Salvador Dali is the one who inspired me to write this post. Last time I read one quotation of a famous Spanish painter. Today I would like to comment on his quote.
I found an artist’s interesting statement in Robert Descharnes’ book “Dali” (published by Taschen). Salvador Dali wrote something like this:
When you are painting, always think of something else.
I started to think about what I analyze when I take photographs on the streets of Warsaw or when I am writing my texts. The truth is that I can agree with the Spanish master, but up to a certain point. For most of my time, I do not think about photography while walking through the streets of the capital of Poland. When I do it, I undoubtedly think of many other aspects of our existence, not only photography.
I often feel that my brain and eyes are working independently in some odd way while walking.
I often unconsciously seek proper sights to photograph, and at the same time, I consciously think of many aspects of our lives. The fact is that I usually analyze the whole human existence while being in a creative flow.
Nevertheless, sometimes it is impossible not to think about photography. For example, when I see some interesting objects to photograph, I have to analyze how I want to eternalize the view on my picture. Thus, there are moments during my photo walks when I have to think about my artistic activity.
But, in general, I agree with Salvador Dali. I believe that the best thing we can do while making photographs is to empty our minds. We should try to transform our thoughts into something unrealistic, abstract, and absent. I believe that the best thing we can do while creating art is to switch off the brain and the process of thinking.
