Luc, you as an art teacher, is it possible to tell me what it is you do to make your photos these pieces of art that is so recognizable as yours? You certainly have a style of your own and what truly intrigues me is, I don’t ‘like’ the motives (if I may say so) and yet I love their style, simplicity and ‘nakedness’. Maybe it’s the honesty/ the honest feel they have to them… would you say they are honest? I’m puzzled and just felt like sharing these thoughts with you.
Dear Hanne,
Your question is extremely honest and straightforward. I will think about it and I surely will discuss it with some students. On sunday you will have an answer.
Luc
Luc, thank you much and how wonderful of you to ask your students to look into it too. I will be looking much forward to listen to what perspectives you then might have to share. Have a good weekend. /Hanne
Hanne, we have been discussing the work of Curran Hatleberg lately. I feel strongly connected to his work, his ‘style’, his statements. When you write about ‘a recognizable style’, simplicity and ‘nakedness’, these ‘epitheta ornantia’, these specifications are unbreakably associated to a definite kind of ‘honesty’. This honesty is (to me) not a kind of fashionable caprice; it’s an almost childish eagerness, a readyness to listen and to look at the world, without an ‘a priori’. After analyzing elements of Belgian art market and a particular Art School (Luka, School of Arts in Brussels) I must conclude this way of dealing with these small worlds, is considered to be a menace. ‘Honesty’ is often used in these circles, but its meaning is merely focused on a pragmatic use in personal interests and matters. It was somehow sobering, frightening and moving to analyze how art teachers, experts and artists are applying ‘honesty’ to their work, their way of life, their relations, their career planning, their friendship, their cordiality…. Most of the people were simply frightened of loosing their job if they only could be ‘honest’ in a simple way.
Well I certainly don’t want to sound like a preacher, but I’m convinced (for myself) that my ‘style’ is honestly based on not being tied up to people in charge of art communities. The consequence is ambiguous: my work remains covered and my soul remains intact. Apart from some discomfort, I’m perfectly happy with this situation (although I had to learn this as well…). One could easily call my photography ‘honest’, I hope.
Greetings from Belgium.
Luc
Dear Luc, thank you much for this thorough respond on my questions and exploration into your work of art and that of your perspectives upon art and perhaps thereby life. I looked up Curran Hatleberg’s work and I can, because you pointed it out to me, see where there is resemblance between your work and his and yet paradoxically expressing the ultimate opposite. I’ll explain below. I’m fascinated by the title ‘The Crowded Edge’ so few words put together in the right way and they speak more than a thousand. However what was interesting was my reaction to his work; it went right into the solar plexus in a very unpleasant way, which shows the power of his work. His photos (to me) shows the depths of souls in an ocean of lost souls, barely hanging in there for good or for worse. Yours on the other hand (those without people in it, or maybe even those too) shows that nakedness, somehow capturing life without soul. How life will be, when the soul has left completely. It’s like they resemble soul-less ‘land’, a complete emptiness, all spirit gone…. I’m truly impressed by this. I’ve never come across it before. No matter what there is always a slight touch of soul, spirit, human interference, ‘something’, but you, somehow you manage to get fully and utterly out of the way and express:’an empty nothing’. Amazing, I’m really impressed. It intrigues me more and more. I hope I’m not offending you in any way. I know nothing of art, I describe only what is stirring within me when I look upon it.
I have not come across art communities, schools or teachings, however I’m deeply drawn towards the creative spark everyone holds and for some it is to express it through what we call art, to me, the one common language for us all that can propel us out beyond any culture, gender, age or the like. It’s where the everyday wonder lives and shows me, we truly are made of stardust, we know so little yet we can sense so much… how we interpret what we sense is a different story.
