Another topic on my mind this week has been the interaction between individual innovation and external inspiration from the work of others (such as the photos I share in these favorites posts). One of the reasons I enjoy perusing beautiful food photos is that different photographers can approach the same subject from drastically different angles. In the best circumstances, seeing such varied takes on the same subject helps me break out of a creative box I may not even realize I'm in. That's the best and desired outcome. Yet there's also the possibility that focusing too much on the work of others will simply impose new blinders that anchor your creativity to the ideas of another artist. I know I'm not the only one to feel this way. For example, I once read an article from a cake artist who avoided looking at other cake art so that she could ensure that her designs would be part of a unique, personal style. What do you guys think? Not just for food or photography but for any form of art, do you feel it's more helpful or harmful to look at other people's work while also developing your own?
P.S. - Just want to make sure everyone knows that the photos I feature still link back to the source/creator if you click on the image. One of the main reasons I make these favorites posts is to direct more traffic to deserving artists, so I'd hate for people not to realize the links are there. Enjoy!
Herbed Chicken Sandwich Photograph by Jeff Kauck

Assorted Ingredients on Bread Board Photograph by Jeroen van der Spek

Roasted Spiced Pumpkin Salad with Tahini Dressing from The Food Dept.

Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps from Sips and Spoonfuls

Great Gatsby Themed Wedding Cake by Sweet Cakes Bakery via Glamour and Grace

Salty Caramel Ice Cream with Popcorn from Have a Yummy Day

Scottish Tartan Wedding Cake by Truffle Cake and Pastry via WedLuxe

Swedish Cinnamon Roll (animated GIF) from Have a Yummy Day

Gold and Blue Seaside Wedding Cake by Kiss My Cakes

Crostini with Green Beans and Mint from Foodienarium

Herbed Bread Buns Photograph from Donna Hay

Thanks for advising that the photos link back to the originator. I was SO pleased to also find the recipe for the roasted pumpkin! I bought a cute little one on the weekend and now I have plans for it.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad that info was useful to someone! ALL my favorites posts link back to some sort of source (sometimes just the main page of their site if I can no longer find the specific post) so feel free to look for recipes in the archives, too =D.
DeleteWelcome back! I've missed your posts and I'm glad to see you have some great choices this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Xiaolu for passing by my blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, I love reading your tips on photography and styling!
And your blog has always been one of my favourites over all.
I look forward to seeing you back on food pics and food posts. We've been missing you a lot.
Thank you so much.
Vaty
Thanks, my dear! I can't tell you what the support of you and other readers means to me. It's a relief to know people are still interested in what I have to post despite being fairly inactive for so long and probably losing a lot of followers due to Google Reader's death 8).
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