In an artistic life, there are moments when everything comes together: The subject you discover, the piece you create, the audience you find. They all converge and you tap into something special, creating a piece of art that resonates with others.
That happened last week with this piece, Stillness.
If you ask me, I won’t be able to tell you why this struck a chord. I’m not sure what it is about this image, compared to all of the others I’ve recently created, that connects. I was talking to a friend about it, and she tried to put it into words what resonated for her about this image, “It’s as if I saw something, really saw it, in a different way. You showed it to me that way.”
That sort of caught me off guard. Maybe I’d forgotten and needed to be reminded, but isn’t that what artists do? Artists show us the world with a different point of view. The best pieces of art are the ones that make you stop and think, or better yet, feel something.
It is awesome when that happens with something you create. You feel like you really connected with someone. Maybe tapped into something greater than yourself.
The hard part is, and maybe this is just me, I can’t do it on purpose. I can’t predict which of my work will make that connection. I create, and create, and create, and once in a while things converge. All I can do is that ongoing creation, following the direction my heart and the image wants to go, and the I let it go into the world and see the result.
The thing I do know… If you don’t do this kind or work — creating again and again, practicing, trying new things, and sometimes falling flat on your face — then you won’t ever find these beautiful moments of convergence.
And they, my friend, are totally worth it.
Well said! This post resonated with me…
Thank you Gretchen!
I can at least address what makes it work for me (and it does stand out in the context of your recent work). The tones are lovely. The composition has outstanding graphics and balance. But, for me, the keys are two. 1.the other trees and their location is exquisite. And, 2. the fog, which is critical, creates a strong depth of field; we are drawn through the image. Also, the fog provides a sense of mystery; what I would call mystical (that fact alone makes the image magnetic for me).
Jack, thanks for the specific comments. It always helps to get this kind of feedback. I’m hoping the fog will come back again (and that I’ll have time to get out in it!) Maybe this morning…
Well, if you want fog, you certainly have it this morning. (I have been doing a lot of fish eye work recently. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of images it creates in the fog.)
Jack
I love this image. I love trees. Forgive me for getting metaphysical, but … Trees represent humans and wisdom (as trees generally live a very long time). There is mystery in your image, with tree people coming and going in and out of the fog or mist. It speaks to me of the mystery that is humanity, ancient wisdom, the melancholy of the human condition and its beauty. I think you’ve tapped into a rich vein with this one. Speech done! 🙂
Thanks so much, Ann! I appreciate your thoughts on this one. So helpful.
Beautiful Work! You are an inspiration, making lemonade out of our weather lemons. Lovely.
Thanks Kate! Although I would never call foggy weather “lemons.” I think fog is awesome!!