Photos Everywhere

I am writing you from Oaxaca Mexico. It is warm and sunny here and it is one of my favourite places. Each time I arrive I immediately go to the zocolo which is the main square and sit and watch life unfold. I drink a special hot chocolate that is only made here and eat a tortilla soup. Every two minutes I am asked by a woman or child to buy a placemat, a necklace or shawl. A guitarist plays a song called Oaxaca Oaxaca very badly and the balloon sellers convince every parent that walks by to buy one for their child. It has been the same for the last ten years, and it is comforting to know that it hasn't changed. I know I have arrived.

Today I spent my time wandering and rediscovering the colourful walls, the extraordinary light at the end of the day and the fabulous margaritas.. There are many photos to be made. I look forward to the next few days.

Oh so grey

Hi,
It takes a lot of courage , motivation and drive to get out of bed on these kinds of days. The snow has been falling lightly, but the sky feels like it is closing in. The only way to get through this is to take photos. It moves your mind elsewhere and you stop feeling sorry for yourself.

I know that many of you are waiting for that sweet smell of spring, but we still have quite a few weeks to go. So grab your camera and get out. There are so many things to photograph.

I have always loved ice patterns. The way the air gets trapped in the water is endlessly fascinating. It is not going to hang on a gallery wall but it is a great eye exercise.

Just like a painter does sketches, I need to make studies of ice , frost, or my Amaryllis opening. Each shot leads me to the next. The wonderful thing about winter is that it neutralizes all the shapes. Line becomes evident. The light is low and the textures are more pronounced. Benches stand out against the whiteness. There are an infinite number of images to make... Just forget about the subject and look for shapes and line. It keeps your eye sharp.

All you need to do is protect your camera with a Ziploc bag over it if it is snowing and keep your extra battery warm...

So have fun, dress warmly and enjoy...

Satisfied for now

It has been a few days since my last blog. Car problems and a long ride home have taken up a fair amount of time and email access is not always straightforward. I am presently back in Montreal and am reflecting on the wonderful week I had. I know it is impossible to really get a sense of a place in such a short time. I will return, most likely in March before the winter ends to try to add more depth to the project.This will give me time to really look at the images I have produced, to edit out the ones that do not strike a cord and to contemplate the underlying ideas and concepts I am trying to express. It is impossible to really come to understand a place without living and feeling it over time. We drive the familiar coast and the 132 home all the way to Quebec. Icons of the coast abound. A submarine, a sub wartime watch tour, Jesus in company and the incredible pwerful presence of water, ice and light.I leave with a feeling of Fullness. Stimulated, peaceful, eyes visually acute..I am satisfied for now.