Charles Silver
10 Questions
with
Charles Silver
Economic reality demanded that I narrow my choices. I still work in a number of forms and mediums when opportunities arise. In 1969 I started in film making and photography but the costs of making films was prohibitive. Photography seemed like it would be an acceptable and sustainable option. Now it looks like opportunities to make films may open up. I'm certain that given the opportunity I can do both.
2.) Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
Sometimes, usually when I'm asked what it is that I "do". There is no simple explanation. The word 'artist' covers a lot of ground and is a convenient, expeditious way to explain myself without having to explain myself at all. It seems to satisfy most people's needs to categorize me. It's harmless.
Sometimes, usually when I'm asked what it is that I "do". There is no simple explanation. The word 'artist' covers a lot of ground and is a convenient, expeditious way to explain myself without having to explain myself at all. It seems to satisfy most people's needs to categorize me. It's harmless.
3.) Which of your images is your favorite and why? (The image does not need to be your technical "Best", just a favorite)
Tough question. I'm not sure I can pick one. I might have a favorite this instant but it will be different in ten seconds or after dinner.
Tough question. I'm not sure I can pick one. I might have a favorite this instant but it will be different in ten seconds or after dinner.
4.) What or who is your inspiration?
My own interests when combined with new experiences, people, places and things I encounter.
5.) What motivates you to pick up your camera when you're in a slump?
Travel. The Unknown. Risks that I can understand to some extent and that I believe I can tolerate.
My own interests when combined with new experiences, people, places and things I encounter.
5.) What motivates you to pick up your camera when you're in a slump?
Travel. The Unknown. Risks that I can understand to some extent and that I believe I can tolerate.
6.) Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
No, that would have occurred nearly forty years ago and likely would not apply today. It was probably on an early roll of film that I have lost over time. I don't go WOW as much as I go "pretty good".
No, that would have occurred nearly forty years ago and likely would not apply today. It was probably on an early roll of film that I have lost over time. I don't go WOW as much as I go "pretty good".
7.) What is the difference between the way you shoot now vs. when you first started?
Actually it is much the same. There was a period of time (1982 - 1990) when some of the work became much more formal and required more equipment but I felt that was often an impediment.
Actually it is much the same. There was a period of time (1982 - 1990) when some of the work became much more formal and required more equipment but I felt that was often an impediment.
8.) When you show your photographs to people ... what are always their first questions?
Usually things like: Why are you doing this ? What are you going to do next ? Why don't you make films ? Why don't you shoot _____ ? Would you photograph me ?
And, the ones that have never concerned me, that seem base and counter productive: How will/do you support yourself ? Do you make money ?
Usually things like: Why are you doing this ? What are you going to do next ? Why don't you make films ? Why don't you shoot _____ ? Would you photograph me ?
And, the ones that have never concerned me, that seem base and counter productive: How will/do you support yourself ? Do you make money ?
9.) (Tough Self-Love) What do you think you need to improve on? ... or what would you like to learn or learn to do better? We all strive for improvement.
Photographically, I am still trying to get a handle on many aspects of digital photography. It is a new process to me. I am always learning or trying to learn new things. I always hope that some day I will be better.
Not photographically: I am involved in a never ending process of self improvement. I hope to continue to learn how to make my self and my skills be of better service to others. I'm a slow learner.
Photographically, I am still trying to get a handle on many aspects of digital photography. It is a new process to me. I am always learning or trying to learn new things. I always hope that some day I will be better.
Not photographically: I am involved in a never ending process of self improvement. I hope to continue to learn how to make my self and my skills be of better service to others. I'm a slow learner.
10.) If you and your friend were riding in a car and wrecked and you/your camera were relatively unharmed but your friend was bloody and on the ground would you
(a)call 911
(b)start snapping pictures
(c) try to hold your phone between your shoulder and your ear while awkwardly trying to set your aperture?
I would call 911 and try to help my friend.
(a)call 911
(b)start snapping pictures
(c) try to hold your phone between your shoulder and your ear while awkwardly trying to set your aperture?
I would call 911 and try to help my friend.
Last updated by Ryan Armbrust Jul 25, 2008.
© 2012 Created by Ryan Armbrust.
