Free speech rules, but on a website for photographers one would expect less nastiness than in the rest of the internet. One could just accept another person’s reality and emotions as they choose to express them through their art without attacking the art. But then, throughout history, all new artistic expression has been attacked because it presented unexpected artistic style(s), and maybe also because it confronted people with issues they did not want to face.

Creativity is a reflection of our personality and an expression of emotion. Without emotion your just an automaton regurgitating someone else’s concept or style. When you create an image are you copying another’s style or using imagery as a metaphor for your emotional pain/communication as a way of understanding that pain more or just going through the motions subconsciously taking the same type of image over and over again?

I began a series of images about woodlands and specifically trees last year. In an intense romantic relationship I knew long before it ended that it would end and the woodlands series is about my intense feeling of love for her and our times we spent in nature. I continue the series as a release for my heartbreak.. It will see the light of day and when I have finished it I will have resolved my loss. I understand Edite very well because I suffer loss albeit a different form. If you have never suffered loss then this work will go over your head.

Say what you feel about this work.. free speech rules but to completely dismiss another’s heartfelt creations.. their emotional release is just plain nasty.

Thats my reality speaking!!

Two separate things. There is my understanding of the piece, and then there is my interpretation of the comments themselves.

Imants… ah yes! Hindsight bias. You said it much more clearly than I did.

You might argue that, “but trying to study the handwriting to get to know the individual,” implies otherwise, that maybe you did get it, but I think that is a bit of leap. I think you could study the handwriting of most people for a long time and never get them.

“It’s fine if any particular work of art doesn’t reach anyone in particular, as long as it reaches some. No need to feel bad if a particular piece doesn’t reach you.”

Gerhard… I couldn’t agree more.

Art works best when it’s full of ambiguity (unlike photojournalism).

It’s fine if any particular work of art doesn’t reach anyone in particular, as long as it reaches some. No need to feel bad if a particular piece doesn’t reach you.

This would include David, who has not expressed an opinion but obviously thought enough of it to put it on Burn.

I didn’t connect with the images at all. But I am glad it was posted here because it sparked a fascinating conversation. I’ve always learned more from the essays on Burn that I don’t enjoy, than from the ones I do.

Edite… I am glad I saw your essay. I hope you don’t just accept the compliments as valid and dismiss the others.

fair enough…ignorance is a bliss…lucky you

and a big hug from Gerhard.