Have you ever referred to existing images in your practice? If so, how was that experience and what did you learn from it? Did it play a role in how you view images and photography today?
It’s near on impossible for anyone to say they have not referred to existing images in their own practice, whether consciously or subconsciously. As a generation moving through the most image saturated time in history it’s difficult not to be influenced by existing images.
Then as both a student and a teacher, referring to and taking inspiration from existing images is a fundamental part of what we do. The challenge comes in moving away and carving our ones own practice and when that time is right.
How could rephotography be adopted and/or adapted in your project? It 1doesn’t have to be with old photographs; you may wish to try rephotographing contemporary images to help you expand your interpretation of those materials?
I feel much of my practice through module three was through the adoption of rephotographing. Through so called ‘artist’ copies, visual art students make their learning journeys through the influences of existing practice.
This continues still but there must come a time to break away and form my own practice. Possibly my table top scenes in cafes and service stations are it.
Andrews Masters Journey 