Saturday, November 14, 2009

And Now for Something

...completely different. 

I did something quite out of character today. While tethering my dog behind a convenience store, I noticed a vignette that struck me. A beautiful vine dotted with brilliant red berries and golden fall foliage climbed around a prosaically dull meter in a corner where some graffiti had sprouted. Something about it twanged the same twanger that I sometimes feel looking at thrown and altered work; something about the tension between the contrasts of organic and mechanical.  

Normally I would have made a mental note of it, taken a moment to enjoy it, and gone on with my day. But lately I have been playing with my husband's camera, for more than just pottery shots. I wouldn't call myself a photographer, but sometimes I point the camera at things and press the button. I felt a little silly (in a classic Yankee who-do-you-think-you-are kind of way) but I let Doug's example inspire me: he would never feel like he had to explain why an image was important to him, nor let errands get in the way of a creative moment; much less worry that the Big Apple clerks would think he was weird. 

So I went back to the house and got the camera and took a few shots. This one is the best. I am pleased not just with the photo, but with myself for honoring creativity wherever it presents itself. 

2 comments:

MamaMeg said...

First, I love your blog, photos and pottery! Very jealous of all your creativity. Second the vine in this photo is bittersweet. I only know this as my Mom loves collecting it every year in the fall. I've since learned it is an evil vine that can destroy a forest. So the metaphor continues as the strength of nature nests near the power of humans.

Lori Watts said...

Wow, MamaMeg, thanks for telling me that. That does seem to make the image more powerful. I learned something today.