here it is...365!!! sorry for the delay, but I had to work up to this. since it is essentially the last page of my novel, it required more thought and care. this image represents love…and is specific to only me. a reminder that through all the adventures, trials and tribulations I've had through the last year…in the end, love carried me though it all. love is the thread that binds my life together. it seemed fitting that I tie it all together in a nice little bow.
I never thought I'd make it this far…I'm not even sure what to say. if you've been following my stream closely, you know that it's actually taken me more than 365 days to complete this project. but like anything I do, I took my time…only working when I was inspired to do so. I know myself, and if I was too ridged about the process, it would have become work. for me, work comes from a different place than creativity. creativity is inspired by emotion…"work" dulls emotion, thusly - imagination suffers. I need to be able to work on my own clock. if I did it any other way, it wouldn't be me.
regardless of the time it took to complete, here I am at the end of the road. what a long strange journey it has been. it was the single largest artistic endeavor I've ever attempted…and by far, the most rewarding. I am a bit sad at this moment, that it is complete.
some days were easier than others, but one of the things I learned through this project is how to find my creativity. I learned how to look inside myself, and when that didn't work, I learned how to look to others for inspiration. in school they teach you all about technique, but technique is empty unless you have a spark. finding that spark is not only easier now, but is a complete joy. through the course of the year(+), I really focused on where my ideas came from. always aware of where my head was at, trying to harness my own power and channel it, instead of having it spray out of me like a shotgun. I figured out that mostly my creativity is only stifled by myself. learning to trust in myself, and not worrying about how something will be perceived. not to say that I ignored the fact that there would be an audience, but I stopped letting the fear of negative reaction guide my work. instead, I put trust in my own energy and ability. in the end, there is no wrong way to do this…for a long time I thought there was. that was a mistake that only served to cripple my imagination. I also learned to not be embarrassed. embarrassment is poison to the creative mind. I figured I'd go ahead and look like an idiot 'cause it's more fun that way...and the people that really matter won't judge me anyway.
I just realized how focused I am on the mental process of this project. without a doubt, my technique has come a long way and I have become a better photographer and visual artist. after a while, the amount of time I spent trying to figure out how to do something was reduced considerably. I became so familiar with my tools, my focus went inward. there will always be more to learn, but I am much more capable now than when I started.
I'm not sure I know what to say about camera gear or lighting, etc...I can tell you that I love both of my cameras (iPod doesn't count as a "real" camera, although it has served me well in a pinch). my PowerShot has proven itself in battle many times over, and my Rebel is quite a workhorse. even more powerful than my cameras though, is Photoshop. I would be lost without it.
I also feel like I found my own voice as well. style isn't something that can be taught, it can only be found through extensive exploration of your own abilities. I never thought I'd use so much Photoshop, but it just seemed natural. when I play a guitar I never use a dry sound…I always use some distortion, or a bit of delay, or both. I need the things I create to be pleasing to me before I'm ready to share them to anyone else. I may be a bit of an egomaniac, but I am my own biggest fan. ;)
the importance of the Flickr community cannot be understated. through the last year I have connected with so many amazing artists and photographers. having a group of likeminded individuals to correspond with was an unexpected joy. I wish I could meet you all in person. I feel very close to many of the people that I've interacted with here. more so than is capable in so many other forms of communication. being able to see other people's creative works is like a window to their soul. the feedback and correspondence from my friends here, and the Flickr community at large, has been hugely inspiring. every artist wants an audience, and I think that we all embrace that idea by viewing and commenting on each other's work. it is such a kind and wonderful little dance we do. knowing that we'll get back the energy we put out there. thank you for being there when I needed you the most. thank you for helping me through all those rough spots. thank you most of all for all your kind words, friendship, and inspiration!
CHEERS!!!
Tags: 365days project 365 365 human people love family friends pets cat selfie Randomographer photoshop digital art
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I've had this idea floating in my head for quite some time. I figure I better get it done now before my 365 project is complete. ;)
Music fans sometimes brandish this sign, often accompanied by headbanging, to signify that they enjoy the music they are listening to, mostly when the music is of the rock or metal genre.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_horns
Tags: 365days project 365 364 heavy metal hand color waves metal horns heavy metal finger sign Sign of the horns zwey quehr Finger P-Funk sign rock & roll rock on selfie RSLphotography Randomographer RSL photographics
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I mowed the lawn today.
Tags: 365days project 365 363 grass spring green human man selfie RSLphotography Randomographer RSL photographics
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25 self portraits in a 10 minute walk around the block.
Tags: 365days project 365 362 collage hipstamatic self portrait selfie Randomographer
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I do believe we're all connected...I do believe in positive energy...I do believe in the power of prayer...I do believe in putting good out into the world...and I believe in taking care of each other.
Tags: 365days project 365 361 human man rain wet positivity bus kindness bus selfie Randomographer
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