I’ve been away from this space from a whole year. Resting and recharging. There is no grand plan. No big reveal. No promises or pressure. A big part of healing from trauma involves finding what nurtures you. Taking these simple photographs is my creative outlet - and a sign that I recognize that my needs matter too and that I am worthy of respect.
I am exploring themes for this project. Round and round they go like so many towels in a dryer, tumbling one over the other, tangling and finally loosening to separate and stand out.
My working title is Second Hand. Which somehow pushes ahead of Thrift Shop Art, or Second Chances, or Treasure Trove. Of course, there are the tried and true titles, like Opp Shop and Twice as Nice or Two Times New. And all the other various iterations and plays on words that have to do with stores that sell donated treasures, heirlooms, junk and trash.
I fret that this project is trivial. Just thrift store stuff arranged into still life scenes. And then I stop for a compassion break, and let go of those old rules that say my art has to say something.
Maybe this combination of images for a two-page layout? Not that other image, the one of the angel with a harp. I don’t usually give photographs in my books captions or labels, but WOW that record player brings up some great ones. Solid State. Party Time. Great Music.
Would this other thing work? A photograph of an old car parked outside the second-hand store. And what about this beautiful handmade quilt with big, bright tulips embroidered in each block?
I like to build my projects as I go. I find stacks of photos overwhelming. I swap pictures in and out and see what works. I wonder if the project will meander to specific colors or themes? So far, I’m spinning on the color wheel.
