It doesn't have to be great to be framed

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Anton Largiader
Anton Largiader's picture
It doesn't have to be great to be framed

I seriously meant to take a picture of this framed print from the beach house we rented in the Outer Banks. It was awful. It would have gotten a 1 at our competition.

At the north end of the beach in Rodanthe was a house called Serendipity, which is somewhat well known as the house from the movie "Nights in Rodanthe." It's a charming, large house and was being attacked by the ocean even when the movie was being filmed in 2008. At some point before it was moved around 2009 someone took a pic of the house:
- with tilted horizon
- from the shady side on a brightly sunlit day
- with the house leaving the frame on two sides and huge empty space on the other two
- with bad perspective distortion, and
- with no really interest aspect to the photo. It's just a snapshot of a house.

Nonetheless, this is signed and framed in one of the bedrooms. Most likely that is enough to legitimize the photo as 'awesome' to many of the people who see it. What do you think? Is the average person more likely to respect a photo just because it is signed and framed?

FWIW here is a series of photos taken (not by me) when the house was moved to a different spot about 1/4 mile away: http://largiader.com...

Robert Fehnel
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So that is interesting. So perhaps there are two sides to this. One whoever took the photo just felt they had to sign it to "protect" their work and it seems like a professional thing to do. I know people asked me once if I signed my work to which I said no.

Now if people see a signed work they may think it is important but at same time they may still judge something on its artistic value based on their own interests. I have seen art in museums that i am totally unimpressed with but it must be amazing if it got into a museum i suppose.

Gerry Bishop
Gerry Bishop's picture

What you're seeing, I would guess, is an artifact of a culture that has raised at least one generation of children to believe that everything they do, no matter how clumsy or incompetent, deserves a "GOOD JOB!" rating. I know too many people who couldn't produce a competent paint-by-numbers canvas, and yet they get a camera in their hands and they think they are a Rembrandt--or an Ansel Adams. Rather than seek out constructive criticism, such as what we get every month from our judges, these camera-slingers would rather cling to well nourished--and cherished--illusions about their abilities. Everyone needs affirmation, but it should be earned.

Anton Largiader
Anton Largiader's picture

Well, I'm here again and got a shot of this masterpiece.

Sandy Hodge
Sandy Hodge's picture

the pics of moving the house are interesting! Might be some good shots in there. maybe they were trying to be artistic by shooting up...or a little kid took it w/his brownie camera :-)

Elizabeth Pennell
Elizabeth Pennell's picture

We have more than one stream of thought here. Signing art and what is art? Whenever I sell or give away a picture, the person receiving wants it signed. With great art, a signature makes it more valuable and who knows which of us is going to be great. What is great or even good art is in the eye of the beholder. I think all the shots entered in the monthly contest are worthy of a signature, so why not others too.

Anton Largiader
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FWIW the house is back on the rental market, after the owners went to great extents to recreate the inn as it appeared in the movies, to the point of even buying some of the props that were used. The rental gets close to $6000/week at high season!

http://www.sunrealtync.com/inn-rodanthe-hatteras-islands-most-celebrated...

Before the house was moved, when it was just another condemned heap of wood about to be washed away, Meredith and I walked through it. Pretty cool. Until it was condemned, it was mostly rented by groups of surfers who wanted direct beach access.