I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at photography and art lately in a bid to immerse myself in some sort of creative release (see: Bubbles of Inspiration), and I’ve come to a few realisations – firstly, I’ve finally figured out my genre. I like dark moody imagery, with personality… Abandoned buildings, dark portraits and the like. There are so many fantastic artists and photographers out there, (a lot of them in Melbourne too!), that it can sometimes feel like your a bit of an amateur in comparison, but rest assured there will always be someone out there that will recognise your work as creative and passionate, and enjoy it in their own way.

So, I suppose I’ve realised that I can’t disregard my own work as quickly as I have been known to in the past. I decided to post a picture I took of some reeds, not my most favourite subject, but the composition was sound, so I put it online anyway. Very quickly it was commented on, and even added as a favourite image by someone I consider a very good artist themselves. It was a bit of an eye opener. I know that everyone has their own tastes, but we can’t deny ourselves the possibility that even experimentation with art may be very well received.

By the same note, you can’t be so critical of art. It’s all about fun and passion. If someone creates something, it’s because they wanted to or needed to. It doesn’t really matter what it is, or what it means. If only one person appreciates it in their own way, the creation hasn’t been in vain. People object and critique too quickly. To have an opinion is one thing, to criticise is another. I’m so very happy that I found a group of like-minded artists and photographers that all appreciate art in the exact same way I do… They appreciate it for themselves! They love to create, they love to discover and they love to share. There’s no animosity or belligerence, just creativity, passion, hospitality, and encouragement!

If only the rest of the work could work like that.