I'm not much of a journal writer, but I suppose I should write at least one now shouldn't I? I've gone from having about four watchers to quite a few more, and it suddenly feels necessary.

The reason for this is because of my recent Daily Deviation!

Inner Confrontation

My portrait of my dear friend Ashleigh entitled Inner Confrontation has received precisely 300 favourites and 3300+ views! Along with over 200 comments (half were mine saying thanks lol) and I'm now just on the tip of 3000 pageviews. I thought maybe I'd write this when I got to the three 3's but once it hit 300 favourites it was enough. Besides, maybe I won't get 8 more pageviews!

They used to be pretty slow. Something snowballed.

Think

This shot (taken at Boondall Wetlands and named Think) went from just 1 favourite in 7 months to a steady incline of favourites in the last 2 months to reach 40. I was always amazed to come home and find more messages. Now it almost seems insignificant compared to 300, but it's nice to receive any favourites and that many for a work that wasn't on the front page is a bonus.


As I undertake my final year project and struggle to decide upon which path I should follow, I have found myself sitting back and reflecting on how my work can affect others. Since loosely resolving that I should head in the direction my ideas and impulses pull me, I have backpedaled to realise these feelings are perhaps just immediate and not ultimate.

To reference the titles of the two artworks I mentioned previously: the reason I create art is to make people think and confront their inner selves.

How I define the photographic portrait: A single moment of a person's existence captured forever so that we can study it in an attempt to see further into their soul. A resolution matters little. It's what we learn about human nature and ourselves along the way which makes sharing this moment worthwhile.

Therefore, I have decided portraiture is the direction in which I wish to head. I have worried my approach to portraits is more in the moment and perhaps too distant from concept... That maybe it is too spontaneous in contrast to the many ideas I have wanted to concretely bring together. Does this not, however, also help to make it malleable and more about the moment? I keep thinking the fires burning inside me need to come out at any cost, when conversely, it could be more helpful for me and for others to hold up a familiar mirror of us all, rather than construct a theatrical scene.

So I must seek out people and continue to find these moments. The real and not the mask projection, the meaningful and not the superficial. I want to know about you, I want to find myself in you and I want others to become you.

Thanks to everyone for their support!

Pete.



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