This notebook is really just a physical manifestation of all my favorite things about life, in one place. Pages full of practical and magical things that make me happiest in the world. There is a quiet confidence in taking pictures so simple that hold such promise. And this confidence is mine, hard-earned. These pictures are about finding joy and satisfaction in noticing tiny miracles.
“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.
I am taking pictures without assigning meaning to them right now. I plan to spend a long season just observing and see what comes of this work.
When nothing much happens . . . and every little thing feels like a keepsake.