Art is so interesting because when I spend time savoring it, it affects me in the same way my self improvement books do. I most recently finished a fiction book called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Over the past month, I have processed so many themes in that book that are relevant to my life today. The characters in that book had such admirable qualities like resourcefulness, resilience, courage. It made me wonder if the modern conveniences that we have today are truly good for us. I was inspired by the way that these women lived, not so much so that I want to suffer in the way they did. What I mean is, things took time, effort, and skill. People couldn’t really be in a rush because it wasn’t possible. Instead, things required attention and in that, I think they also had a since of pride. It gave me a new perspective on my own life and forced me to realize that my “chores” each day are pretty simple. It gave me an overwhelming sense of gratitude because I understand what a privilege it is to be able to have the things I do and to be with my kids each day. It inspired me to slow down, even more than I already have. It inspired me to take moments to really do the things that bring me joy, like making my own tea blends, watercolor painting, and oddly enough, ironing my napkins. There is a beauty in the mundane of life. I think that’s why photography has been like therapy for me. As an enneagram 7, I am always in a rush, always seeking the better opportunity, never fully satisfied with what I have. Photography forces me to be present and to allow the moment to unfold. Documentary photography, specifically, forces me to let go of control and to allow the moment to come to me. I have to develop a sense of trust that things will happen when I pay attention. Can I release the effort and my desperation for the perfect image? Can I, instead, tune into what is happening in the present and find the beauty of the moment? I find present moment awareness to be extremely difficult but as I engage in activities that foster it, such as ironing napkins and taking images of my kids playing, I develop a need for it. I begin to understand that the world is like a ferris wheel, I can choose to get off any time I want.
Here are my daily images from the last week of February.
