We know what we know. It’s inside us. Ghosts live inside of us too. They start to come out as we age. Hopefully, our ghosts are good. Sometimes they aren’t. Eventually, we come to understand who we are and where we came from.
Where we come from. Wow. That’s hard. What made us who we are? Who made us who we are? You must go inside for that knowledge. Even then, it may not be clear.
That’s what my koan — the truth — is about. It’s not about telling the truth. I do that. It’s about understanding my own past so that I can understand my own truth. It’s like Buddhism on steroids times ten.
That may be why I’m photographing so many trees in so many ways. In some cultures trees are about rebirth. I don’t know that I want rebirth. I just want a crack where the light and the darkness gets in. That’s how I know I’m all right and on the right track.
Admittedly, this is selfish. It’s like any twelve step program. It’s about myself. Fix — or in this case — understand myself so that I can move on.
Since I think most of my ghosts are friendly, I’m excited to work through this process. I think it is the only way to move forward so that I can fix the external things that need fixing. Like the 753 potholes in my street.
I think many people are going through something similar. It’s either the new year or the “pandemic time of lockdowns” that are causing people to ask themselves what they really want.
I’m lucky in a way. Some of my friends have been writing in the socials about their process. They seem to be slogging through the mud and it’s getting deeper.
And, you? Who are you guys doing? Can I help?
Trees. I agree with the cultures who believe that trees are about rebirth.
At the very least, they are about the cycle of life. Understand that in a tree and you may open yourself up to a bigger truth.
So.
I photograph trees. A lot of them. I look at them for each unique composition. Sometimes I force them a little bit into my odd way of seeing. Still, the picture finds me. Or, the all seeing dogs points them out to me.
Photographing them is simple. You know me.
Post production is a little complex depending on what reveals itself.
I have a little worry. I keep seeing and photographing trees and nature. That’s all good. But, it seems to be keeping me away from my projects.
I’ll figure it out.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay mighty. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. Look after each other. Enjoy all the trees.
STORYTELLER 
Leave a Reply