Lately, the simple act of picking up my camera has felt like an insurmountable task. Life’s relentless demands coupled with personal challenges have cast a shadow over my creative pursuits. Yet, amidst the chaos, I find solace in revisiting the fundamental question: why do I photograph?
In the early stages of my journey, I swiftly realised that creating solely for the approval of others would not only rob me of joy but also risk truncating my artistic exploration. Thus, I embarked on the arduous journey of creating for myself—a path fraught with uncertainty and self-doubt.
The true challenge, however, lay in discerning what truly mattered to me. Initially conceived as a means to alleviate stress, my photography gradually evolved into a conduit for inner peace. The serene tranquility that envelops me when I immerse myself in the creative process surpasses any fleeting sense of gratification.
Moreover, there exists an unparalleled sense of fulfillment each time an ephemeral vision crystallises into a tangible creation. Through the interplay of light and shadow, I endeavour to mold my own reality and articulate the ineffable emotions that permeate my being. Henri Matisse’s timeless sentiment resonates deeply within me: “what I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter—a soothing, calming influence on the mind.”
This, then, is my ‘why’—a guiding beacon that illuminates the darkest of days and propels me forward amidst uncertainty. It is a reminder to embrace authenticity, to forge my artistic path with unwavering conviction.
What about you? What is your ‘why’?
Photography & Vision 