Snapping. On our recent trip to southeast Asia, two of my significant travel activities were shopping…of course… and taking pictures. Each of these pursuits brought to mind an art related notion. One is the art vs. craft debate and the other is my use of photos in paintings.
Shop: Antique Puppets
Years ago I tried to read an erudite article distinguishing handcrafts and art. Among the issues addressed were technique, functionality, and merit. But I didn't find the article comprehensible, so I gave up. Yet, I know handcrafts when I see it. And, on this recent trip, I saw mostly handcrafts. Aside from a smattering of tchotchke and T shirts, there was so much beautiful work by local artisans. For the most part, it was the jewelry, woodwork, and amazing textiles that were featured in the shops and markets. The selection of scarves, embroidered objects, wall hangings, and table linens was astounding. There were stores that custom made clothes for tourists to pick up the following day. Rather than participate in the art vs. crafts debate, I diplomatically concluded that we were treated to folk art, wearable art, and functional art.
Album: Halong Bay, Vietnam
On all of my trips and outings I take my camera. I shoot the sights, the food, the scenery. Beautiful or interesting travel photos find their way to my iPhoto, albums, frames, and friends. Since I began painting, I have maintained that, for me, appealing travel photos should remain as such.
Painting Reference: crowd
Unlike most artists, I resist using traditional vacation photos as painting references. However, in addition to my "album" photos, I point and shoot crowds of people gathering and walking. If these shots were on your camera, you would most likely delete them. But they are precious to me. These haphazard images inspire my figurative paintings.
Painting: Good Looking
So my travel habits will remain. I will continue to snap up local stuff and to snap quirky pix.
