My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“Recently, photography has become almost as widely practiced an amusement as sex and dancing – which means that, like every mass art form, photography is not practiced by most people as an art. It is mainly a social rite, a defense against anxiety, and a tool of power.” Susan Sontag
Interesting to note that she wrote this back in 1973.
I know the importance of highly trained awareness of the “moment” and the immediate and intuitive response of the photographer. It should be obvious to all that photographers whose images possess character and quality have attained them only by continued practice and total dedication to the medium. –
Ansel Adams
Last week I posted an image of a young artist practicing his craft at a local coffee shop. Yesterday afternoon I took this image of a young lady practicing her craft at the same coffee shop. What is interesting about this young lady is she is drawing from a book that I assume to be a textbook. While the young man was creating the character from the muse within him. So, I practiced more courage and my photography by asking the young lady if I could take a photo of her practicing her practice. She agreed.
“Nature is an art which can’t be described or explained in words. This should be felt in your heart.”
Discovered this young man pencil sketching at a local coffee shop and had to ask if I could take a few images while he drew. After he said yes I had him put his earbuds back in and continue with his craft. There is a slight blur in his hand that adds to the image for me and I thought the photo worked well when converted to black and white.
As I walked away I thanked him and realized the courage it takes for me to ask strangers if I can take their photo. Somewhere within me is a false voice telling me they will say no. The truth is I seldom am told no. There are those who will say no and probably due to some history in their lives and that’s okay. But, nowadays many people are comfortable having a camera pointed in their direction. Just look at all the selfies.
Later, after I loaded this photo onto my computer I had an awareness of the courage it takes to be an artist. But as I reflected on that thought it became obvious that it takes courage to believe in and use our artistic abilities, gifts, practice, hone them and then offer them to the world. He and I both practice our craft with courage no matter what those around us thought of us. And, this young man is a good artist! So much for my morning rambling. Have a super Awesome day!
This an image of three candle sconces in a hallway with multi-colored window curtains in the background. An abstract I like. This is my last week at the Mercy Center. I will be heading home this coming Friday. It has been good for me. Learned a lot about myself which was a major reason for coming. I have also met some really neat people that may be friends for years to come. The five week course has gone by quickly. And, I must admit I have put on about 5 pounds in the four weeks. I’ve got one more week to go! Have a great week!
The Mercy Center non-profit operated by a Catholic group of people called the Missionaries of Mercy, which offer sabbaticals, retreats and workshops for religious and lay. It is made of tow houses converted to a accommodate several people in each house with private rooms and baths. They have a Mercy Center that has 5 rooms upstairs and conference, training and counseling rooms on the lower level. Another house is a kitchen and dining area as well as a meeting room above. This figure of Mary is outside of the dining room.
Have some homework and laundry to do this afternoon which works since it’s suppose to rain.
“Whatever your medium, the goal of any arts practice is to develop a greater set of skills for dealing with challenges. Experience will help you close that gap between your own vision and the piece’s final execution.” Jeff VanderMeer
Noticed these shadows at a local coffee shop. This shop has always catered to the local artist and can have some really wonderful work up.