I feel it is time to reconnect in this manner. My students have told me over the last several years how much they enjoy my facebook posts when I share art, photography, writing and thought that moves me. It has been a substitute for blogging but I have missed the introspection that this format demands. So….the restarted blog posts will commence.
Struck by another layer, another type of seeing…
Recently I was in Porto, Portugal, at the Serra Alves Museum. Walking into the first large gallery I was confronted with an installation by Olafur Eliasson. Immediately I said to myself “the earth is burning!” I can’t explain why it struck me so strongly…it is an installation of birch trees in a circle with a path through it. But there was something about the lighting that set my brain on fire and caused me to make the following series of photos. They are entirely unrecognizable from what the installation was…but still, I think I understood the intent.
The last image is my favorite at this time. But what is most important, and what prompted me to write this blog, is the following article I found today by the artist:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/olafur-eliasson-in-real-life/index.html
All along the artist was thinking of the effect of climate change and how each of us can help. Amazing. I hadn’t known of Olafur Eliasson (showing my considerable ignorance) and I didn’t know that the installation was his response to the grave challenges we face….but I GOT IT. On the deepest level there was an immediate communication and I was moved to interpret what I was feeling and try to show it in an image. This is what art can do for each of us. THIS is why I encourage my students to seek other forms of art, to ingest other images, sounds, smells….and most of all, to think deeply about what they are feeling and why/when they are moved to create an image.
The article also speaks to art revealing itself (to the artist) over a long period of time…years…a decade even, or more. Give yourself time to understand what you are doing and what you are trying to say. Go deeper. And then go deeper.
Finally, this poem resonated so deeply today about how and why I photograph:
“In this high place
it is as simple as this,
leave everything you know behind.Step toward the cold surface,
say the old prayer of rough love
and open both arms.Those who come with empty hands
will stare into the lake astonished,
there, in the cold light
reflecting pure snowthe true shape of your own face.”
— David Whyte
With gratitude for each of you and for Olafur Eliasson and David Whyte for sharing their being.
Please share with friends if you found value in this blog.
See you soon….Keron
Wonderful. I appreciate how you see the world. Thanks for putting it in writing and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Kim! We both enjoy the written word…one of the many things that make us “sympatico”! Big hug, Keron
Did you know that David Whyte is a Whidbey Island poet? Has lived there for many years. I love his poetry. But I love your photos even more. They are fabulous, Keron. Thanks for blogging again, as I don’t really follow Facebook that often.
I did know! In fact I am going to reach out and try to cook something up with Charlie Waite, David, myself. His work is tremendous. And thank you my dear…to be mentioned in the same breath with him is quite something! : )
Thank you so much for returning to blogging! Many of us learn to see more deeply by understanding the process the artist goes through, in their heart and mind, when they create. Thank you, teacher, for this lesson. Looking forward to many more.
Thank you thank you!!!! It feels good. 🙂
Glad to see you back.
Hello Jean! Sending you email! Time to catch up with you. A big warm hug coming your way.
I would not miss this for the world !!! You are kind and creative and a pleasure to follow
Soooooo kind! Thank you, Marcie!!
So glad you’re blogging again. I appreciate the deeper examination in a blog post rather than the sound bites of Facebook.
Science and art were historically intertwined and only in recent history have they been pursued separately. I enjoyed reading about Eliasson using his art for advancing the message of science.
Your pictures are beautiful. I found the first one at the top resonated with me.
Thank you, Mary! I am queuing up a few more blogs just now and look forward to sharing with you. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It means a great deal to me. Warmth and gratitude, Keron