"The Gnome"

This is a monumental photo in my life. A reminder of the day I decided to do my work. To follow a passion. 

I had just finished reading "The War of Art" Steven Pressfield on Sunday night. The memorable passages to me were about going after what it is that you have a passion for. Following your bliss so to speak. 

I decided that day that I would do my work with a camera and a kayak. To be the revealer of nature as I see it. I took all things necessary for a days work. 

My boat, my camera, all the other gear, tools necessary to accomplish the work and lunch, after all it is my job now. I said good bye to the wife and was off to work. This time however it was at the river and in my boat.

That day I believed it and stepped into a new beginning, and met this image I call "The Gnome".

Others see "Father time" and others have commented seeing"The Pope of the River". 

I saw him from a distance and started to laugh at how this image was handed to me. I knew when I took the shot that this is what I came out here for and knew I had done my work, I could go home now, but what the heck I was already in my boat the day was early and I might as well look around some more. Nothing stepped up and shouted like this guy. 

As I was showing this image to our friend Diane, she commented on seeing the dog, the owl and the dove. Others were able to see something different than I had seen and gave me the insight. I didn't see it all at once. One day last fall as I was showing this image to someone else, I viewed it upside down and saw a different face reflection. This art keeps on giving!

Art Shows

•  Harrisburg for the Patriot News Art Fest May 26th -May 28th Memorial Day.                         (Thank a Veteran and wave an American Flag!)

• Three Rivers Art Show in Pittsburg PA June 1-7th
• Manayunk Art Fest  June 23 -24th

More photos available here

"Blue Eyes"

So many times Lisa and I had passed by this rock with turbulent water. On this particular evening we stayed out later than normal enjoying the warm summer evening and watching the sun set behind the western ridge.

Just as it was about to disappear we paddled by this rock and the sun was on a small out cropping producing the yellow tint on the rocks.

"Blue Eyes" was revealed to me during this evening.As folks look and discover the face, the remarks have varied from a Great Dane, to Wolf, Buffalo, mad duck, and bumble bee.

I like calling this image "Blue Eyes" because pretty much I think we can all agree on the color of what looks to be eyes on what ever is revealed to you. Same rock different impressions, and perceptions.

You can see more Reflection Images here

 "Dreamer"

Of all the photos that I have been able to catch and collect this is one of my favorites. This evenings kayak paddling had a bit of current and wind, hiding the reflection of a mirrored surface. Later in the week as we returned the water and wind were calm and the "Dreamer" appeared.










I have ventured back numerous times to try to catch the stillness and improve on the photo quality. It hasn't happened yet. The opportunities in life are much like this shot, I had one chance to catch  it in the many times I have passed by.

I enjoy the mellow, satisfied, and peaceful qualities that this image reflects. I am fascinated with natural reflections and the way that nature would offer to communicate with us if we would recognize what is before us.



I like to call the cropped version "Meditation". 
This image of contentment is a reminder to me of thinking of good things.
For a small period of time this image hung in a coffee shop over the area where the sweeteners and creamers could be added and stirred. As if this photo could speak to the satisfaction of the aroma of a  great cup of coffee.

These photos are part of the collection in the book "Faces of the Susquehanna" A photographic Study of Natural Reflections.

Available here

River Spirit

This is one of the most fascinating areas of the Susquehanna River. Situated south of Three Mile Island, this rocky area is a uniquely carved natural sculpture garden. On our first experience with paddling Falmouth, PA we encountered high water and most of these rocks were underwater.

 As we continued to return to the area later in the summer we were surprised and impressed with the rocks and natural sculptures that were revealed as the water lowered. How many rocks were completely eroded after the many centuries of wind and water? What did this look like 200 years ago? 50 years ago? What new sculpture will be unveiled in the next 25 years?

Falmouth is most famous for the goat races and the annual "goat drop" New Years eve. I find the natural beauty of the river is one of the most unique locations hidden away and unmentioned as a natural wonder.

Paddling through this area is like paddling through small canyons. I enjoy the textures and the ripples of smooth worn stone. I imagine the power and time it took to produce the beauty of this sculpture.

