Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Instinctive Observer

Photographer Polly Eltes is described as "a warmly instinctive observer, editing an interior view, or a still life, so that the image has immediacy and significance." Eltes' photographs exude comfort and inner life. I'm also amazed at how well she captures the essence of a room and home.

I think it's important to address the instincts of a photographer or artist. In many art forms instincts and technical skills are essential. I tend to stress over design dilemmas and I have to tell myself - ok let go, breathe and go with your gut. This method helps calm me down and re-focus. I also realized that I'm never truly excited about pieces or photographs that weren't gut driven.

What do you think - are instincts important when taking photographs and creating art?

20 comments:

  1. avant garde designJune 17, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    oh, completely gut driven, if not i think they're forced and will not be as honest or right on. yesterday my son was on his computer and i had to pick up my blank page journal and quickly sketch his face. it was just a simple line drawing but i think i captured him. we're best when we don't think too hard about our art and just do it when it feels right :) like polly.

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  2. ticklishfromadistanceJune 17, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    I think they are the most important thing. You know what is missing or perfect in your own creation or representation. Yes.

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  3. Laura.June 17, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    oh, yes! i love the gut (that sounds gross). but it's true! i think that is one of the most wonderful things about being an artist, that when i trust my instincts and relax, the process is wonderful and enjoyable and the product is better than i can imagine. it's one of the things that goes into the mystery of creating something, of communicating with visuals what can't be expressed any other way. oh, i get so excited just thinking about it!

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  4. UnknownJune 17, 2009 at 11:45 AM

    i suddenly find myself having to have an antique swan vase! so cute!
    xox

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  5. please sirJune 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    I'm glad you guys feel the same way. It is such a great feeling to know you are going with your gut and yielding great results.

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  6. Julie at Belle VivirJune 17, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    I love the room with the blue bed.

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  7. bronwynJune 17, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Definately. You can get into trouble when you over think things. Instinct, intuition, happy accidents...thesoften yeild the best results. These images are stunning.

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  8. erin@designcrisisJune 17, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    Girly but gorgeous!

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  9. Jane FlanaganJune 17, 2009 at 1:04 PM

    Yes! I think the idiosyncratic instincts and feelings you have are what differentiates the photograph you'd take from the one every other photographer would take.

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  10. Uncle BeefyJune 17, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    1) Gorgeous photos!

    2) Without a doubt! When I was in art school and preparing for my graduate show I went in a vastly different direction and created a pretty controversial piece but from an honest gut-driven place (not just to be controversial). I was excited and terrified at the opening but people really responded to it in a way I hadn't seen before with my work.

    It taught me to go with my gut as often as possible. Now if I could stop having to relearn that lesson!

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  11. Rosy RevolverJune 17, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    I want the blue bed. Like, yesterday. Thanks for stopping by the blog, and for always inspiring me with yours! Stay dry in the 'Boro.

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  12. CindyJune 17, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    yep, avoid them at your own peril. my instinct tells me that the blue bed is comfy, cozy ;).

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  13. Together We SaveJune 17, 2009 at 3:04 PM

    I love these photos. Beautiful.

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  14. Wondering HelenJune 17, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    Oy, I love the lofted bed area {the very last photo on the right} so much, I want to figure out how to make my teeny-tiny cupboard-sized apartment a double-decker. I think the lantern and that little square window are pushing me over the edge.

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  15. AmandaJune 17, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    I do not know for sure but I hope so. Also, I would like to take a nap in that kitchen.

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  16. simplesongJune 17, 2009 at 4:33 PM

    great post -- totally think instincts are so important in photography ... you have that snap second to take a photo.

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  17. WaxyJune 17, 2009 at 5:34 PM

    Heck yeah instincts are important! I don't have any photographic ones - thus I am a crappy photographer!

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  18. UnknownJune 17, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    Absolutely yes, it's always my instincts that dictate what I take most of the times..otherwise, they'll just be boring pictures..not that I take really good ones anyway...hugs/M

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  19. Suzanne : : S.HOPtalkJune 18, 2009 at 3:55 AM

    So, so true. Go with your gut {much easier said than done sometimes}. Gorgeous photos.

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  20. please sirJune 18, 2009 at 8:55 AM

    I agree - thanks for all your input!

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