ByQuotes

Ruth Bernhard Quotes

Powerful Ruth Bernhard for Daily Growth

About Ruth Bernhard

Ruth Bernhard (1905-2006), renowned American photographer, is celebrated for her ethereal, abstract, and often erotic black-and-white images of the natural world. Born in Berlin, Germany on October 23, 1905, she moved to the United States with her family in 1923, settling in San Francisco where she would spend much of her life. Inspired by a fascination for nature and a deep appreciation for the artistic beauty found within it, Bernhard began her career as a photographer in the late 1940s. Her work was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus school of design and modernist aesthetics, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and an integration of art, craft, and technology. One of Bernhard's most influential works is "Blossom," published in 1956, a collection of stunning black-and-white photographs capturing the delicate beauty and sensuality of various flora. The book, which became a modern classic, established her as a pioneer in fine art photography. In 1974, Bernhard published "The Secret World Inside the Leaves," another collection of her exquisite nature photography. This work demonstrated her ability to capture the beauty and mystery hidden within seemingly ordinary subjects. Throughout her life, Ruth Bernhard's work was exhibited worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Her photographs are now held in permanent collections by numerous institutions. Ruth Bernhard passed away on February 25, 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most innovative and influential photographers of the 20th century. Her work continues to inspire generations of artists and photography enthusiasts with its unique blend of beauty, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The camera makes you forget you're alone."

The quote by Ruth Bernhard suggests that photography, or the act of using a camera, provides an escape from feelings of loneliness or isolation. By focusing on capturing moments through the lens, one becomes engrossed in the process, temporarily forgetting their solitude. Photography allows us to connect with our surroundings and express ourselves creatively, fostering a sense of companionship even when we are physically alone.

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving."

This quote by Ruth Bernhard suggests that photography isn't merely about capturing images; it's a means to express feelings, create connections, and demonstrate affection towards the subject being photographed. It implies that photographers can use their lens as a tool to convey emotions and make tangible what may otherwise be intangible – a unique way of engaging with and appreciating the world around us.

"My work is a visual diary of my emotions."

The quote suggests that Ruth Bernhard's photography serves as a personal, emotional journal. Each image she creates reflects her feelings and experiences, much like how an individual might write about their daily life or thoughts in a traditional diary. In essence, the photographs themselves become tangible expressions of her inner world, providing a unique window into the artist's emotional landscape.

"A photograph must be a direct expression of emotion."

This quote by Ruth Bernhard emphasizes the emotional essence that should be inherent in a photograph. It suggests that a photograph, like any form of art, should not just be an objective representation of reality but should also convey the photographer's feelings and emotions about the subject matter. In other words, a good photograph isn't merely a snapshot; it is a visual expression that communicates something deeper to the viewer.

"I believe in the beauty of simplicity."

This quote emphasizes a profound appreciation for unadorned, pure, and minimalistic aspects of life or art. It suggests that the genuine charm and elegance can be found in things that are basic, honest, and straightforward without unnecessary complexity. The essence of this statement lies in its encouragement to find beauty in simplicity, fostering a mindset that values clarity and authenticity over excessive ornamentation.

To indicate the ideal proportion and reveal sculptural mass and the dominating spirit is my goal.

- Ruth Bernhard

Goal, Reveal, Ideal, Dominating

The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations - each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony.

- Ruth Bernhard

Nature, Gift, New, Possessing

To me... San Francisco is an ideal city, intellectually stimulating and naturally beautiful. The oceans and forests are close enough to refresh the spirit; the architecture is always exciting.

- Ruth Bernhard

Always, Francisco, San, Forests

I was a very, very careful printer when I used 8-by-10 film. I probably spent more time on printing than anything else. The more the prints were appreciated, the more time I spent on them.

- Ruth Bernhard

More, Very, Printer, Printing

I understood the craft of photography when done by an artist is art.

- Ruth Bernhard

Art, Artist, Craft, Understood

If I have chosen the female form in particular, it is because beauty has been debased and exploited in our sensual 20th century.

- Ruth Bernhard

Beauty, Sensual, Been, 20th Century

To raise, to elevate, to endorse with timeless reverence the image of woman has been my mission.

- Ruth Bernhard

Mission, Image, Been, Timeless

I allowed life to give me presents. And everything just sort of happened the way it was supposed to happen. I did not pursue anything. It more or less pursued me.

- Ruth Bernhard

Give, Happen, Allowed, Pursued

Everything I do is a metaphor of the universal order.

- Ruth Bernhard

Everything, Metaphor, Order, Universal

I think of the nudes as seed pods, like flowers or grasses. They are universal bodies.

- Ruth Bernhard

Flowers, Think, I Think, Universal

My quest, through the magic of light and shadow, is to isolate, to simplify, and to give emphasis to form with the greatest clarity.

- Ruth Bernhard

Magic, Give, Through, Simplify

I learned early on that if I was to get attention, I would have to be charming. Even the models I've photographed are often like that. Some of them are not beautiful. But, if you catch them in the right light, they glow.

- Ruth Bernhard

Some, Models, Learned, Glow

I had a natural feeling for sculpture, and the nudes are my sculpture.

- Ruth Bernhard

Feeling, Natural, Had, Sculpture

When I was young, anywhere I would go in Germany, I would see my father's posters. Everyone knew about him. And he had many friends who were artists who were also quite famous. So, for me, it seemed very natural to be an artist and be known.

- Ruth Bernhard

Artist, Young, Very, Posters

I never question what to do, it tells me what to do. The photographs make themselves with my help.

- Ruth Bernhard

Help, Never, Tells, Photographs

Photographs speak to me, and I obey.

- Ruth Bernhard

Me, Speak, Obey, Photographs

I've always photographed beauty, but I've never been beautiful myself.

- Ruth Bernhard

Beautiful, Never, Always, Photographed

I always say yes to everything because I always feel that whatever comes my way, life meant for me.

- Ruth Bernhard

Yes, Always, Meant, Way Life

I never took a photograph. Instead, I became a good listener.

- Ruth Bernhard

Never, Took, Became, Photograph

I look at ordinary objects, and I see things that other people don't see. That's why I'm a photographer.

- Ruth Bernhard

Why, Other, Objects, Ordinary

I have no regrets about my work. To be a photographer was a gift of the gods. I can't imagine anything that would have been better.

- Ruth Bernhard

Gift, Been, Imagine, Photographer

I feel that everything has to come from the heart, and it cannot come from the intellect.

- Ruth Bernhard

Feel, Come, Cannot, Intellect

It seems a perfectly normal thing to be 95.

- Ruth Bernhard

Normal, Seems, Thing, Perfectly

I'm no snapshot artist. I make very careful choices always, even if I'm using a 35mm camera.

- Ruth Bernhard

Always, Very, Using, Careful

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.