Revelations
As photographers, it is the images we share that communicate our individually. Most of the questions I am asked about my pictures is what camera I used to take that picture. It seems that we have become worshippers of the tools rather than the images, or perhaps subconsciously believe the most advanced camera will narrow the competition. It is my belief that as a photographer, one is only in competition with one's self. I recently went to an opening at the Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles showing Nick Brandt’s beautiful animal pictures of the endangered species in Africa called, “A Shadow Falls.” I was amused by the question that everyone asked after greeting Nick. “What camera do you use?"
"My camera? It’s a Pentax 67." Expressions of disbelief formed on their faces. “What digital camera do you use?”
“I don’t have a digital camera.” I would like to stress that I do not have an aversion to the new wonderful tools and digital cameras that are available today. I would also like to stress that, “Ideas are not digital.” I use many different cameras and formats based on the idea that I’m interested in presenting. The camera I choose is based on various requirements which I have explained in great detail in my new book, Melvin Sokolsky “Archive." I have broken down my work ethic into categories– Ideas, Light, Chemistry, Palette, Worlds. The book covers 50 years of insight in the journey of my life. More about the book in future blogs.
Over the years, many of my pictures have been copied by many photographers of note and some who could be categorized as legally blind, as an homage to my work. I never understood why someone would blatantly copy and publish an image that is so obvious, as to shout to the world this image is a bad copy. In fact, I believe other than the basic idea, it is not possible to copy a photograph or a painting. The crucial ingredients that cannot be copied is the chemistry and spirit that went into the original. The act of stealing is most debilitating to the perpetrator as they can never experience growth through organic creation, and in turn destroy their psychic potential as an artist. The convenience of the internet has amped the appropriation or homage of “Stolen Sweets” as an old friend and jewel thief, Albie Baker, called his swag. We are living in a time where the tools and technology are the best we have ever seen, but somehow the images produced are over retouched and lacking in originality and spirit. We have hit a low point over the past few years as there is nothing I have seen that I have the urge to steal. I have coined a name for images that have started as photographs and have become illustrations through over retouching or poor construction. I call it "Illustography." I have actually registered the name because I also believe any image beautifully rendered can be a work of art. It is not the tools that I am rejecting, it is the bad use of the tools by people who do not respect or understand their responsibility as image makers.
