How we see things matters.
Now more than ever.
In our world.
In our art.
It's key to be thinking, analyzing, seeing the world as clearly as we can--and then selectively choosing our path through.
Often, by opening our eyes and lens to something we've never experienced before.
None of these images are very sharp. I didn't have a tripod (had just gone walk about, at the John C. Campbell Folks School). The lighting in the blacksmith shop is dim at best. Especially where I stumbled across these creations, formed long ago by masters and students who'd passed through this amazing space.
I did my best to feature the things that caught my eye, not worrying so much whether what I did was perfect.
Did it make my subjects shine? Am I seeing something new, so maybe you are, too? That's all that mattered in that moment.
Do I care about the lack of crispness in some of the shots.
I do not.
I'd come to campus to shoot nature, but the talent and creativity and camaraderie and hard work of the smiths I ran across inspired me.
And just look at what they could do with fire and iron, massive hammers, and intricate tools!
Oh, and two of the top smiths in this class where women.
Sweet!
I forgot about the "real" world for a while and let my imagination flow with these masters.
What would you see today, if you escaped your known reality, followed another's lead, and set your compass to valuing what they found most worthwhile?
Selectively focus the next time you shoot, and you'l be amazed, too...