Some of my favorite sculpture pieces, We find a different perspective each time we are on the water in this area. It's like an art museum that you become familiar with, the area is familiar but the art changes with the water levels and light.

More reflectional photos found here   

Faces of the Adirondacks

  Adirondacks NY

As promised in my blog last week, meet Doris and Dread, a somewhat happy couple of the Lake Region in the Adirondack Mountains.

Doris

Dread

The word Adirondack, started as "ratirontak" in the Mohawk language and denotes the Algonquins tribe in a derogatory manner, " bark eaters".  The Algonquins called the Mohawks "eaters of living things". Mohawks called themselves "people of the place of the flint".
So... this is  the first distinction in the new world that I know of vegan and non-vegan peoples. (I value the Native American culture and peoples but if we were to Anglicize the situation you could tell the meat eaters apart from the vegans by the hair cuts, dreads or mohawk, and loin cloths, camo or tie dyed.) 

The Story:
It's mid September and I had a late start in making the drive to Indian Lake, arriving around 7:00 pm. This was my second trip and I was familiar with the lake and surrounding area. I was hoping to arrive at camp and have a fire going, cooking dinner and maybe some reading before dark. But...

the sun has set and I am scrambling to load my boat and catch as much light as I can to make the two mile paddle. Not that far or time consuming.  By the time I have parked the van, loaded the boat and launched, it's dark and  I am able to see light grey ghosts, wisps of fog rising off the surface of a warm lake into the cooler air. I had not planned on the visibility being so low and it's getting darker each minute.  I am wearing my PFD (personal floatation devise). I realize it is not the safest way to travel, alone at night, on the water. The night is chilling down. Still... I love this.

The water is smooth, and silky. I can see the bow wake as I paddle towards my camp site on the distant horizon. Through the mist I can make out the rough outline of the trees and it gives me a hint of my destination.


Paddling seems like an endless task as I keep my head down and keep my arms moving. I am the only one on the lake that I know of. I see no lights or campfires, The fog thickens. As I near the island to find my camp I turn on my head lamp and look for a landing, The rock ledges stand out in my headlamp and I find a narrow ledge to slide my kayak upon the rocks. I get out and polk around the camp site looking for wood. The first thing I think of is get a fire going. I didn't think it would be necessary to pack in fire wood, why haul it in a limited space and add the weight? As I start to look around for dry deadfall to burn, I stumble about the forest kicking up anything that I can haul back to burn. Maybe I misinterpreted the word Adirondack the original meaning is actually"wet fire wood". Finally fire!

I'm here to do my work, to find the images of reflections, to discover, what has already been seen before, yet has never  been noticed.
My opinion is that these images communicate that there is more than we see in our day to day life. I wonder what else I have not appreciated or recognized due to viewing life and others in the same way?



This alone time is rich. It allows reflection of values, things, family. I value this solitude "If you can't stand solitude maybe others find you boring as well." Mark Twain                               
                                    


How does this image communicate to you? What would you name it?

More photos of the Adirondacks  next week.



Steve

Great history on the Wiki!

Mohawks   People of the place of flint


Adirondacks   Bark eaters

From Hibernation... 

                  A season of resting and dreaming

To Awakening ...

                       a season of plowing and planting...

The Recap

Art shows, travel, some great projects involving, books, craftsmanship and helping others. I would like to recap a years events in a few short posts.

The Book

January 2012 the book "Faces of the Susquehanna" A Photographic Study of Natural Water Reflections, was available. Check it out  HERE Amazon. com, Barnes and Noble or signed from me direct. email me stephenwpidcock@gmail.com

Book Signing at Midtown Scholar April 28th!  

Join me in Harrisburg at 1:00pm for a 30 minute presentation slide show. I will have books and posters of the Susquehanna available. A great place for coffee and a great collection of books. Directions

The Art shows

Last year we displayed at 10 juried art shows. It was a great experience and gave me the drive to continue with art shows and photography. We traveled to Silver Spring, MD, Frederick MD, Manayunk PA, Harrisburg, PA, York, PA, Syracuse, NY Long Island NJ, Wilmington DE, and  Albuquerque NM.

The 2012 schedule is coming together and I am getting invitations, I will list my locations and dates as soon as I get them together and finalized.

