Book References

The Nature of Photographs by Stephen Shore, A Primer

This book stood out to me because of it very simple cover. While looking for books in the library I tended to be drawn towards ones with minimalistic covers and spines. Like many people say, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. This one simply has the title of the book on the front with an all black cover.  Shore allows the images to breath by leaving a fair amount of blank space around each image, which I think in some circumstances can make the image stronger. Additionally, I enjoy his use of labeling the images, artist, date, location, etc., in the upper corner if the page as opposed to underneath the image. Stylistically I can’t put my finger on why I like this better than a caption underneath, but I find it aesthetically pleasing, and more informative to first see a small description which then leads your eye to the image. Shore also has some small amounts of writing for certain images which may stand out to him more, or just has further explanation for it. P62,67.

Shifting Tides: Cuban Photography after the Revolution

This cover is also very minimalistic, with no text at all on it. The only thing on it is a slight depression in the cover with  triangle, and a star in relief in the middle, symbolizes the Cuban flag. I find this very striking and thoughtful even though very little is provided. This book has a wide array of organization techniques when it comes to placing images within the pages. They range from full page images with no border, to various small images placed within a two page spread with text, to a row of sequential images across two pages. P56,89,34. The incorporation of tet provides a documentary feel which I think works well with the incredible variety of layouts, which also speaks to the subject matter of Cuba changing.

THTK 2010-Present.  Abigail Solomon-Godeau

While I found this cover somewhat unsuccessful based on the color palette of both text and the background image, I did like addition of cardboard pieces that have the cover on it on top of the bound cover. It is an interesting way to include another material as well texture and dimensionality to the relatively small book. However I find the way the images are presented very engaging. They are all full two page spreads with no borders. Many of the images are pictures of pictures that are hanging on a wall. Godeau makes this more interesting than it inherently is by cropping the images in interesting ways that lead the viewer to imagine the images extending off the page. I also just find borderless two page spreads a much more engaging way to view images because of the size and the imagination of the viewer considering the images extending off the page as I mentioned earlier.

Project1- Part1- Self Portrait

Creating Artist Books

Just like photography, the use and creation of books are all relative to the artists making it. The function remains somewhat the same as far as the medium of creating books goes, however that could be the only similarity between one book and another. The form can be so diverse the possibilities are limitless. One interesting question brought up when considering how successful an artist book is according to the criteria of the artists in this group is “How well did the maker combine images and text into the book medium?”  Some things to consider when creating ones own artist book, or critiquing a peers are type of binding; title page and endpaper design; printing method and reproduction quality; size, placement, and sequence of images; typeface choice, color and size; and use of text. All aspects of the organized whole piece of art must be considered in order to create a book with artistic integrity. I think the choices made are less important than the consideration given to those choices. Another thing that I try ti consider in my artistic endeavors is that sometimes less is more. Especially in the case of a book, a minimalist approach can sometimes draw the viewer in more than a highly detailed piece. Of course it depends on the work but nonetheless keeping that in mind can be a useful strategy. Placement is another very important part for both images and text. By allowing them to work together as opposed to individual elements leads to a more synchronized piece which is the goal when creating an artist book. Overall the most important part of creating an artist book is considering all of these aspects so every piece of the whole has been thought through.

Rappaport_ICE #1: Past Work/Future Aspirations

I think the reason I have stuck with photography since I began is because it is an artistic medium that has a technological side that requires a knowledge of functionality, along with a creative side that requires the use of multiple senses and simply going out and taking pictures. Experimenting and exploring new methods, techniques, genres, styles, and equipment keeps me so heavily engaged in photography. I consider my work and who I am as an artist encompasses a wide range of styles, techniques, and genres. Photographing many different kinds of things helps me grow because I have to not only think critically about what are effective ways of making interesting images in a variety of settings and circumstances. I think I do naturally gravitate towards landscapes and travel photography because I love nature and traveling and simply capturing what is around can sometimes be the most rewarding. The five images I have chosen I think represent the variety photography has to offer and how I try to apply my skills in multiple ways. The Artist I have chosen is one who I have recently been following his work a lot. Van Styles is a photographer who I think somewhat encapsulates the kind of photographer I am continuing to work towards. He is a contemporary photographer who does model, landscape, and street photography. I am drawn towards his work because he creates captivating work by using his creativity and the places and people around him. Simplicity, symmetry, and ingenuity are a few words I would use to describe his photography. I also like him as an artist because he uses photography as an art medium as well as in a commercial sense. I strive to produce great art and utilize it in multiple settings.

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WHY DO PHOTOGRAPHERS CARE SO MUCH ABOUT BOOKS?

I never really used to consider publishing and creating a book an art form until learning about Steidl and reading this essay. Just like any other art form, there is a technical and conceptual process that requires thought and collaboration in order to produce a an organized, final piece. This is even more apparent when discussing photography books.  This means that the quality of the photographs and subject matter is just as important as the quality and originality of the book itself. Growing up in a heavily screen based time, where most of the photographs I take will never be printed, having the mindset that the photos I take will be going towards a printed collection is something unique that adds an element of tangibility to the images being produced. The viewing experience is much different in a physical form as it provides stimulation for other senses as well a narrative of some sort, which engages the viewer in a much deeper way. I think it is human nature to try to build narratives, and the process of looking through a book establishes those connections. “..a book of photographs is one where the photographer is highly attuned to these possibilities of connection and exploits them to his advantage and for the benefit of the overall viewing/reading experience.” Printed photography books provide a greater diversity than the screen based mediums of displaying photography.