When I’m working on a body of photography, ideas often come and haunt me. I become obsessed with bringing them to life. But over the years I’ve learned to start by making a photo that represents the idea. Then, once I get that out of the way and out of my head, then and only then, can I open myself up to the mystical forces that move through me. The idea is only a starting point. The magic happens afterwards. Thank you for another insightful post. May those mystical forces move and speak through you. ✨✨✨
“The idea is only a starting point. The magic happens afterwards.” - THIS! It perfectly encapsulates everything. i spent 200+ words drawing this out, but you summed it up in two perfect sentences!! Thank you so much Anne!
The idea that there can be certainty at all is a great ruse of the prediction machine we call our minds. In art...and in life...being ok knowing that to expect anything other than uncertainty will always be a losing battle, is where freedom truly begins. As you said, "May you find freedom in knowing that you know nothing." LOVE it, Duane.
So well said Michael!! I think that’s the beautiful and enriching thing about creativity and the creative process. It walks you into the center of the mystery, into the tenuousness of the ambiguity, and does not seek to resolve it, but teaches us a whole new kind of faith and trust in the midst of everything.
I keep hearing beautiful echos of unfixed and Bayo Akomolafe in your reflections. If you haven’t already walked into his world, you’re going to feel right at home when you do.
Hi Kim! Thank you so much! That’s one of the things I love and appreciate about your work and what you do, the unfixed is always so central to my work. I’m not familiar with Bayo Akomolafe! thank you for the recommendation! Where do you suggest i start?
OMG you're going to love him! I'm signed up to begin a 16 month seminar with him that starts next month and its feels like I might be on an adventure to the moon. :) I would highly recommend his book, The Wilds Beyond Our Fences. But to whet your appetite, start with a youtube video interview or podcast. I watched one and then I couldn't stop There are many... here's a great one: https://youtu.be/x5dWvKHwWX8?si=Q7bxF-gtKp9189ZM
Thanks for this timely reminder Duane. Somehow, I think if I work well, I will capture that moment of clarity--but like all else, this idea is simply a shadow, not something we can grasp with our all to human hands.
I know exactly what you mean! The idea is beautiful and enticing, its what puts our hands in motion, sets our feet walking, calls our hearts to wanting, but it’s rarely if ever teh final destination. What it’s really drawing us towards is the mystery and discovery of an unending journey. Thanks so much for reading!
So sorry about that Martha, I messaged it to you. But I think I was too late. My apologies. Definitely missed you. i should have teh recording ready to post next Sunday and I’m hoping to announce our August meet up date soon.
Once again, what a banger- it is the unknown, the elusive, the ‘almost there’ that keeps us engaged, searching- making art is always about discovering more about ourselves and the world we live in ways that only acts of creativity can.
When I’m working on a body of photography, ideas often come and haunt me. I become obsessed with bringing them to life. But over the years I’ve learned to start by making a photo that represents the idea. Then, once I get that out of the way and out of my head, then and only then, can I open myself up to the mystical forces that move through me. The idea is only a starting point. The magic happens afterwards. Thank you for another insightful post. May those mystical forces move and speak through you. ✨✨✨
“The idea is only a starting point. The magic happens afterwards.” - THIS! It perfectly encapsulates everything. i spent 200+ words drawing this out, but you summed it up in two perfect sentences!! Thank you so much Anne!
So, you're writing a book right?
I don’t have any immediate plans to, but I’m open to it.
Well, good. :)
The idea that there can be certainty at all is a great ruse of the prediction machine we call our minds. In art...and in life...being ok knowing that to expect anything other than uncertainty will always be a losing battle, is where freedom truly begins. As you said, "May you find freedom in knowing that you know nothing." LOVE it, Duane.
So well said Michael!! I think that’s the beautiful and enriching thing about creativity and the creative process. It walks you into the center of the mystery, into the tenuousness of the ambiguity, and does not seek to resolve it, but teaches us a whole new kind of faith and trust in the midst of everything.
I keep hearing beautiful echos of unfixed and Bayo Akomolafe in your reflections. If you haven’t already walked into his world, you’re going to feel right at home when you do.
Hi Kim! Thank you so much! That’s one of the things I love and appreciate about your work and what you do, the unfixed is always so central to my work. I’m not familiar with Bayo Akomolafe! thank you for the recommendation! Where do you suggest i start?
OMG you're going to love him! I'm signed up to begin a 16 month seminar with him that starts next month and its feels like I might be on an adventure to the moon. :) I would highly recommend his book, The Wilds Beyond Our Fences. But to whet your appetite, start with a youtube video interview or podcast. I watched one and then I couldn't stop There are many... here's a great one: https://youtu.be/x5dWvKHwWX8?si=Q7bxF-gtKp9189ZM
Saved! Sounds amazing! Please let me know how it goes! Thank you so much!!
Thanks for this timely reminder Duane. Somehow, I think if I work well, I will capture that moment of clarity--but like all else, this idea is simply a shadow, not something we can grasp with our all to human hands.
I know exactly what you mean! The idea is beautiful and enticing, its what puts our hands in motion, sets our feet walking, calls our hearts to wanting, but it’s rarely if ever teh final destination. What it’s really drawing us towards is the mystery and discovery of an unending journey. Thanks so much for reading!
todays meetup link in this post takes me to a different video
So sorry about that Martha, I messaged it to you. But I think I was too late. My apologies. Definitely missed you. i should have teh recording ready to post next Sunday and I’m hoping to announce our August meet up date soon.
Once again, what a banger- it is the unknown, the elusive, the ‘almost there’ that keeps us engaged, searching- making art is always about discovering more about ourselves and the world we live in ways that only acts of creativity can.
Yes! Exactly Vanessa! It’s wonder and discovery and curiosity that is really the driving force behind all making!
I enjoy looking at your work!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you like it!
Definitely resonates with my spirit this morning
I love that!