What we are all after.
Going into the new year, I have found myself reflecting on what it means to make meaningful art. Some of you know this, but last year I quit my job as a barista, not only to leave a difficult work environment, but to enter into a season of freelancing. I decided that I would allow myself the summer to do freelance photography and design work, until I could find another job come fall. Little did I know what was coming for me was months of unemployment, building courage, praying and applying to jobs, and repeating, and hearing little to nothing in return. It’s been a discouraging process, but this extended time of lingering in limbo, has forced me to actually double-down on photography and art. But it has begged the question — “why art?” or “what for?”
I've found social media being the most tiring mode of “art” so far. I think most people can agree with that. Constant scrolling, opinion after opinion, many influencers (definitely not all) claiming their authenticity on camera when really money is the motive. It feels lonely, shallow, and lifeless at times. The digital age we are in leaves me feeling more discouraged than ever as an artist wondering — how do we share work? How do we experience art? What are we even looking for here? Often it’s vanity, a quick serotonin boost, and we’re “satisfied” just for a moment.
Not long ago, I heard about the philosophical idea of the “Transcendentals.” It refers to something we all experience, that exists beyond the time-space-matter world, mainly being — Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.
I think a way in which we often experience goodness, truth, and beauty is through art. Movies move us to tears. A good meal with loved ones connects us together for a breif moment in time. A painting and it’s brushstrokes makes us wonder. Books and stories help us consider new perspectives. Music makes us get up in song and dance. A photograph to remind us of someone we love, or a place we’ve experienced is not simply a one dimensional experience, it’s often pulls some an certain emotion out from inside of us. Even a sunrise or sunset can pull people together to appreciate beauty that’s far beyond themselves. Take a moment to consider that these are experiences across all cultures, languages, borders, and ethnicities. Although, many of us have different worldviews — beauty, goodness, and truth is what we are all after.
As I step into another year of photography, my hope is to create with these themes in forefront of my mind and use them as guardrails for my creative process. Leading others towards what is beautiful, good, and true about the world we are living in and interacting with is the intent. I hope to not shy away from projects and stories worth telling. I aim to bring you work that is raw, real, and timeless. Thanks for the support thus far, and I hope we can all grow in these things, as we create and share beautiful work together.
Warmly,
Alli