Contemplation

Each time I print a photograph it is different.

Is it better? Yes, until I print it again. Each time I change something, it is usually less dramatic than the last time I printed it

Between printings it usually on a magnetized wall where I "consider" it. At an indeterminate point I get an inspired idea and reprint it. Or, nothing occurs and I put it in a box of other prints. When I put it in, I enjoy looking through some them oldies. I see a print, (it's usually been awhile), that screams "try printing it this way!" I do.

In between there's contemplation, looking at the print on my wall, and getting inspiration to improve. In the process I often think of another print that I could improve, as well.

At any point in the process, I'm selling (infrequent!), giving away, posting and lately, small local exhibits.

Just came across this quote from Josef Koudelka: "I mainly work from small test prints. I often look at them, sometimes for a long time. I pin them to the wall, I compare them to make up my mind, be sure of my choices. I let others tell me what they mean."

Pieter12 said:

Just came across this quote from Josef Koudelka: "I mainly work from small test prints. I often look at them, sometimes for a long time. I pin them to the wall, I compare them to make up my mind, be sure of my choices. I let others tell me what they mean."

Click to expand...

Yes, letting others decide what it is that they see or interpret in artwork, including photography, is what I do as well.

As a painter, printmaker, photographer, o would allow others to tell me what it was that they though/saw in my artwork.

Very often, more so than not, they were not close, yet needing to express their vision of what I've made.


I had one patron, a wealthy club owner, whom bought a number of my prints, usually with a girlfriend with him, who like long discussion on what he saw in them.

I never corrected him as to my intent, but I enjoyed hearing his ideas and let him know why I did not describe the pieces I made, other than some prints.

Another time, several young female doctors stopped by our open studios and one of them, brought a print, and while, she did not tell me what she saw in that print, I'll never forget how she did, with a great, earnest Happiness, told me t
He that print just changed her whole life, as she paid for the piece.

The decision taken to let the viewer of whatever work you've made, see it for themselves, is the wisest approach to both publicly or privately displayed artworks.

I believe more works will be sold by letting an admirer know it's what they see, that's the IMPORTAINT part of the piece, sold or not.

IMO.