Kevin Ricks / http://www.kevinricks.com
I’m a freelance graphic designer / photographer based in London. I’m using this blog to talk about both graphic design and photography, and with a little drawing work in the mix – I’m recording what happens, where this work goes. This is what I would define as a personal blog rather than a professional one – hence my writing style, and I love comments so if you have any do share.
I’m a fairly recent convert to photography (2007), I quickly learned it’s a tool to help me describe life the way I see it – which in turn makes me more aware of life. I can’t begin to express the way the many sides of both photography and life astound me. There’s also so much great work out there that fulfils so many different purposes; art, documentary, photobooks, reportage and others that have appeal, but don’t seem yet to be defined.
If you want to see some of my design and photography work stick around; I’ll post some examples, as well as review photography exhibitions and books.
Now, three quotes from Diane Arbus (although the second is also credited to Jacob Bronowski):
The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.
The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. The hand is the cutting edge of the mind.
I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.
I totally agree with these statements. I also think the first two, ‘knowing I know nothing’ and ‘constantly practising your vocation’, lead to improving the third, expressing the world around us.
Influences
Graphic Design – Its a wonderful tool for communication. I love the work of contemporaries Stefan Sagmeister, Neville Brody, Peter Saville, Chipp Kidd and more historically Saul Bass (you he storyboarded the shower scene in Hitchcock’s Psycho?), Paul Rand, and again more, there are so many single pieces you see everywhere where you might find out who the agency is, but rarely – if ever the designer.
Photography – I believe good photography shows the photographers viewpoint. I’m a massive fan of those who wander the earth, whether it be a neighbourhood like Saul Leiter or Helen Levitt in New York, William Egglestons descriptions of american life or Tony Ray Jones who was interested in ‘Britishness’ and collected cultural aspects of our nation.
March 12, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Hi Kevin. Thanks for the ‘Like’. I like your work/blog – following. All the best. V.
March 13, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Cheers vw – Likewise! Photography is a funny thing – I never know where its going to take me next!
March 27, 2013 at 10:54 am
I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I really appreciate all of the work you have done on your blog. Keep going! For all the rules check the link – http://putlifeinalens.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/very-inspiring-blogger/
October 20, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Thank you for visiting American Male.
I welcome you to visit again soon!
I enjoyed visiting your blog as well 🙂
October 26, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Love the Perception of Doors 🙂
October 26, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Thanks Delilahdoodles! Thats really cool of you to say! 🙂