Creativity Through The Eyes of A Child

As you may already know, I really enjoy discovering different ways of getting inspirational ideas for my own artistic endeavors. In my last post, I wrote about using children's literature as a springboard for my creative projects. Today I rediscovered another one of my inspirational sources: children's artwork.

At work today, I stopped to admire my students' colorful artwork just outside of my school library. (Please see the photo I took of one of these masterpieces posted above.) I was struck by the fact that even the very youngest children showed so much passion for their work. And then I remembered that many of the children don't have a lot of preconceived ideas about how art should look. This sense of freedom enables them to combine colors in exciting ways as well as to use lines and shapes to enhance their work. Many of these very young artists are so self-absorbed in their own work that they do not worry about comparing themselves to others.

I thought of all of these ideas in terms of my own artistic projects. Why can't I feel some of this same sense of creative freedom? I believe that I should enjoy the creative process in and of itself, but why do I tend to judge myself against the work of others?

And then I remember one of my favorite Pablo Picasso quotations: "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Ah, words of wisdom! Now I am not advocating that we just ignore such time honored artistic rules such as the rule of thirds, but I am thinking about how to keep the creative passion flowing. And I believe that viewing my students' artwork provided me with some answers.

Keys to Creativity

As we begin the second day of 2008, it seems that all is back to the regular daily routine. The magic of the holiday season is over and winter is here to stay with a vengeance here in Central New York State. (The freshly fallen snow looks lovely, but it is only 11 degrees F this afternoon and the temperature continues to fall!)

I usually do not look forward to this time of the year because I can't seem to find many things to look forward to during the bleak winter months. The joy of the holiday season is over and work is filled with many tasks to accomplish. And spring, with its glorious light, seems like it light years away.

But this morning I decided to focus upon other thoughts. I just want to look at daily life and discover creative sparks that will hopefully fill my imagination.

As I prepared my lesson plans for the students in my school library, I rediscover one of my keys to creativity: children's literature. One of my passions in life is sharing outstanding children's books with my students. In turn, I have found that some children's books are so artistically done that they serve to spark my imagination as well.

The book that brought this idea to my mind was Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoerr. Author Yolen's text is so descriptive that the reader can just picture discovering that snowy owl. I love sharing such passages as "the snow was brighter than milk in a cereal bowl" with my students. (Some of my students are "city kids" and have never seen an owl, but Jane Yolen's writing makes this come alive for them.) The illustrator, John Schoerr, used muted shades of blues, browns, and greens among the winter white in order to beautifully enhance the book. He won the Caldecott Medal (an American award given to one children's book illustrator per year) for his outstanding an magical illustrations. You can find out more about Jane Yolen by visiting her website at www.janeyolen.com

An now I am remind about how much I turn to children's literature for ideas and inspiration! These appealing masterpieces provide me with ideas for photography and craft projects. Somehow, my winter photos reflect my appreciation for books such as Owl Moon. I now observe and use colors, shapes, and lines differently. I try to really "see" what I would normally just have given a passing glance.

Yes, I can provide you with many other examples of fine children's literature titles, but I thought that Owl Moon would provide a perfect example. Why not try discovering these gems, whether they be classics or current bestsellers? You may even find a creative spark. And remember the words of Thomas Carlyle: "The best effect of any book is that it excites the reader to self activity."

And so I will continue to find creativity within everyday activities. I wonder what I shall find?

A New Start

As you can see, it has been many months since I have added to my blog. Computer woes at home was just one problem. My main obstacle seemed to be that life just got in the way. However, I was just thinking about just how much I enjoy recording my thoughts here. My blog gives me opportunities to sit back and reflect on my favorite subjects: photography, literature, art, craft projects and the simple pleasures of life. I can stand back from the ordinary times in my life and begin to see those people, places and events which serve to inspire me. This blog helps be to bring more joy and creativity into my life!

And as the new year approaches, I thought that I would update my blog a bit. I am still struggling to find a background template that I like, but I am definitely going to continue to publish what I can my "creative ramblings". I may comment a book that I am reading, write about a favorite photographer, share a favorite quote, or describe my latest craft project. I will still add my photographs when I have a chance, but I don't think that every entry will include a photo. (I found that I got very far behind in adding blog entries if I didn't have photos to go with them.)

I really do enjoy the writing process. It helps me to have the theme of creativity so that my blog entries flow and do not stagnate with just descriptions of daily frustrations. (Yes, I know that my frustrations will pop up here from time to time!)

In addition, I really do enjoy visiting other people's blogs. I glean more inspiration from reading your blog entries and viewing your photographs. Keep up the good work!

My goal for the new year is to continue to add meaningful entries to my blog on a regular basis. I realize that I may not be able to add daily entries, but I will definitely try to be
consistent . In turn, I will be around to visit your blogs very soon.

All the best for 2008. Happy blogging!

Kathy

Wildflowers

Here's another macro photo that I created using my Sigma 105 mm lens. These tiny flowers cried out to be photographed and I was pleased with the results. I focused on the front flower. I liked the blurred background.

Photography really does provide us with "new eyes". I am amazed at the fact that I can get really close to nature's miracles!

Photography also gives us a special way to look at life and God's creations. I had the following William Blake quotation in mind when I took this photo: "To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour."

I really enjoy visiting your blogs in order to see the different ways that you view the world. It is a privilege!

