How often do you think about your narrative? It's probably not something that comes up every day, but it's an important part of who we are. Our personal narratives shape our identities and help us understand our place in the world. For many people, fine art is a vessel through which they can share their lives with others. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between fine art photography and personal narratives, and discuss why it is such an important piece of our lives. We'll also look at some instances in which my fine art landscape photographs have impacted people and how I am privileged to now be a part of their narrative.
The sun rising above a fresh snow on Sawmill Peak in Magalia, California.
Personal Narratives and Their Connection to Fine Art Landscape Photography
Personal narratives can be as simple as a story we tell ourselves about who we are, or they can be more complex and detailed accounts of our lives.
Some people say that art is a universal language. I like to think of it as my native tongue. Fine art photographs are the best way I know how to communicate my feelings and experiences of when I was in that location. And, like any language, it has its own history and culture. In many ways, my narrative is intertwined with the intrigue and beauty of landscape photography. As a teenager, my younger brother got into photography. He had a great eye for composition. I would look at his photographs, wanting to do what he did. I didn't have any formal training in photography, but that didn't stop me from trying to express my experiences through it. As I grow older, I realize that my photographs aren't just about capturing the scene in front of me; it is about communicating something that can't be expressed in words. And that's what makes it unique. It's a way to connect with the world around me and share my authentic experience with others.
Sunrise on the Minarets reflected on Ediza Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in California.
When we show and talk about art, we are often sharing a part of ourselves with the world. Whether it's a painting, a poem, music, or a photograph, art is a way we communicate a part of our personality. For many people, having art in their homes is a way to share their stories with others. It's a way to connect with others and create a sense of belonging.
Fine art photography is particularly powerful in its ability to help us share our narratives with others. A photograph can capture a moment in time that tells a story about our lives. It can be a window into our soul, and it has the potential to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way.
Through Fine Art Photography, Your Narrative Can Impact You and Others
One of the things I love most about being a fine art photographer is that I am constantly meeting new people and hearing their stories. I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with people from all walks of life and participate in something that can't be duplicated without art. I get the privilege of being a part of it, and I'm always amazed by how individuals interpret and relate to my work in different ways.
Reminiscent of a drama on Broadway, Bidwell Park’s trees provide an excellent display of fall colors in Chico, California.
Strict Production Limit of 100 Editions.
My Personal Experiences
"Flowers Flow (To the Heavens)"
The annual Johnny Appleseed Days event is held in Paradise, California. The locals come to celebrate with the community (And eat some apple pie and ice cream) along with dozens of vendors lining Terry Ashe. This fall, I had someone approach my booth and invite me into their narrative.
They saw one of my metal prints, "Flowers Flow", on the wall and started to tell me their story. Her dad had recently passed away, unexpectedly. He was one of those guys who had a hard time expressing himself and being open. She still had asked him, however, what he thought heaven would be like. He said, to her great surprise (tearing up), that he imagined himself in a field of flowers raising his hands and praising God. This is what he imagined heaven would be like.
His daughter, standing in my booth, said "The moment I saw your photo, all I could see is my dad standing there in that field, with his hands and arms raised, praising God." She brought that print home with her, so
she could have a daily reminder of this and share it with others, through that print.
"Flowers Flow", A fresh spring lupine bloom, accompanied by local wildlife, on Table Mountain in northern California.
"Mount Lassen Magic"
Meet Lane.
Lane came by my booth at the Paradise Chocolate Fest. A few weeks earlier, I met his parents at Gold Nugget Days as they purchased a print of Mount Lassen with the Milky Way, which is called "Mount Lassen Magic". "He just LOVES it," his mother said. He even sleeps with it, bringing it everywhere with him. It's because of that that they bought him another one at the Paradise Chocolate Festival. I first saw Lane when he was leaving Gold Nugget Days with his mother, wearing a Lassen t-shirt and carrying my print. I hadn't met him until the Paradise Chocolate Fest, where his mother asked if she could get a photograph of us together.
One thing that you need to understand about Lane is that he has nonverbal autism. He can have a lot of challenging days. But in the last few years, his parents learned that Lane has a great affection for Lassen National Park. Even though Lane is nonverbal, his love for Lassen needs no words. You can see his face light up as he leaps for joy at the sight of his favorite peak, whether it's in person or in a photograph. His father, Joey, informed me that my photograph was taken from his location where they spend hours together.
"Mount Lassen Magic", The Milky Way over Mount Lassen and Manzanita Lake in Lassen National Park, California.
I'm not sure how to express the emotions that engulfed me when I heard Lane's story. It was beautiful, uplifting, and inspiring. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I am unable to tell you how much Lane's story moved my heart or how honored I am to have my art bring a smile from that child's heart. There is no question in my mind that I will return to the location again in the future. Except that, this time, when I'm gazing at that magnificent peak, I'll be thinking about this little dude's love for it. For me, Mount Lassen Magic holds a little more magic now.
Why It Is So Important for Us to Share Our Stories with Others
Art has the power to connect us to others in a way that nothing else can. It gives us a way to share our stories, and to see the stories of others. Through art, we can gain empathy for experiences that we have never personally gone through. We can see the world from a new perspective, and learn to appreciate the complexities of life. Art also has the ability to inspire change. It can challenge us to think about the world in a new way, and to fight for what is right. In a world that is often divided, art can be a powerful force for unity. That is why it is so important for us to share our stories with others through art.
A misty morning at Mossbrae Falls in Dunsmuir, California during sunrise.
Art is a powerful tool that can help us connect with others and understand our place in the world. It can become a part of who we are through our narrative, and it should be celebrated. So go out there and share your story! Who knows, you might just change someone's life...like mine.
Do you have a story to share about how my fine art photography (Or other forms of art) have impacted you in your life? Contact me or comment below, I would love to hear about it!