Some of you read my blog a week ago entitled "For Something Completely Different". A good friend asked me what inspired me to photograph these subjects. When I published the blog, I didn't completely know, but the evolution has become clear.
While out driving, I began to notice some patterns in telephone poles,electrical poles, patterns at electrical sub stations and the way we as a society are so dependent upon electricity. The method of transporting this lifeblood began to fascinate me.
I can't shoot a single image, or write this web blog if it wasn't for electricity. Not to mention the fans, lights, radios, tv, computers, cell phones etc that are such a vital part of our society. All of these need electrical power.
As I looked more at what I was 'feeling' in the wire and poles, I realized there was an image in my mind made by a famous photographer. I knew the image was at my home in one of my photography books, but couldn't recall who took the image.
The answer came to me in a most unusual way. While I was attending a private showing of a photography collectors home a few weeks ago, we were looking at original prints by Robert Frank, Richard Avedon, Alfred Steiglitz, Gertrude Kasebier etc, I was enjoying the prints so much. Then then owner proudly displayed 2 prints from Margaret Bourke-White from some of her early work in Cleveland. Even though the pictures weren't of electrical towers, something told me - THIS IS THE ARTIST. I kept thinking of her as I drove home, and sure enough, when I opened one of my books featuring Ms. Bourke-Whites images, a famous print she made of the NBC radio tower jumped out at me. You can view the image here:
You will notice where my inspiration came from.
Excited to discover what inspired me, I have begun in earnest to grab my own ideas on this creation of art from mechanical structures and the necessity for them in our society.
Quite by accident, a new turn in this project has evolved. The first set of images I've shared are a very stark contrast, very monotone black and white images. With modern software image tools, it is a trivial task to create these types of images. While out shooting one morning, a new twist came into my project - the introduction of clouds.
You will notice this is the same exact composition as the 2nd image posted above, but this new image has a cloud texture. It gives the emotion of the image much more mood and a slightly darker feel. I have kept the same composition ideas as my first impressions of the wires and towers, but added the cloud layers.
As you can see, the clouds and different lighting can add an entirely different emotion to the image.
With dramatic storm clouds, the wires and pole almost become secondary to the mood of the photograph.
The clouds can also transform a simple subject and impose a human iconic symbol to the scene.
With dramatic storm clouds, the wires and pole almost become secondary to the mood of the photograph.
The clouds can also transform a simple subject and impose a human iconic symbol to the scene.
You can view my continuing ideas of electrical wires and poles at my smugmug web site:
Electrical Wires 2012
The compositions look great to me - I love geometrical abstractions. Excellent technically as well. You might want to check out the industrial photographs (the Ford Rouge plant series) and paintings of Charles Sheeler.
ReplyDeleteI envy you seeing those prints!