Erik, this is a brilliant piece! You need not apologize for its length; I hung on every word. We could have a long conversation about all aspects of this. Art is a way for us to transcend ourselves, a way to reach into the depths of our souls and bring something into the light for others to see.
A way for us to transcend ourselves! That is an ingenious way of putting it. As if the activity of creating and appreciating moves us beyond who we were. Thanks so much!!
Great article Erik, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and I love the image at the top of the post.
For me art is a way of communicating what I love about the natural world. It is my way of showing others the things I value and care about, in the hope that the emotions I convey may resonate with others.
I think art is a very personal thing, but I think as humans it is the most effective way we can communicate our thoughts and feelings. I think it also spans generations and is part of our collective social history.
I have been photographing for over 20 years now and my art is my life as well as my work. I agree that it is not easy to make money from photography and while I do sell prints and books on its own it's not enough. For me the value in my art is the ability it has given me to take people out into the landscape on workshops and show them the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It has given me a voice and a means to pass on to others the joy I have found in nature.
Gill, that is an interesting point about you finding fulfillment in leading workshops and sharing the joy of nature to people in that way. It seems like an ideal blend of experiencing nature, creating art, and helping others to do the same. I am introverted to a fault and that route has never appealed to me, though. I do recognize that many of my choices with photography are self limiting. For now I'll keep pursuing it for the value it brings to me with the understanding that I'm actually not willing to do what it takes to make it a profession.
I think we see the intrinsic value of photography and art very similarly. Thanks for your input, I find it incredibly helpful!
It took me years to pluck up the courage to run workshops as I have always been very shy and lacking in confidence. However it has been the best thing I have done and has given me a voice and helped me grow my confidence enormously. I would say that photography has definitely changed my life. 🙂
What a great unpacking of art, purpose, and acceptance. We’re on similar wavelengths at the moment, Erik! I’m looking forward to re-reading this a few more times.
I find this type of fundamental clarity centers us in terms of keeping us true to the art form.
Yes! For me, anyway, it was easy to get carried away by expectations and hopes. Add that to a strong desire to step up to challenges and I find myself fully committed to something that gives huge returns in the realm of personal fulfillment, but perhaps is actually a hinderance to other areas of life. Its a balancing act, for sure and I need to keep my perspective realistic.
It's mindboggling that no two human beings are the same and billions of us have lived on the planet.
Paint a picture, photograph a sunset, compose a song, write a book, built a house - we are driven to do those things by something deep inside; call it soul or a spark of universal consciousness or even God.
What we create is unique and a form of immortality.
My mother was a gifted artist and I have some of her paintings hanging on my walls. She died a decade ago but she's still here.
Wow! Completely unique perspectives on existence that carry on independently from the individual through the medium of art!! Mind boggling is an understatement. Thanks for this Logan!
“What is the purpose of X?” is one of my favorite mental stimulators. When I ask myself or another person or a group of people that question, I see the brains light up from top to bottom. Fresh thinking ensues. Pairing those insights with the follow-on question “If we were fully purpose driven, how would we change what we’re doing?” often results in less resistance to change.
Thanks for sharing your fine thoughts about the purpose of art and the pesky issue of commerce/profit, Erik. It’s worth remembering that the great artists we remember (Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Mozart etc) had wealthy patrons (de Medici’s, the Catholic church etc) supporting their work. Van Gogh’s grinding poverty (and lack of recognition) was probably a proximal cause of his despair and eventual suicide. Money matters in creative work for sure.
Ah yeah, I'm familiar with artists being backed by wealthy patrons. What I do have, and what some other thinkers/inventors/artists of the past also had, is a steady career that still allows me to pursue these things. While it can be demanding at times, it gives me time off and asks very little of me when I'm not actually at work. Without having to rely on creative income my goal had been to build upon small successes, re-investing in better education and gear over time. What I've found is that photography in particular is obscenely cost prohibitive and has returned virtually no amount of financial success to even start building upon. In search of what seems to be the only accessible outlet for my photography, I've found myself trapped in the lure of social media. It's like being locked in a sound-proof box with an algorithm vampire.
