I like George’s comment on this Art Drop because that’s what stood out to me, too. In order to put potential subjects at ease, she MUST have had the right combination of talent, tenaciousness and vulnerability. The women in the automat have such relaxed, natural expressions - I love her body of work. Thanks for another great Art Drop, Andrew!
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed this one. I appreciate that special, seemingly contradictory aspect of her approach to total strangers too. Thanks for reading and sharing your reaction. Much appreciated!
How did she get total strangers like those two automat ladies to sit still for her while? Of course “She was fearless, tenacious, and vulnerable—a combination that conquered resistance.” But in 1966 strangers were also curious about someone with a camera; just opposite than nowadays
Great point, George! Today everyone and his uncle has a camera of some kind. Thanks for pointing that out and for taking a moment to read and comment. Much appreciated!
Andrew! I love this! I wrote a piece in February https://deborahthewitt.substack.com/p/the-color-of-black-and-white and mentioned Diane Arbus as one of my favorites. I don't think there's anything she said that I didn't feel in my own heart. I always loved this quote "Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies." Sad that she suffered with depression. I am grateful for the legacy she left. You and I must be around the same age? I'm glad I found you and thank you for the subscription as well! Looking forward to reading more! It's midnight, so goodnight!
Thanks so much, Deborah. It’s good to discover you and your work too. Looking forward to checking out your take on Arbus. I’m always ready to learn something new. Really appreciate your taking time to read and comment on today’s Art Drop. Every time I post one of these, the process deepens my understanding of the artists and their work. And of course, it’s always good to meet other creators on Substack.
Andrew, I just wish I had more time to read because I am so enjoying it! I set aside Mondays to read all day! ha ha! But I follow quite a few people. I love finding people that love photography and music. This has been my life. I mentioned my love of Arbus, amongst others, in that piece - but haven't focused on one sole photographer yet. I should really. I used to teach for about 7 years at a big church art's program. My husband taught bass lessons and I photography to all ages. It was awesome - I actually taught myself the process of teaching manual functions easier, through the blessing of teaching. I came up with a good method and a local high school photography teacher asked to use it. Keep writing these! I can't wait to explore more and thank you for writing me back! Have a great week. ox
I like that she captured life as she saw it, and left us her “eyes” to look through and glimpse another side of the story that we may never have seen otherwise. Thank you for this interesting little biography!
An amazing portrait, really. So many of her shots are about finding the ordinary in the extraordinary. This one to me is the converse of that. Great choice for an art drop. Thanks!
The thing that struck me was the respect she shows for the two ladies. It would have been possible for the photo to be disrespectful or satirical but that was not the intent.
Yes, I like that about her work too. Another photographer might not have captured their humanity. This is why I think those who call her work ghoulish or freakish are missing the point. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your insights. Much appreciated!
I like George’s comment on this Art Drop because that’s what stood out to me, too. In order to put potential subjects at ease, she MUST have had the right combination of talent, tenaciousness and vulnerability. The women in the automat have such relaxed, natural expressions - I love her body of work. Thanks for another great Art Drop, Andrew!
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed this one. I appreciate that special, seemingly contradictory aspect of her approach to total strangers too. Thanks for reading and sharing your reaction. Much appreciated!
You are wide ranging, erudite, and one hell of a scribbler. Thanks again for enlarging my point of view.
My pleasure! Thanks, as always, for reading, for commenting, and for your kindness and support. Much appreciated!
I love how she did her own photographic thing. She marched to the beat of her own drum!
Yes she did. I love that about her too. Thanks for reading and weighing in, Clee!
I love that you called me Clee!
😊
How did she get total strangers like those two automat ladies to sit still for her while? Of course “She was fearless, tenacious, and vulnerable—a combination that conquered resistance.” But in 1966 strangers were also curious about someone with a camera; just opposite than nowadays
Great point, George! Today everyone and his uncle has a camera of some kind. Thanks for pointing that out and for taking a moment to read and comment. Much appreciated!
Great article, Andrew, you’re welcome
Andrew! I love this! I wrote a piece in February https://deborahthewitt.substack.com/p/the-color-of-black-and-white and mentioned Diane Arbus as one of my favorites. I don't think there's anything she said that I didn't feel in my own heart. I always loved this quote "Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies." Sad that she suffered with depression. I am grateful for the legacy she left. You and I must be around the same age? I'm glad I found you and thank you for the subscription as well! Looking forward to reading more! It's midnight, so goodnight!
Happy Sunday to you. ox
Thanks so much, Deborah. It’s good to discover you and your work too. Looking forward to checking out your take on Arbus. I’m always ready to learn something new. Really appreciate your taking time to read and comment on today’s Art Drop. Every time I post one of these, the process deepens my understanding of the artists and their work. And of course, it’s always good to meet other creators on Substack.
Andrew, I just wish I had more time to read because I am so enjoying it! I set aside Mondays to read all day! ha ha! But I follow quite a few people. I love finding people that love photography and music. This has been my life. I mentioned my love of Arbus, amongst others, in that piece - but haven't focused on one sole photographer yet. I should really. I used to teach for about 7 years at a big church art's program. My husband taught bass lessons and I photography to all ages. It was awesome - I actually taught myself the process of teaching manual functions easier, through the blessing of teaching. I came up with a good method and a local high school photography teacher asked to use it. Keep writing these! I can't wait to explore more and thank you for writing me back! Have a great week. ox
I like that she captured life as she saw it, and left us her “eyes” to look through and glimpse another side of the story that we may never have seen otherwise. Thank you for this interesting little biography!
Love the way you said that, Jenn. She “left us her eyes.” Thanks for that. And for reading. Much appreciated.
You’re welcome, thanks for posting these little art blurbs, I enjoy them,
An amazing portrait, really. So many of her shots are about finding the ordinary in the extraordinary. This one to me is the converse of that. Great choice for an art drop. Thanks!
Terrific observation! Thanks for pointing that out. Glad you like today’s selection and really appreciate your thoughts.
The thing that struck me was the respect she shows for the two ladies. It would have been possible for the photo to be disrespectful or satirical but that was not the intent.
Yes, I like that about her work too. Another photographer might not have captured their humanity. This is why I think those who call her work ghoulish or freakish are missing the point. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your insights. Much appreciated!