Eckhart Tolle wrote a book called stillness speaks, it’s about stillness (obviously), life, and in its own way it’s about still life photography. So since we’re having a blizzard today, I decided to look into his theories and see if I could discover some stillness with a still life.
My first thought was that taking a photo of a needle and thread is stupid, it’s not creative and it’s certainly not art. Then I remember E.T. saying: “All artists, whether they know it or not create from a place of inner stillness, a place of no mind.” Oh.
My second thought was that I needed to find a way to make this interesting, and I was having some problems because of thought one. But E.T. said: “Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.” So I think that meant to tighten up my tripod.
I was really trying to make this work but was getting more frustrated by the minute. To this E.T. said: “Suffering is necessary until you realize it is unnecessary.” That’s slightly confusing but probably true.
Later, I went through all the photos to see if there was one worth keeping, and I started having some crazy thoughts; the needle and the damage done, the needle and the spoon, and the fact that I’ve never been to the Space Needle in Seattle.
So once again I looked to E.T. for help, to which he said: “Here is a new spiritual practice for you: don’t take your thoughts too seriously.”
Right then, now if I can just sit still until it stops snowing I can go out and get some great winter shots. I will look at things in the most unserious way I can, maybe even shooting only JPEG, but I doubt it.
Wonderful shot. Interesting indeed. peace
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Thanks, I tried not to get too caught up in the details. Peace to you.
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What a terrific photo for this week. 😀 😀
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Thanks Cee, the hardest part was threading the needle.
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I really like this image. I laughed throughout this story! It was like you were having a conversation with your book! 🙂
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Thanks Sa. Its possible I read the book too many times.
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You nailed this one, Mike (or rather threaded it) and I’m glad your mind went to still life photography! Why didn’t I think of that? I had to chuckle reading your creative process as it meandered toward the space needle! Glad you could link up with Sunday Stills! Your image is sublime!
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Thanks Terri! 🙂
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I love this, great job, the lighting, the objects, composition, and story!
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Thanks Erica, it was a fun afternoon project.
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I always like images that entertains my eyes and this one really does!
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Thanks Carol, at first I thought a still life would be a waste of time. 🙂
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Glad you went for it anyway 😊
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Thanks, if I could do great still life projects I’d save a lot of gas!
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😂
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When you get to Seattle, after we visit the Space Needle, we’ll take you to our favorite fabric store.
Lovely shot, and wonderful references to a powerful book!
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Thanks. I wasn’t planning the trip but if there’s a fabric store involved count me in. 🙂
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I found another tag on your blog, Mike. I watched this post earlier but didn’t write. Your mind works in such a complicated way. I’m not sure I’m thinking at all when I shoot still lifes.
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True, they say madness and genius go together like bacon and eggs. 🐱
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I wonder why you said that.
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Its almost a proverb, madness and genius.
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I know, just asked why this time you mentioned that.
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😀
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It seems, you don’t like to answer questions that start from the word why 🙂
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As a born and bread New Yorker the answer I’ve leaned to why is: What, are you writing a book?
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You are polite there however 😆
As I was born in Russia… Well, you know 😆
P.S. It was really interesting, that’s why I asked.
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