Monthly Archives: August 2009

The Picture’s Story

CWB_Academy DancerI am so excited to share a new blog I started called the Picture’s Story. It is a writing inspired photo blog that explores the story behind the picture.

I have always been fascinated with hearing people’s stories. More so now that I shoot quite a bit of photography. I often want to know what the motivation was behind someone capturing an image or what the story is behind the emotion displayed in the shot.

I am still populating the blog with information and inspiration, and I encourage you to visit and look around. There is a links section where you will find writing and photo prompts, as well as inspiration and other photo related blogs. I also intend to feature some of the best Story Weavers to share some of their favorite images and stories with you. Storytelling is all about community and it is my hope to build just as strong a community of Story Weavers as I have of Art Slammers. I am so happy to offer two places for you to come and be inspired.

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Have You Found Your Perfect Fit?

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A few years ago, I was commissioned to create two art journals with over 50 unique layouts. The college class that would use my work would journal on the pages later. This was an interesting experience for me, as I am used to journaling on my work while I am creating it. Not being able to hide hidden words under layers of paint was a stretch for me, but it was a good stretch. I learned to not get caught up in the words, to work with collaboration in mind and to create lots of pages in a short amount of time.

This particular page was one of my favorites. Mainly because of the phrase on the page. It is such a simple question, yet one I can confidently answer, No. Nothing is perfect and I am fine with that. A phrase I have been using for years is Perfectly Imperfect. It is something I embrace with my art, my words and my photography. I no longer feel a need to have perfection in my life. It would be so boring if it was that way. Instead, I have chosen to enjoy the process of striving for a perfectly imperfect life. There is much learning and adventure when you allow yourself to be in that space. And, it is a good space to be in.

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A Flashback to My Childhood

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I was visiting some of my favorite blogs this morning when I happened upon Stephanie Roberts’ latest. The image in her post immediately took me back to my childhood and how I don’t see what was in her image anymore.

Clotheslines. I have vivid memories of helping my momma hang up clothes in our backyards (we moved alot, military family) and running through the sheets. I also remember how the clothes smelled when you brought them in from outside. Back then, all of my neighbors had clotheslines. Now, my neighbors have weeds, very few gardens, a few pools and that is it. Our yards are so freakin’ boring. When my family and I first moved into our house, it thrilled me like you would not believe to see a weeping willow in our backyard. Hands down, the weeping willow is my favorite tree. A few years later, to my horror, the electric company had come by and butchered half of the tree because it was too close to the power lines. Bastards. Then, a year later, we had to have it cut down because it was dying and had been from the inside out. To say I was crushed is an understatement. I don’t much go in my backyard now because it has no character. No trees, lots of grass and I can not seem to get motivated to love it. If it was up to me, and really, nothing is stopping me, I would fill it would flowering shrubs and a new weeping willow. And, maybe even a clothesline.

Related posts:

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The Treasure of a Story

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I am fascinated by hearing and reading people’s stories. I prefer to hear them in person over reading them. I am an empathetic person, so hearing someone tell me about themselves is a moving experience. Lately, a friend has been revealing his story to me and for all I thought I knew about him, I am discovering there are quite a few things I did not know. It has been like a  treasure hunt. It is like discovering a deeper part of someone’s essence and being completely fascinated by what you find. I love that.  What their story reveals reminds me of why I love having them in my life and what a  privilege it is when someone shares their story with you.

When was the last time you sat down to listen to someone’s story? When was the last time you actually asked someone to tell you about themselves? If it has been a while, do it now. Life is too short to think you will have a chance to do it again, so do it today while it is fresh in your mind. Be an attentive listener and listen with an open mind and heart. When someone opens up to you, it is a privilege to be in that space. This is something I do not take for granted.

Interesting Posts:

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The Story Behind the Eyes

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When you look at this picture, what do you see?

Do you see the story behind my eyes?

Do you see how I have grown?

My confidence and my strength, do you see them?

Do you see the sadness I cause, while not intentional, it is there?

Do you see the source of my inspiration?

Do you see how I have leaped in faith?

Do you see that I am open?

Do you see what I see?

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