Black/white

There is an idea in the creative field that in order to be a successful Artist, one must find a personal "style." Something that separates you from the rest of the world as indeniably yours. This transcends all media, be it music, sculpture, visual arts, etc. In order to be identified in a virtual ocean of peers and like minded creators, one must absolutely shine.

And, really, it's true.

Maroon 5 comes to mind. Adam Levine has a voice so completely his own that even if you don't personally care for his band or music, when "She Will Be Loved" comes on the radio, you know there is nobody else that this could be.   Nirvana has the same effect. If we look into the world of visual art, it is even more concentrated. Picasso, Da Vinci,  Ansel Adams. All of these men worked tirelessly in their field to push the boundaries of art. They were not the only artists of their time, but they are remembered for what they created, the changes they brought to visual media. And they all have an unmistakable style of art.

We currently live in a world where, no matter the genre, no matter the medium, the market is inundated with artists that are skilled and creative, men and women who work just as tirelessly and want to be seen and heard just as badly as the men and women who changed the world with their creations. So, as a growing artist attempting not only to make a name for myself, but understanding that in order to do I must break new ground in whatever field I am attempting to claim as mine, what am I to do? How do I create something that is both memorable and identifiable? In the digital arts world, where there will always be someone better, or more creative or more vigilant, where do I even start?

I have to start with me.

Art is (to me) about using something to convey not only a message, but a feeling. It is a chance to show an entire audience what is important to me, a moment to share my innermost thoughts and feelings with complete strangers. So where do I start? What is something that is so important that simply an image will share with someone how I feel?  My family. Being a father has changed me so completely, I require a different view on the world around me than what I had before. My children have the power to make me laugh or cry at every sentence. My pride is in them. So, I have decided to share two images that I have been working on. These two pieces are of my two daughters, and I hope you can see in them what I do.