February 8, 2015
I’m Not Talking To You…I’m Talking To Myself
People write to thank me for my blog, saying they can relate to the topics I write about. And while I’m glad my thoughts resonate with others, make no mistake about my motivations: I write this blog for myself!
What I’m doing is writing down my self-affirmations.
Why?
Because my tendencies are to be insecure, to copy others, to care what others think of my work, to seek praise, to compare my work to others, to stray from my Vision and etcetera and etcetera and etcetera.
To become the artist I want to be, I must constantly remind myself of the things that I believe in and what I hope to become.
So you see: I’m not talking to you…I’m talking to myself.
Cole
P.S. The image above is entitled “Ahu Tahai.”
I absolutely get what you are saying. Completely. And this image, it is just wonderful! Is it available in a print somewhere? Love.
No problem Cole, go on to speak only to yourself, but strong enough in order I can hear you anyway ! Cheers !
Serge
Cole,
Please keep talking to yourself! It resonates with others, I am sure, because it resonates with me!
The tendency to imitate rather than create is a powerful drug, and you have identified the antidote!
Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts!
Scott
And your comments help me to keep refocusing myself, since I have all the same issues… And enjoy some beautiful images.
I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your talking to yourself but I usually talk to myself so I can’t be sure when I talk to you about your talking to yourself if I am talking to you or talking to me? Cheers 🙂
Another superb image BTW!
Happy to hear the voices in your head … if only more photographers and artists were so honest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your beautiful art.
If anything Cole, talk louder. It’s already been said in the comments above, but, I wish more artists would speak about the truth they’re seeking to find from their own work. It seems to me that the internet has muzzled too many about the reason they create, and amplified the voices discussing what tools they used and what product they’re selling.
Another benefit is that you can look back over old postings and see how your views on things have changed — and either embrace those changes or work to get back to the way you were in the past.
Concur with the comments above. Like the way the statues are in different stages of disrepair. Makes one look closer and contemplate what might have happened.
I always talk to myself. Most times it’s the only way I can get an intelligent conversation around here
Still fun to read, as long as I don’t come across you walking down the street wearing a tin foil hat and mumbling to yourself!
“Because my tendencies are to be insecure, to copy others, to care what others think of my work, to seek praise, to compare my work to others…” I certainly am not immune to this disorder and I suspect very few are (except maybe Vivian Maier and others like her who we do not know). It’s a matter of degree and I need the reminder – thanks.
I’m glad you let us listen in on your conversations! I’ve learned much from you. It’s not easy trying figure out who you are as an artist, it’s a constant struggle.
Stunning image, Cole!
There’s always going to be a tension between our public display of work and not wanting to be a captive of other peoples opinions. I’m often reminded of Rudyard Kiplings lines from the poem ‘If’ –
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;”
I love this photo and relate to the same issues that you mentioned. Your affirmation is just perfect.
Thank you,
Cynthia
Ha! This sounds like a very loud reminder to self! 😉
I second Lizz and Misha, but when I see an entry in this Reply section from you to yourself, I’ll know you have entered Van Gogh’s world of starry starry nights. But please leave both ears on. You’re such a handsome dude.
Sam
Love the series.
Congratulations on producing a unique set of images… especially considering how often this subject matter has been photographed through the years.
Kudos