Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon error also. Carl Jung —A personal journey through the “K” word. I think the old bumper car is kicking into overdrive. My journey through education is making more and more sense, as the fragments of information—that I’ve learned in various classes—are beginning to connect. The ‘bigger picture’ is coming into focus, and I could not be more excited!
This morning I drove into Pasadena. It wasn’t a major excursion, but it was in the opposite direction of where I normally travel and everything was unfamiliar. I wish I had taken my camera. It’s the perfect place for street photography, but it was just TOO hot! I wanted to get in—and get out. I went there to pick up the kit for my drawing class. I’m already enjoying the course. It’s not so much that I’ve learned anything yet (it’s only been two days), or that I even see the possibility of getting really good at it. It’s the fact that I’m putting aside my fear, putting the pencil to the pad, and making an effort.
It’s been REALLY hot this week. I’ve been spending my time inside, trying to stay cool—and thinking of ways to be creative. I went through my archives, looking for ways to use old images in new ways. I stumbled on an old family photograph, and I couldn’t help but notice that the whole clan was wearing sneakers.
Beauty is all around me, To see, taste, smell and feel. This collage of golden flowers, Sits before me as I kneel. When I pray to the Almighty, The colors swirl about my head. Then snuggle around my body, Keeping me warm… inside my bed.
I need a little direction right now— First of all, I took this photograph yesterday while riding with my son. I noticed the yellow lines in the mirrors and the Which Way Photo Challenge instantly came to mind. I realize I’ve already used the “rear view mirror” idea, but I had to do it again because I really enjoy how the lines repeat, but they don’t line up. One of the things I love about word and photo challenges is that they provide you with a little direction. The blank canvas isn’t quite so “empty,” because you’ve been given a prompt to draw upon.
My dreams are vivid, they’re bold and alive. The colors run deep, as they spin and they jive. Often they fade, to black, and to white, Others appear in magnificent light. Sometimes in shadows, or a dark silhouette, They wait as I cling to the fear of regret. One dream can splinter, into two, even three, I’ll never stop dreaming of all I can be.
But there’s a “Me” in Mentor. First of all, I wanted to share at least one of my school projects here. I’ve butchered it now, but before I made the edits it was the backside of an album cover I created. I haven’t been too thrilled with many of my projects thus far, but the good news is that taking the classes helped me figure out that I needed to go in a completely different direction. And I’m so happy I did—so it’s all good! Secondly, I thought I would elaborate on my idea—my vision—about a program for people who are in recovery. My initial thoughts about it started when I was trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my (sober) life. My passion for photography and art —or anything that entails creativity really—was where it all started. I imagined an art gallery of sorts, with walls covered in various pieces done by people who are new to recovery, who are trying to get their lives back in order, and are in …
Over the past two days I’ve been going through the first year of posts on my blog, reorganizing information, and fixing things that were out of whack. Although the old stuff doesn’t get looked at much, or maybe even at all, I still feel better. It’s sort of like moving your couch to vacuum behind it. Nobody knows, but YOU. Yet it’s still gratifying. Regardless, I’ve made a pact with myself that changing themes will no longer be allowed beyond this point; too much tweaking can be required. Anyway, I shot this image in photography class and it made me think of “respite.” It seemed perfect for the moment, as I’m taking a little respite myself right now. After forty-eight hours of working on the blog, I’m barely into 2017 and it appears that I may have posted at least once per day for the entire year! At first I was a little upset with myself, thinking about how carried away I had gotten, but I quickly realized that during that time I was living sober …
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis Last night I viewed my previous image via my cellphone, and I felt a little knot in my stomach. It barely resembled the piece that I had looked at on my computer. I can’t be certain, but I’m thinking that creating images that reflect our mood for the moment might be a bit risky. 😉 Anyway, I wanted to counteract that crazy color scheme this morning… with something simple, calm and serene. A dreamy view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Pier. Also… about the going back to school… I don’t want to get ahead of myself (yet again), but I can tell you that when I decided that it was something I wanted to do, I had NO question about it. It was like one of those Aha moments, when you just KNOW that it’s the right place, and the right time. Truth be told, I have …
This little bird was adorable! I can’t get a decent, solid shot of those tiny ones from where I’m situated… so I did some color work and decided to frame it with cardboard. Just something different. To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. Joseph Chilton Pearce
