“Artists get better by sharpening their skills or by acquiring new ones; they get better by learning to work, and learning from their work.” Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
After almost 2 years of sitting on the shelf I’m rereading the book Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This was one of those books where I highlighted all sorts of phrases. They still speak to me. I also found a couple of chapters that seem to have been added since the first time I read it. Have you noticed that?
I’ve always felt I’m in the process of learning from my photography. I figuring out how to take better images both technically with the tools I have and how I see this world. It’s the learning to work that seems to needs more development in my life. A boss, co-workers and a steady paycheck were the my motivations in corporate life. Working as an artist , whether as a professional or amateur, requires disciplines I’m working on. Now that I’m in this semi-retirement process I’m also learning how to work as an artist. I’m also in Phoenix visiting my parents so I’m also learning to relax.
10 Comments
ken bello
This looks like the perfect place to relax (or learn to relax).
Yes, sometimes I more out of some books after a second read. Funny how that works!
Monte Stevens
Glad you see the same thing with books but it is fun.
Ann Courtney
Proving that the learning curve is with us always. Enjoy!
Monte Stevens
I sure hope so, Ann.
Tom Dills
A re-read of that book has been on my “list” for a while now. I think this post is just the inspiration I need to pull it out again. Not exactly a beach read, but it will do! 🙂
Monte Stevens
Best get to work on the “list”, Tom. And, yes it’s far from being a novel but it does have a way of talking to me in a specail way.
John
As artists we’re always in a process of learning. In IT I’m always in a process of learning. Two distinctly different areas, but both with the same requirement: learn or stagnate and get left behind. I thought I’d be able to kick back (metaphorically), take photos and they’d magically be brilliant. Not so! Constant learning and observing are a must to keep moving forward and improving.
By the way, I’m still reading Art & Fear for the first time. I’ll read a few pages here and there. I do that with a lot of non-fiction.
Monte Stevens
When younger bieng a student was not at the top of my list. Now that few years of expreince have past the list has changed. It’s now important for me to be the student and getting the homework done because as you say, “Constant learning and observing are a must to keep moving forward and improving.” Thanks, John!
Earl
On learning…I guess our priorities change as we get older and realize just how much we don’t know and how little time we have. 🙂
We all learn even if we take no notice of it along the way…we still learn. Beautiful photo, Monte.
Monte Stevens
Another wise statement from you Earl, “even if we take no notice.” Thanks!