Personal Projects
Friday, November 13th 2009 @ 10:15 AM
November. The days are very short and getting shorter and I know that December will be here soon and January will follow shortly.
Although I love the holidays, I have come to realize that I have a little bit of seasonal depression in January. There is the let down after the frantic "busyness" of the holidays, the long "to do" list of all those unpleasant tasks that I said, "Oh, I am too busy now. I will do that in January.", the telephone that rings all too infrequently (doesn't anyone want me?), and finally the darkness that saps my energy.
Knowing that this is coming, I have an assignment... a little preventative medicine. I am thinking about a personal project that I can throw myself into during this time that will push the boundaries of what I know and feel comfortable with photographically.
Today I am thinking about what that project might be.
The first thing that I thought of is a project that has been at the back of my mind since a trip that I made to London in 2003. My daughter, Anna, and I were wandering the streets and found a church tucked down a side street that intrigued us. We decided to explore. It was a weekday and all was quiet but the doors were unlocked, so we went in. There was an atmosphere of history and tradition here but it was still an active congregation. It was Easter week and at the back of the chruch we found a minaiture diorama of Christ's tomb with the stone rolled away and the three crosses on a tiny hill (we saw similar displays in several churches).
As we walked around the sanctuary, we found contemporary photographic art on the walls depicting key points in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. These were not detailed, full length portrayals but hinted at what was happening by showing a shoulder, half a face, two hands, etc. all with very dramatic lighting.
I loved the style and concept and have wanted to take that idea and run with it ever since. The problem was, when would I have time to devote to a personal project when I am so busy making a living and caring for my family? The point is, I never would get around to it unless I intentionally set aside time for it. Is this the time to tackle it?
More thoughts on this subject to come.
