Unscheduled self-portrait
Tag: Leica
An Eclectic Collection
Ambiance: Sensory Marketing
I think we short-change ourselves more than we’d like to admit to, given our penchant for social media, texting, instagram and so forth. The convenience and immediacy of digital communications is undeniable. We expect such things. Yet as great as communications can be, nothing can replace being there, on location, in person, surrounded by a tangible reality that can touch all our senses.
Great photography, video, journalism and storytelling can provide part of the experience, but what they can’t deliver is the visceral qualities that encompasses the milieu of the location.
Islands Abound
“We have to start teaching ourselves not to be afraid.” William Faulkner
Here’s to those who dream,
Foolish as that might seem.
Here’s to the hearts that ache,
Here’s to the mess that we make.
Justin Hurwitz and Benj Pasek
Chrysalis
Some call it a creative block. With credit to Franz Kafka, I feel a lot like a chrysalis because there’s something in me dying to get out, to be expressed and heard. How many times have we sat [or stood] at our work stations wondering how-in-$%@!!-name can we get something done. Where are the words, the concepts, the visual elements that when properly assembled, delivers the key message? The message can be one of benefit, of productivity, of prophylaxis, or of exclusivity. You get the idea.
Of course, all of this is figurative, but I would say that the photo of the tunnel suggests that I can see a “way out,” but I’m a bit unsure of how to get there. I’m inside the chrysalis, evolving, developing a collection of ideas, hoping to create something altogether different if not unique.
Steampunk art and my epiphany
When I first saw this wonderfully creative piano, melancholy hit me. I love the energy and imagination in its installation. However, seeing the keys made me think of days past when I just about played every day. I went through some photo files and this image crossed my screen. It was taken at the Paradise City Art Festival in Massachusetts. Then the proverbial light bulb went off.
Our upright piano, one we’ve owned for decades was a lovely gift from my mother-in-law. But like many things mechanical, especially those made of wood, the instrument became harder to keep in tune, notwithstanding the sticky keys in the scale that begins middle C. Our grandsons now “play” with this piano. Literally. Trucks, a plastic hammer, puzzle pieces, blocks and small enthusiastic hands have travelled the keys. Those small hands make the most discordant of chords, but at least there’s a type of bang-bang-bangbangbang kind of rhythm in the effort.
The epiphany came to light a few short weeks ago [pun intended]. I had asked the president of the local music community school if I could use one of their piano rooms to practice, this during my lunch hour. Eileen is an empathetic, enthusiastic and erudite person; she was kind enough to grant permission. I’ve started playing again and recalled reading an article about the brains of piano players. The one thing I’m focusing on here is the fact that playing an instrument can really help one’s thinking. Perhaps it’s why I’ve longed to play again, yet I really like playing for the sheer love of it, for playing and feeling from heart and soul. I have no evidence that shows improvements to my memory, problem solving or time management, which is fine with me. I’m more right-brained anyway.
For me, playing a musical instrument engages me in therapeutic and cathartic ways.
Ear Buds
Bloomin’ Spring
The Tree
G’night Brooklyn
The Specialty Bakery
What’s the sensory attribute second only to vision, that can impact your perception about as quickly? Smell.
I think of all the pleasant smells anyone can encounter, there’s no denying that of a bake shop. The Polka Dot at Greenpoint in Brooklyn is a case in point. While I do not understand Polish, I can comprehend reactions from patrons when they see or hear about something this little bakery offers.
The Specialty Bookstore
I love books. I also like e-books, but the operative word here is “love.” Celebrated poet Emily Dickinson said it best:
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul
I paused for a moment just outside this Brooklyn bookstore to appreciate the titles in the window. I couldn’t understand many of the titles, but I did recognize some authors and subject matter, the latter based on the cover image or illustration. There have been many articles defending the purpose if not the endearing qualities of paper-bound books. Others ask to use electronic reading devices more often than not. Both have advantages as well as disadvantages. I’ll leave it at that.
I’m glad to have come across this bookstore filled with all sorts of titles, fiction and non-fiction, written in Polish. There was something there for everyone, including people who don’t read or understand the language.
Carlo Centeno 