Simple Things

Recently, I discovered a wonderful quotation written in the signature portion of a colleague's e-mail message. "Teach us to delight in simple things." (Rudyard Kipling)

Kipling's words immediately made me think about the art of photography. Our camera lenses allow us to really see the world around us. Photography provides us with so many opportunities to appreciate the world around us that may otherwise go unnoticed: a child's tiny fingers, a beautiful sunset, shadows from a tree, the light in an elderly person's eyes, or a colorful peacock feather. And the list goes on.

The photo above is entitled "Ice Princesses". I still remember the day I took it with my trusty Canon point-and- shoot digital camera. I was amazed by just how beautiful weeds could look with ice on them. I really liked the muted colors against the white background.

I have a list of simple things that I would like to photograph: berries encased in ice, my nephew's tiny fingers, an approaching thunderstorm, pumpkins in an autumn field, Nubble Lighthouse along the Maine coast, and snow covered trees lined up in a row.

"Teach us to delight in simple things." This is such a profound statement! Do you have a list of simple things that you would like to capture with your camera?

Twilight On Twin Ponds

I have to say that I have really been enjoying the process of creating as well as writing in my blog. My blog has given me the opportunity to write about the creative aspects of photography. I have also been inspired to take and post at least one new photo per week. (I have actually posted more than one new photo during the past week!)

In addition, I have been going back and looking at some of my photos. I vividly remember shooting "Twilight At Twin Ponds" with my Canon point-and-shoot camera. It was taken in November 2004. The leaves had been raked away, but the snow had not yet fallen here in Central New York. It was such a clear day and I just knew that the sunset would be breathtaking. Fortunately, I was not disappointed when I reached the local ponds. The ducks and geese were gathered there. My camera and equipment was set up just as the sun was sinking below the horizon. The sun's last rays were shining just over my shoulders when this gorgeous scene appeared in my view finder.

I knew then that I had to learn more about the art of photography. I began to appreciate the beauty of natural light. As the American poet Walt Whitman once wrote, "Every moment of light and dark is a miracle. "

The magic of photography has also given me an appreciation of nature. I have learned to really "see" those natural things that I had always taken for granted: frost on leaves, morning dew, flower buds just waiting to open, reflections on a pond, and awe-inspiring sunsets. "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. " (Albert Einstein)

Waiting...

My wonderful niece K (who is very wise for her eight years) recently asked my why I "make" so many photos. I naturally explained that I take so many photos so that I can practice. However, her question proved to be a thought-provoking one which has prompted me to dig a little deeper. This blog has given me opportunities to explore the creative process and hopefully discover the inspirational factors behind the photographs.

Photography has enabled me to capture the beauty of each season. Today, winter's snowy bands of lake effect snow returned in full force. And while we all know just how much I love to drive through and shovel the white flakes, it did create a quiet winter scene. I took this photo of my neighbor's Adirondack chair. I like the contrasts in this photo: an Adirondack chair (a symbol of summer in this part of the country) covered with snow as well as the contrasting colors of red, green and white.

This simple chair seemed to whisper one word to me: "waiting". I am waiting to see just how much more snow we will receive tonight and tomorrow. Perhaps I am waiting for the splendor of spring to return as winter finally fades away. And I am definately waiting for the chance to create more summer memories.

And so I am able to appreciate God's handiwork through the camera's creative lens. This is one of the most important reasons why I "make" so many photographs. Whether I entralled by the glory of a crisp fall day, the beauty of a perfect spring flower, or a summer sunset, I am filled with gratitude for opportunities to capture such images using my camera. I am reminded of a passage from the Bible: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

I will try to enjoy this winter by taking photographs. I am going to practice getting the right exposure terms of the snow. (I actually overexposed this photo so that the snow would not look grey. I also hoped to keep some of the details of the snow.)

And I will continue to ponder why I "make" photographs.

Friendly Feline Vs. The Flash

Recently, I purchased the 580 EX Speedlite flash for my Canon Digital Rebel XT. Although I always prefer using natural light, I felt that I needed a way to capture images inside, especially during the winter months.

Here is one of my first attempts using the flash unit. I also purchased the Gary Fong light difuser system so that I could bounce the light. (This unit looks like a piece of Tupperware on the end of the flash unit!) I had my camera on a tripod.

I just love my cat, Belle. She is very loving and loyal. She will even go downstairs and checks things out if she hears something in the middle of the night. However, she does not like the camera! She will run away from me even before I get the camera out of the bag. So, I thought that this is a good photo of her.

Photography equipment lets me capture images from my everyday life in fun and creative ways. Now I try to look around me and look at my surroundings with "new eyes". Edward de Bono said, "Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way." How true!

So, I will continue to really "see" things around me. This is the joy of photography!

Key to Creativity

Ansel Adams said, "You don't take a photograph, you make it." I have been keenly interested in photography for almost two years. Photography has provided me with a outlet to express my creative side. My goal has been to learn about the basics of photography so that I can manipulate light.

The photo posted here is one that I took last winter. I really felt that I "made" the photograph. It was a bright sunny day and the light was streaming in my window. I put a white piece of paper down. Then I used double sided tape to attach the key. The sunlight cast such a bold shadow and I loved the strong graphic design.

My goal this year is to "make" more photographs like this one. I will continue to learn how to take control of the camera and its settings as well as to study the beauty and power of light. Hopefully, I will be able to post my own Photo A Week here in my blog.