective life experience … with a heavy dose of philosophy and methodology infused from my graphic design education. But rarely do I look to other artists for inspiration in my own work. I simply love to enjoy the artwork of others on a very basic, personal level. I let my inner artist roam where it may, without external pressure or conscious influence. Oh sure … the influences of others is there somewhere, but it exists on a very subconscious level. I would imagine that there’s a small portion of Michael Kenna inside me.

If I was forced to walk in the shoes of another artist for a day, it would be Michael Kenna. I could stand to travel as he does … shoot with his arsenal of Hasselblad cameras … work with his impressive client list … shoot everything in monochrome … and so on. He sees and creates with an ultra-refined style that I find very appealing. In fact, his visual language and approach to making photographs seems closely related to what I strive for in my own work. Stripping elements within an image to the bare minimum. Working with weather conditions to push this effect. Pursuing a sense of intimacy in the grand locations he shoots. I’m no Michael Kenna, but he can call me anytime he wants to step out and take a vacation.

Until that day comes, I encourage you to take a look at what Michael is shooting lately … or possibly even get to know his work for the first time. He’s one of the “masters” of modern photography. You can view more of Michael’s work at www.michaelkenna.net.

Do YOU have any artists that have influenced or shaped your artistic pursuits?

Robb Johnson

My “Inspiration” series showcases artists, teachers and publications who consciously devote their efforts towards practicing a more meaningful style of creative photography. Over the weeks and months to come, I will share some of these sources of creative inspiration. May they open your eyes, inspire you or even push you out of the box.

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Bench and Path

“We are all on a journey.  Along the Way, our private experiences, curiosity, inquiry and selectivity are involved in our personal interpretation of events.  These shape and create our reality.  Our drama on our stage.  The images I create evoke a world where the viewer is free to explore with his our her own emotions and awareness – a drama – unbeknownst but to them.” (from Robb’s Artist Statement)

I first discovered Robb Johnson’s work in the 2008 Folios issue of Silvershotz magazine. His mysterious images instantly captivated my attention … and my imagination. Since then, I’ve become a fan of his “Along the Way” series. I hesitate to say much more, because words might only ruin the experience of enjoying his work. But his work is certainly a great example of the type of creative photography where method and style have been used with a clear purpose—to perfection, I might add. Just go look for yourself, and enjoy.

Thank you, Stanley Kubrick

Last night, I was in a meditative state of mind. So, I decided to watch “2001: A Space Odyssey” for the first time since my youth. What I had remembered as a dull, boring movie completely blew me away. Maybe it’s because I’m older now, and can fully appreciate Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking creative vision. Showing minutes of dark screens set against nothing but foreboding music … are you serious?! I sat there in a mix of wonder and nervous tension … how long he could get away with showing his audience a black screen? I was mesmerized. Maybe even startled. For an entire 148 minutes.

I’ll admit that I’m fairly jaded by the junk that Hollywood spits out in such formulaic fashion today. Still, I’m amazed how a “futuristic” sci-fi movie made in the 60′s could seem so fresh today. Kubrick’s deliberate, bold vision completely transcends the special effects—overcoming any notion that the movie might seem a bit dated. As the credits rolled, I was left with nothing but a sense of awe and a stirring of my imagination.

Photographers today can draw a lot of inspiration from a Kubrick movie … at least those who crave more than the simple joy of making “pretty pictures”. The intent of his movie making is very clear—every visual and sound stripped down to its bare essence. Nothing is included without purpose. No style for the sake of style. We may leave the theatre utterly confused by what we just saw, but our imagination … our conversations … our sense of awe … they have all been stirred.

Again, maybe I am too jaded by the formulaic processes that are eagerly offered and consumed today. So much of what is fed hungry photographers today in the mass market is superficial—often driven largely by marketing. And very little of it is concerned with helping artist’s find their own voice. We are taught how to be innovative in our technique, instead of how to stimulate innovation in the purpose behind our photography. Our favorite magazines are filled with articles that are more advertisement than inspiration. Workshops are trending more towards how to improve our processes, instead of how—or better yet, why—to take photographs in the first place. We are bombarded left and right with the apparent need to focus on upgrading our gear and equipment. I could go on and on.

I find no fault in finding ways to improve one’s art—especially in the context of a medium so full of complexity and diversity. After all, the creative possibilities within photography are limitless and overwhelming at times. We must explore, learn and experiment. Even the marketing and commercial education is necessary, if we are to stay on top of the mind-blowing diversity of our modern tools. But it seems that the hunger that lies in the heart of young and amateur photographers is largely overlooked—at least by the mass market outlets that are so readily available. And few of us have the time, money or desire to enroll in an education program that provides a more comprehensive foundation in the art of photography. So, most of the time, we consume empty calories. We are easily swayed towards form over function … style, over purpose. At worst, we can become bored with our own work … stagnant and uninspired.

Of course, there are exceptions. Many publications, artists and teachers are out there consciously devoting their efforts towards practicing a more meaningful style of photography—even helping photographers find a purpose in their own work. I thought I would devote some blog time to sharing some of these sources of creative inspiration. May they open your eyes … inspire you … or even push you out of the box. In the coming weeks and months, or however long it takes, I will share some who have inspired me.

More to come, very soon. And along the way, I encourage you to share those who have inspired you.