March 2012
Yesterday, as I updated my facebook timeline, and invited everyone in my address book to visit my Cindy Wilson Photography page, I realize that I too have an obligation to be more present with my posts. I really enjoy writing, and I take photos all the time, but it is the putting myself out there on a consistent basis that makes me feel a wee bit vulnerable. After all, what if I stall? What if I write something of great import to me, and find it falls flat in the public arena. No matter, like photographing every day, posting becomes easier with practice, so here goes.
One idea I've been exploring is the idea of total intuition, making an image before the rationalizing of the subject begins.
This image, which is exhibited at the Photography Annual show at South County Art Association, was an afterthought. Actually, it was my first impression, but I did not make the image until the very end. I kept trying to visualize and make grander things that were contrived, to achieve perfection where it didn't exist. Finally I let myself come back to this reflection of an explosion of branches on a mist shrouded pond. Originally in color, I found the graphic qualities much more engaging than the color, so here is the black and white intuitive reflection on Bellville Pond.
It is from teaching that basic tenets of image making refuse to go away. Another idea I have been exploring is the practice of breaking out of my tendency for deep depth of field in landscape. I have always had deep fascination for places of nostalgia; old mills, faded advertisements, subjects with a story to tell.
In this image, from Sakonnet Point, I am immersed the timelessness of a traditional New England fishing port. I loved the faded color and texture of the latched door, and the boat puts the door in context, gives it an identity. But what additionally makes the image significant to me is the shallow depth of field; the boat doesn't need to be in focus to be recognized. The two planes of interest, the warm wooden door, and the cool harbor in the distance are treated differently, yet come together to make a dynamic whole. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach, which gives me the excuse to reap the rewards in the foundations of photography.
