Formalism
Definition of Formalism
The belief that aesthetic values (perceptual elements) are independent; sole importance is given to compositional arrangement and visual elements as opposed to the other content. - Quoted from Class Handout
How it Fits Into My Work
While I do not believe the main idea of Formalism (art's only importance comes from it's aesthetic values) it is still a large part of my work. I did not realize this at first, mainly because of how much I disagree with the main premise. So where does Formalism fit in? For a lot of my works it is the compositional elements and aesthetic values that are my main focus. This is perhaps why I resonate so well with Andy Goldsworthy.
Expressionism
Definition of Expressionism
The embodiment of emotional experience in an artwork - stimulating an emotional response from the viewer. - Quoted from Class Handout
How it Fits Into My Work
While my main focus has turned to Formalism, Expressionism appears in my work plenty. Especially for any art work I do outside of photography. I am a quiet person and because of that there is a lot that I don't say. One of the only ways I'm able to get things out is through my art. While Formalism will be my main focus and the part of my work that I really try to develop, I don't plan on dropping this other part of my work. Even if I never really show it or bring it to the world, I enjoy doing it for myself.
Nature As Beauty
How it Fits Into My Work
The theme of nature as ultimate beauty is the theme that comes out in my work the most. While I really hope to develop my proficiency in portraiture, following this theme is what I love doing the most. Until the world runs out of nature, there will never be an end to the beautiful and unique things I can find to photograph. I don't think I will ever get bored of doing work like this.
Color Theory
How it Fits Into My Work
One thing that I've noticed come up in m work a lot is a focus on color. Sometimes the work is meant to pose the question of the meaning of the particular color and sometimes it is just used as a distinct compositional element. I have always loved color and often like to day dream about what the world would look like if the colors were switched around or wonder if there was another color and what would it look like. It also amazes me that something as simple as color can provoke certain emotions or moods in a person. One of the ways this theme is played out very obviously in my work is that I rarely ever do black and white photographs.
Earthworks
How it Fits Into My Work
Earthworks is the term Andy Goldsworthy used for his type of work. While I have not explored this idea very much so far, I would like to explore it more. This type of work has to opportunity to be excellent works of art solely based on formal characteristics. However, it would be fun to explore what else it can do.
Not only do I think it is an excellent type of work for Formal reasons, but it is also a great statement towards environmentalism. Our world is being torn apart and there are plenty of artistic supplies that do not at all help this cause (for example, acrylic paint with cadmium in it is highly toxic to the environment). While environmentalism isn't necessarily a focus of mine, it is something that I keep in the back of my mind and would like to see more of.
Not only do I think it is an excellent type of work for Formal reasons, but it is also a great statement towards environmentalism. Our world is being torn apart and there are plenty of artistic supplies that do not at all help this cause (for example, acrylic paint with cadmium in it is highly toxic to the environment). While environmentalism isn't necessarily a focus of mine, it is something that I keep in the back of my mind and would like to see more of.