More Than a Rock

19The Mythical Personal Style

Trends, modes, periods, unique photography, graphic photography, the finding of the “gem-like flame,” all these and more are the shells on a necklace. The string? What is that? Merely what holds these shells in line that are so entrancing. In Heaven what matters is the string!

—Minor White

If ever there were an artistic chicken-and-egg situation it is manifested in the struggle of many to find, or define, their personal style—the elusive thread that runs through all of an artist’s works—a recognizable signature look, a metaphorical fingerprint, a visual quality unique to an artist and that forever will be associated with their name.

It is not surprising that so many artists struggle with the issue of personal style. ...