 “WHETHER YOU SUCCEED OR NOT IS IRRELEVANT, THERE IS NO SUCH THING. MAKING YOUR UNKNOWN KNOWN IS THE IMPORTANT THING.” – GEORGIA O’KEEFE Following her portfolio review, Sally asked, “What’s my next step?” I suggested it may be the next step outside her door. Comparing the scientist working on a cure, to an artist, it is the unknown which keeps us coming back. Regular, spontaneous, and mindful time spent with a camera, are some key ingredients for satisfying new work. To achieve REGULAR: Capture vignettes with your iPhone on your daily walk. To achieve SPONTANEOUS: Be aware of atmospheric conditions that favor a good outcome. Diffused light on a calm day works for me every time. To achieve MINDFUL: It’s harder than it seems, but just be in the moment. Photographer and mentor George DeWolfe had me combine all three. His challenge: Photograph at the same location, every day, for 90 days. Conditions differed based on time of day, weather and my level of mindfulness. It was a hot, humid, buggy summer, in the Florida Keys native hardwood hammocks. Over time, the forest I chose, revealed much about myself. Let’s just call it an unfinished work. As George often reminded: “The difference between a good photograph and a great photograph is a tripod.” A serious photographer treats imagery via iPhone, rather like note-taking. If the subject is of interest, they return, at least once, with professional gear. My newest photographs on paper, aluminum and canvas are on display January 29th - February 8th at Ocean Reef Club Art League. New Works exhibit is open for preview and voting on January 28th. Georgia O’Keefe was best known for her paintings of large, zoomed in flowers. She created many different types of abstract art, but was admired especially as an independent female role model. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum opened in Santa Fe following her death. 
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 Celebrating Mary’s new home. Many thanks to Island Interiors and the colors of nature... love color, especially purple.
 New Year’s Day would not be official without Vicki and Alan’s “world’s best hotdogs and worst champagne” weenie roast, and it was my first major outing since the head injury, and brain surgery. Donning my now trademark chapeau, I’m making the rounds, when Queenie and Tom beckon to me. Tom, looks at my semi-bald head, then grabs my hand, and says, “Wow! Look at those hands. They are strong. You are strong”.
Though I’d prefer what happened in Vegas, stay in Vegas, when life throws you a curve ball, you adjust. Instead of letting a temporary limitation define one’s existence, accept, and make the most out of the circumstances. The walks in nature. Healing music. The journal. Mind, body and self, first. Time is my friend. This “time out” from Thanksgiving, Christmas, holidays and “EVERYTHING” physical, has allowed me the opportunity to re-fuel and re-align. Rather than focus on what I cannot do, I recognize the love and the support of those who are there to help. Though a rather bold comment from Tom, Queenie explains “he tells it like he sees it.” Talk about making someone feel 100 percent. I can do this! Yes, I’m strong! Hands on! Game on! Following this revelation, I went home and took a nap. The photo accompanying this post: my favorite portrait, by Mike Leemhuis, entitled “Hands on and Focus”. |
CAROL ELLIS
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