EVL4N

In Your Own Sweet Way -

'a roll of Nature's dice, thrown into the unknown, maybe into a new world, maybe into the void, and my only purpose in life was to let this throw from the primal depths play out, feel its will inside me, and make that will entirely my own.. Only that'

Sinclair

I guess I’ve began compiling some of my images into a collection, presenting them as they coexist as a kind of overall theme or concept. I’d love to commemorate and pay an homage to this period of my life - to myself and the people I encounter through the nurture of my practice. I’ve met most of the people close to me through photography, and I trust this medium will continue to draw me to those who love to share their stories and perspectives, those who will continue to prove a profound impact on my experience, and mine on theirs - a mutual exchange.

Time moves slow recently, I am present and grateful for every day that comes, and I am aligned with the steady flow of life. I may as well use this period in solitude, or with those who I admire, nurturing myself before the time comes where I won’t have as much time to do so. When I’ll be busy with projects and jobs. I’ve been listening to more steady instrumental music recently - Days of Wine and Roses, Wes Montgomery, although I haven’t watched the movie yet

an observation - 

the intensity and passion behind the image has a lot to contribute towards its reception. The image makers perspective - I guess when someone falls in love with a specific photographers work, or photographic practice, there’s an aspect of infatuation behind it. Towards this photographer’s gaze or experiences. This is raw and subjective. intuitive and observational. This is me making up words as I go along, and I guess images

I have been contemplating how much I should share of myself in regards to my work. If I should share more of my thoughts and internal dialogue, whether it be in the form of brief post captions or journal writings - I feel that this would anticipate a further immersion into my project and perhaps an insight into how I navigate my experiences and encounters with others. Vulnerability is something that I value and seek to have present in my relationships, but with a growing audience I do find myself intimidated by the idea of my perceptions being observed. This only makes me want to share everything more and deconstruct the narrative that my anxieties play in my life. Over the last few months I have enjoyed watching myself grow closer strangers, where our relationship had initially been a subject-photographer dynamic. I remember taking this approach when I first started taking photos when I was around 16, and those strangers I had approached also became some of my closest friends at the time. I see interactions between the growth of my practice and my personal growth merging, where the camera has become an extension of myself and of my eye. This project sees me literally photographing the course of my life as I force myself back into the world after a period of isolation. This period, not only a product of the pandemic, but also brought upon myself as I sought to understand Skye and reconnect with them.

 

3:54 Mon 28 Jun

I didn’t manage to write anything on the day of this exchange, I guess I was waiting to see the images before I channeled my thoughts. I am currently sat at the café near my house, this setting is pretty appropriate for writing - I’ve tried to make a habit of this in the mornings. It’s 4. Nonetheless I’ve written a few reflections today, a few about my morning with D the other week. I wrote about how I was moved to tears as they spoke, I gained an insight on their composition and the unveiling of their process. I literally cried, sat on a strangers living room floor, and cried. I was observing my surroundings, the experience as it played out, and sometimes you hear people talk about something that means a lot to them and you just cry out of appreciation for having been there to experience them in their joy, and for the joy of their joy. A conversation with a tree, vibration and pitch. A hum. I have gradually exposed myself to the perceptions of others, feeling their passions and immersing myself in their world. Again, this project has proved itself worthy of completion. I thank my camera for allowing my to cross paths with people, placing them on the course of my life. 

I wrote my dissertation plan recently, I’m writing on jazz photography and, a kind of revival of the Harlem Renaissance in the 60s. A great inspiration within this topic is Roy DeCarava, and I find the last image to be reminiscent of his works in the sound i saw. 

ongoing ...