The Works Of Rodney Smith

I recently discovered the works of photographer Rodney Smith via the website mymodernmet.com and can I just say its pure genius. It was while reading an interview with the artist that I first saw some of his work and read some of his statements. I couldn't help but admire his poetic musings about life along with his great works of art. They are so aspirational, so inspirational. I love how happy his photo's make me feel when I look at them. 

I think art is meant to make you feel something. Whether it be feelings sadness, anger, being exuberant, melancholy, happy, or any other human emotion. If you do not feel a connection to the piece then to you it is not art although for someone else it could be. So feel every emotion possible, even the ones which aren't always good, they are what make us real and alive. 

Now, back to Rodney Smith, like I was saying before when I look at his photography I feel so happy. There is often an air of wimsicality to the pictures as well which reminds me of another favorite photographer, Tim Walker. Along with sharing some of Smith's work I took quotes which I loved from his interview.  

"Many people believe that one is born with talent and some people have it and some people don’t. I actually don’t believe that. I believe that everyone has the ability; because everyone is a human being and everyone has feelings. If they are able to express those feelings, than that is part of their talent."

"I don’t know my function in life. That’s probably the quest. Whether people articulate it or not, I think everyone is doing the same thing."

"One of the things that is interesting, and I think people are always intrigued by this, is that though my pictures seem so composed, they are extremely spontaneous. 95% of the pictures I take, I didn’t even know I was going to take them a few minutes before." 

 

"Great art has always been saying a giant ‘yes’ to life. The Renaissance was a period in which people in every medium were very aspirational, they were classical in their form, they were positive about the world’s views, they were excited to be alive. That is what nurtures great art. 

Everyone is aware of the evil in the world. I think what people are not aware of is the potential for doing good."

So now you've seen it- some of the stunning works of Rodney Smith- along with some of his inspirational personal statements.

Jem