I have deep respect for your pursuit of honesty. To me, it is the key to the rest of our lives, the honest strength it takes to be vulnerable for instance or to as you put it, keep your soul intact. There is in my world nothing more important. Honor your soul and the rest will follow and it will look very different to what might be imagined, however that’s the mystery of life. When I just recently discovered there was more to my photos than I first thought, I promised myself to stay true to the photos, not that of what the world think it wants…
I am attracted to Hatleberg’s portfolio because of his honesty in describing situations, people and circumstances, without hidden agenda. His purpose is to create an accurate description of the discrepancy between an American dream and the American reality. I was forced to do the same in Flanders, by meeting and talking to teachers, artists and people in charge of art business. Their ‘honesty’, their truth, seemed to be based on individual and spiritual backgrounds, which are mostly hidden or even denied. I found this especially in the Belgian art world and education: some artists and experts unawarely forced me to review and to question the forces they represent. To discover the spirituality involved and interconnected with the appreciation of art works, was a real shock to me. Before I was a true believer of ‘Art’; recently I had to save myself, my photography and my faith by simply returning to my original ‘core business’ as a photographer and art-teacher. The desillusion of which I became aware in Luca, School of Arts, in Brussels, by listening to some ‘teachers’, turned out to become my strength again. The result of this awareness is visible in my pictures: we live in an extremely ambiguous society, in which appearances are far more important than the nature of things. I show my interpretation of the nature of Flemish society, that’s all. To some people, this is a threat, to some it’s a blessing…it’s ambiguous by showing it openly. I’m quite aware I’ll have to do this forever in the margin of the margin of Belgian art issues. Anonymous and free.
Luc, very well described regarding Hartlebergs portfolio, thank you. The no hidden agenda comes through strongly and is so very appreciated, which is exactly what makes the whole difference in human action; the motives for what we do. It becomes even purer, when there is no motive at all and it seems like you have returned (or always was there) to that through a tough walk in the art world. And as you say, turned it into your strength. It sure is strength and your photos hold that strength. It takes guts to leave the beaten track but someone got to do it 🙂 And good for your students too.
I’ve been through the spiritual maze myself in a different way, what a jungle! I think I got out somewhat safe and sound and definitely more honest. Not that I was lying, only to myself in a desperate attempt of seeking that which cannot be found. Ever.
Someone once said something in the lines of. ‘Don’t be someone, be no-one’ I like that phrase a lot in a world where most people are looking for success. What is success anyway? To me it’s to be honest and true to oneself. As simple as that. To be able to be and not constantly on the treadmill of ‘doing’ just for the sake of ‘doing’…..
I wonder, have you ever come across Jacob Holdt and his American Pictures?
Luc, thank you for sharing your experience, photography and thoughts
/Hanne
Hanne, I was thinking ‘what is success anyway’? In the ‘art’ world, although I’m not an expert from the inner circle, it’s a way of dealing with a certain mortality and with the fear that comes along with this thought. Trying to create immortal works of art and building a network that promises you can realize this ambition, turns people into unrecognizable persons, denying their intelligence and former principles, building their own empire of honesty and righteousness. I had this experience several times personally: well-known artists and art teachers, who seem to be unable to hide their basic instincts of egoism and pure greed. My ‘tough walk in the art world’ was in that sense more an extreme astonishment than a pure desillusion.
Anyhow, through my faith, I have been freed of negative memories, and I was strengthened to deal with this in a creative way. And that’s what my pictures are about. About unmasking and still dealing with a certain perspective for the future.I was especially thinking of this, when I received another extremely negative anonymous reaction on my photography, this morning (my post ‘summertime’, on my blog). (The hidden identity of the person makes me smile, especially when I discover the IP-address….). All of these experiences and your information on Jacob Holdt (thank you) are used in an attempt to be a better teacher. Which is far from being appreciated by headmasters and colleagues. ‘Honesty’ seems to be the hardest word, also in smaller art schools.
I think it’s important, as a 51 year old teacher and photographer to find peace in what I’m doing honestly,to be there for people who need me, to smile at people who don’t, and to continue the work, that needs to be done….
Greetings,
L
Honesty can be a challenge regardless of where, who and what and yes I think it counts for all to be what we are here to do and smile upon the world, not buying into its weary games. I don’t think it’s about changing the world, it’s merely about finding peace with oneself and ones own peculiar walk in life… and not making death (the fear of mortality) bigger than life. After all, it’s the prize we all pay for being alive. It’s worth honoring.