Your question on "how would we change what we're doing?" is critical and has my wheels turning. I can't say where things are headed in the long run, but that will be in the top of my mind moving forward. Thanks for your insight Baird!
Yes, I think the reality for most people is having a “day job” that funds their creative work. Our commercial system does not reward most “content” producers. It’s the big publishers and studios and platforms (Spotify etc) that mostly profit off of creative work. I never expected to profit (financially) from my writing … and I was right!!
😂😂😂. Much easier to appreciate any form of art when you know the character behind the artist, the effort behind the product, and the several others aspects of art tied to the picture such as your philosophy, writing, and physical art you bring to the outdoor experience.
That being said, questioning my judgement is a good call on many things… haha
Fantastic post Erik. I am lucky that I did not have any expectation to make money from my photography, but I would say that the purpose of my photography has evolved over time.
While the process of making images - getting out and exploring nature - has been consistent and remains the most important part of my photography practice, I am increasingly seeking to go beyond the beauty/awe/drama of the natural landscape and communicate more about what it means to human in the landscape and our interaction with Nature. So I am very much in the "art is a communication of experience, belief, and motivation that transcends language" camp.
BTW, love the BNW image of Brasstown Falls. Great work.
I think you accomplish your purpose very well both in your photos and your writing about the experiences! They are definitely educational and inspirational for me. Thank you James!
A thought provoking article Erik, so much to think about. It’s interesting isn’t it that painting the Sistine Chapel was a paid commission for Michelangelo, he wouldn’t have done it unpaid, for the love of art I presume. I know, I know, he was a great master, but he took on students to train, and help him create his art, and provide them with food for their families too. Often we are fortunate nowadays to create art for the love of doing so, whether that is putting paint to canvas or eye to eye piece, or writing too. Doubt can be a great motivator for pushing one’s self imposed boundaries, and asking more of oneself too, I bet great artists over the centuries doubted their art too, hence so many dying poor before their art was recognised. Remember in all this the delight others feel in seeing the views you see through your camera of places they can never hope to visit. That is worth a lot, sharing the world, although I know it’s not paid for your breakfast!
That’s a very interesting point about Michelangelo or any of the old masters. I know their works were commissioned by wealthy patrons, and that allowed them to do what they did. But, what would they have created if the financial aspect wasn’t a factor?
I do need to keep in mind that most people will never see the places I go. Hopefully my photography can inspire a love of such places around the world, but also a desire to protect them!
I agree with your thoughts about art - its purpose, the things it conveys...etc. I would also add that if art is something that enhances the soul (and you mentioned that your photography has contributed to your growth) then maybe another purpose of art is to nourish and better yourself so you show up better in the world ? If it helps make you a better person, (and contributes something beautiful to boot!) then I imagine that has to have rippling effects. Perhaps to your family first and foremost, since you have the most/immediate affect on them. And then to others. Who knows!
You have a great point about it making me a better person. Its becoming a balancing act, though, of that vs the time and cost of doing those things. There's still a way forward, I'm just trying to learn the best way!
Great article Erik. Love how you weave philosophy, the outdoors, and photography. Something to aspire to! Here's hoping you meet the weather window this attempt on the Bartram Trail!
Erik, this is a brilliant piece! You need not apologize for its length; I hung on every word. We could have a long conversation about all aspects of this. Art is a way for us to transcend ourselves, a way to reach into the depths of our souls and bring something into the light for others to see.
A way for us to transcend ourselves! That is an ingenious way of putting it. As if the activity of creating and appreciating moves us beyond who we were. Thanks so much!!
And thanks for introducing me to the ancient Greek word Pneuma!
Great article Erik, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and I love the image at the top of the post.
For me art is a way of communicating what I love about the natural world. It is my way of showing others the things I value and care about, in the hope that the emotions I convey may resonate with others.
