Living Photography
There are differences when it comes
to art, it either conjures emotion in its observer or it does not. When an
artist creates a piece of art it is meant to convey a certain feeling in the person
viewing it. These feelings can vary from happiness, to hope, even despair.
While some artists are good at making others experience these emotions others
are experts. I was lucky enough to see some art from the art gallery that
invoked these sentiments of my very own. Although all of them were good, there
were three that stuck out the most. “Innocence”,
and “Poppet”, both by Rachel
Hammond, and “Table for one”, by Ashton
Yorek. While all three summoned
different emotions in me, all were just as powerful as the last. In the words
of ― Edgar Degas
“Art
is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
The first photo I encountered was “Innocence”, by Rachel Hammond.
This particular photograph was very powerful because it brought back memories of
my own childhood and innocence, and its short lived existence. The small boy
featured in this photo looks so tiny and pure as if nothing in life has damaged
him yet. I see a naïve look of hope in his eyes, so oblivious to the struggles
he may have to face in his future as a teenager and an adult. I cannot help but
feel almost jealous of this young boy and the sheltered life I imagine him
living, one so unlike my own. Although part of me wants to protect him from the
difficult life he may inevitably face in his future. I know that we must all go
through obstacles in life, for this is what makes us stronger as individuals. I
know that if I had not been through some of the adversities I have had to overcome
I would not be the person I am today. And I feel without these stepping stones
I may not be as understanding and empathetic
towards others and their struggles.
The second photo I encountered was “Poppet”, also by Rachel Hammond.
When I first laid eyes on this photo my initial thought was, “Gross, I hate feet.”
Although I do dislike feet, I was able to look past this and find the true
beauty of the photo. It reminded me of waking up in the morning with the sun
shining through my bedroom window on a warm summer day. And realizing at that
moment I have no obligations. I get to lay back, close my eyes, relaxing in the
comfort of my bed and enjoy doing nothing. The photo so elegantly describes
this as there are not many days when I get to enjoy an occasion such as this,
but when it does happen it is almost blissful.
The last photo is Table for one, by Ashton Yorek.
This one makes me feel independent and strong. While some might view this photo
as being sad, or lonely I think of being happy and enjoying dinner alone, appreciating
my own company. In the picture it appears as though someone neatly folded their
napkin, placing it carefully on their plate, then the fork and knife on top
with ease, no sense of urgency or haste. The fact they took their time gives me
a calming feeling and encourages me to take a step back and enjoy the little
things as well. I imagine this person also takes their time with other
leisurely activities, such as smelling flowers as they walk through a park,
skipping stones across a pool of still water during sunset, or taking the time
to smile at strangers as they go about their day. The photo shows that being
alone is not always meant to be sad, but it is nice to have alone time and
enjoy peacefulness.
These three photographs that I was so
fortunate to be able to view on my own terms have not only brought me visual
enjoyment, but have also made me think in more depth. They have made me
interpret not only the photos themselves but the emotions they make me feel
when I look at them. “Innocence” brought
back childhood memories, for life to seem magical and secure, for a childlike bliss once again. “Poppet”, gave me a sense of happiness
and relaxation. It made me remember what it is like to wake up with the sun
shining on my face in the morning and appreciating the promise of each day. “Table for one”, I like this photo
because it shows that even if you are alone you can still be happy. Although
all three were very different, they all did their job in conveying emotion and allowing
me to express my outlook on each one.
