I found when my mother's life ended, my life, as it was, ended too. It is forever changed by her loss. I move onward, I look for joy, I am creating a new normal. But the empty space is something to bear for the rest of my life. You are doing as well as anyone, Matt, and I thank you for sharing your progress. And such lovely photos.
Thank you, Sharron. A new normal, and those bare spaces and blanks of sound are things I hold onto, too. They are not such bad things to keep company with. I'd love you to point me towards a few writings about your mother. x
"It felt like I knew what I was doing once again and that I was enjoying what I was doing once again – lost in admiration of reflections and the fulfilment of an honest day’s work." The best medicine. I'm sure your mother is proud. I'm glad you made it back, Matt.
You have been through a difficult time Matt, and described it beautifully. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that those of us who are condemned to follow our paths, call it artistic if you wish, need to be aware of and careful of what I will slightly pretentiously call our ‘creative health’. Having had some fairly significant health problems over the past eighteen months or so, and having been unable to work much (if at all) during that time I had become so aware of the feeling of a wick going out… something missing. A recent commission in Italy re-lit that wick and proved to me that even through the most difficult times we are SO lucky to have something that we do that can actually help. It’s so much more than simply going back to the office… it’s what we ARE. So glad you’re feeling better Matt… and please realise that seeing your work makes ME feel better as well as you. God, sometimes being a photographer can be difficult but then I realise what lucky buggers we are as well!!! All the best, Amigo!
Thank you, Tim. And I agree: it is a blessing to have a creative outlet to return to. I'm looking forward to filling more of that time and space with writing, but finding beauty through the camera is a pleasure once more, and I'm grateful.
A very honest account highlighting the effect felt from the death of a parent Matt.
A difficult and challenging path to wearily stumble along in these early days.
In time, the steps will become more sprightly, the support of your family and friends will lift the spirits allowing the sharpest and darkest days to lighten.
Your inner strength was garnered and enabled you to return to an occupation you both excel at and lead many of us to be continually inspired by.
Thank you, dear Pauline. It feels good to be able to write 'it feels good' once again. Always staying kind, I promise. I hope you and family are well. x
I found when my mother's life ended, my life, as it was, ended too. It is forever changed by her loss. I move onward, I look for joy, I am creating a new normal. But the empty space is something to bear for the rest of my life. You are doing as well as anyone, Matt, and I thank you for sharing your progress. And such lovely photos.
Thank you, Sharron. A new normal, and those bare spaces and blanks of sound are things I hold onto, too. They are not such bad things to keep company with. I'd love you to point me towards a few writings about your mother. x
Thank you, Matt, for asking. Here are a couple you might like
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/katy-305
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/katys-flight
"It felt like I knew what I was doing once again and that I was enjoying what I was doing once again – lost in admiration of reflections and the fulfilment of an honest day’s work." The best medicine. I'm sure your mother is proud. I'm glad you made it back, Matt.
Thank you so much, Ken.
You have been through a difficult time Matt, and described it beautifully. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that those of us who are condemned to follow our paths, call it artistic if you wish, need to be aware of and careful of what I will slightly pretentiously call our ‘creative health’. Having had some fairly significant health problems over the past eighteen months or so, and having been unable to work much (if at all) during that time I had become so aware of the feeling of a wick going out… something missing. A recent commission in Italy re-lit that wick and proved to me that even through the most difficult times we are SO lucky to have something that we do that can actually help. It’s so much more than simply going back to the office… it’s what we ARE. So glad you’re feeling better Matt… and please realise that seeing your work makes ME feel better as well as you. God, sometimes being a photographer can be difficult but then I realise what lucky buggers we are as well!!! All the best, Amigo!
Thank you, Tim. And I agree: it is a blessing to have a creative outlet to return to. I'm looking forward to filling more of that time and space with writing, but finding beauty through the camera is a pleasure once more, and I'm grateful.
A very honest account highlighting the effect felt from the death of a parent Matt.
A difficult and challenging path to wearily stumble along in these early days.
In time, the steps will become more sprightly, the support of your family and friends will lift the spirits allowing the sharpest and darkest days to lighten.
Your inner strength was garnered and enabled you to return to an occupation you both excel at and lead many of us to be continually inspired by.
Be kind to yourself Matt.
Sending love. ❤️
Thank you, dear Pauline. It feels good to be able to write 'it feels good' once again. Always staying kind, I promise. I hope you and family are well. x