Friday, October 19, 2007
Number 408 (04150020)
Comments:
I find this image nice to look at and the intial reaction is that of a minimalist painting. Yhen I get pulled into the texture and details of the hedge row and gravel and then finally the reflections in the window. The reflections are like my own reflection of growning up in the MidWest. Only other thought is that this image is heavily weighted with stuff on the right half, as though you need a little something on the left side above the hedge to create a balance.
"Only other thought is that this image is heavily weighted with stuff on the right half,"
Lately I'm playing a lot with empty spaces. I know that I should balance this out with something on the left, but that some how feels wrong.
Space can create its own "weight", but when you have most things to the right including the window highlight and the higher values in the hedge that atracts the eye, I find myself stying on the right, as though my brain did the cropping. A space weight (left) could create some tension, but I don't feel it with this image.
This is an example of how composition cannot be defined by rules (although architecture needs to pay more attention to them!). In some ways this picture would be even more effective if 408 weren't there (but that's only speculation) just to emphasise the way the proportions work. Vertically the hedge counterbalances the horizontal distribution. In terms of content, it is fun to wonder how the rest of the plot and the house design play out.
Although I didn't notice the tilt up of the clapboard at first, I eventually did. It's not a big deal but is that the way the perspective runs?
I was interested in the significance of the light gravel at the base of the hedge. That prevents the composition being 'split' between hedge and boarding.
I am attracted by signs like the 408 and would have ensured its inclusion had I been there.
The tone of this looks a bit flat. I've played with a bit in levels and curves but don't seem to get the punch I desire. I therefore don't understand why this looks flat.
This is an interesting photo to ask the content question about (the form you may take I like - nothing on the left needed). What is this a picture of? We can assume that it is dwelling place number 408 but we have very little to support that assumption. However, if I keep with that as an assumption, I end up with the content of this photo being 'privacy'.
Colin, it appears that in the context of you message, that you use the word "content" in the same way I might use the word "meaning". yes?
it appears that in the context of you message, that you use the word "content" in the same way I might use the word "meaning". yes?
If I could answer that question, I'd be happier....
Generally I'm repelled by the word 'meaning' in the context of the visual arts. I find it too active a word. The question I ask myself, when given to such thoughts, is 'what is this a picture of?'
John, it's either perspective or shoddy construction.
Rex, I purposefully flattened the curve of this a bit. Given full contrast the glare on the window becomes distracting.
"The question I ask myself, when given to such thoughts, is 'what is this a picture of?'"
It could be a picture of privacy, but for me it's a picture, but for me it's a picture of particularly anonymous kind of space. Wrapped up in that are all sorts of ideas about who builds and owns these places, and who lives them.
As to question of meaning versus of-ness, for lack of a better word, answering what a picture is of, gives room for many more meanings than if the question were asked more directly.
I agree with your penultimate paragraph Matt (after disentangling the typos!). Privacy didn't come into my head, I have to admit: more about the space, both inside and out.
Matt, I think we are using 'privacy' and anonymous' in very similar ways.
gives room for many more meanings...
That's the fun part.
What strikes me is the geometry. It really makes the picture work for me. The more I look at it the more I see how much you perfected it. I wish there was some contrast left in the highlight in the window, but that's nitpicking. I like the textures, the horizontals.
Forgot to write that I particularly enjoy the shade behind the window repeating the pattern of the wall in miniature.
All very well presented and balanced. The emptiness on the left is balanced by the emptiness in the window. Plenty of tones for my liking and also a pleasant left to right highlight to shadow lighting effect. All the presentation is truncated in just the right places to create some tension - i.e the missing bottom window ledge and the lack of downward strut on the left side of the building.
I'm late to comment on this and it has been well covered. I agree with "well presented and balanced". I've looked it over a number of times since this is not something I would have been likely to "see" as a photo.
Although I greatly appreciate the design and composition of the shapes, I find myself more interested in the window reflection, where I imagine I can see your reflection in the lower pane.
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Lately I'm playing a lot with empty spaces. I know that I should balance this out with something on the left, but that some how feels wrong.
Although I didn't notice the tilt up of the clapboard at first, I eventually did. It's not a big deal but is that the way the perspective runs?
I am attracted by signs like the 408 and would have ensured its inclusion had I been there.
The tone of this looks a bit flat. I've played with a bit in levels and curves but don't seem to get the punch I desire. I therefore don't understand why this looks flat.
If I could answer that question, I'd be happier....
Generally I'm repelled by the word 'meaning' in the context of the visual arts. I find it too active a word. The question I ask myself, when given to such thoughts, is 'what is this a picture of?'
Rex, I purposefully flattened the curve of this a bit. Given full contrast the glare on the window becomes distracting.
"The question I ask myself, when given to such thoughts, is 'what is this a picture of?'"
It could be a picture of privacy, but for me it's a picture, but for me it's a picture of particularly anonymous kind of space. Wrapped up in that are all sorts of ideas about who builds and owns these places, and who lives them.
As to question of meaning versus of-ness, for lack of a better word, answering what a picture is of, gives room for many more meanings than if the question were asked more directly.
gives room for many more meanings...
That's the fun part.
Although I greatly appreciate the design and composition of the shapes, I find myself more interested in the window reflection, where I imagine I can see your reflection in the lower pane.