Blog 2 – Affecting my future work.
Blog 2 – Better Lives themes influencing future work.
In these uncertain times it seems that one of the key themes of ‘Better Lives’ has become exceptionally relevant, now more than ever. Social responsibility has become a large factor in the lives of many in order to aid the global effort of ‘staying home’ to save millions.
Perhaps in the past the reason behind the lack of social responsibility, as well as accountability, is due to the fact many have not been directly affected by the issue and therefore do not feel as close in proximity to the detrimental consequences. Being that the very nature of COVID-19 is a pandemic, suddenly those who usually turn a blind eye are now engaging in taking responsibility as there could be forthright repercussions if not.
This pandemic has taught me to that to grasp the public’s full attention, and keep hold of it, you must starkly lay out all the causes and effects, without dilution or disclaimers otherwise it is not taken seriously.
This was demonstrated when the prime minister directly addressed the nation about the importance of staying inside but was practically made a mockery of when citizens still continued to act without caution. Following this a lockdown was sanctioned, illustrating the extreme measures that had to be taken for the public to begin take treat this pandemic with severity.
Studying creative direction, but also selecting photography as a better lives option, has given me grasp of the type of outreach and power I have to change the perspective of what is deemed ‘normal’ through my own work. With regards to diversity, much of it is not only in race but in the representation of a multitude of non – identical body types, social classes, abilities etc. Diversity manifests in contrasting ways for many so it is important to ensure that when creating a body of work it fills the appetite of consumers, not for superficial reasons but simple sensibility.
On a more personal level, I can relate to the feeling of being underrepresented, whether it came to my race, body type etc. This left me with an odd feeling of ‘outsider syndrome’ to feel as if the larger majority does not want to you as what is considered ‘good’ or the standard is what you are not creates unpleasant feelings of unworthiness. I do not want anyone to look at my work and feel that it is something does not grasp an attainable reality in any sense (unless it is for effect).
To do that would be to contribute to a cycle that has been ongoing for years; there is nothing ‘innovative’ or ‘groundbreaking’ about that, in fact, it is rather mundane. To inspire another wave of creative’s we must first give them a reflection of themselves so they feel accepted and wanted, not as if they are an anomaly.