the silver lining of emptiness

Here's something I need more of in life.

Space.

Just space.

Look what leaps out of space. Stretching, possibility, deep breath. Unbidden shape.

I don't mean space as das spielzimmer space. Or even the metaphorical space granted by Friday night toddlers-only pizza parties at grammy and grampa's house. I'm talking about the kind of contentedness of spirit that causes the head to empty so that new things—ideas, muses, inspirations—simply go SPROING! as they should: like a projection. A thing that gives you a poke. Or that drips languorously, catching the light, catching attention.

Space is what allows a SPROING! to turn from drop to glistening pool. Sometimes it's simply time. Sometimes it's a fleeting moment of true self-love. Self-confidence. Faith in oneself. Or perhaps a newfound moxie, one that finally has you shake off those harrumphing, cynical voices that hiss that's silly or that's not worth your time or that'll never go anywhere, so why bother?

Is negative space a positive for you, too? Does yours crop up like a surprise, or is it intentional? How does emptiness amplify the sliver of what you frame in portraiture, nature, landscape, still? How's it make you feel to tilt your camera—and your notion of what's possible—that much further than convention prescribes? Show us.

Comments

[Simon Lawrence]

I love this photograph, the dof is stop on, love it. I don't know about you but I when I'm taking photographs even surround by people I feel like I am lone and there is no one within a million miles of me.

Si

[Marcie]

You said it so perfectly.
That perfect 'space'...when the negative becomes the positive:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=968

[melissa]

I love this photograph! Perfection with blue bokeh background.

[lucy]

Both Kate and Marcie's photos are so evocative of the notion of space -- there's an instant sort of inspirational lightness that happens when you view them. Thank you!

I find myself taking lots of photos of doors. Besides making me curious about what's on the inside and what's on the outside (and I could toss in all the other door metaphors), when I grab my camera and head out the door, I'm making space for creativity and vision to join me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucyloomis/3801946915/

[Sandi]

I love this post. and the photo is gorgeous.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandis_art/4103446779/

[Kellee]

LOVE the gorgeous pic. Beautifully composed, gorgeous DOF. I really love the subtle bokeh dancing in the background. Well done.

[Jan]

What a beautiful photo!

[karin]

oh, i am in serious need of that space you mention... as an artist fighting off constant cobwebs soooo interferes with creative flow! love the pic too... k

[Aubrey]

Gorgeous. Quiet in my own head. That is the best kind of space. Space that lets me follow my heart.

http://aubreyplays.blogspot.com/

[kristin]

i like getting small. finding the details in nature. somehow it returns me to my breath. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/4106932278/

[Amy (Papillon Sky Photography)]

Gorgeous photo and such a meaningful post!!
Finding space is hard for me--in my photographs and in my life. But recently, I've been getting space in both places. Here's some photos that reflect that:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/papillonsky/4131836424/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/papillonsky/4131836014/in/photostream/

[Dannie]

It's like mental yoga! For me, I need a reminder and practice to get there. The more frequently I get that space, the easier it is for my mind to go there. And it's been way too long sine I've found that kind of space, where I can stretch my creativity, where the light floods in and you can clear out those cobwebs, as Karin said.

Love, love, love the post and the image!

[Debbie]

really love this space,,,amazing photo

[elizabeth]

Yes! Your words ring true.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mindwhisperings/3659000696/

[Amelia]

really lovely image- I do not get this kind of space enough, but when I do- the energy I experience fills me so!

[Amanda K]

I LOVE negative space and capture it in photos - whether consciously or not. I think negative space helps to accentuate what is already there.

[spread your wings]

this image of yours is very dreamy - a lovely state of space and alone time.

I thought this image my daughter took and shared with me fit the category perfectly.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/4170100310/

[photo retouching service]

Hi, Happy Christmas. Thank you for your blog.