Sunset at Moonlight Beach

Icon: (from Wikipedia) "...one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance thru literal or figurative meaning, usually associated with religious, cultural, political, and economic standing."

In Encinitas, California, where I live, there are several distinct beaches to choose from. However, Moonlight Beach is probably the one most closely associated with Encinitas. On this beach is a single palm tree that has been there as long as I can remember (at least 30 years). It has become an icon; it certainly represents Moonlight Beach, but by extension it also identifies the city of Encinitas, as well.

As you can well imagine, because of its iconic status, this palm tree has been photographed more times than Paris Hilton on a full night of bar hopping. It has been shot from every angle imaginable, including from the air. So, why would I want to take yet another picture of this solitary tree? Because it IS an icon. And like every icon, it has meaning to everyone familiar with it.

Besides, I had come to photograph the sunset and the palm tree was a useful element in my photo. However, because of its symbolic status, I decided to isolate it from the very beach in which it was rooted. Now, it was simply an interesting shape helping to frame the sun in its descent into the Western horizon.

As I was going through all of the sunset pictures I shot yesterday evening, another thought occurred to me. One of the profound characteristics of photography is that it can remind us to look carefully at the details in the world around us. There are miracles to observe, and grandeur to behold, that all too often we miss because our lives are moving at such a rapid pace. A photograph is a moment frozen in time. To look at a picture properly, one must stop...... and carefully study the image before them. The reward for doing this comes in two stages: the first is an appreciation for the beauty of the image itself and perhaps the feelings that it evokes, and the second comes when you encounter that very scene (or even one only similar) and can readily appreciate the details you are now observing.

What I so enjoy about the photo above is its simple beauty. The simple shape of a single palm tree, silhouetted against the sun as it descends toward the distant horizon, passing through layers of clouds as it goes. Colors, shapes, textures; peace.

I'll leave you with a question: If there is no one present to observe the myriad colors cast by the sun's light as it moves low in the sky, through clouds and other particles in the atmosphere, would it still be beautiful?

Aaaah, Fall

Long sigh...... I don't know about you, but for me the change of seasons always evokes a multitude of feelings, and memories. Oh the memories! Even though this evocation gets stronger as I get older, I always find myself reminiscing about past seasons whenever a new one begins.

I know, Autumn doesn't officially begin for another couple of days, but don't tell my senses that. All of my senses, every fiber of my being it seems, are aware of the myriad signs that a new season is upon us (many so subtle they would be difficult to articulate). Some changes, however, are like trumpet fanfares; impossible to miss. Depending on where you live, you are treated to the sight of the leaves turning vibrant colors, flocks of geese or ducks heading south in their v-shaped formations, or the change in the very smell of the air, and of course the temperature. Other changes are more gradual, like the quality of the daylight as the sun's arc across the sky changes its path, and the local wildlife gradually start to exhibit different patterns of behavior and/or their fur begins to take on a different color.

Then there are those man-made changes; sometimes practical, sometimes laughable, always arbitrary. The sweaters and long-sleeved shirts come out, and the shorts and summer dresses are put away once again. Perhaps the surest sign that Fall is here can be found in your local variety store (K-Mart, Target, Walmart, etc.): Christmas decorations and wrapping paper are now prominently displayed, right next to the Halloween candy and costumes. Oh, and cutouts of Thanksgiving turkeys and pilgrims are there, too. Who can blame you if you feel like your life is rushing by you?

Here in Southern California, the changes of seasons are generally not as dramatic as those in the New England of my childhood. Nonetheless, they still profoundly impress upon me the continuing flow of life. Nostalgia wells up and washes over me in a flood of memories that sometimes threatens to overwhelm me. At the same time I find myself rejoicing in the beauty and inspiration of nature, in all of her ever-changing glory!

So, how does the change of seasons affect you? I would really like to know. If you have the time, please share with me, and all who read this blog, your thoughts about this almost ritual marking of the passage of life.

Fundraiser

I had this image printed out at 16 x 20, and then I matted and framed it. In turn, I donated this framed print to the fundraiser for the Children's Heart Institute Fund. This great organization raises money to help in the battle against children's congenital heart diseases. Their fundraiser is in the form of a silent auction this year. I am truly honored to have this opportunity to contribute to such a worthy organization. I wish them all the success in the world in their efforts!

The subject of this photograph is the Arboretum in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is a popular attraction, for visitors and residents alike. In person, this is a magnificent structure. It is also popular with people wanting to have their photograph taken. If you look carefully, to the right of the water and directly in front of the building, you will see a young lady in a formal dress. She is indeed young, fifteen years old to be exact. The day I shot this picture, she was celebrating her Quinceañera. If you click on the above photo, you will see a slightly larger version. There is an even larger version on my regular web site (www.dreamvisionarts.com).

My Debut Showing

Above is the press release that was published in one of several local papers.

The photo above shows (l to r) Me, Colleen Mezouari (owner of the St. Tropez), and David Mirisch (he was the person who selected my work for display at the Bistro)

The above photo shows (l) Me again (and, no, I am not pregnant - I just live large) and my good friend and fellow photographer, Robert McLaughlin (r).

In early August, I learned that I had been selected to be the "Artist of the Month" at the St. Tropez Bakery and Bistro, an upscale eatery in my hometown of Encinitas, California. This would be my first public showing of my photography, and I was thrilled. Most of the images that were selected depict architecture from around San Diego County. These photos will be on display throughout this month and can be purchased (framed and matted, or as prints only), as can most of the images on my web site (http://www.dreamvisionarts.com/).

The dust is starting to settle...

I am starting to get the hang of this blog thing. I still have to learn how to incorporate photos, etc., and make some minor changes/additions to the layout.

In the meantime, I thought I would take this opportunity to state the purpose of this blog. I suppose it is, by and large, not much different then anyone else's purpose: to let this serve as a kind of personal, but public, diary; to share thoughts, ideas, visions, and of course some photos. Generally speaking, this content will be the kind of things that I am not likely to share on my regular photography web site.

I also like the fact that this format allows for input from you, the occasional reader. One of the truly remarkable, and enduring, features of the Internet is that it provides the means for a dialog between people all over the world, who might otherwise never have the opportunity to interact with each other.

I am excited as I sit here and wonder where this will take me/us. It is begun, Namaste!

Opening Day!

Hellooooo...... (Echoes roll off into the vast empty space. Pigeons, who have long been the only residents, startled by the unfamiliar sound of a human voice, fly up and about, amidst a cacophony of flapping wings and urgent calls. Who dares to disturb our peace?)

Relax, it's only me. I'm the new owner of this blog. The proud Master of this new domain.

New domain? Holy Mackerel!, what have I done? I see before me this vast empty space that seems to go on forever. How am I possibly going to fill this space, and with what? Oh boy, Sparky (he's my imaginary dog and pseudo-companion), this is going to be an adventure, sure enough.

Well, that's it. That's my intro. More later when the creative muses (especially Erato) return from their lunch break.