I saw an impressive TED talk online recently which ought to be viewed by people who are interested in creative photography. “When Paintings Come to Life (Literally)” is a seven minute talk by artist/photographer Alexa Meade. Alexa’s general approach is to apply paint to her subjects and then photograph them. That approach didn’t sound particularly noteworthy to me initially but I was quickly impressed by the abstract beauty of her photographs.

Alexa’s formula for creating amazing abstract beauty in common objects seems to involve three steps. Abstraction is created first by applying paint directly to her subjects (imagine applying paint to a fried egg). Next, abstraction is increased by placing her painted subjects against unusual backgrounds. She produced exquisite abstractness in a portrait, for example, by partially submersing her subject in a huge tub of milk. Finally, additional abstraction was introduced by converting her three-dimensional subjects into two-dimensional photographs.

Alexa’s talk makes a powerful visual statement that PhotoShop is not needed to make really cool abstract photographs.

I have been inspired by TED talks for several years and you might want to check them out if you haven’t done it already. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talks are provided free online by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation whose goal is to circulate “ideas worth spreading.” Speakers include famous people known around the world as well as little-known people who simply have an idea that is worth spreading.

If you are interested in creative photography or artwork, take seven minutes to listen to Alexa Meade’s talk, “When Paintings Come to Life (Literally),” by clicking here.

I bet her talk gives you some good ideas for your photography or artwork.

Randall R Bresee