I think art is a very personal thing, but I think as humans it is the most effective way we can communicate our thoughts and feelings. I think it also spans generations and is part of our collective social history.
I have been photographing for over 20 years now and my art is my life as well as my work. I agree that it is not easy to make money from photography and while I do sell prints and books on its own it's not enough. For me the value in my art is the ability it has given me to take people out into the landscape on workshops and show them the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It has given me a voice and a means to pass on to others the joy I have found in nature.
Gill, that is an interesting point about you finding fulfillment in leading workshops and sharing the joy of nature to people in that way. It seems like an ideal blend of experiencing nature, creating art, and helping others to do the same. I am introverted to a fault and that route has never appealed to me, though. I do recognize that many of my choices with photography are self limiting. For now I'll keep pursuing it for the value it brings to me with the understanding that I'm actually not willing to do what it takes to make it a profession.
I think we see the intrinsic value of photography and art very similarly. Thanks for your input, I find it incredibly helpful!
Thank you Erik.
It took me years to pluck up the courage to run workshops as I have always been very shy and lacking in confidence. However it has been the best thing I have done and has given me a voice and helped me grow my confidence enormously. I would say that photography has definitely changed my life. 🙂
That’s outstanding!
I think "art" changes both the artist and the viewer / reader of the art. And what you produce is surely, art, to the highest degree.
That means a lot Holly! Thanks!
What a great unpacking of art, purpose, and acceptance. We’re on similar wavelengths at the moment, Erik! I’m looking forward to re-reading this a few more times.
I find this type of fundamental clarity centers us in terms of keeping us true to the art form.
Yes! For me, anyway, it was easy to get carried away by expectations and hopes. Add that to a strong desire to step up to challenges and I find myself fully committed to something that gives huge returns in the realm of personal fulfillment, but perhaps is actually a hinderance to other areas of life. Its a balancing act, for sure and I need to keep my perspective realistic.
It’s a hell of a balancing act, for sure.
Great essay, thank you for sharing.
Creating art is a manifestation of our souls.
It's mindboggling that no two human beings are the same and billions of us have lived on the planet.
Paint a picture, photograph a sunset, compose a song, write a book, built a house - we are driven to do those things by something deep inside; call it soul or a spark of universal consciousness or even God.
What we create is unique and a form of immortality.
My mother was a gifted artist and I have some of her paintings hanging on my walls. She died a decade ago but she's still here.
Wow! Completely unique perspectives on existence that carry on independently from the individual through the medium of art!! Mind boggling is an understatement. Thanks for this Logan!
“What is the purpose of X?” is one of my favorite mental stimulators. When I ask myself or another person or a group of people that question, I see the brains light up from top to bottom. Fresh thinking ensues. Pairing those insights with the follow-on question “If we were fully purpose driven, how would we change what we’re doing?” often results in less resistance to change.
Thanks for sharing your fine thoughts about the purpose of art and the pesky issue of commerce/profit, Erik. It’s worth remembering that the great artists we remember (Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Mozart etc) had wealthy patrons (de Medici’s, the Catholic church etc) supporting their work. Van Gogh’s grinding poverty (and lack of recognition) was probably a proximal cause of his despair and eventual suicide. Money matters in creative work for sure.
Ah yeah, I'm familiar with artists being backed by wealthy patrons. What I do have, and what some other thinkers/inventors/artists of the past also had, is a steady career that still allows me to pursue these things. While it can be demanding at times, it gives me time off and asks very little of me when I'm not actually at work. Without having to rely on creative income my goal had been to build upon small successes, re-investing in better education and gear over time. What I've found is that photography in particular is obscenely cost prohibitive and has returned virtually no amount of financial success to even start building upon. In search of what seems to be the only accessible outlet for my photography, I've found myself trapped in the lure of social media. It's like being locked in a sound-proof box with an algorithm vampire.
