Sunday, November 9, 2014

Inspired by...Sylvia Plath


I write only because there is a voice within me that will not be still.
- Sylvia Plath

   I would say I make photographs for the same reason.  When I allow myself to stand in awe of the beautiful compositions in the landscape I can't help but want to preserve them.  It is a way of acknowledging the fact that Man, or in this case Woman, is not the sole arbitrator of the beautiful.

   I have noticed over the 9 years I have been practicing contemplative photography that I seem to be stepping further and further away from control.  I am moving closer and closer to pure experience...the experience of the singularity of the natural encounter with the landscape.

   Perhaps the voice inside me is simply saying to just be the silent and non-judging witness.  Except whatever comes your way without trying to see it as good or bad but simply what is.  The worth of the experience is in the experience, not the photograph.




1 comment:

Patricia Turner said...

A wonderful comment, John. It is a back and forth thing for me as well. I love your words, "contemplative discovery through expression". Seems to meld the two together perfectly.