Self Taught
Whenever I see in someone's bio that they are "self taught" I am instantly riveted. For purely personal reasons I love to champion those people. Sometimes formal training beats the creativity right out of a individual. For some, the best way to learn is by doing, not by reading and training. And if you think about it, have you ever seen the portfolio of a self taught artist you didn't like?
So when Manvi of the delicious blog Mochatini wrote this post about Justin Patrick describing him as "a self-taught photographer. Based in Capetown, South Africa" I knew I would love his work. And I do.
Here's a guy who understands lighting, angles, perspective and composition. Self taught and proud of it. So the next time you're looking at someone's story and you see that they trained themselves...I challenge you to decide for yourself whether their work is any less fabulous just because they didn't receive formal training. In the meantime, go have yourself a Mochatini.
Sometimes they're better off they haven't had formal training - rules can be so limiting!
Posted by: moggit girls | April 23, 2009 at 07:28 AM
I always cheer for the underdog! In this case, the underdog is really a top dog! Great photos! 'Self-taught'is so underrated. When an individual spends countless hours in blood, sweat and tears to learn something or to turn a passion into a career...then more power to the person!
By the way, I can't resist that capiz tiered chandelier.
Posted by: jen laceda | April 23, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Amen & amen. As a self-taught beader, I can attest to the fact that sometimes you have to teach yourself what you really want to know quickly. I've only taken one beading class my entire 'career', and it's not the main technique I use. But I love beads and I shall not perish for lack of knowledge (thanks to the internet and Google). Now if only I could teach myself interior design...
Posted by: Onye Ndika | April 23, 2009 at 09:30 PM
so glad I'm not alone on this. I really feel that most creative pursuits don't require formal training. pilots, doctors, lawyers...yes. please go to school. a good school. pass. graduate at the top of your class. creative types....get out there and do it. learn it by feeling it and loving it. it's the only way to go!
Posted by: franki durbin | April 24, 2009 at 06:44 PM