Artist Statement
Seven Quotes for a Young Artist
“Artists should have their tongues cut out.” – Henri Matisse
I first read this quotation on Memphis Wood’s studio wall a long time ago It has taken me years to realize that the most important people will not understand admonition. It has taken me months to realize that the youngest artists today have never heard of Memphis Wood.
“Art is whatever an Artist says it is.” – Marcel Duchamp
Mark Howard brought me this quotation. In light of some guy called Kanye, I must put limits on this quotation; to wit, first we must define an “artist.”
“If I have any ‘message’ worth giving to a beginner it is that there are no shortcuts in photography.” – Edward Weston
Mr. Weston died in 1958; nowadays, most photography teachers on the internet will argue with this past master’s understanding of photography.
“The camera is a fluid way of encountering another reality.” – Jerry Uelsmann
Jerry is as valid today as he was when I met him 54 years ago. He is a life-changing acquaintance.
“I’ve had to use my imagination to think of good reasons to keep on keepin’ on.” – Gladys Knight
Ms. Knight’s statement has never been so relevant as it is today.
“Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it.” – George Carlin
Mr. Carlin is still an influence within the American lexicon.
“Photography is an acquired knowledge.” – Jeffrey Lotz
‘Nuff said.