the professional takes the project that will make her stretch.
she takes on the assignment that will bear her into uncharted waters,
compel her to explore unconscious parts of herself.
so…
if you’re paralyzed with fear,
it’s a good sign.
it shows you what you have to do.
[steven pressfield | the war of art]
i have this photo — this photo which i love — deeply love. yet i questioned sharing it. i worried. i doubted. i’m sure it’s obvious why. but the photo speaks so much more to me, than what might be seen at face value.
it speaks of…
childhood
sisterhood
innocence
the freedom to be be and act without fear of judgment
the beauty and magic of summer
the love for a friend
and so i fight my fear and choose to trust — myself and my art. and i knew what i had to do!!
i also had a friend facebook message me this yesterday:
i don’t know how you did it but for me, you’ve gone from outstanding photographer to “artist” in the truest sense. these photos are dark but beautiful at the same time. i’m wondering if your africa trip influenced them or the way you’ve been shooting lately? i see a different kind of soul in what you are doing now. really interesting. thanks, as always, for sharing. xo
my response to her:
thank you. thank you. i think the biggest thing that influenced me is letting go of everyone else around me. not looking at other work as much as i used to. not trying to be anyone else but me. not caring what anyone else thinks. it really makes me teary thinking about it all. thinking about my journey. allowing myself to be free of the noise in this photography industry. and instead embracing all the gifts and opportunities that have come into my life — and be the artist i’m mean to be.
it’s about allowing myself / yourself to see. and trust!!
i wanted to share this here [with my friend's approval] because it seemed to all tie in together. and maybe — just maybe — it will help, encourage or inspire someone else someday.
closing with more words adapted from the war of art [one of my favorite books]…
our own unique genius watches over us, guiding us to our calling.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
absolutly beautiful. i have a sister and two daughters of my own now… this image not only speaks to you…it speaks to everyone with a sister. THANK YOU for sharing.
If anyone looks at this photo as anything other than pure childhood innocence then their heart is in the wrong place. This is incredible.
It’s wonderful to see in you a new braveness and trust shining through your work. I’m in the middle of reading The War of Art at the moment – thanks to you recommending it a year ago – it took me a year to get to the place of even reading it, and maybe many more to get to where you are now, but seeing pictures like this keeps me inspired as ever – thank you.
I completely agree with your FB friend and I’ve been thinking the same thing. I have some photos that I love and have never shared for the same reasons. This has me thinking for sure. (Sorry I comment so much!)
I have always loved your worked and followed you – Your art draws me in, intrigues me and makes me ask questions. I am overwhelmed at your latest work and after reading the above about you letting go of fear and judgement I can see why. Thank you for showing courage and listening to your heart without the distractions – I hope to learn from that too. Jess x
Glad you shared. Your decision to share was right- it is a beautiful image!
I love this post, and the image- beautiful! You’re always an inspiration Deb.
Deb I so agree with your friend your work has gone to a new level, however to me I always though of you as an artist. I love love love dropping by your blog to be inspired xxx Thank you for being you!
I think your friend is right…. your water photography sets you apart in a whole other artistic level. It’s deeply evocative and stunning to say the least! Keep inspiring!
Well said! I love this.
I am SO at that point right now! Just really being me, allowing myself to express and allowing others to express so I can capture it. I’m getting real tired of all the same photography stuff (backgrounds, headbands, brick walls, wooden crates… These elements CAN work BUT it’s gotta be at a deeper level for me before I use them. Or different enough at least! >.<). Ahh, it's such a fight to branch out and do something that's not the "usual." I'm still trying to find my voice…but my brain and heart's been churning much more so lately than before! …so it's a good thing… We'll see what happens next…