The Travel

Lisa ( my lovely assistant and wife) and I also did some kayaking, camping and photography on the Susquehanna River, the Adirondacks, NY area, a few lakes in Colorado and Lake Powell Utah. 

After the Syracuse show and all the talk about the Adirondacks from art show patrons, we ventured to a small lake in New York state.

A new "Faces of the Adirondacks" poster is in the works. The characters we met on the lake were very kind to allow us to take their portrait and tell a bit of their story.

The New Characters

This is "Shirley" the school secretary. or at least she reminds me of the secretary that would walk with me to the principles office in grade school, (and Jr High, ok and yes further education also). If Shirley reminds you of someone in authority, I would love to hear about it. 

Watch for more of my "friends" in my next post. Doris and Dread will join us. Maybe you can help by naming a few faces.

The Continuation...

We have a bit of catching up to do before I drag you on to my next views of the water.

Doing my best to paddle a straight line!

Steve

Last Words

NO...! NO... ! I 'm not quitting. In fact I am more resolved to write and find and express myself more now than ever. This ride could end at any moment and I don't want to leave with anything that still needs to be started or finished.  The last words were ones spoken to me that went deep and gave some footing to a path I'm already on.

Westport, WA, Pacific Ocean Path

 Wes "died" quite unexpectedly last week. Didn't mean to shock you, it's just the way it is. After knowing Wes I think he may have said it that way also.  He said it the way he saw it. I had some training with hospice and they said don't use the word passed. The word is died. Sounds pretty final..., but what he left me will last a life time. I will miss him.

 Wes wasn't even sick. I had been with him the day before and had been privileged to help him with his garden. He had done so much for me that I told him that if he needed anything done around his home I would be glad to help out. He called and asked if I meant it, " Of course I am Wes. You don't realize what you've done for me, I am thankful for the opportunity to give back." I stopped by to see what it was we were going to do. He told me several times that I didn't have to and he didn't want to inconvenience me. He even told me come back next week when I have more time. I am so grateful that I didn't  listen to that one. It  didn't take that much time to build his raised bed for vegetables.

Golden Light Stephen W Pidcock2010

      
  My first visit to see Wes was by referral of a friend who told me Wes could help with the presentation of my photos for a show. I walked into Wes's basement and met Vicki. We unwrapped the 12x18 photos of the Susquehanna River reflections. As she was figuring out what I wanted to present she saw the faces and then called Wes.
Wes shuffled over to the table and watched as I turned the photos from landscape to portrait and back again. He told me that he hadn't seen "real"art like that in along time. I thought he was just being kind, which Wes was, but also truthful. Sometimes more truth than you wanted kind of truthful.  They matted and framed my photos and I entered them into an art show at an art museum. After my first sale I was excited and told Wes. He wasn't surprised, he just said keep going, do more.


When I applied for my first juried art show I wasn't sure how I could come up with the equipment and inventory, taking credit cards and even selling art. Wes offered his tent ,took away my excuses and then told me of other shows that I should apply for. I stepped off the edge and took the risk. The day came to pick up my inventory and the tent from the frame shop. I was loading things up and some other ladies came to Wes for framing also. Wes sold one of my pieces before I got it out the door. The horses photo called " One in every Crowd" which he had on his wall in the frame shop.





Wes believed in me.  I knew he wasn't just being kind because he would tell me that he wouldn't mat a few of the prints that I had brought in, some random photo not in my main body of work. "Don't even bother with that one Steve, it's not worth doing. I'm not even going to mat it get it out a here,"

Most of the time he would just do what customers would ask, but he was coaching me, mentoring me and I listened. He and his wife were successful. They traveled to shows for years and he told me they did as many as 40 shows a year for a few years. He knew what he was talking about. He gave me the direction, the tools and the words. I had just a short  amount of time  to get to know Wes. He gave so much with so little effort.

Easter Sunday Morning

Thanks Wes, you gave me a boost, more foundation, and something to build on.   I am a self made man with the help of many fine folks and friends. His last words to me were" Steve be persistent, persevere, don't quit. You can do it, and thanks for the help in the garden." Words I value and can't help but follow somehow.  I won't quit.