Your question on "how would we change what we're doing?" is critical and has my wheels turning. I can't say where things are headed in the long run, but that will be in the top of my mind moving forward. Thanks for your insight Baird!
Yes, I think the reality for most people is having a “day job” that funds their creative work. Our commercial system does not reward most “content” producers. It’s the big publishers and studios and platforms (Spotify etc) that mostly profit off of creative work. I never expected to profit (financially) from my writing … and I was right!!
This ranks at the top of my favorites of your posts brother. A few beautiful images with profound considerations behind art.
As I mentioned, you’re one of my favorite artists alive both because of your finished product and the knowledge of what goes into capturing it.
Kyle, I can’t thank you enough for that. Kinda makes me question your judgement 🤣, but it’s honestly really good to hear. I appreciate you, brother!!
😂😂😂. Much easier to appreciate any form of art when you know the character behind the artist, the effort behind the product, and the several others aspects of art tied to the picture such as your philosophy, writing, and physical art you bring to the outdoor experience.
That being said, questioning my judgement is a good call on many things… haha
Lol!
One of your best, Erik! Very evocative of Leopold’s “Conservation Esthetic.” Great stuff!
Thanks so much Lou!
Fantastic post Erik. I am lucky that I did not have any expectation to make money from my photography, but I would say that the purpose of my photography has evolved over time.
While the process of making images - getting out and exploring nature - has been consistent and remains the most important part of my photography practice, I am increasingly seeking to go beyond the beauty/awe/drama of the natural landscape and communicate more about what it means to human in the landscape and our interaction with Nature. So I am very much in the "art is a communication of experience, belief, and motivation that transcends language" camp.
BTW, love the BNW image of Brasstown Falls. Great work.
I think you accomplish your purpose very well both in your photos and your writing about the experiences! They are definitely educational and inspirational for me. Thank you James!
A thought provoking article Erik, so much to think about. It’s interesting isn’t it that painting the Sistine Chapel was a paid commission for Michelangelo, he wouldn’t have done it unpaid, for the love of art I presume. I know, I know, he was a great master, but he took on students to train, and help him create his art, and provide them with food for their families too. Often we are fortunate nowadays to create art for the love of doing so, whether that is putting paint to canvas or eye to eye piece, or writing too. Doubt can be a great motivator for pushing one’s self imposed boundaries, and asking more of oneself too, I bet great artists over the centuries doubted their art too, hence so many dying poor before their art was recognised. Remember in all this the delight others feel in seeing the views you see through your camera of places they can never hope to visit. That is worth a lot, sharing the world, although I know it’s not paid for your breakfast!
That’s a very interesting point about Michelangelo or any of the old masters. I know their works were commissioned by wealthy patrons, and that allowed them to do what they did. But, what would they have created if the financial aspect wasn’t a factor?
I do need to keep in mind that most people will never see the places I go. Hopefully my photography can inspire a love of such places around the world, but also a desire to protect them!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Sarah!
I agree with your thoughts about art - its purpose, the things it conveys...etc. I would also add that if art is something that enhances the soul (and you mentioned that your photography has contributed to your growth) then maybe another purpose of art is to nourish and better yourself so you show up better in the world ? If it helps make you a better person, (and contributes something beautiful to boot!) then I imagine that has to have rippling effects. Perhaps to your family first and foremost, since you have the most/immediate affect on them. And then to others. Who knows!
You have a great point about it making me a better person. Its becoming a balancing act, though, of that vs the time and cost of doing those things. There's still a way forward, I'm just trying to learn the best way!
That makes sense!! It's so tough trying to find the time to do the things we love and which enrich us…..but then we also have Life Obligations™️..
Great article Erik. Love how you weave philosophy, the outdoors, and photography. Something to aspire to! Here's hoping you meet the weather window this attempt on the Bartram Trail!
Thanks Mike! There’s a bit of a cold front moving through tomorrow, but nothing crazy. Fingers crossed for good photography light!