Kat Eye Studio

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Capturing Light

For a long time, I didn’t understand how photography was the “study of light” until I took enough pictures, took the time to see what I was really doing was capturing the light that illuminates the object as much as the object itself. In the same way, I’ve never really understood or appreciated sculpture as capturing light. It was two things that did it for me, seeing and photographing this work Eros and Psyche by Antonio Canova in the Louvre, and seeing an exhibit of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs alongside Michaelangelo’s David in the Accademia in Florence.

Sculpture really is the study of light on a volume, the same way that photography is. But it’s in 3D. You can walk around it, see it from all angles, and appreciate the art in a different way. Next time you see a sculpture, whether modern art or classic figures in marble, try to notice how it captures the light.

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Blank Slate

A new year has begun, a blank slate for us to write on. I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. What is it about the changing of the calendar that makes us thing that we should do anything different? It is a little reminder, though, that each day is a blank slate. Each day is a chance to write the ending a little bit differently than the one before.

This image from our visit to Castello San Sebastiano da Po this summer speaks of possibilities, of sitting down in the light and writing something new. It reminded me of the lyrics I loved from a song that was popular a few years ago called Unwritten. The lyrics to the song are…

I am unwritten,
can’t read my mind,
I’m undefined.
I’m just beginning,
the pen’s in my hand,
ending unplanned.

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.

What will I write this year? I’m not sure, I’m sitting down here at my desk, with the ending still unwritten.

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Year-end Reflection

The end of the year, time for a moment of reflection. This picture of Brandon at Castello San Sebastiano da Po makes me think of a moment of quiet. A peaceful moment, paused in the busy-ness that is an 8 year old and the busy-ness of our everyday lives.

This morning I was reflecting in my journal that, while it is always surprising to reach the end of the year and realize a new one is upon us already, this year didn’t seem to fly by. If I think back to where I was a year ago, it was a very different place both geographically and personally. It seems like many years ago. I am happy to say that, a year later, I am a different person. A happier person. Much more me than ever before.

So, with that note, I hope that you all have had a wonderful 2009, and take a moment to reflect on what it brought you. And I’m wishing you a fun New Year’s Eve and a fabulous 2010! Ciao!

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Celebrate

This photo is from early in our time in Italy, in the Duomo di Milano. Off all of my images from the many churches we’ve visited, this is the happiest. I loved the light of the many candles and the girls who were so thoroughly enjoying lighting theirs and the reflection off the halos in the image behind them. There is beauty and peace in the ritual of this religion.

I thought I would share this image today, even though it’s from a different time of year, to honor all of the different ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday. In a country very strongly influenced by the Catholic church, the church is a big part of the season here. We heard bells from our nearby campanile (bell tower) ringing quite a bit last night, and expect to hear them again today and tomorrow. A few weeks ago, the local priest came by to give us a schedule of events for the Christmas season at the church. Another difference to enjoy while we are here in Italy.

However you celebrate this season, I hope that you enjoy your time with family and friends!

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Lights and Snow

Let’s see… Lights, check. Tree, check. Snow, check. Third largest cathedral in the world, check. This must be a photo of the holiday decorations in Piazza del Duomo in Milano! Friday night was a wonderful photo op of lights, snow and people with umbrellas. I hope that everyone is enjoying the beauty that is around you this time of year, don’t forget to stop and appreciate the lights in the dark of winter.

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Inspirational Light

We’ve seen a lot of churches here in Italy. Some are giant, some are smaller. Almost always overwhelming, you can’t take it in from one angle or without craning your neck up. Most are dark inside. Beautiful stained glass windows catch your eye and it’s nice and cool on a hot summer day, but otherwise dim and uninspiring in my opinion. I need the light. Except, for this one day in a church in Verona, where the warm afternoon light was coming in and illuminating the pews. Beckoning the visitor to sit down in the light and ponder the nature of our existence. Or at least, capture the beautiful light and shadows it creates. That’s my personal kind of pondering.