I’m not joking , this inspiration thing can be a nuisance , you wait for ages hoping the “Light Bulb Moment” will strike , then wallop , just when you have a established plan and a new line of discovery , the “Big Idea” lands !
I went out last Sunday to make some reference shots for a painting I’ve been planning for ages , to be honest this project is so well developed in my mind that I thought I had nothing better to do than just execute the idea !
I already knew how these pictures looked in my mind or so I thought ?
I set off to the location and started making a few straight reference shots , nothing exciting , then I decided to put a bit of movement into the captures with a bit of intentional camera movement , I thought the movement might help to create the desired Abstract Expressionist vibe and inform brush stroke direction . The idea certainly worked but not without consequences ?
Happy accident or inspirational curse ?
I could not believe how close this image was to the pictures that lived rent free in my mind until recently , I feel as if I have opened Pandora’s Box , further investigations are definitely required !
To be clear this is not a painting or a digital manipulation , this capture is a single exposure and it was created in camera with minimal post processing !
The dilemma I am left with is “to paint or not to paint” as I’m not sure that my humble artistic efforts will add anything new or surpass this “Photograph” in anyway , I wonder if my time should be used to pursue this “Bad - technique” further ?
To be honest my “Dance Card” is full at the moment , I could do without a new project that involves miles of rambling but I can’t leave this significant line of enquiry on the back burner , this stone needs to be turned !
I told you it was a curse, may the curse of inspiration visit you too , soon …
Stay safe…
David Barrett shot the pandemic crisis during 2020, The Testing Times project is in progress and can be seen by clicking above .
The State Of Britain series is complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....
Check out the new UK Street Shop on this site to buy Prints, Walks & More …
He is based in the South West of England .