These thoughts and images came from a drive towards, and later a walk through, Philadelphia.
We like order. We’re fascinated by it, drawn to it.
Here, people are taking overwhelmingly powerful machines and commanding them with incredible precision. We watch and are awe-struck. It’s impossible to look away.
Special people can, for a time, exert and ultimately will themselves to a place where others cannot, or dare not, go. Some people do this and, within limits, prevail. For a period of time.
But chaos exerts its own power. We create and accomplish wondrous things, but those creations crumble. We don’t ever expect it, going in. We imagine our strength will persist. And it may, for a time. Then greater, chaotic forces punch us in the mouth.
They punch, while our newer creations look on from the distance. Perhaps some of the shinier versions will one day have companions to reclaim the broken spaces. Or they may get punched out, too.
Chaos isn’t just entropy though, and it assaults our sense of order. Or we may only think that. But we regularly create chaos of our own. As if other powers in the world aren’t providing enough of it, fast enough. We fabricate more, with frenetic energy. Striving to outdo one another? Perhaps at times. Perhaps hoping simply to show up amid a cacophony, thereby creating an even louder one. Pushing to be heard, seen. Fighting for light. Against strong odds.
Cacophony then surrounds us, and emerges from us. Adding to what was already approaching from without. Sometimes it’s stimulating, yes. And disorienting. Not inherently good nor bad, but it’s a lot. And while it all happens, we find ourselves here, with the flag. Amid all the noise. There is little peace amid the noise.
Although… we DO want peace. Don’t we? Do we?
In the face of everything, we often are fatigued. We have options when this happens. We may lean harder into the din, or back away. While greater, seemingly chaotic forces, press on in ways that may surprise us.
But we will press on too. Won’t we? Don’t we need to?
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
Another channel of my photography. Oof. But as promised, I’ve got this new set of Limited Edition prints available for purchase. Any unsold African wildlife images from last fall, as promised, have been retired from circulation.
Each edition consists of ten Numbered Prints and two Artists Prints, 16x24” silver halide, with certificate of authentication. As before, these are limited both by number and duration of the offer. If you’d like one or more for that special person, don’t hesitate. You wouldn't want to become he who is lost!
Is there something here you like or dislike? Questions? Have anything else to say? Let us all know by clicking on the Comments button below, and express yourself. Don’t be shy, now.
If you like this post you’re bound to like the next one as well. I’m sending them weekly. Quit any time, or better yet, stay and read on!
Know anybody who should hear about all this? Be a friend and let them know!
Or, are you interested in seeing more work? My website welcomes you. We may even want to work together. I promise a joyous and productive experience if we do.
I love the questions in your writing. Certainly thought provoking...
Funny enough, I feel more drawn to the 'more chaotic' black and white images.
I wonder if these images would be too busy and chaotic in color. Black and white brings order into busyness, I think.
Order is over rated.