And I’m back. So let’s jump right in.
Today, in my 4th hour
photography class we finished watching the documentary, “What Remains,” about
the life and work of photographer Sally Mann.
I’m proud to say that the kids were blown away. I’m glad.
I was afraid they wouldn’t get her – but then again, what’s not to
get? Her work has a complexity to it,
but their seemingly deep understanding of her motives and the outcome produced
proved an old theory of mine, which is, if you give art more than 10 seconds,
and just let it happen, you’ll get it.
Sally Mann is what I call an “everyday
genius.” I’ve blogged about her before,
because I LOVE her. She is impressive
and unassuming all at the same time. Though
she entirely human - approachable and down to earth, she is also stunning
profound. What she swears is just a
series of discoveries, seems at closer examination to be a clear, concise
exploration of the way we live a life.
She carries an intense wisdom about her craft, packed alongside all the
doubt that plagues everyone else.
Without pretense, she carefully dissects her thoughts and
intentions. It’s like watching a surgeon
work. There is a precision and a
delicate touch. Monumental things happen
with the flick of her hand. It’s both
profound and familiar. Watching her work
is beautiful.
When I stand back and look at her
work at large, I can see that she is one of those artists whose career has a forward
momentum to it - a perpetual motion toward the future. She moves on.
She proceeds to what’s next. No
matter what happens, she just works.
I have a great deal of respect for
Mrs. Mann, and hope very much that someday our paths will cross.
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