Sol Lewitt (Jess' Pick)

Sol Lewitt is an artist who is mainly linked to the conceptual and minimalist movements. His work is very simple, which is why I see a definite link between his work and Don Hertzfeld's. Hertfeld's cartoons are very simple in their graphics, but they certainly do not lack in content. Using stick figures he creates hilarious story lines which could be read into in quite a few ways.

Sol Lewitt also creates very simple looking art which is very conceptual (hence the minimalist and conceptual influences). He is the main artist I am following these days due to his studies of white spheres and cubes. It was a grid of his sphere studies that pointed me towards trying that out before working with a more complex object. He is also known for his geometric sculptures and installations which are equally simple and yet very interesting. I remember when I first learned about him in an art history class last year, it was the sort of art that I thought any old person in the world could make... because it seemed so bland. But upon further exploration, I learned that his work is far from ordinary because it does pack so much meaning if you only take the time to notice it. In this way, I think my work is drastically different from Sol Lewitt's, because I have no intention of having social meaning behind my photographs. I plan to make work that in simply about aesthetics, sensuality and formal lighting.

I really like this artist because of his brilliant use of simple geometric shapes in both his photography and sculpture. It is also very refreshing to see such formal works that still have lots of depth, and make you think.

I would have LOVED to post pictures, but for some reason I cannot figure out how to make that happen... so if you go to these links you'll see some AWESOME examples of his work! (or just GOOGLE: SOL LEWITT PHOTOGRAPHY)

http://www.susceptibletoimages.com/images/800px-Sol_LeWitt_Four_Sided_Pyramid.jpg

http://onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/images/2007/04/10/lewitt_sculpture_six.jpg

http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/images/exhibtions/LeWitt.jpg

Along the Seins

Paris, March 2008

"No Holding Hands?"

Paris, March 2008

"La quincaillerie."

Paris, March 2008

"Symmetry" (February, 2008)

Along the canal in Camden Town.

Part of the Louvre as photographed from the Jardin de Tuileries

Louise Bourgeois sclupture at the Jardin de Tuileries. (Ironically, I had seen this same sculpture outside the Tate Modern about a month earlier)

(Above & Below): Unfortunately, it rained nearly everyday of my trip in Paris which prevented me from photographing as much as I would have liked. In the case of these two pictures, however, I think the rain worked in my favor as I love what the puddles add to the photos of a pathway at the Jardin de Tuileries.

"Corner Hotel", Paris

Paris in Black & White

These are from one roll of film which I shot with my Minolta in Paris (March 15-18, 2008):

My travel partner Sasha

Sasha overlooking the Seine River

I spent most of my time abroad searching for the perfect moment to photograph one of these cars.. and I think this picture captured them just as I wanted to.

"Looking up the Eiffel Tower"

Graffitti & Such

Brick Lane, London
April 13, 2008

Bath, April 6 2008

Near the Royal Crescent

"The Circus"



"Bicycle Built for Two"

Part of the Royal Crecent

Video prejection on the wall of the Roman Baths

(Above & Below): Roman Baths

"Abex"
I photographed this mineral build-up at the Roman Baths because it reminded me of an abstract expressionist painting.

(Above & Below): This moss was the very first thing I photographed at the Roman Baths.. for some reason I find it utterly adorable.


(Above & Below): I always thought people looked so silly at tourist attractions listening to he audio information devices.. and these two women epitimized this as they seemed completely unable to understand how they work.

Street perfromer with puppets along Thames, April 5 2008

Greenich April 5, 2008

I'm sure this sounds completely insane, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding new artists to draw inspiration from. I'm sitting here at the gallery alone, with my notebook full of at least 10 names of photographers I have written down throughout my time in London, and each name I google is feeling less and less inspirational. Perhaps I'm just in a sour mood... and honestly I wish I were back at clark where Frank or Stephen could name off 30 artists (each) who's work would give me hundreds of fresh ideas. It is so hard to keep moving forward and pushing myself without any one to guide me or give advice, but I suppose that is one of the main lessons I have learned here. I have learned to photograph for myself, rather than for a weekly critique; and I have developed a sense of motivation which in the past was completely based on weekly deadlines. I want my photographs to be great (and I want them to improve) not for a grade or to attempt to prove to myself that my work is at least not the worst hanging on the wall. I want my photographs to be great for me, so I can be proud of my work despite the fact that no one may ever critique it or talk about it. I think that's an important lesson that I've learned while I've been away, because I think it will help me feel more comfortable shooting whatever makes me happy... and not just what will impress my professors and fellow students.
Being here has given me a sense of what life will be like after college, when my photographic endeavors will be completely in my hands. It's a terrifying thought that once I graduate from Clark I may never 'make ART' again, and without this experience I hate to admit that it quite possibly could have happened. Not now though, now I know that my cameras (all 6 of 'em) are permanent fixtures in my life. Even if I don't pursue a career in the field and I do become a high school math teacher... I know that when I go traveling I will still feel compelled to have both a film AND digital camera (and maybe my Polaroid as well.. just in case) in tow, just so I'm prepared for whatever may come up. I know now that photography is not just a phase.. its a part of my life and no matter what I will keep taking pictures and they WILL keep getting better.