Birch Lot abstract, Upper Michigan
One of the greatest hurdles to our own creativity is being able to see possibilities. Sometimes I see them in the field, other times I see them in development. Many times I don’t see them at all. Sometimes I instinctively know there is a possibility in something, but kick myself for not being able to see it at that moment.
Here are a few quotes that I found inspiring on the subject of possibilities:
“It’s time to investigate the possibilities of how things need to be, and not always how they are.” ~ Sandra Bos
“Learning in the arts requires the ability and a willingness to surrender to the unanticipated possibilities of the work as it unfolds.” ~ Elliott Eisner
“A closed mind is a dying mind.” ~ Edna Ferber
“There are almost too many possibilities. Photography is in direct proportion with our time: multiple, faster, instant. Because it is so easy, it will be more difficult.” ~ Ernst Haas
“Critics, mathematicians, scientists and busybodies want to classify everything, marking the boundaries and limits… In art, there is room for all possibilities.” ~ Pablo Picasso
A little story about the image above… I actually spied this birch lot while driving across Upper Michigan, there was a small dirt road turn off. I made a u-turn and came back to it, and parked to the side on the dirt road. I took out my tripod and camera and started photographing there. A car came driving down the dirt road, slowing as it approached me and the guy stopped. With a concerned look on his face, he asked me what I was doing there, and wondered if I planned on going in and tresspassing on his property. I simply told him “no, I saw these nice trees from the road, I don’t need to go any further.”
I love the way you mixed motion and stillness in this. Beautiful
I think it’s hard for non-photographers to understand how compelling getting that next best photo can often be for some photographers. One of the surprises of our recent journey’s is my need to get those photo has lessened and I find myself often satisfied to simply experience the moment, the possibilities, beyond the camera viewfinder. I like the photographic treatment of this stand of birch trees, Mark.
I have had such encounters with landowners and none of them have been bad. I can understand their concerns and I respect all their wants and needs. I will move on without questioning and quickly. I am learning to listen more intuitively to the voice inside that urges and coaxes me to take action. There have been images that meant nothing to me until years later which tells me sometimes the inspiration needs to germinate for awhile.
That’s gorgeous! I’m so glad the encounter with the landowner didn’t go badly.
Awakening Dreams and Conquering Nightmares with a Pen
Have a lovely day!
I would have pulled over for that too! Beautiful image. Sometimes I am on the opposite end of the spectrum where I feel like there are TOO MANY possibilities and feel overwhelmed because there is so much I want to see and photograph I don’t feel like there is enough time! I think Instagram causes me to feel that way where I see photographers from all over the world taking great photos I want to become a gypsy and take off on the road ?
I know what exactly you mean Alanna.