Creating takes many forms. We often think of creating as bringing something wholly original into the world. We limit ourselves with this belief.
When we take some raw material and transform it into something new, we create. When we cook a meal from ingredients, we create. When we combine pieces of clothing from our closet into an outfit, we create. When we pick up an instrument and bring sounds from it, we create.
I’ve been exploring this aspect of creating through my new/old guitar. I’m not the “creator” of the music I’m learning, but I am the creator of the sounds. This guitar would not be making these sounds were it not for me. The music doesn’t exist without me.
Every day, we get to create. Every day, we start with raw materials and turn them into something new. There is freedom and joy that comes with this knowledge. I love knowing this, don’t you?
This month’s {in the picture} theme is “Write On,” putting words on our self-portraits in some way. I thought this quote was perfect to express what I’ve discovered about playing the guitar. I envisioned this shot in my head, wanting the view out the window overexposed and me to be dark in contrast. I set it up using a tripod and remote, and discovered it was challenging to use the remote to trigger the camera, drop it, and get my hands in position in time to take the photo. It took a few tries! The blur of my head was a total accident, I must have been looking between my hands at the moment the picture was taken, but I found I liked the softness it brought to the image. It went well with the light.
So, month two of my self-portrait journey is done, and it’s getting a little bit easier. It helped to know what I wanted to “say” with the photo, and focusing on the concept I was wanting to convey rather than the idea that it is a photograph of me. How’s it going for you?
Hi Kat, great self-portrait! It really looks good in black and white too.
I liked your phrase: “We limit ourselves with this belief”. Any belief at all comes from a thought and a thought is not always in touch with the reality of a situation. So it really is liberating to just to be aware of this!
Sandra
Great, love this shot of you playing the guitar. I really like the overexposed background. AND i think you’re right- it is easier if you have a bit of an idea before you start.
I love this photo of you! Doing something you love, that was handed down to you by someone you love. That is how music is passed in my family. The focused hands really caught my attention against the softer focus of your beautiful face and hair. And the perfect quote! Well done.
Thank you lovely Rainie!!
Kat, this is a beautiful picture of you that tells a beautiful story!! I love the light behind you and the motion created by your hair! I wish I could “know” of an image and then create it, but I’m just not experienced enough yet!! Maybe someday!! We must be thinking alike! I posted my picture to {in the picture} just yesterday and I was making music too!! I was playing the piano. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could play together!!
It would be lovely if we could play together Cathy – especially because that would mean I could play! Give me a year… 🙂
Love this image and the quote is perfect. Your words are so true – I have definitely been limiting myself with this belief. I’ve actually found this second month of self portraits much harder, just when I thought I was winning! But I do think that focussing on the concept rather than it all about oneself makes it easier. Now I just need to put that into practise…..
Kat, this is a lovely self-portrait. I’m struggling with mine. Lack of time is an obstacle but perhaps also an excuse.
You can do it Lee! If you can, come up with an idea in advance. This went really quickly since I already had the idea. From setup to edited photo – maybe 20 minutes, tops.
You go girl!! I love this selfie. A wonderful quote too by tse. I like how the light rims and how it illuminates your left hand and then is echoed in the color and shape of the trim and frets on the instrument. As for the head blur-’tis only natural-when playing I think the head should move. People have called me Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles before. Both those guys aren’t sighted. Hmmmmm. And the compliment I receive most is “I love to watch you play the drums”….I find it ironic-but I guess I carry them along. They like listening, but adding the visual ups the ante.
Keep practicing. BTW…11ths are really cool.
Beautiful photographs. And beautiful words about creating. I need to get more creative about setting up my self portraits!
Hi!
Beautiful! Like the blur to this picture. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Food for Thought
your photos are just lovely. and your words bring that much more beauty to your post…
Oh I love that quote and the thought that we are the music. Such a touching photo; I can see your love for the instrument.
Catherine Denton
How exciting that you found a new way to express your creativity, Kat! Lovely selfie — perfect in B&W!
Beautiful portrait and post!
This is fantastic! Love the composition, words are a perfect fit, well done!
kat, you are so right. focusing on a concept instead of the fact that we are taking pictures of ourselves really makes a difference. i love this photo of you–it says so much. i learned that you play the guitar! thanks so much for linking up at {in the picture} today!
Kind of like me discovering you had a cat? 🙂 Actually, I just started learning in the last month.
i love photos of people playing guitar. one of my favorite photos of my husband is one where he is playing. i would take a selfie with the guitar in hand, but i would be a total poser if i did that, as i don’t know the first thing about playing, other than i know that i like when my husband plays.
this is a beautiful shot.