A Picture Speaks 1,459 Words
03/06/2010 # 10:21 AM # Art and Design, Fashion and Style, Global Cultures, Laura Cococcia, Photography, Travel # 2 Comments“The soul never thinks without a picture” – Aristostle
I am no Ansel
Adams. I never learned how to color between the lines. I’m a wizard at drawing stick figures with perms.
But I’m great at seeking out people to learn from – the masterful artists, photographers and visually creative folks who inspire me. Katie Sokoler is a magician. Nick Onken’s photos make me feel as if I’m with him when he’s shooting. New friend Victoria Thorne marries pictures and words like no other. Daydream Lily’s Liss has visual superpowers.
Films, too, have imagery power that ignites me. A few nights ago, I went to see Half the Sky Live with my friend Stephanie, who wrote a brilliant review of the book for TJCC. In this film, we watched, one by one, the stories of women whose lives have been abused, destroyed and ultimately empowered through action and hope. We watched men talk about their role in domestic abuse and violence against women and what they’re doing to help stop it.
Do images, pictures or films tell a better story than words alone?
Images are compelling. Seductive. And have the potential to revolutionize human communication. Nothing reveals the nuances of a person, a place or a culture like an image – a snapshot, a motion picture, a short documentary.
I glance, watch, my skin tingles and I am then forever changed.
They have – and will – change the world of words. I will always be a writer, but I’m psyched to also consider myself a “very amateur visual artist who will always keep learning because she loves the way images tell a story.”
My commitment to learning continues – and I’m starting to create a portfolio of my own. I’ve chatted with a few friends who are interested in doing the same – we’re amateurs, but the stories are no less powerful.
In this post, have included my own photos from my travels abroad. There’s a skin tingling story behind every one of these photos and on the whole, they sum up my quite ridiculous travel obsession.
But those stories are for another time. Today, take 5 minutes to draw, paint or snap your own story.
Who are the visual artists that inspire you? Why, when, how? (Or just even the “why.”) How do they tell a story?
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*Note: 1,459 was a random number generated by fast typing.
Interesting post and thanks for the links to other artists. Some very nice work.
I’d say it depends on who’s using the words. There is a reason Frank O’Hara left the painting to his friends while he wrote poetry. His words were his paint. This is also probably why great books rarely make it as great movies.
That said, I’m often more moved by images. It started with photography and finding Man Ray when I was young. This led me to painting and the German Neue Sachlichkeit movement, which was a huge influence. Also, being more of a fan of realism, I must say I love it when abstract work moves me. For example, I love the paintings of Matta. This is harder to define, but it’s impact can be astounding.
Also, take into account Architecture. When I was visiting Gaudi, I literally got choked up. His genius is otherworldly, like a portal to some better world, something magically and profound. There is a feeling of fulfillment in even being able to behold his brilliance.
As you mentioned cinema, it can be pointed out that this is an art form which started out largely without language. Also, as such, this was an art form with an immediate global appeal. Nothing is lost in translation. Chaplin’s worldwide popularity reflected this. I think it’s a shame most people dismiss these films as dated, for some still resonate with soul shaking power of true art. Just watching Chaplin’s The Kid or City Lights, it’s impossible to not be moved to tears. Regardless of the era in which it was created, when greatness reaches that level, there is no place left to go. It is complete.
Erik! This is fabulous insight – straight from the field. Your perspectives are so helpful – for me, particularly the point about films. Sometimes I forget that we started with silent films and have now evolved into something that’s so different – not bad – but we often forget about the power of images alone to tell a story. Thank you and keep it coming!