Inspiration

In this New Year, it seems that inspiration abounds. The response to "Internet Friends", the most recent post to Open Window was incredible, thanks to both Kristin Espinasse and Barbara Andolsek. As we have inspired each other over the past few years, it appears this inspiration has a wonderful domino effect. Photographers, writers, and artists, aspiring and otherwise, responded so positively to our collective story and appear to be using it as inspiration to continue their creative endeavors in this new year. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to think our small story can be that inspirational.

One woman comented: "Whether I ended up using ink, watercolor or acrylic or pastels or simply leave in pencil - something must happen. It might not be pretty but I'm determined to let out this 'old itch'!! Your friendship for some reason has inspired me." This comment resonated with me as one who has wanted to scratch this same itch, but met with only frustration for years. It wasn't until just a few years ago that I learned that my medium for creativity wouldn't be painting or drawing but rather would be photography and I have happily thrown myself at learning how to express myself in this medium ever since. I had so hoped that I would one day be able to paint or draw but the hand and eye could never "get it together", certainly to my satisfaction. Now I am thrilled with the images I'm creating in my photographs and my ability to use light of all sorts, lines and color to express what I feel about so many different subjects. What is that old adage, "If at first ..." well I might modify it a bit, "If at first a medium doesn't work, try another one!" I'll put money on you eventually finding the right one.

Venetian Parking by Barbara Andolsek

For me, the relationship Barbara and I have developed over the years is exciting and rewarding for us both, but particularly the frustrated painter inside of me, as I get to see my images as photographs and paintings - and they both give me great pleasure.