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08-AUG-2007

Well, this isn't exactly "abstracting reality," but it does reflect a heightened awareness of what is around me. Every day I wake up with a hunger to see things with new eyes. Sometimes that translates into an abstract image, but more often not. That's OK. Changing one's habitual ways of seeing the world takes time. And time is what I intend to devote to this study of Phil Douglis's teachings on Expressive Photography. The hardest part is undertaking my studies in such a public way. But all I have to lose is my pride, and that is falling away day by day. To be a student is to admit that you don't have the answers, that you have much to learn, that you are determined to grow. This is good. At 65, I am ready to begin again.

Canon EOS 350D
1/1000s f/3.2 at 50.0mm iso100 full exif

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Patricia Lay-Dorsey09-Aug-2007 23:08
Jenene, what you and Phil say rings true to me. My life has also been marked by a series of risks, many of them creative. But each time I set off on a new path I have to do battle with my Inner Critic. She's not very powerful anymore, but she still sets up a cry when I decide to move beyond my comfort zone. That's where you and my PBase companions come in. You give me courage to strike out into unknown territory. And I thank you for that.

Regarding living a public life, I've been a blogger since 2000, so I'm used to exposing my weaknesses as well as my strengths to public view. And I know what you say is true--my journey can be of benefit to others. As long as Truth is at its heart, all shall be well.

Patricia
JSWaters09-Aug-2007 16:56
Patricia, your words echo my own of about a year and a half ago. I'm so excited for you and want to reassure you about the public study arena. Phil's right, and he has encouraged me in every way - and I always tell him I learn more from the failures than the successes! I think I wrote you in a pmail that your way of seeing things would change completely - I see that it's beginning. (And as an artist, you already have a step up in that department.) You have more followers than I did when I started (still do!) - but trust that they will be supportive and remember that while you're learning - they are too. I remember feeling like my head was going to explode when I began this experience, it was consuming and exciting.
Jenene (another lifelong student)
daanstringer.com09-Aug-2007 16:27
i really like the composition of this one!
Patricia Lay-Dorsey09-Aug-2007 15:35
This shot marked a departure for me. Always before when I'd see my fellow Americans wrap themselves in stars-and-stripes swimsuits, t-shirts, jackets and towels, I'd turn away in disgust. This time I decided to look more closely, and when I did, I saw a woman, fearful and alone. For me, this portrait elicits feelings of compassion not judgement. And that is progress in my own personal growth.
Guest 09-Aug-2007 13:24
So well said and shot. V
Guenter Eh09-Aug-2007 12:57
You did and you do exciting new things Patricia. And the spirit comes over with your words and of course with your works! I feel inspired!***
Guest 09-Aug-2007 09:13
She looks afraid of what is coming, excellent catch of the expression allthough she maybe is thinking something else.
Adalberto Tiburzi09-Aug-2007 08:22
Well said.
Btw I see I am the youngest here... ;-)
Adal (the lifelong student)
Phil Douglis09-Aug-2007 06:58
I am 73, Patricia, and I begin again every day. I continue to experiment, risk, and learn. And you will as well.
Don't worry about losing anything. If you risk and do not succeed, you still learn from it, and that is really why you are doing it. I love the woman wrapped in the flag here -- she seems to be holding on to that bench as if it
is suddenly going to be taken away. If we extend symbol to the flag as well, one might read this image
as about political anxiety.
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