“Nature is an art which can’t be described or explained in words. This should be felt in your heart.”
Discovered this young man pencil sketching at a local coffee shop and had to ask if I could take a few images while he drew. After he said yes I had him put his earbuds back in and continue with his craft. There is a slight blur in his hand that adds to the image for me and I thought the photo worked well when converted to black and white.
As I walked away I thanked him and realized the courage it takes for me to ask strangers if I can take their photo. Somewhere within me is a false voice telling me they will say no. The truth is I seldom am told no. There are those who will say no and probably due to some history in their lives and that’s okay. But, nowadays many people are comfortable having a camera pointed in their direction. Just look at all the selfies.
Later, after I loaded this photo onto my computer I had an awareness of the courage it takes to be an artist. But as I reflected on that thought it became obvious that it takes courage to believe in and use our artistic abilities, gifts, practice, hone them and then offer them to the world. He and I both practice our craft with courage no matter what those around us thought of us. And, this young man is a good artist! So much for my morning rambling. Have a super Awesome day!
2 Comments
Earl B
I agree with you, Monte, the image “begs” for B&W and is a nice detailed personal moment captured. Our fears are almost always much larger in our minds then they are in reality. Of course, I think as you grow older it becomes easier to “be yourself” and step beyond our individual boxes perhaps from practice, or from feelings of having less time to suffer the negatives of our lives but also because with age and experience we come to care less what others may think of us. At least IMHO. Very nice!
Monte Stevens
So true, Earl. I’m much more comfortable of who I am becoming and not as interested in what others think. Seems people are usually more inviting when we are being our authentic self and not trying to be what we think they think we need to be.