Direction

Which direction do we go?  It’s been a while since I last posted to my blog, and to you my dear reader, I apologize.  It’s not that I haven’t wanted to, it’s been more that I’ve been unsure what to write about.  You see, I feel that I’m at a bit of a turning point, creatively speaking. The path and practices that I’ve followed for the past few years have become a bit stale and un-involving and so I’ve withdrawn a bit from the direction I was following, searching and scanning for creative inspiration to move forward to the next direction of travel.

I’ve been through this before, so I’m not shocked or worried.  Some people may call it a “creative roadblock” or some such superficial moniker.  However, I tend to look deeper at the issue and have learned that for me, it’s more about finding a new direction or inspiration for my creativity.  You see, I’ve not lost my passion or desire to create beautiful images, art, or tell visual stories.  That flame is burning brighter than ever.  However, just exactly how I want to do that…that is the part that is in flux. I’ve learned that during these times I tend to withdraw a bit from expending too much energy towards a direction that I’m not passionate about, saving some of that energy to burst forth in a new direction when I find what that is.  The best analogy I can find is with a flowering plant….there is a point in the plants cycle where it conserves energy, maybe needs more “food”, so it can go on a “growth spurt” which requires a boost of energy.  That’s a bit how I feel…I’m conserving creative energy so that I can experience a creative growth spurt.

During these phases of my creative journey, it’s important that I don’t turn negative, feeling bad that I’m not producing or even exhibiting my passion for photography.  It’s too easy to fall in to a negative trap when I feel I’m lacking creative direction.  I know I’m not lacking passion or skill…I’m just undecided how best to apply and direct this passion and skill.

As I’m thinking about my direction, I spend time reading and diving in to subjects that are generally not photography related.  I find this a sort of “palette cleanser” to clean out the mental pipes.  I spend time learning more about classical art, music and music theory, storytelling, human cognition, etc.  Lots of different kinds of topics that offer a break from photography, yet still continue my desire to be a “continual learner” to expand my knowledge and awareness.

It is also critical that I “let go” of preconceptions of “what I should be doing” and “what I should be shooting”…instead I am always conscious of being mentally open, letting go of preconceptions, and being connected and listening to my inner passion.  Being open to external stimulus for inspiration allows me to find creative inspiration in almost anything around me…you never know where you might find inspiration.  Being connected and listening to my inner voice helps me to consciously respond to internal sparks of energy about subjects/concepts/stories that may lead to a new direction.

I am heading to Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelley in a week and getting excited for this experience.  We have a great group of photographers for this workshop, which will heighten the possible creative experience. As I prepare for this trip, I’m not concerned with planning shots or expectations of what kinds of photos I want to come home with.  Instead, most of my creative “work” this week is spent on being open and receptive to what happens around me.  One aspect I’m particularly keen to be open to is more of the Navajo history and spirts that permeate this area.  Most of the workshop will be on the Navajo Nation, deep in their land, culture and history.  Many years ago I had someone in my life who was a Native American and I spent considerable time with him learning about their religion and beliefs.  The one point that is applicable here is that the Navajo have many different Gods and spirits and they are all around them…the mountains, sky, sun, monliths, etc.  They are very spiritually connected to the land!  This spirituality, this reverence, comes though when you visit, IF YOU ARE OPEN to feeling it.   Sometimes this type of connective experience can also lead me to a new creative direction.

All this to say that if you are lacking direction in your photography, or not feeling the passion that you once felt, it’s OK!  To me this is a natural phase as we grow as people and as artists.  We are cyclical creatures, just like nature, and go through phases.  If you find yourself in such a spot, please don’t start the negative talk.  Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth and development as an artist.  It’s a time for you to recharge and regroup and seek a new creative direction to focus your energy and skills in creative beautiful photos.    Be open and receptive to both external and internal inspirations, you never know for sure where inspiration will come from.  Be patient.  Don’t force it. Let it come to you.  When the new direction comes to you organically, naturally, it will be much more authentic and that authenticity will come through in the photos you create!