I'd like to thank folks who recommended "Art & Fear". A book so true to someone taking an unusual route in artmaking. So much of it, so familiar to my own path. Thanks, Aaron

Now what do I read next...?

-- Aaron (ngaaron@singnet.com.sg), January 30, 2002

Answers

"Why People Photograph" and "Beauty in Photography" by Robert Adams.

-- Sandy Sorlien (sand44@mindspring.com), January 30, 2002.

Well, Aaron, you can read about making art, or you can go out and make art. You can't make great art without first making art. So, go out and do something. Reading a book won't make a photograph.

In your spare time (when you are not making art) I would like to suggest a book that was mentioned in this forum, "Writing Down the Bones." It deals with writing, but you can do the mental version of a "global replace" of writing with photographing.

As for other books, Ted Orland's "Scenes of Wonder and Curiousity" (think that's the right title), Weston's Daybooks (for many, many years about the only text on the journey through photography as art), and of course, all back issues of LensWork.

-- Joe Lipka (joelipka@earthlink.net), January 30, 2002.

Aaron, You seem to be on a very good path. A thoughtful investigation of photography involves reading and thinking, as well as being out in the world with a camera. I suggest that you read books that speak of engagement with the world. Right now, I am in the middle of Vaclav Havel's Disturbing the Peace. It's not about photography per se, but it's about living, endurance, and creativity. Havel's curiosity about life has helped to shape him into a great thinker and political leader. Photographers can learn much that is truly useful from such writers. Anyway, carry on.

-- Michael Alpert (alpert@umit.maine.edu), January 31, 2002.

Aaron,

I suddenly realize that you are the photographer who some time ago posted a question concerning Eugene Atget. I am happy that you have moved beyond your initial question. Ellis Vener replied that Atget created everything in a short period of time; I hope you realize that Vener was joking (his humor was perhaps a little too subtle for an open forum). Atget spent decades striving to improve his work; and his most powerful photographs were made in the 1920s, at the end of his life. He was a towering genius who worked hard, was thoughtful and perceptive, and loved photography. You now seem to be working to create your own work, with Atget properly situated as a exemplary presence. Best wishes.

-- Michael Alpert (alpert@umit.maine.edu), January 31, 2002.