Something from Nothing
“I cried very hard, of course—never had I considered that someone might interpret my affinity for practicality as creativity.”
—Alison Roman, Something from Nothing
This quote speaks to me because I am a practical person, and I see the practice of photography as a valuable tool to counter stress, anxiety and overwhelm. The fact that the work is a creative expression is a beautiful surprise. I see this practical nature in most every aspect of my life, and especially in my photography. Cutting elements from a scene works better for me than adding elements. Fewer choices liberates me rather than restricts me. I prefer to use what I have in terms of gear and get outside every day to see what I might see. I walk slower and stare longer these days; I am seldom in a hurry. And when inspiration wanes (as it always eventually does), I go somewhere new with my camera or try something different to spice things up. I thrive on routine AND novelty. (Maybe this is true for most of us.) My progress is quiet. I have enough and I am enough.
