Recently, I read a book by Austin Kleon titled, “Show Your Work.” The book speaks about being an artist, finding your voice and then finding the appropriate medium to get your work distributed and into the world. One point really stood out to me and that was the section on taking a break and then getting back into the work. As we all know I quit serious photography almost 3 years ago. I’ve given multiple attempts to get back to my work but each attempt has fallen flat. I’ve lacked motivation, I’ve lacked passion, I’ve lacked creativity and honestly I’ve lacked the proper mindset. Really, though, I think I’ve just been approaching the return with the wrong mentality.
Each time I’ve returned behind the lens I’ve assumed I was starting over. Technically, I wasn’t! I can’t unlearn the craft I know, I can’t un-shoot all the photos I’ve taken before and I can’t change the way my voice has emerged. I think this disconnect in my mind has failed my attempts from the beginning. Now that I’ve shifted my perspective from starting over to beginning again I feel less frustrated. The task of returning to my work feels less daunting. I also feel like I have nothing to prove to anyone except myself. This new shift in my perspective has been the breath of fresh air I’ve been searching for.
The last few weeks I’ve been incredibly motivated to get back to work. I’ve lined up a studio to work in through all of 2015, I went through all the work I’ve created in the last year that is representative of what I want to be shooting and I created a new working portfolio. This is the first new portfolio I’ve made in 5 years and I’m extremely proud of the collection of work I have to display. For the first time I’m willing to stand behind the photos I’m showing. Again, this is extremely motivating and completely fulfilling on a personal level. It is bringing me joy to see my work as it has evolved and where it is going.
2014 was an interesting year. I lived, I learned, I loved and I did a lot of experimenting. I failed many times and in reflection, I think I have finally found the person I’m supposed to be. Creating art is much more authentic when it comes from someone who has had experiences, someone who can learn from those experiences and use the soul of their character to create. This lesson has been hard to learn, it has taken me a long time but I think I finally understand.
I’m honestly looking forward to the approach of 2015. Having learned about myself, who I am and what I want from life, it is finally me who decides how my life unfolds. I’m the one steering my ship and I finally have a grasp of where I want to go. I have great aspirations for the coming year and I hope you’ll continue to follow along as these dreams turn to goals which turn to successful accomplishments. It is going to be a wild ride, fasten your seat belts and lets get this adventure underway!
