Participate in Beauty
I grew up hearing two memorable metaphors my Dad would use to illustrate big picture lessons. I’ve used them in raising my own kids and put a high value on their ability to portray a concept or thought with words. Short snippets of language can so succinctly convey a much greater message.
I became friends with Luther Gerlach several years ago when he moved to Connecticut. Luther is as connected in the photo world as anyone I know after working for the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles for many years and apprenticing for Brett Weston until his death in 1993. Luther now makes imagery and offers workshops in the pristine woods of northeastern Connecticut. So, when I came across a quote from a recent Gerlach exhibition…“I want to participate in Beauty”, the quote simply brought into focus 40+ years of photography for me! Most artists will say, they have not yet made their best image, until I do and for me, these two images best resonate participating in beauty !
The wisdom we learn from our parents is indeed meant to be carried on for sure. Luther Gerlach seems like a very good friend
and someone you have a lot in common with. The video of his Wet Plate , which I know nothing about, but remember a few facts that you shared at some point. How he actually got the finished photo I’m not sure, but it is indeed spectacular. Your first black and white can be stared at over and over with ever changing visions. Wow! Of course your second colored photo is just plan beautiful and a lovely memory . Anything with water is it for me. As always thanks for taking those and sharing SS.
Very kind and inspiring words as you always seem to share after one of the Stories Behind. Thank you D !
SS
As a Latino, I can tell you that I only knew as a short message the NO and the YES, that is another story.
Grateful that you share, thoughts, stories and photos. without doubt the photo in B&W, is a mutant photo, for every time I look at it, underlying images are revealed… own of the imagination. Wonderful
The color photo, not very used to see color photos of SS, keeps the purity and refinement, visually the vanishing point, (left of the image), catches me. It is true the triangles follow you.
Grateful that you share, subjects of other photographers, it contributes, as an amateur, my experience is the formation of micro instants, each one I see, of each article you read, and especially of the comments on photos or authors.
Thank you for sharing and talking.
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Hello Ricardo,
Thanks very much for your insightful comments, I always value other visual artist and what their takeaways are from all the images I share. It’s a learning tool for me to further refine and progress in my own visual world.
Stay well !!
SS