Re: Terry's Diary--So, I usually start these things and then gradually forget to post...

Photo Credit: Terry Richardson, of course.

So today, out of the blue, spur of the moment, all of a sudden, I decided to start this web log.

Why now? What happened? Aren't these things like diaries/journals, where you start off feeling pretentious and self-conscious and just end up not keeping up with it in the end anyways?

Well...maybe.

Today, Wendy sent me a link to http://www.terrysdiary.com/ which is Terry Richardson's (you know, Bill's son) web log. I looked at all his posts and thought (and then skyped to Wendy):

I think Terry Richardson is one of those people I told you about: not the most skilled or talented, but the most prolific. He is [technically] probably not the greatest photographer in the world, but he shoots constantly and has also been in the right places at the right time by putting out a ton of work and meeting as many people as possible. He's capitalized on attaching his name to a certain style and personality and lifestyle--in this way, he is sort of a brand. But the bottom line is that good or bad, sloppy, or not, he shoots a [ton] of pictures and it seems to be working for him. ----For us, I would guess we should do the same. Just put out a ton of work and see what sticks.

For what it's worth, TR will most likely be remembered as one of the greatest photographers of his generation. In terms of skill and traditional style, his work is distinct, baring, flirty and immediate--like polaroids on Steroids--Pola-Roids?---but also rote, repetitive, and somewhat amateurish, which is read as intentional and actually, depending on your perspective, either a benefit or a burden. Mr. Richardson's photos are also transcendent, memorable, and mesmerizing, but in a way that seems that anyone could ape his style.

The point IS, that Terry got to where he is not primarily because of his talent, per se, but because of his tenacity, his rawness, his willingly to be himself and to disseminate his art as a point of passion.

That's the type of passion I would like to channel and document in "HARD WORK and LUCK". This web log will be my check-in point for growth, dissemination, my passions, interests, and a formation of what older sister calls an "anchor" or a vision of what a person would like to be someday, and everyday.