For the last session of the April Through and From the Lens Course (next one starts June 8th), I planned an experiential session using self-selected fruits or vegetables. The following turnip caught my eye in the supermarket last week and I bought it as my example for today’s class.
Originally it was the circular brown lines that I believed most attracted me. It made me think of the wrinkles that are appearing on my skin.
By the time I got around to photographing it, the whole outside had “aged”, puckered and had many more wrinkles, reminding me that unless we pay attention to our health and well-being, it could deteriorate faster than we’d like.
On the other hand, when I immediately cut the turnip in half, right into the center, the way I usually approach my life,
I saw a vibrant circular structure of the healthy cells remained in the center, radiating out.
When putting all the parts together, I noticed a wisp of “chin hair” (another sign of age) resting on one of the turnip quarters. I also used this photograph, set-up, to demonstrate photographic balance. Perhaps it is also reflecting balance in our lives.
I invite you to choose a fruit or vegetable that catches your eye. Peel it. Cut it. Act in whatever way you are so moved. Then step back and away from it, looking/experiencing the action(s) you took. Is there anything in the experience that you see which relates to the way you are living your life.
And, for more revelations on how you can expand your “seeing” using your digital camera, I invite you to check out the June Through and From the Lens Telecourse.