The color and texture of life, makes it interesting. Seldom is the path as straight as we planned, and this is especially true in a creative life.We have a vision, we follow our hearts, and a lot of the time that means learning the hard way, pushing through the disappointment, and following the winding road.You have to smell the Manure to smell the roses, see the ugliness to enjoy the beauty and travel on rugged dirt roads to appreciate the tarmac! This journey has been one of extreme challenges and vast learning experiences. Rarely when you have the courage to jump into the unknown and untried do you have a smooth ride. It was all the previous photographic work I have done in Wildlife and Cultures that inspired me to spend 6 months in East Africa working on the project: Local Efforts, Global Results; A photographic documentary on the global benefits of improving life in an African village, which results in protecting the wildlife and environment. Prior to my journey in photography, I worked in the fashion industry for 20 years, designing both garments and textiles. It was my creative work in color and pattern and working in developing countries that also inspired my photographic work in vanishing cultures; it was Africa that renewed my passion for wildlife. Sharing my struggles of this journey, and the creative process as a photographer, is to inspire you to not give up on your vision when the obstacles just bring you to your knees and you feel you have failed. You only fail if you do not try, learn, and create a better bridge to the end goal. How can you discover if you like doing something if you never try doing it? Although there are many, the most valuable lesson I have learnt is this is not a race, there is no deadline, and there is no finish line, only an amazing journey. One of my dearest friends presented me with a necklace prior to my departure. On it is written; a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. I have worn it everyday as a reminder. I took my first step several years ago when I picked up a camera, and I will only reach the thousandth mile when I no longer have the ability to create. I thought is was important to share this with those of you that have been following this project, know of the challenges, and that I have not been able to make the regular post that I had planned. But, first I thought you needed a splash of color, I know I did.
As a side note, Have you noticed when people are leaving comments, their picture also appears? I think this is great, and it is easy. Here is the link to create an aviator (a small pic or logo, just like you have in facebook) and it will appear when you leave comments. http://en.gravatar.com/
Think you see enough of my face on FB without adding to your blog lol!
It is an honor to walk with you on your journey Piper and feel your passion for both Humanity and the Natural world. Beautiful work.
Beautiful words and images Piper. Thanks for bringing the colour of Africa to us. I know it has been a challenge but I look forward to seeing more of your vision. Someone once said “It’s not the destination that matters, it’s in getting there” and your journey doesn’t have to end until you are ready to take the last step.
In spite of your challenges, or should I say because of them…you have inspired us to take the risk…is it better to have tried than to sit on the couch and wonder…what if?
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step” – i like that! Many people complain that first steps can be very difficult and may seem impossible to take at the beginning, but i think in the risk of taking them lies the beauty of the journey one is about to start. There is nothing wrong in failing if you at least tried doing what you love, it is far more worse if you just sit there with your wishful thinking and dreaming what it could’ve been like. Without taking the risk we cannot complain! I admire You Piper for taking Your own ambitions and trying to actualize them.
Good luck in the rest of Your journey! Keep posting us from Africa if You’ll find a time.
THanks everyone. It is also looking like I will remain in Kenya for another 6 weeks. And Ray, I see your face here too 🙂 I hope more of you create your avatar, don’t stay anonymous!
Glad to see that all of the uncertainty has washed away. Nothing like getting absorbed in something to make that happen. Great photos!
Piper,
glad to see you are staying for at least another 6 weeks. my heart was heavy thinking you might be on a plane home. Make no mistake ,I did not think of it as failure I just know your passion and dreams, I would at least want to be company on the flight home. We talk about you daily in the Salon show your work and talk about what you are doing. Truly it inspires sooo many. i do miss you though and hope your hair is holding up …lol. Don’t be afraid…. follow your dream and trust you were called for this!!!
Kim,
I have followed my dream. Sometime the reality of the situation can redefine the dream. There was a lot I wanted to discover in this journey, and I have done just that. Coming home earlier than scheduled is just choosing a new path, based on all I have learned through this experience. As you know, an artist is always developing their work through risk, changing their idea’s, and creating a different approach to their work.
Truly inspiring words and pictures! Thank you!
awesome pictures