Day: August 25, 2015

I found Flusser’s “The Photograph” article to be very intriguing. It uses the point of view of an artist to dissect photographs into a very complex work of art that many, especially those who are not artists, do not quite understand. I found myself agreeing with much of what he was saying, especially about how a photograph is more than it seems at first and often requires ‘decoding’.

Flusser seems to emphasize that a photograph, in itself, is not simply a matter that is black and white. A photograph is an expression that allows for a complex subject to be broken down into a more understandable method of observation. A photograph allows for both a simple understanding in the form of an image on the surface, as well as a more complex, deeper story that an artist tells through the setting of the captured photograph. I find this to be very true as I think back on the photographs that I have seen, whether professional or taken by a family member. They are more than something to admire on the surface. They scream for your attention through the artist’s style, and how the subjects of the image are placed. Some are used for memories, good and bad, and others are used to propel one’s critical thinking.

Additionally, Flusser makes the point that color photographs are more ‘abstract’ from a black-and-white photograph. I feel as though he thinks that the color in the photograph distracts from the true intent of the photo and its story, and makes the viewer have to think more deeply about it in order to truly understand the artist’s purpose. He goes on to say that a black-and-white photograph is more ‘true’ than a color photograph, and perhaps it is for this reason alone. Without color to distract the viewer, one can question why the artist chose to take that photo and what the artist wants the viewer to really see.

Overall, the article discusses Flusser’s analysis of how the point of view of an artist is something that is complex and often requires for one to really think critically about the purpose of the work, especially in the case of ‘decoding’ photographs, and I admire his point of view.

-Part 1-

1) The first article’s main point is that artists are as important in the business world as any other kind of entrepreneur, and that all businesses can learn things from them. Artists are successful entrepreneurs especially because of their nature to be innovative and to persevere, something that all entrepreneurs could use to be successful. The second article’s main point is to enforce the idea that artists are entrepreneurs because they have a passion for what they do and don’t let many things get in the way of their vision, but they occasionally lack the support of others to turn their visions into a reality.

2) Artists can learn to think of their passion as a “team sport” and to accept the support they might need to turn a fantasy into a reality and to flourish.

3) I do feel as though artists are entrepreneurs, primarily because they embrace what is sometimes intangible, and they find a way to make it tangible through their art. Like entrepreneurs, they can take things that don’t exist, or things that exist only in the mind, and show them to the world in a unique, often nostalgic way.

4) While I agree with most of the characteristics of artists, the one that stands out the most is the ninth, the one that says that “artists are great storytellers”. The inspiration for an artist’s work is almost always as important, and occasionally more important, than the finished product itself. “It is the journey, not the destination” goes the saying, and this can be applied to an artist’s work as well as an entrepreneur’s innovation.

5) I would add that artists are motivated because of their passion, and this motivation leads them to high performances and perseverance. Likewise, entrepreneurs need to be motivated to turn their ideas into a reality.

6) No additional notes.

-Part 2-

1) I do have grit according to the test, and I believe it is because I work hard and I set personal goals for myself.

2) To increase my grit I could remain dedicated to projects that are important to myself and/or others, regardless of how much time they may take. Additionally, I could refrain from any distractions that might take my attention away from being successful and meeting my goals.