In my newsletter article over the weekend, I wrote about redefining productivity. How I haven’t been feeling productive recently, but that feeling was based on an old definition. I’m not sure where the old definition came from exactly – my old artistic practices combined with external influences, perhaps. It was a reminder that I seem to gather these definitions and rules up as I go along in life. I think we all do. Sometimes we need to reexamine them and redefine them.
What was more important in that article than redefining productivity, I realize today, is the redefinition of my art. I wrote, “My art is using photos and words to explore the connection between heart and the world around us.” Up to now, I haven’t quite figured out where I “fit” in the photography world. If you look at what I practice and write and teach it’s not standard “photography.” It’s something different. Something that doesn’t have a word for it. I’m an artist that combines photos and words together. For me, they can’t be separated.
Realizing that brings freedom. I can remove the labels from who I am, what I do. I can just be me, as I have been, but without trying to figure out where I fit. I don’t fit any standard mold. I can be the seamless blend, like building and sky in this photograph, if I choose. (And no, the photograph was not edited to look this way.)
It can be uncomfortable, though, being without a title. Being without name that defines me, in the eyes of others. It makes it harder to communicate what I do, what I care about. That makes it all the more important to keep using the “words” part of my art. Maybe someday I’ll come up with one word that communicates my art to others. Until then, I’m going to memorize this phrase:
My art is using photos and words to explore the connection between heart and the world around us.
I have a feeling that this moment may be as important as when I claimed myself an artist a couple of years ago. Time will tell.
PS – If you missed it yesterday, I announced a new class coming in April: A Sense of Place. Visit the link here for more details.
PPS – Only THREE DAYS to the next Photo-Heart Connection link up. I can’t wait!
Good and timely post! Your photo is a perfect illustration of the concept. For me my words and my photos together makeup the whole picture. Often one of my photos will unlock an emotion, a thought, a feeling that I hadn’t been fully conscience of. It is the process of taking the pic, shifting through to it, editing and then taking time to let it all settle…that is often how a connection comes to me. My photography is the key to opening thoughts within me. It’s an adventure of discovery for me.
I love that thought: “My photography is the key to opening thoughts within me.” That is a perfect description! Thanks Cheryl!
What a cool photo…like an effect but real instead. Congrats for owning your photo/written connection to the world. I think you are absolutely right about you….that is if it’s okay to guess from here.
New class looks very intriguing. Likely that I’ll jump on board. Your classes always inspire in unexpected ways. Was that you playing along with that music?
Oh, I wish it were me Susan! I’m still working to string chords together without a gap in between to change fingering!!
Great, photo, Kat! Love it! And, I love your message. I like that you’re claiming your art form.
Looking forward to Photo-heart connection. Already giving thought to which image it might be!
Have a lovely week!
I can’t wait to see Juli!
I think your wonderful work speaks for itself Kat, and therefore no title is needed! A truly thought-provoking post, and such perfect images to go with it.
Thank you so very much for sharing with us today at The Creative Exchange.
Have a wonderful evening!
lisa.
Even though you are way ahead of me in the artistic world, I so understand where you are coming from. I’ve struggled with calling myself a “photographer” and after much reading and self-talk, I’m now very comfortable calling myself an amateur photographer! isn’t it interesting how we need to define ourselves?
How we define ourselves can be interesting, empowering… and frustrating at times!
Oops…I meant to mention what an incredible photograph!
I think that sometimes we box ourselves in with labels. I like your new definition of your art. It fits, and it allows for growth and change, too. But I admit to being totally distracted by the accompanying image, trying to puzzle out how you did it. I suspect there’s a reflection involved, but darned if I can figure it out. 🙂
I agree we “box ourselves in” with labels and rules and all of that stuff. Yet I still do it! Argh!
OK so the photograph… It’s a building that is completely glass on the outside. You are seeing the reflection of the clouds in the sky in the glass, and the steel frame behind. I was at just the right angle to capture the reflection, and the clouds had formed so nicely into horizontal shapes which allowed them to blend seamlessly.
Kat, thanks for that explanation, but even so, my logical brain still doesn’t “get” it. The photo is mesmerizing and I think there must have been magic involved!
I’ll take magic when it happens! 🙂
Kat,
Okay – I completely want this photograph to be mine! What an amazing image – abstract, surreal and yet, grounded in reality. A thought-provoking image that really makes you stop and think about what you are seeing. A perfect blending of architecture and sky.
How wonderful to be here following you on your journey from claiming yourself as an artist to carving out your own niche, perfectly sutied to what you do and create. Exciting stuff!
LOL Brenda! I could totally see this as one of your images…
Love, love that image. Great capture.
And I love your words too. It is difficult not to label what you do – if only to communicate it to others but I love your phrase and that you are following own path.
You may not have found the one word that describes you, but I call it magic!! Your ability to take photos and then write so beautifully how they are connected to your heart is amazing! I’ve taken several photo prompt classes and photo classes. You want to know which classes have stuck in my mind…YOURS! Every time I’m out with my camera I use what you’ve taught me!! I’m a better PHOTOGRAPHER thanks to you!! I’m so glad you found you followed your heart and found the path you want to take!
Your art is entirely yours. No one else sees it as you do. Go your own way. Loved the spaciousness of the photo. V
Your work is great.
Regards and best wishes