Wednesday, March 15, 2017

My Main Artistic Goal

Even more than selling prints, my main artistic goal is to be a role model for other mental health clients (I have bipolar disorder) and their families. Why? Because, first of all, NO ONE ever told me I could get substantially better; second of all, because it was when I was able to reclaim my passion for photography that I rapidly improved. But that was not before a decade of severe depression had played itself out in my life and that of my family.

Just recently, I have added to my Flickr.com page over 100 shareable images made since 2009 click here to view. That was the year that photography again "clicked" for me. Through the first few images that excited me and told me I still "had it", I taught myself first Photoshop and, a bit later, the Lightroom software. Not to get crazy with changing the captured images, but more to enhance them to display what I had felt at the time of capture. Just as I used to do in the wet darkroom I first learned in.

For instance, take this shot of Red Rock Canyon:


I had only been in the prevalent browns of the Southwest for about 24 hours when my friend took me to view Red Rock Canyon just outside Las Vegas. The afternoon before I questioned whether my New England soul was going to survive the planned week amidst the lack of the varied colors I was so comfortable with. Then we drove upon this view and my soul sang! Color at last!!! I knew I would make it through the week then.

In learning to process this image to convey that feeling, I might have brought more red to the mountains than actually exists while, at the same time, preserving the blandness of the brown sand with just patches of vegetation. But the sky was really that blue with clouds so differently formed than those in New England. They almost seemed like angel wings up there.

My message: for those who are afflicted with affective disorders, ever so slowly reclaim an old passion or find a new one!

6 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place you are taking your gift of photography.

    All the best,

    Jerry

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    1. Thanks, Jerry! After learning as much as possible about marketing my work through free resources online for four years, I came to this conclusion in working with a creative coach late last spring when she had me write a "soul mission statement" instead of a simple "mission statement." Haven't regretted the decision in the least, either!

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  2. Jean, so many life lessons you have had to learn. My admiration to you and for your work. Liz

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  3. For a while we have followed each other through our photographic journey of life. And you have had my admiration and heart at good times and deep sorrow. I am so happy for you today. Inspired by you I have supported my daughter with similar diagnosis and seen her recover through her study of art.
    A friend is good to have out there ;*

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    1. Thank you Anna Soffia. I am humbly honored to have enabled you to help your daughter -- give her a hug for me, OK?

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