Kat Eye Studio

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Choosing the Arrangement

Learning to anticipate the translation of three-dimensional scenes into two-dimensional images begins with recognizing that each element gets flattened and becomes … a series of lines and tones that can be rearranged, balanced and played against each other as we play with optics and angles. We arrange those lines and tones within the constraints of the frame.
— David duChemin in Photographically Speaking

Do you see it? The flattening of the frame, the objects as lines and tones. Can you see the basic shapes, and how they are balanced with each other?

If you don’t see it, try it in black and white. Blur your eyes. Do you see the shapes yet? How they balance?

While I am attracted to the complementary color contrast of the yellow and purple in the original image, the balance of shapes works in black and white as well.

I started reading David duChemin’s latest book this morning, and as always his words resonate with me. The quote at the top of the post was especially striking, with my recent fascination, discussed in Exploring with a Camera: Balancing Shapes. This is an important concept to grasp – that the elements in a photograph are not really the “things” you are photographing, but the are lines and tones and shapes arranged within the frame. And, the most exciting part, we as the photographers get to choose that arrangement. We choose what to include and exclude.

Do you see it yet? Does it excite you as much as it does me?

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Subtle Reminders

The sun and moon come together in this tiny little bit of graffiti. The curve subtly breaks up the the lines of the bricks, the door, the strong shadow. If you aren’t looking closely, you will miss it.

I’m not sure why I like this simple image so much. It is an image that calls for the balance of shapes, as we’re studying now for Exploring with a Camera, so that is one element. But it’s more than that… There is something in the quiet whisper of the graffiti, something usually meant to be loud and bold. It’s as if it was put there especially for the observant. A test of sorts. And if you notice, if you pass the test, you are rewarded with thoughts of the cycle of the sun and moon. The never-ending nature of time.

All from a tiny bit of graffiti on a brick wall. Perhaps I’m reading into things this morning… it is an hour earlier than usual, after all. Here we are, we humans, trying to shift the cycle of the sun and the moon by changing our clocks. It must seem laughable to the universe.

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Making a Mark

What am I trying to say as an artist? Where is it that I want to go? Those questions are swirling around in my head after taking a one-day class called Preparing and Presenting your Photographic Portfolio from a wonderful instructor, Chris Eagon, at the Oregon College of Art and Craft yesterday.

The question “where do I want to go” is an important one for us as artists. Having goals and direction are what keep us moving forward, learning and growing. It’s through the continued journey that we figure out how to make our unique mark in the world.

I’ve known since living in Italy that the next step for me, upon moving back to the US, would be to bring my photographs into the real world. I needed the foundation I gained while in Italy: Confidence in the creation of my images, sharing them with others online, and identification of my unique vision. I’m building from there now, learning how to print and exhibit my work. Even harder, learning how to talk about my work and myself as an artist, with people face-to-face. I did not expect it to be such a challenge, with all of that confidence and knowledge I had gained. But it’s a new realm, and the challenges are different. The fears are different. It’s the next step I need to take in my creative journey, regardless of the resistance that comes along.

I am starting to understand that there is the journey that is “Kat the blogger and teacher” and the journey that is “Kat the artist.” The are separate yet inextricable. If I did not continue on my own artistic journey, separate from blogging and teaching, I would have nothing to share here. I have to admit, the journey of the artist feels a bit more scary and lonely. It’s the one I have to do on my own, in order to be true to myself.

So I’m letting my thoughts swirl around the questions: What am I trying to say as an artist? Where is it that I want to go? Only by answering these for myself will I figure out how to make my mark as an artist. I thought I knew the answers, but they have changed. It’s time to answer them again.

How about you, do you know the answers to these questions for yourself? Do you know where you are headed next?

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A Deep Breath

It’s funny, I feel as if I am surfacing for air today. After being pulled down into the Spiral of Creativity with A Sense of Place I am able to take a breath after the launch of registration. I’m always amazed at how this spiral works. How it catches me up sometimes in the currents of creativity, and how much effort and focus it takes to complete something. I’m not done, but I’m in a calm pool for the moment, floating along and catching my breath.

Today’s photo is what I needed to pause for calm, to catch my breath. The color, the simplicity, a frame of beauty found in an alleyway. A respite in the spiral, before I dive back in. Do you ever get pulled into the Spiral of Creativity? How do you catch your breath when that happens?

Today is the last day for linking in to February’s Photo-Heart Connection. I can’t believe it’s been 7 days already! There are such beautiful connections this month. Thank you so much for sharing them, and for visiting each other and connecting at a heart level. I love seeing these heart connections form. There is still room for you to join in today.

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Locked Up

What is my fascination with locked doors? I’ve been photographing them for a good long while. I especially love the ones with evidence of multiple locks over time, like this one from Jacksonville, Oregon. All locked up tight, keeping something inside safe. Or keeping something from getting out? It’s hard to know. The lock protects both sides.

I’m starting to wonder if these locked doors aren’t an analogy for something greater for me. Is there more locked up inside myself that needs to be opened up? This creative journey of mine has been one of layers. Layers drifting open, unfurled, blasted away… perhaps now unlocked. I’m trying to find the key.

Today’s post is a Photo-Heart Connection, touching me deeply with a message from my heart. Sometimes these messages come unbidden, you don’t have to go searching for them. You look at the photo and know there is something there. The more you practice with this concept, the easier it becomes to touch the connection. It doesn’t mean that it’s easy to feel though – today’s post leaves me a bit emotional, with the knowledge that there is more work to come around the idea of being unlocked.

The link up for February’s Photo-Heart Connection is still open, through the 7th. I hope that you will consider joining in, sharing your Photo-Heart Connection and journey with us. You will find a wonderful and supportive community here!