Recently, I received a rather pointed remark:”WELL, IT’S ABOUT TIME…..!!!!! YOU’RE ALL ABOUT COLOR, BUT YOU’VE BEEN SHOWING IMAGES WITH TOO MUCH “BLANK SPACE” WITH A MINIMAL OF A ‘DOT’ OF COLOR.”
It’s amusing how we, as artists, are pigeonholed, both praised and criticized for our works. It’s gratifying when someone can identify an artist solely by their style, even without a signature. However, as artists, we should always strive to push boundaries and explore new frontiers.
Personally, I respectfully disagree with the aforementioned comment regarding my work. Nonetheless, I value genuine feedback in all its forms. While creating new images, I remain steadfast in adhering to concepts and styles that hold deep significance to me.
Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary of the passing of Pete Turner, a legendary figure in the world of photography. Eric Meola paid a remarkable tribute to him, and if you haven’t already, I urge you to read his poignant post. Both Pete Turner and Jay Maisel, among others, have profoundly influenced my personal artistic vision. Both of them celebrated bold color.
Bold colors naturally draw attention due to their visual dominance. When a photograph features a vibrant and bold color against a more subdued or neutral background, it creates a powerful contrast that grabs the viewer’s attention. This contrast enhances the visual impact and creates a focal point, guiding the viewer’s gaze and emphasizing the subject or element of interest. The strong presence of bold colors within an image ensures that it stands out and remains memorable in the viewer’s mind.
One element of my own visual language that has always been there is bold colors which can effectively communicate their message, evoke powerful responses, and create visually stunning images that leave a lasting impression. By studying and trying to understand the psychological and aesthetic aspects of bold colors, I have been able to use this powerful tool and elevate the impact of my work.