This is coming up for me so much lately. As my focus is so much on drawing and painting, I struggle with how to mesh my other art forms into my photographic art reputation. I worry that my existing collectors will get confused!
It’s not that I am moving away from photography it’s just that it’s winter, and the days are shorter, the light is different and well, it’s just not as pleasant out in the cold! Yes, I have a studio, but I actually start most photo sessions in the ‘wild’ outside, and fall back to the studio if the wind picks up, or if I have a finicky notion or idea to flesh out that needs a controlled environment…my cameras are in winter hibernation!
Usually I go travelling in winter, but I just love my home so much, there is no destination grabbing my attention hard enough to pull me towards it. And in this settled-in-one-place state, I am being so paint productive!
But it leaves me wondering! Am I painting Jane? Drawing Jane? Illustrating Jane? Photographic arts Jane? Making videos Jane (one imovie and I think I’m a director – hah!)? Fashion design Jane? Blogging Jane? Author Jane? Blah blah blah Jane?!
Of course I know the answer to this – I am all these things! It’s just all part of the whole. My angst sets in when I read any type of ‘art business’ blog or book. Consistency is key. People like to know what to expect. And so far I have been just so reliable. I have a consistent style with my photographic art, its just the way I see the world/want to see the world. It’s the reason I can’t be a commercial photographer – I am beyond bending my focus to outside direction! I make my work for myself and luckily lots of other people find their own stories and meanings in my images. And I have a consistent style for each medium I use…but that’s a bunch of different consistencies!
I am not going to be able to answer my own questions right here, right now of course, just letting you into my brain space. I’d love to know your thoughts on this!
Choose happiness
x Jane