Sonatas II-11 (presto)

Hi Brendan. I think we are all enjoying the series but I for one am craving some context. Could you let us know the genesis of the project, how the musical associations developed in your mind, how you go about locating subjects etc. Thanks in advance.

J

I hope that these thoughts are responsive to your questions. I apologize if they in turn go too far beyond what you wanted!

Why These Series
These, and future series, are my attempt to create more of a structure, embodying meaning and (some) concept, into what hitherto has been a somewhat haphazard approach to image making. Looking back at the past, I can be seen that my efforts have mostly been centered around a feeling of “place”, but the presentation of these images has been somewhat random. I would like to expand these “place” photographs into a more meaningful body of work.

How It’s Done
The pictures in these series were shot first, reflecting a particular location, printed, then ordered to a natural flow based on “feeling”, or a general story idea, not a set narrative. The poems were then written, based on the picture sequence, to try to convey that feeling experienced when looking through the sequence.

In music, words and lyrics are often written separately. Either can be first. Words, or a story, can be written, and a suitable melody can be searched for. Conversely, a story can be written that reflects, or is inspired by, the feelings engendered by the melody. This would be similar to what we are doing here.

The Series
The first series was centered on the notion of “simple nature”. The second series was based on a day’s walk on a familiar, treasured, woodland trail. Next in the works, shot but not printed or written yet, will be different, more of a “humorous” song situation. It will definitely not be “nature”, but more of an indoor “journey”.

Who We Are
My wife and I have a long history of (mostly recreational) singing and playing, especially folk, Irish, and Scottish songs. My wife, the main author of the poetry, is very experienced in song writing, for both herself and others (some professional), so this sort of collaboration and approach to visual art feels natural. Kind of like “words and music by...” in song writing, Lenin & McCartney, etc.

Sonatas as a Musical Form
Sonatas are a more simple musical form than concertos and symphonies. Using this term reflects my more simple take on photos than some, eschewing extensive manipulation and over-dramatic presentation. What is lost in “impact” is hoped to be gained in “sensitivity”. A “sonatas” picture series could of course be effective without words, and even titles, but the term “sonatas” can also be interpreted as “songs”. Here the poem is the lyrics, and the pictures the melody. Movements are determined by overall feel; fast, slow, jocular, lively, etc. Not too literal, of course, but neither are these terms strictly literal in music.

Discussions held in the gallery comments could be awkward, so I am also posting this in the Ethics and Philosophy forum. Comments from all are welcome!