Her feet float above the stage as if carried by some unseen force.
From my view among the generally admitted I can hardly make out the details of her face.
But those graceful movements are so alluring…each subtle step, precise and all consuming.
~Hunter Dasten – A Ballerina’s Dance
It was if I was at my very first ballet performance…
the evening light was ever so magical…their moves ever so graceful…
I could’ve photographed for hours had there been enough light left in the day.
~~~
There were so many incredible natural wonders throughout this trip…Mt. Hood, Crater Lake, Multnomah Falls, Jedediah Smith Redwoods to name a few…wonders that I’d heard about for so long…seen in books and on the internet…but longed to see with my own eyes. Remember when I said in an earlier posting that travel can allow us time to think about ourselves? During this trip I paid close attention to my thoughts and feelings when I photographed. I don’t know why this trip more than others…perhaps because it was my first real travel within the U.S. for a long time and I didn’t have my mind preoccupied with time changes, language barriers or unfamiliar cultures. In doing so it was images like these that made my heart race…not the typical representation of those wonders…resulting in the confirmation of my love for abstract and texture photography.
For years now whenever someone would ask…what genre of photography do you specialize in? My answer was always…”uh, I like it all…well except food photography.” And that’s so true, I do like it all, but the realization on this trip was a strong desire to explore abstract photography even more. Even though I had sensed this over the years…I think knowing that not everyone likes or understands abstract art…perhaps is why I hadn’t totally embraced it. I’ll be the first to say that years ago I felt the same. I needed a recognizable object for it to make sense to me, but over time I found I enjoyed my own photographs and others more when it didn’t represent the subject in a literal way. Now don’t get me wrong, the Oregon wonders were beyond beautiful and I will always make those types of images. But…it’s the abstract/texture type photography that I want to spend more time on.
After reading David DuChemin’s blog posting this week he reinforced what I’ve felt for a while now…how important time is now. Ultimately we have two things: now and then. We live in the present. In one sense Now is all we have and I want to do work that gives me meaning…I have no idea how long I’ll live – none of us do, and most of us try not to think about it. But if today’s the last, it’ll be too late to change my mind about the things I fill my days with. It’ll be too late to do the things I could have done. It’ll be too late for more wine, more laughter, and more stories. (and more abstract/texture photography!) Now is what we have.
It’s a question we should all ask ourselves…are we doing work that gives us meaning Now?
Something to ponder…enjoy the weekend! gg
Robin these truly are wonderful, the movement, the colours, the interplay of all these things is perfectly captured, they would be fit to grace any wall and really should be hung together. I absolutely love them.
Thank you so very much shooter!
I love them, too … they had my heart fluttering when I first saw them so, of course, I had to see them again and again. I think whatever form we play in, it always shows clearly if we love what we’re doing and if it’s fun. Keep having fun, dear friend.
I love looking at them too…just when you think you’ve discovered it all…you find another seagull! 🙂 THANK YOU my sweet!
These are lovely and I can so see you having fun in each one. Love and hugs and counting the days… xoxo
So happy you like them! Thank you! Counting too! xoxo
Ditto to the previous sentiments. It is so unbelievably beautiful in Oregon. It’s difficult to capture such grand sights. So I love how you’ve captured the emotion of that beauty. Keep following your instincts!
Thanks so much Maery! Will do!
You’ve done a good job of “explaining” this abstract journey you’re on, Robin, which you know I absolutely love. I could say the same of my watercolor manipulations, which thrill me to no end. I don’t care if/how anyone else likes them…all that matters is the pleasure and passion I feel when I go through the process. BRAVA for discovering what makes us tick…especially because we ARE getting older and have no guarantee of any days left to discover it!.
We are so on the same page Ginnie…a point in our life that we do it for “us!” Love that so much! And your watercolor manipulations and coloring inspire me all the time! Thank YOU!
These are so very dreamy, soft and beautiful.
I believe you have summed up your ability to pay close attention to what you were photographing more on this trip perfectly because you didn’t have the added stresses of being in a foreign country. I am so happy you were able to discover more about yourself and your passion on this trip. There are reasons for everything. You’ve gained so much, not just experiencing the beauty of a state in our own country but so much about yourself. What a wonderful thing!
