A self portrait of sorts
There are many ways in which to be humbled, or as I prefer to think of it, awed. One can be awed, humbled, or inspired by a work of art, whether that be a sculpture, a photograph, painting, a beautiful or profound piece of music, or perhaps even a sublime poem or sonnet. One could even feel these same feelings of appreciation for architecture. When it touches you, you know it.
Many are the times when I have looked at my camera and thought of the immense, no make that endless potential that lies within. No, the camera is not a magic box, but the endless potential that lies within me. Those, I believe, who we consider great or perhaps even accomplished, have simply figured out a way to get out of their own way. I have taken a couple of portraits, one of my wife, and one of her sister that I consider unparalleled work, better than I’ve ever done before or since. I’ve touched, I think, that potential, as I’m sure you have, too.
As I write this I am listening to an album by Doyle Dykes. Until a few days ago, I had no clue who he was. He is a top notch acoustic guitar player. Hearing him play you might think that there are at least two guitarist playing, but alas, there is only one. Check out the link to the video, I’m sure that you’ll agree. It is inspiring to listen to. I’m not intimidated, but inspired.
Many years ago I attended a Kenny G. concert with my son, Pedro. At that time Pedro wanted to learn to play the saxophone and Kenny G was one of his favorite players. During the concert Kenny G said that people often asked how he got so good at playing. Well, the short answer my friends was … practice. He related a story about his childhood and how he told his parents that he wanted to play the sax. Of course, they were doubtful but indulged him anyway. When he got his sax, he said that he practiced 2 – 4 hours per night and at least 8 or 10 hours/day during the weekend. He even laughed that his parents had to make him stop to come and eat! Talk about love.
Further, he said that he still practices that much. Have a look at this video interview. Of his playing, he says that he thinks that he’s an OK player and he’s still trying to good! How about that? He plays because he loves it and still practices every day the same amount.
I guess where I was going with this is that when you pick up that camera, instrument, paint brush, or whatever it is. There is endless potential in that love. Endless. I really get that feeling when I pick up my camera. I have no idea if I will grow to love the guitar, or if it is just a passing romance. Who knows. In the mean time, I’m still awed when I pick it up at the immense potential that I have inside of myself if I can just tap into it.
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5 Responses to “Immense Possiblities”
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As you say Paul, we practice, practice, practice only so that we may get out of creativity’s way that it may do what it does best… create art.
I too love all the potential that exists within the camera.
Another well written post and a good example of one of those ways you practice at a another gift of yours: writing. I admit coming to your blog for inspiration and soak up some of your knowledge attained from your experiences. But, I too am aware we will only improve at anything with practice.
Thanks, Monte. I enjoy writing almost as I do photography. I guess that it comes for all of the reading that I do. It seems to be a natural follow-on. Lots of reading. Lots of writing.
Paul: first off, man the image with this post just wowed me! Very nice. The contrast between what I think is a Christmas ornament and the palm trees is delicious!
Second, you have eloquently discussed what I was sort of alluding to in my response to your desire to work on guitar, photography and writing. All can bring you pleasure, much pleasure indeed, but if you are looking to get very good at something, it’s hard to do everything.
Chris, that indeed is an ornament on a rather large Christmas tree down at Isle of Palms, SC. I took a couple of shots of the Christmas tree then stepped closer. In every single bulb, I saw a reflection of my self. In all of them. Naturally, this lead to some deep introspection about photography and self, or at least perceived self. However, that is a topic for tomorrow’s post.