Photography Thinks
Mystery woman is a mystery to the photographer. “Carravaggistis in literature use psychological fiction (also psychological realism); theirs is a narrative genre that emphasizes interior characterization and motivation to explore the spiritual, emotional, and mental lives of the characters….” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravaggisti
Bruce Harden died. Had I ever met him, I would have asked me to teach me how to see. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/arts/brice-marden-dead.html.
Beware of the Frog
A profile in courage and a will to live and enjoy whatever he has ahead. My old friend Howard Kane suffers all illness with dignity and class. He will be mortal as long as possible; then he will be a blessed memory. Right now, he be on his feet, wondering what to do next. Were I the judge, I would grant him all the time he can use. I say travel on and report back.
I don’t own a dog and never will. Too much responsibility. I know it can be helpful in lowering stress, but it’s too much responsibility. So, I pet my neighbor’s dog and sometimes dogs I see hanging out, especially if they look friendly.
Lost a favored plant yesterday, a Bromeliad Imperialis. Very sad. It graced our simple, humble garden, providing class and style. No post mortem, yet, could have been water or insects. Doesn’t matter why; just too bad we lost it.
So, these bromeliads just sit where we place them. They are from the air plant family, too big for household entertainment. Some of their beauty lies hidden within, protected by layers of leaves. The flower once. In the end, bromeliads sometimes kill themselves trying to multiply, leaving a legacy, but no history. They are indigenous to Florida, withstanding the changes in weather and temperature, while lending exotic flavors to outdoor spaces.
Our gardner, Richard King who designed our simple plot with Sharon, lost one too, recently. We both will be finding replacements.
Don’t miss the chance when you visit a museum to pose with the art. Gives the art life and you life. Adds to a photogs understanding of the greater garden of artistic endeavors. I learn new ways to look at myself, pose others and be a subject of a photo. Besides, Sharon is a great photog and it’s fun.
One of the joys of being a portrait photog is that as your skills mature, so do your sitters. Here is my friend Paul Erstein, lost in the outskirts of my life for several years, but now back. We reconnected, shared some history and “first aid” info, talked about his beloved Mother who lived a long rich life and talked about family. He has a daughter and son, both in strong, loving relationships, one of whom has served up three grandchildren.
In 2015, he rode his motorcycle, remembering zipping round like a kid. He felt some pain selling his bike, but we all got to grow up. New car for a 70th birthday present will make up for it.
In 2017, he day traded, looking to make a score to carry him into older age. He says he still does a little. But I am not here to look at his checkbook.
So, you may not realize that his image was developed from a piece in an art show in 1917. Marcel DuChamp, a French painter, sculptor and art critic, submitted an ordinary piece of plumbing to a show sponsored by the Society of Independent Artists in New York City. The work has been seen by many as the leading piece of avant-guard art of the 20th century.
DuChamp allegedly bought this ordinary piece of equipment and designated it a work of art. He called such items “Readymades.” When the show directors refused to display it, he retracted his exhibit, had it photographed by Steiglitz and quit the organization. The original R. Mutt disappeared, but the issue of what constitutes art continues.
My shot was taken in one of the Men’s bathrooms at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach FL. Governor DeSantis has not gotten around to removing it as an object which could transform men into women or vice versa, in full disregard of its useful significance.
Bathrooms are bathrooms. And you can never be too carful in one, which is why they tell you where to stand and where to shoot. Women, because of anatomical differences do not have this problem. This blog post is therefore offered as a public health advisory, in addition to a note to promote art appreciation.
So, here I am, alive at 76. Complicated year health wise, not all resolved. Travelled extensively. Made a few new friends. Kept old enemies. Still no family on my side. Won’t reconcile with any.
Improved creatively. Read a lot. Saw some movies. Learned a few things, but no new tricks. Overall, a good enough year to make me want more.
Gotta live with the hand dealt with. No reformation or rehabilitation on the horizon. Nothing I can do to help anyone or myself.
Just need to stay fresh and interesting enough for Sharon. We all know what a headache I can be. Then we both will deal with aging and our end game.
This bear cub was hiding out in my front yard. Maybe it isn’t a bear cub? Could also be a seeing eye rock!