Luc, you as an art teacher, is it possible to tell me what it is you do to make your photos these pieces of art that is so recognizable as yours? You certainly have a style of your own and what truly intrigues me is, I don’t ‘like’ the motives (if I may say so) and yet I love their style, simplicity and ‘nakedness’. Maybe it’s the honesty/ the honest feel they have to them… would you say they are honest? I’m puzzled and just felt like sharing these thoughts with you.
Dear Hanne,
Your question is extremely honest and straightforward. I will think about it and I surely will discuss it with some students. On sunday you will have an answer.
Luc
Luc, thank you much and how wonderful of you to ask your students to look into it too. I will be looking much forward to listen to what perspectives you then might have to share. Have a good weekend. /Hanne
Hanne, we have been discussing the work of Curran Hatleberg lately. I feel strongly connected to his work, his ‘style’, his statements. When you write about ‘a recognizable style’, simplicity and ‘nakedness’, these ‘epitheta ornantia’, these specifications are unbreakably associated to a definite kind of ‘honesty’. This honesty is (to me) not a kind of fashionable caprice; it’s an almost childish eagerness, a readyness to listen and to look at the world, without an ‘a priori’. After analyzing elements of Belgian art market and a particular Art School (Luka, School of Arts in Brussels) I must conclude this way of dealing with these small worlds, is considered to be a menace. ‘Honesty’ is often used in these circles, but its meaning is merely focused on a pragmatic use in personal interests and matters. It was somehow sobering, frightening and moving to analyze how art teachers, experts and artists are applying ‘honesty’ to their work, their way of life, their relations, their career planning, their friendship, their cordiality…. Most of the people were simply frightened of loosing their job if they only could be ‘honest’ in a simple way.
Well I certainly don’t want to sound like a preacher, but I’m convinced (for myself) that my ‘style’ is honestly based on not being tied up to people in charge of art communities. The consequence is ambiguous: my work remains covered and my soul remains intact. Apart from some discomfort, I’m perfectly happy with this situation (although I had to learn this as well…). One could easily call my photography ‘honest’, I hope.
Greetings from Belgium.
Luc
Dear Luc, thank you much for this thorough respond on my questions and exploration into your work of art and that of your perspectives upon art and perhaps thereby life. I looked up Curran Hatleberg’s work and I can, because you pointed it out to me, see where there is resemblance between your work and his and yet paradoxically expressing the ultimate opposite. I’ll explain below. I’m fascinated by the title ‘The Crowded Edge’ so few words put together in the right way and they speak more than a thousand. However what was interesting was my reaction to his work; it went right into the solar plexus in a very unpleasant way, which shows the power of his work. His photos (to me) shows the depths of souls in an ocean of lost souls, barely hanging in there for good or for worse. Yours on the other hand (those without people in it, or maybe even those too) shows that nakedness, somehow capturing life without soul. How life will be, when the soul has left completely. It’s like they resemble soul-less ‘land’, a complete emptiness, all spirit gone…. I’m truly impressed by this. I’ve never come across it before. No matter what there is always a slight touch of soul, spirit, human interference, ‘something’, but you, somehow you manage to get fully and utterly out of the way and express:’an empty nothing’. Amazing, I’m really impressed. It intrigues me more and more. I hope I’m not offending you in any way. I know nothing of art, I describe only what is stirring within me when I look upon it.
I have not come across art communities, schools or teachings, however I’m deeply drawn towards the creative spark everyone holds and for some it is to express it through what we call art, to me, the one common language for us all that can propel us out beyond any culture, gender, age or the like. It’s where the everyday wonder lives and shows me, we truly are made of stardust, we know so little yet we can sense so much… how we interpret what we sense is a different story.
I have deep respect for your pursuit of honesty. To me, it is the key to the rest of our lives, the honest strength it takes to be vulnerable for instance or to as you put it, keep your soul intact. There is in my world nothing more important. Honor your soul and the rest will follow and it will look very different to what might be imagined, however that’s the mystery of life. When I just recently discovered there was more to my photos than I first thought, I promised myself to stay true to the photos, not that of what the world think it wants…
Thank you again
/Hanne
Dear Hanne,
thanks for replying.
