Intriguing Erik. I was aware of both philosophies, but look forward to seeing how they come together in your images. My guess is that you will take a lot of photos, and the approach and style for capturing the ideas you want to convey will emerge over time.
Yes, that is exactly the approach I am taking. None of the photos in this post really achieved the goal, but it is a starting point. In fact, as I look back over older photos I see many that show these qualities much clearer than any of the new ones I've taken where I deliberately try for this! I'm always grateful for any critiques you may have going forward.
This is fascinating Erik. I know nothing about either of these philosophies but I really enjoyed reading about them and I can see why they are appealing photographically. I can immediately see how I could apply the seven 7 principles with Wabi Sabi that you outlined to my own work as they really resonate with me. I also found your thoughts about each image really interesting and your comment about the dog made me laugh! I look forward to seeing how this idea progresses and where it takes you creatively.
Thanks Gill! I'm starting to think I should have tried to explain each philosophy more thoroughly before diving it, but it would be way too much for one post. I plan on writing more to clarify as we go along. It is all in the rough stages and very much a work-in-progress. I would welcome any critiques you may have going forward.
Haha, and yeah that dog is the embodiment of a love/hate relationship!
Beautiful thoughts and photographs! I think the photo of the old blanket is completely wabi sabi...it looks like it really wants to go outside! Maybe it's remind us of the artificial boundaries we put between ourselves and the natural world? Or how it was discarded by someone who just threw it there, but really it is still useful and still has something to offer the world? It is definitely making a statement of some kind. Also I was thinking about the old headstones from your ancestors post, and those seem very wabi sabi in a memento mori way. Impermanence, death, the processes of nature, weathering, texture...all the Stoic/wabi sabi themes together.
I really love your work and I'm looking forward to seeing where this exploration takes you. Thank you!
Ah, I like that interpretation of the blanket photo! It still speaks of separation to me, but the recognition that the boundary is artificial has caused me to go back and reconsider it. I've been thinking of my past photos that may have these qualities, but those headstone photos hadn't yet come to mind. You are absolutely right, though! Although, I think if I were to photograph them with this specific motif in mind I would approach it differently.
Thank you so much for the feedback, not to mention putting this path out there for me to follow. I already have many more photos I'm excited to share, and I welcome your critiques! Thanks Brittany!
Thank you, Mike! I don’t think any of these photos perfectly captured what I was after, but it is a work in progress. And, I’ll write more thoughts on the topic as I go forward.
That’s right, it's a start, a new direction, a new way of seeing, and new opportunities will present themselves as you move forward. Thanks for sharing these thoughts, they will inspire others, myself included.
"I will sprinkle in these Wabi Sabi Stoic posts as an indefinite series."
I like the notion of a thematic mini-series within a Substack, Erik. I have done a number of "Wise Words" posts on my publication where I share a favorite quote with a few thoughts about why it resonates. I do one when the spirit moves. It's fun. Onward with your WSS project! 👏
That idea seems like it will be really helpful. Not only is it a topic I'm very interested in, but it gives me something to work on when I can't go on photo trips. Thanks Baird, glad you liked it!
Love everything about this post and idea for the new series from your excellent source of inspiration (Brittany doesn’t miss).
What I love about Stoicism is its principles can apply to any aspect of life. Regardless of domain, there are empowering concepts that can add meaning and beauty to the endeavor.
Excited for this addition to your already phenomenal account.
This is great and looking forward to your future posts incorporating these ideas.
I keep seeing posts about finding community in Substack and recognize the truth in that but reading this I became aware of it a little more as I discovered more about you and what’s driving you.
Man, I really appreciate that! I agree, for whatever reason the Substack world has allowed me to get to know some really great individuals. Even though they are only(?) on line connections, it feel so much more authentic than on any other platform I’ve tried. Thanks!
Intriguing Erik. I was aware of both philosophies, but look forward to seeing how they come together in your images. My guess is that you will take a lot of photos, and the approach and style for capturing the ideas you want to convey will emerge over time.
