“Why is Your Heart and Mind Quiet?”
…a Photographer recently asked. I responded, “Has anyone ever painted one of your photographs?” “No…I’d, be honored.” I responded, “Well, I am deeply honored.”
For those tuning in, I expressed appreciation for Van Evan Fuller’s painting, which used one of my photographs as its reference. It is NOT the first time I’ve captured something that was later painted. Actually, it is the second time. The first time, it was a point and shoot capture of a sunrise in the mountains that was so very beautiful, I cried. And, I took a picture of it. A Korean artist making ends meet as a part-time cleaning man, saw the photo on my desk and offered to paint it. I never thought anything of it really and paid for his supplies. The painting hung in my office for a number of years.
This time, however, is very much different. The past week was so unusual as if a stage is being set or paved and this great honor from Van Evan Fuller sent me into a bit of stillness. It reminded me of the biblical reference, “Be still and know that I am GOD.” I knew to just be quiet. And, yesterday, there was much to take in and that I would have missed, if I had chosen to deny my instincts.
But, seriously, why was this time so different from the first painting? I discussed this with my Artist Uncle Russ, he smiled through the telephone, “I’m not surprised. There is more to come!” In the course of our conversation, I came to a realization. Years ago, I was simply taking pictures. Now, I take photographs. I am invested in my photographs as there is a part of me imprinted in each of them — even the ones with flaws.
This photo, “Paved,” is nature’s reflection I spied on gravel as I waited for a model to finish her styling during a shoot as sunset approached.
Namaste
