Patricia Turner begins this post with a quote on simplicity.
Take time to listen to yourself. Become familiar with the voice that speaks directly from your heart.
She then challenges us to pick one image from the last year that is our “icon of experience – the one image, that if all others were lost, most represents our voice as an artist.” What a fantastic exercise and, while the year is not yet over, it’s a good lead-in to my December focused on simplicity.
When I looked over my images from the last year (my first living in Niagara-on-the-Lake), I realized that I had covered a lot of ground – and taken a lot of pictures. Photography has definitely become so much a part of me that it is almost like breathing. I carry my camera (or at least an iPhone) with me almost all the time. There is no burden to photograph daily (and sometimes I don’t), but most times I do.
I am in the habit of seeing.
My year was made up of two distinct areas. First, I set a goal of photographing my new hometown in all four seasons. Since I was at home (without a car) for much of the year, I achieved this goal.
Yet, I also had the chance to travel – to Florida in February, Western Canada and U.S. in May, New York City in November, as well as several trips to Indianapolis and Toronto. And my travels always inspire my photography. Choosing one image was not easy. I finally came up with 34 favourites. Each had special meaning for me, which might not be apparent to someone viewing it for the first time. Most, but not all, fell into the categories of simplicity or abstract – not at all surprising really. In the end, I chose the image above as my icon of experience (or expression). To me it represents gracefulness, movement, and newness (green). It reminds me of my town and the constant breeze. And, it shows my love for abstract photography – taking the labels off and seeing familiar subjects in new ways.
I think if I lost any of my images I would feel bereft! Before digital photography I often told my husband should there be a fire the only thing I would care about saving would be the box of photographs. Yes like breathing, life nourishment for those in the habit, so like you I would find it difficult to choose the one defining image! But I see all the reasons for yours, I will go ahead and look for mine.
I totally would not want to lose my images either. Everything I keep has meaning for me. Let me know what you choose!
That green image above is just beautiful, Kim. I’ve just come back from Flickr where I went to see all your 34 lovely favourites!
December is a great time to focus on simplicity! I shall look forward to it.
I shall also think about my own icon of experience for the year.
I can’t wait to see it, Sandra.
Kim, I love your favourite..and I looked on flickr at your fav 34…and, well, they’re all just gorgeous. What a feast for the eye! I love this idea of picking a favourite. I’m going to give it a whirl and report back. Thanks for the inspiration!..and for the feast for the eye! 🙂
What a lovely “icon” Kim! I’m glad you found inspiration from my post. I gather wonderful inspiration from your blog as well. I feel we have a synchronicity which is always so enriching. Thank you for your beautiful blog!