perspective

I'm not trying to get all deep here, just bring an awareness to perspective.  Whether you are thinking about something little, or something big, don't you find yourself trying to get another perspective?  We say "step back for greater or different perspective", but maybe we mean "lean in closer", or "step away".  We are lucky when we can count on our loved ones to offer an honest perspective, given their experiences, and how well they know us.  Another perspective can give us clarity or confusion. 

Mw perspective1

Like I said, I'm not trying be all deep.  I'm really just thinking about how we can think bigger when we widen our viewfinder.  Focus is good, but so is blurry.  It allows you to imagine. 

Your view vs. mine:  while collecting fallen branches in the yard last year I came across this root-y thing.  I never would have seen it's potential (to be used in my art) if I hadn't approached it the way I did.  If it was turned another way I would have chucked it in the pile with the other "for the fire" branches.  But I was looking for a specific size of branch to set in my "save for the studio" pile when I came across it.  It reminded me of something instantly.  I won't tell you which view I'm talking about….take a look at these directional photos and tell me what YOU see. 

MW perspective2

MW perspective3

There has been alot of chatter online about the Orphan Works Act of 2008 – threatening to change the copyright laws as we know them (which still seem a little murky).  Well, it's going to get murkier.  Here's my perspective:  you have to do what you have to do to feel like you can make a difference or advocate for your rights…..I haven't read through every detail but this became clear:  you need to protect yourself.  LABEL YOUR WORK.  Label every photo you post online.  Take credit for your work.  Orphan means that the originating artist can't be found.  Make sure you can be found.  Have a blog or website?  Make it easy to contact you.  Don't have your name on your blog?  What's that about?  TAKE CREDIT.  Be find-able.  *steps off soapbox*

Comments

15 responses to “perspective”

  1. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    Well, I can see something in all of them. I see a kind of heart in view 1, some kind of little gremlin in view 2, a fish in view 3 and a dragon of sorts in view 4. Probably nothing of what you see…but I will step out on a limb and tell you what I see.
    Until later,
    Judy

  2. violetkey Avatar

    In number 2 i can see an old man hunched by a fire. Not really picking up anything else in the others. It does remind me of the root creature in Pan’s Labyrinth.
    You make a good point about labeling your work even if the bill doesn’t go through (which i hope it doesn’t). I don’t use my real name on my blog however because i like some level of anonymity but i’m still reachable by email.

  3. marble blue Avatar
    marble blue

    “Don’t have your name on your blog – what’s that about?” Are you talking to me? (Best De Niro accent).
    I have begun labelling my scans after your previous post regarding this. I guess I am surprised, because I would never use someone else’s artwork and claim it as my own – so I don’t think of other people doing it. Unfortunately, I have heard of this being done on art groups I have been on.
    And your stick/branch. In pic 1 I see one of those dragon like seahorses.
    Thanks for the reminder of being proud of your work and words – and labelling it as uniquely yours.
    Love – MB.

  4. Chris Avatar

    Excellent.
    I assume I can be found, but you’ve given me the motivation to go check and make sure.
    Love that root against your ‘organic’ surfaces. Beautious.

  5. dori Avatar

    So what’s wrong with being “all deep?” Isn’t it just another perspective as well? Just a deeper one? I like your depth. Also thanks for the reminder to be proactive about protecting our art & rights.

  6. Jenny Doh Avatar
    Jenny Doh

    #3: I see an astronaut-type of guy in his astronaut suit, carrying a couple of weapons, with a long train of sorts that has become attached to his suit. It’s all good. The train gives him extra powers to do good and overcome evil.
    I’m with Dori. What’s with all the apologies for getting “all deep?” What’s wrong with deep? Is shallow better?
    Deep, deep love.

  7. Penny Stuart Avatar

    Aw what a cool assignment for us to look at your woody stumpy thing! Usually, I’m pretty good but….I only see one image…..in number two, I see the trees from Lord of the Rings…..if you look really close, you can see a hobbit! Too cool for words…..love the woody stumpy thing!

  8. suzanne Avatar

    I had to really look, and keep looking, until I saw something (long day!), and now I see it, in #4! It’s a gnarly goat, of course. ;^)

  9. forcryeye Avatar

    All hail the protector of artist’s everywhere! I had just posted a piece of my art and went back and put my name on it after reading your post. I embedded a watermark as well, am I supposed to see it? The tree reminds me of Treebeard from LOTR, just put some eyes on it.

  10. Kim Veldt Avatar

    I see the dragon and/or unicorn in #1 , and the woodland creature in #2 – but #3 and #4 both sort of take me to the ocean depths and remind me of the strange fish you find there.
    I agree that we should protect our work but I haven’t figured out re-sizing and reducing dpi yet and haven’t got a CLUE how to attach a label to my photo. I’m trying lol.

  11. Janine Avatar
    Janine

    Oh I too instantly saw a Sea Dragon aka Australian seahorse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafy_sea_dragon in pics 1 and 4, in #2 some sort of kangaroo creature, and #3 just reminded me of ginger root! lol As for labelling your work, I agree wholeheartedly… too many people utilise others work only to try and pass it off as there own…. xoxo

  12. kristen robinson Avatar

    I love this pot Michelle such a poignant and very important topic. You know where I stand on this because of you I am ever the more dilligent about this and more comfortable than ever talking about me myself and I.
    XOX
    Kristen

  13. Cath S Avatar

    No 2 has a elfish person with their nose poitning to the right, out of the shot. Cool 🙂

  14. monica magness Avatar

    Ya, I HEAR you! Reading further… have thought I needed to make sure all photos are posted clearly opposed to just making a small, nearly unreadable blurb about what it is… YIKES!
    thanks for sharing this Michelle! ~Monica

  15. cindi Avatar
    cindi

    they all remind me of dragons…but, the 2nd also reminds me of a little tree gnome…and also the first one reminds me of someone with incredibly skinny legs…*thinking ville here*
    *giggles* just kidding…had to mention him somehow…hehe! ; D i guess if you look long enough you can see all kinds of things.
    def nothing wrong with being deep…deep is good. = D
    nice post michelle!

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