Photography Exhibit

“Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.“
Mary Oliver

REFLECTIONS ON PHOTOGRAPHY

The focus of my lens matters, in photography and life. Whether I am on a trail or in my garden, I slow down in the natural world. I direct my attention, filtering out what seems less important, and highlight the beauty I notice. The sensory experience adds quality to my breath and gratitude for this beautiful life. My eyes both expand across the landscape and look deeply at small things with the wonder of a child. It is not only an artistic endeavor, but a spiritual one as well. I see the connectedness of all things and return to the rhythm of the seasons that I first experienced growing up on a small farm in Ohio. There, I learned regard for the natural world, saw the beauty of creation and life. My learning continues as I contemplate the river, the rocks, trees, a flower, or vine stretching upward toward the sun. I notice the play of light, creating countless shades of green. There is extraordinary in the ordinary if we slow down to look closely.

It is with reverence that I step into the natural world with my camera. I return to the sense of wonder and awe that I felt as a child, enriched by the wisdom of lovely souls who have influenced me along the way. I sometimes smile imagining my Dad enjoying conversation on his front porch with Jane Goodall or Mary Oliver. I am proud to pass deep regard for the natural world to our children. Our two grew up experiencing gifts from our garden and summers under the trees, with their feet in refreshing streams. The health of our planet depends on our relationship with nature, and our well being is necessarily intertwined. Pausing, in the great outdoors feels vital and offers beautiful gifts.

I hope you enjoy the Photography Exhibit. Perhaps it inspires you to slow a bit, directing the focus in your world.