TheStarvingArtist

I like it when my work evokes an emotional response. I just received this compliment:

"Most of your work seems to be 'hard' (not as hardcore). It feels angry, disturbed in some way.
The link to your image feels like a self portrait that is between self loathing and despair.
My 'interpretation' or opinion is likely off the mark but this is how I interpret many of your posts, especially the composites that try to create a 'new reality' that is dark, a bit 'goth'."

this is the image that was linked http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-419381-1.html

Now I am curious what others think. Will you take some time and look thru my pictures and share with me your opinions? What kind of emotional feelings do you have when you view them? What impression of myself or my models do you have?

Thank you

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Well you definitely evoked an emotional response from that viewer. I have seen your work and I always look forward to a post from you. Now I'm not a fanboy, there have been posts where I have thought, ok that is good but not for me. But in general I experience your work as .. hmmm. You make me think. Hard to put a wrapper on it, you post a lot of different stories, erotic, thought provoking, feminine. Definitely emotional, all. And you have a style that is recognizable. The emotion, that's why I look forward to it. The pic in the discussion, I like it because it was real, a little gritty which was appropriate, and it has a real message, a story. Hit's close to home. Serious stuff.

Now my question. Are you curious about what others think because you want to align yourself to be more popular or are you just curious? I hope it is the latter and that you continue to create the art that you like. Just saying.

TheStarvingArtist

I am just curious, I doubt any responses will have an effect on how I go about making a photograph, or the end result. I create from my inner being, I get to know my models as much as I can and often do several sessions with them.

My recent post is with a woman who lives in the country, she stands on her horse when it walks around, she is into cowgirl hats and takes baths in a bathtub that is outside. Her favorite pistol is a 22 with a long barrel. She teaches her son to shoot various guns. She goes 4-wheeling in the river. She street races in her Camaro and isn't afraid of going over 100mph to win. She party's in taverns and demands respect from the men. She is married to a man who loves her deeply and loves racing. She is very quiet and you would never expect this in her life if you do not know her. So this picture is about a cowgirl downing a bottle of Jack after a hard days work.

I think everyone wants others to like what they do but mostly I want to create an emotional response. Happiness, anger, confusion, a desire to look for a while and think about what meaning there might be. But it will also speak to the model's life and how I view it. Often I do reversals, if a woman is a happy person I create the alternative personality of sadness. If she is a sad person I will create a sensual happiness. Or for a sad person I will go deep and try to show an empty soul, and for a happy person go high and show something angelic.

If a person gives me a rave review or tears my artwork apart, either way I have invoked a deep emotional response, and that is the purpose of what I do.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

There are times when "one picture worth 1000 words." Alcoholism is a problem differing from alcoholic men, because generally men are larger and of course different metabolism. By Googling "Women alcoholics" there is lots of reading on the subject.... pointing out that women are more affected by alcohol and have high addiction rate..... is it sexist, perhaps but I doubt that it is.

There is a tendency to associate the artist with the image... true? yes/no. I have a quick by chance photo of a man in an 1960 jet fighter ejection chair, people think it is an electrocution and with out real justification jump on my case for that "sick" photo. Your photo was meaningful to me; my x at 120# started consuming 2 bottles of wine at supper... not a sweet drunk... dangerous... so if your image hits home to one or more women and they seek help... then you as a "photojournalist" have done a good deed.

Summary, did I like the subject/image of the photo... NO... did I think it was well done because it has has story and impact... YES.... with out doubt. This is an example of a nude photo that is not a nude, the image is well treated with the choice of shade and vignetting.

davefales Loc: Virginia

I found that particular shot "harsh", most likely because of the implied alcoholism. It's a close call but the model could be male.

Like dpullum, I think it is well done. Definitely "nude" and fit for this forum but also certainly not "boudoir."

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I posted several times about what I think. Many of your photos make us do more than think: "That's nice". So - well done. Keep them coming.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Your photograph is depressing, sad, and even a bit demeaning. Shots similar to this can be taken as Street Photography on the "Skid Row" areas of most big cities. (Although, I don't condone taking shots of anyone shown in an humiliating or down & out situation - ain't right).

And, your shot far too contrived -not posed - with the whiskey bottle prominently displaying the brand name while covering her private parts.

And, the woman's fondness for "4 wheeling in the river, street racing her Camaro, being fearless at 100 mph, and drinking a bottle of JD after a hard days work" does not impress me. (What constitutes a Hard Days Work for this woman?)

The pic could be used for an AA advertisement maybe, but JD probably wouldn't approve it.

Finally, the shot reminds me of Charles Bukowski's poetry.

Any doubts how I really feel about it?

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

I followed the rant when it happened, my thought is that he's usually on the other side of any logical argument in UHH. I think he does it simply to call attention to himself. I'd suggest to simply ignore his rants, and keep doing what you do. I enjoy your work and follow you and many others.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I think you have a unique ability to understand the individual you are "Creating" an image for. Images are created to evoke an emotion. Depending upon our "Data Base" in our mind our eyes will interpret that image the way we want to. The main issue is that you and your client is happy the image.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

That image was a SHOCKER... definitely wasn't ready for it! Based on what you shared above, you achieved your goal. That being said, I check your work because you take the road less taken. I see a lot of inspiration... a lot of thought... then undeniable patience for personal/professional excellence.

You are OUT of the box with few limitations. Freedom speaks.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I have to say, I agree with the person who wrote to you. The image of the woman holding the bottle of whiskey, presents a stark, hard reality that I found disturbing. It's excellent photography, but it's harsh, super harsh, imagery. I admired it from a technical, photographer's point of view; I disliked it intensely from a civilian's point of view. I hope that makes sense.

TheStarvingArtist

Probably not a male. This one is from a previous shoot with Jessica http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-408539-1.html

TheStarvingArtist

Tom, she paid a lot of money for that bottle and wanted it prominently displayed.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

No doubt; Jack Daniels is Top Shelf Stuff.

I looked at the photo again, and then again; I still find it more contrived than posed (Yes, there is a difference). Beyond the bottle, there is the placement of her left arm and hand with the glass. Then, the tattooed writing on her right side, and it appears the model is wearing panties that might appear as tattoo marks.

So, my question to your, Starving Artist, is: What did you have in mind when you had her pose in that manner? Yes, I agree that a photo or painting need not be explained as that diminishes what the viewer sees for him/her self. But, I am curious to know your thoughts about the shot, and the objectives at which you aimed.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Many on this forum takes things too seriously. Some things should be left alone.