I have to admit, abstract was never my cup of tea – until you have shared it through your eyes and I have fell in love with your abstract photographs, as only you can do.
Your continual discovery of yourself is amazing and inspiring. If you look back at the beginning of your journey, you will see how you have just absolutely blossomed and transformed into an incredible writer and artist.
In regards to your closing statement, I know your fears that lie in the back of your mind and why.
I admire your continual strength to live every day to the fullest, push past your comfort zone and learn and share. You, my dear Robin, make a mark in the world, have tangible evidence that “Robin was here”, through your photographs, blog, heart, friendship and so much more.
I can’t speak for everyone, but we may not all be able to do the work that gives our life meaning, or we may THINK we may not be doing the work that gives our live meaning, but we truly don’t know how we affect others. Perhaps the responsibilities of family, financials, etc. may not allow to truly live passions out today and we may not have tomorrow. The best we can do is try to make a difference no matter how small our world may be. Whether it be making someone laugh or smile, listen more, think before we speak, sharing our time, hearts, selves and to try and laugh at least once a day. We all are here for a reason, even the evil teach us lessons.
Erma Bombeck had some pretty wise reflective quotes if she had the chance to live life again. Enjoy that glass of wine, eat a piece of birthday cake, laugh and try to appreciate the little things in daily life.
Thanks for a beautiful post and just lovely photographs.
xoxo
You dear Lisa have to be my biggest cheerleader. You are such a supporter…and so appreciate you always for your comments and continuing to understand my journey…yes, knowing my fears and all. I so agree with you…we can make differences every day of our lives with something simple as a smile, a conversation, or just listening to someone. You are such a bright spot always in my life! Thank you!
Beautiful unique pictures, silk floating in the wind, sprinkled with gold dust, very feminine, spirit lifting. I adore them.
I am still waiting for my “now” ,finding the time to concentrate on the things I really want to do .More pgotography, more books, more friends and more quiet time,
Wonderful post and thoughts, thank you.
I love the description of your “now!” Friends are the most important of all…don’t know what I’d do without my friends…young, old, male, female…treasures! Thank you!!
I’m inspired! Wings and wind and water all dancing together in hauntingly beautiful light.
Such a magical set of images. Thanks for stirring my heart closer to the here and now.
I appreciate you and your travels and the way you see the world and share,
Jennifer
Oh, thank you Jennifer! So much!
‘…are we doing work that gives us meaning Now?’
Robin, I will start with saying that I really love your abstracts, I could picture them on walls of halls of companies.
Now back to your last sentence….. I talked with Ginnie about this question, I think I do about 70% of what gives me meaning… the other 30% tells me to get up 4 times a week at 5 AM and try to earn some money to make the other 70% happen….
Once I am retired that percentage might go up. I do have some plans. However, I try to live within the day as much as possible….
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! I think your percentages are spot on! We all have/had to make a living…so that’s understandable…but hopefully it is/was enjoyable. I know for me it was…I loved my job. But what I loved even more was being able to quit and enjoy my parents most of all…and then ultimately help them navigate into end of life (Alzheimer’s) for my dad and now the aging process with my mom. I think you nailed it with…”I try to live within the day as much as possible” and I think many don’t think that way…they’re just getting through the day… Always enjoy your thoughts and comments. xoxoxo
I am so fortunate that I love my job and I just counted, 38 months to go, that is very doable. I know am so lucky to have ‘everything I want’, I am grateful for what I have and I don’t need anything more. All that falls in our lap is just very well excepted. I think that also make a difference.
Robin, it is always a delight to read your posts, it makes me think about tings. I always wait for ‘the right moment to read’ and really take time.
Love and hugs.
Yes I am, every day
Love it Lotta!!!
These are fantastic photos…..
Thank you so much Marsha!
These images and words is where your heart is. Enough said.
Thanks my dear!
I love, love, love these photos!
Thank you!!!
Dear Robin,
Thank you for sharing these wonderfully beautiful photos. I just love them. Hugs Bodil
Hey Bodil! What a wonderful surprise! Thanks so much for dropping by and appreciate the compliment!