Black and white photo of a cluster of Coast Redwood Trees in California. In this photograph I wanted to emphasize the rough texture and strength of the bark of the trees. This cluster of trees seemed like an imperious wall.
With a bark so thick (30 cm!), and being largely impervious to disease, it should be no wonder why Redwood trees achieve their enormous heights and size. However, what they rely upon most is their environment, which is why they are limited to a few regions in California. I think there are many lessons to be learned from our great Redwood trees. No matter how strong, no matter how large of a living being you are, take away the environment on which you rely upon, and you will perish.
This seems like a rather obvious point when it comes to our environment and nature. What about when we apply similar philosophies to art and creativity? I am sure we have all heard it one time or another, in art, and particularly in critique, it pays to have a thick skin. Of course, when pursuing any area of art, there are nutrients, and there are pests. It doesn’t help to have a skin so thick that you don’t let nutrients in. At the same time, you have to be extremely wary of pest invasions.
Yet, nutrients and pests exist in many of the same environments. Photo critiques, love ’em or hate ’em, I suppose are supposed to be a little of both. The viewing of photographs and paintings, particularly of some of the historical Greats, learning about their inspirations, can be quite nutritious. Maybe our growth occurs most when we are with others, or perhaps all alone. Time in the woods is like sticking my roots in fertilizer. Like the redwoods, I think finding this area can be quite limited.
Sooner or later, we hope to find an environment that we are able to flourish in. Sooner or later, we hope to have an outer bark knowing what to let in, and what to keep out.
I wonder if redwoods could grow here on Nantucket. We have such a great environment, free of a lot of the air pollutants that plague the mainland. It would be cool to have such huge trees on such a little place. I guess by the time they got that big, though, the island will have washed away.
Pardon my digression. 🙂 Very nice shot Mark, and I enjoy reading your thoughts about critiques.
Sharon
[Trying my best to be nutritious and not pesty] I like the contrasty processing in the image – a hard look, but the tree looks fragile as a result.
I have family just north of SF, in Marin County, so I get to see redwoods often. The woods always give me a lift, but California redwoods even more so.
That’s interesting Tom, as I was trying to bring out more texture, and use the contrast to hopefully promote strength. Is it because of the damaged bark? I saw that as symbolic of vulnerability in a way, despite the strength, which was part of the theme of the post.
Such a great area north of SF. Lucky you!
As with any critique, you have to consider the source. There is a right and wrong way to critique and with the internet, it’s really gotten hard to separate the nutrients from the pests. Seems like everybody is a critic. Although nobody wants to get a harsh response from someone they respect and admire, those sources have the greatest potential for doing good.
Mark, I can’t help admire the mighty Redwood for their size and strength but at the same time I see it as a weakness. They lack flexibility and cannot hope to match the sustainability of the smallest weed. Perhaps, “To Big to Fail” works in politics or economics for our banks and certain industries, but in nature it often leds to extinction.
Change is prevalent — especially now. IMO, we must learn to adapt, to look within, and learn to take advantage of whatever environment we are in. There are many demands and our external environment may not easily nourish “all” parts/needs of our life. Cultivating an inner environment is the key to flourishing.
I believe we’re talking of the same thing.
Interesting observations Earl. For the adaptability of the weed though, they lack in resistance to some pretty basic pests and deterrents. I only see the loss of habitat of the Redwoods as something human beings have induced, causing their range to shrink as much as it has, and they are only able to sustain now because we protect them from ourselves.
The inner environment you mention … sounds quite Zen to me…. and perhaps the real destination we all seek.
I feel the same, “Time in the woods is like sticking my roots in fertilizer.”
I also like your analogy. I feel many of us are so removed from nature and therefore lose out on the wisdom it can pass along to us. We must observe this world as we are an integral part of nature with the capacity to permanently alter it in both positive and negative ways. You are an observer!
Thanks Monte, all I need is to stay inside more to get a bit more pale and a hat. (assuming a Fringe reference in your comment (?) ) 🙂
You observe by being there! And, you’re a dang good observer.
Interesting comparison Mark, there have been times (years back) when the skin I chose to wear I wanted as tough as the mighty Redwoods, not wanting to let anything in that may jeopardize my (quite sensitive) feelings. I seem to have since, now a few more years down the road chose to not be so concerned with the critiques of those who will forever find fault but more concerned with “allowing myself to feel” openly and honestly even at the risk of “hurt feelings” or just with total disagreement of those who choose to be critical. It’s somewhat confusing to me knowing that I too can be one of those “critical” types myself. Without the painful mistakes, pitfalls and failures essential to growth I believe success would never be sweet.
Wonderful black and white image.
Thanks Brad. It is a difficult thing to get a feel for, how to be accepting and not too dismissive.