I am attracted to Hatleberg’s portfolio because of his honesty in describing situations, people and circumstances, without hidden agenda. His purpose is to create an accurate description of the discrepancy between an American dream and the American reality. I was forced to do the same in Flanders, by meeting and talking to teachers, artists and people in charge of art business. Their ‘honesty’, their truth, seemed to be based on individual and spiritual backgrounds, which are mostly hidden or even denied. I found this especially in the Belgian art world and education: some artists and experts unawarely forced me to review and to question the forces they represent. To discover the spirituality involved and interconnected with the appreciation of art works, was a real shock to me. Before I was a true believer of ‘Art’; recently I had to save myself, my photography and my faith by simply returning to my original ‘core business’ as a photographer and art-teacher. The desillusion of which I became aware in Luca, School of Arts, in Brussels, by listening to some ‘teachers’, turned out to become my strength again. The result of this awareness is visible in my pictures: we live in an extremely ambiguous society, in which appearances are far more important than the nature of things. I show my interpretation of the nature of Flemish society, that’s all. To some people, this is a threat, to some it’s a blessing…it’s ambiguous by showing it openly. I’m quite aware I’ll have to do this forever in the margin of the margin of Belgian art issues. Anonymous and free.
Greetings,
Luc
Luc, very well described regarding Hartlebergs portfolio, thank you. The no hidden agenda comes through strongly and is so very appreciated, which is exactly what makes the whole difference in human action; the motives for what we do. It becomes even purer, when there is no motive at all and it seems like you have returned (or always was there) to that through a tough walk in the art world. And as you say, turned it into your strength. It sure is strength and your photos hold that strength. It takes guts to leave the beaten track but someone got to do it 🙂 And good for your students too.
I’ve been through the spiritual maze myself in a different way, what a jungle! I think I got out somewhat safe and sound and definitely more honest. Not that I was lying, only to myself in a desperate attempt of seeking that which cannot be found. Ever.
Someone once said something in the lines of. ‘Don’t be someone, be no-one’ I like that phrase a lot in a world where most people are looking for success. What is success anyway? To me it’s to be honest and true to oneself. As simple as that. To be able to be and not constantly on the treadmill of ‘doing’ just for the sake of ‘doing’…..
I wonder, have you ever come across Jacob Holdt and his American Pictures?
Luc, thank you for sharing your experience, photography and thoughts
/Hanne
Hanne, I was thinking ‘what is success anyway’? In the ‘art’ world, although I’m not an expert from the inner circle, it’s a way of dealing with a certain mortality and with the fear that comes along with this thought. Trying to create immortal works of art and building a network that promises you can realize this ambition, turns people into unrecognizable persons, denying their intelligence and former principles, building their own empire of honesty and righteousness. I had this experience several times personally: well-known artists and art teachers, who seem to be unable to hide their basic instincts of egoism and pure greed. My ‘tough walk in the art world’ was in that sense more an extreme astonishment than a pure desillusion.
Anyhow, through my faith, I have been freed of negative memories, and I was strengthened to deal with this in a creative way. And that’s what my pictures are about. About unmasking and still dealing with a certain perspective for the future.I was especially thinking of this, when I received another extremely negative anonymous reaction on my photography, this morning (my post ‘summertime’, on my blog). (The hidden identity of the person makes me smile, especially when I discover the IP-address….). All of these experiences and your information on Jacob Holdt (thank you) are used in an attempt to be a better teacher. Which is far from being appreciated by headmasters and colleagues. ‘Honesty’ seems to be the hardest word, also in smaller art schools.
I think it’s important, as a 51 year old teacher and photographer to find peace in what I’m doing honestly,to be there for people who need me, to smile at people who don’t, and to continue the work, that needs to be done….
Greetings,
L
Honesty can be a challenge regardless of where, who and what and yes I think it counts for all to be what we are here to do and smile upon the world, not buying into its weary games. I don’t think it’s about changing the world, it’s merely about finding peace with oneself and ones own peculiar walk in life… and not making death (the fear of mortality) bigger than life. After all, it’s the prize we all pay for being alive. It’s worth honoring.
so onward, here we go 🙂
I fully agree.