I was recently asked this question:
“Hawk, your photography truly captivates me, but I’m curious about your choice of subjects. Have you considered focusing on more conventional areas like senior portraits, weddings, or events? Those avenues could be more financially rewarding and avoid stirring controversy or upsetting individuals, especially those with strong religious or political beliefs. Is there a reason you’ve chosen this artistic direction, even though it might lead to negative perceptions or criticism?”
Answer:
Mediocrity signifies the demise of an artist who lacks the resolve to confront it with a unique idea or vision for their craft. Paradoxically, society often craves mediocrity to maintain the status quo and avoid disrupting established norms. However, my pursuit is not entwined with conforming to societal boundaries or settling for mediocrity. I aim to inject a hearty dose of ‘guts’ into my art.
While I have a strong aversion to the term, I consider myself an Artist. My work behind the camera lens is tailored to a specific audience. I am not inclined toward producing average, ordinary, or forgettable photographs. I am steadfast in my resistance to conform to trends dictated by societal influences.
I have a distinct focus – my expertise lies in film photography, particularly in black and white. My deliberate intention is to provoke deep thought and reflection. I aim to craft images that transcend conventional narrative structure, lacking a clear beginning, middle, or end.
I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries and questioning established societal norms. I aim to captivate viewers through imagery that elicits emotions, triggers deep reflection, and sparks meaningful discussions.
I aim to prompt viewers to pause and delve into the reasons behind the status quo – to ponder how things came to be and why certain accepted contradictions persist. I want to raise awareness about the tolerated hypocrisies in society and encourage contemplation on our collective role in perpetuating them.
I am driven to challenge societal taboos, embrace the remarkable, delve into the intricacies of the human experience, and shed light on and dismantle the entrenched hypocrisies that define our current norms. This pursuit is the essence of being an artist – taking a stand against mechanized patterns and daringly advocating for one’s convictions.
| CENSORSHIP & THE 1ST AMENDMENT
Some conspiracy theories propose that societal norms, including attitudes towards nudity, are deliberately shaped by powerful entities to control public behavior and thought.
Above all, the emergence of Censorship and Freedom of Expression unfolds as the consequence of those who endeavor to illuminate or challenge the prevailing norm. Delving into conversations surrounding censorship, particularly within art and media, occasionally engenders notions akin to conspiracy theories, suggesting veiled motives to constrain the realm of artistic manifestation and the unrestricted articulation of ideas.
Nudity finds its place within my artwork as a poignant reminder that humanity transcends the confines of restricting artistic expression and the exchange of ideas. We, collectively, form a unified entity, and this shared essence—whether bare or clothed—ought to be embraced beyond the confines of mere sexuality.
If you like my work, great! If not, even better. As you reflect thoughtfully on my images, you’ll recognize that my perspective has been adeptly actualized, purposefully inciting a profound reassessment of the accepted social conventions and status quo.