Yes, that is exactly the approach I am taking. None of the photos in this post really achieved the goal, but it is a starting point. In fact, as I look back over older photos I see many that show these qualities much clearer than any of the new ones I've taken where I deliberately try for this! I'm always grateful for any critiques you may have going forward.
This is fascinating Erik. I know nothing about either of these philosophies but I really enjoyed reading about them and I can see why they are appealing photographically. I can immediately see how I could apply the seven 7 principles with Wabi Sabi that you outlined to my own work as they really resonate with me. I also found your thoughts about each image really interesting and your comment about the dog made me laugh! I look forward to seeing how this idea progresses and where it takes you creatively.
Thanks Gill! I'm starting to think I should have tried to explain each philosophy more thoroughly before diving it, but it would be way too much for one post. I plan on writing more to clarify as we go along. It is all in the rough stages and very much a work-in-progress. I would welcome any critiques you may have going forward.
Haha, and yeah that dog is the embodiment of a love/hate relationship!
Beautiful thoughts and photographs! I think the photo of the old blanket is completely wabi sabi...it looks like it really wants to go outside! Maybe it's remind us of the artificial boundaries we put between ourselves and the natural world? Or how it was discarded by someone who just threw it there, but really it is still useful and still has something to offer the world? It is definitely making a statement of some kind. Also I was thinking about the old headstones from your ancestors post, and those seem very wabi sabi in a memento mori way. Impermanence, death, the processes of nature, weathering, texture...all the Stoic/wabi sabi themes together.
I really love your work and I'm looking forward to seeing where this exploration takes you. Thank you!
Ah, I like that interpretation of the blanket photo! It still speaks of separation to me, but the recognition that the boundary is artificial has caused me to go back and reconsider it. I've been thinking of my past photos that may have these qualities, but those headstone photos hadn't yet come to mind. You are absolutely right, though! Although, I think if I were to photograph them with this specific motif in mind I would approach it differently.
Thank you so much for the feedback, not to mention putting this path out there for me to follow. I already have many more photos I'm excited to share, and I welcome your critiques! Thanks Brittany!
A very interesting post, I look forward to following you along on this journey.
Thank you, Mike! I don’t think any of these photos perfectly captured what I was after, but it is a work in progress. And, I’ll write more thoughts on the topic as I go forward.
That’s right, it's a start, a new direction, a new way of seeing, and new opportunities will present themselves as you move forward. Thanks for sharing these thoughts, they will inspire others, myself included.
The tree in the fog fog photo is very reminiscent of the Japanese painting style. Great shots and commentary.
I love the atmosphere of that photo, but I think the simplicity of it is what gives it the Japanese-ish aesthetic. Thanks Lou!
"I will sprinkle in these Wabi Sabi Stoic posts as an indefinite series."
I like the notion of a thematic mini-series within a Substack, Erik. I have done a number of "Wise Words" posts on my publication where I share a favorite quote with a few thoughts about why it resonates. I do one when the spirit moves. It's fun. Onward with your WSS project! 👏
That idea seems like it will be really helpful. Not only is it a topic I'm very interested in, but it gives me something to work on when I can't go on photo trips. Thanks Baird, glad you liked it!
Love everything about this post and idea for the new series from your excellent source of inspiration (Brittany doesn’t miss).
What I love about Stoicism is its principles can apply to any aspect of life. Regardless of domain, there are empowering concepts that can add meaning and beauty to the endeavor.
Excited for this addition to your already phenomenal account.
That means a lot! Thanks brother!
This is great and looking forward to your future posts incorporating these ideas.
I keep seeing posts about finding community in Substack and recognize the truth in that but reading this I became aware of it a little more as I discovered more about you and what’s driving you.
Man, I really appreciate that! I agree, for whatever reason the Substack world has allowed me to get to know some really great individuals. Even though they are only(?) on line connections, it feel so much more authentic than on any other platform I’ve tried. Thanks!