Riverbend and the Loxahachee River

Inquires about my summer weather field work inevitably circles to,

"How can you stand the heat?"

South Florida is a subtropical climate after all. Today, the weather is humid, hot, and steamy. One of those days I am hibernating in my studio writing and arranging a still-life escaping from that oppressive sauna like heat. Although just a few days ago, I canoed the Loxahachee River with Chris Devenport, a fellow naturalist. The morning was much like today, but once I found myself engrossed by the towering Oaks, telling of early residents, Cypress, towering like skyscrapers, and Pond Apple trees, ancient beings. I am always amazed how early Floridians survived without ant spray (or any other bug repellant) or air conditioning. Sometimes my mental displacement is reassuring to my cognitive conscious side that asks if my pursuit as a professional photographer is prudent. That fleeting thought abandons me the further we canoed into the hammock. I felt like a pioneer exploring the unknown, until the stripped tail of a baby alligator caught my eye.

I found myself remembering that artistry takes a lifetime of mastery. In times of not so great creativity, I must be as the little alligator: still, purposeful, and intuitive. When my mind and spirit fuse in this creative zone, the heat and humidity are just gravy.

Opening Miracles

Photography is a daily act of mediation. My mind seems to be able to conceptualize the miracles that are visually available everyday. Today, I rushed and missed my peaceful moments. As artists, we must be neither too critical of our inaction (ie. a break) or of our creativity. We must release the pressure that seems built up from not breathing  deeply.  I tend to forget the idea of " through breathe to depth..." These basic elements help me accomplish the daily chores (I think we all loathe at least some.) and find time for our passions. Time can challenge us to lose sight of the miracles art has in store for us and our audience. My personal challenge to myself is make art everyday drawing a virtual line from my heart to my subject, regardless of the chosen medium. In doing so, my vision is to advocate for all artist to challenge, share, and create miracles. So, grab a camera, paint brush, or pencil. Take 15 minutes. Just create and remember the joy in your passion.