Let It Out

"Indian Summer" by Dorothy Parker (caution if you are offended by mild language)

In youth, it was a way I had
To do my best to please,
And change, with every passing lad,
To suit his theories.

But now I know the things I know,
And do the things I do;
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you!

From my early 20's, this has been one of my favorite poems. And in my 20's, the sentiment manifested in a sort of in-your-face attitude. (No, really. That may not have been what you saw, but it's what I felt.) Now, much later, my take is completely different. When one sports an in-your-face attitude, it is still defined by, and really depends on, others. But now, I have a different understanding of Ms. Parker's poem. The "other: simply does not matter. At all. You can like it, and that's ok. Or you cannot, and that's ok. I'm not doing anything in spite of or to please anyone else.

This has been the biggest release as an artist. Of course, art is not my livelihood, so it's easy enough to espouse. I had always feared "going public" quite because of what one of my university professors coined the Looking Glass Self -- what I thought your impression of me was or might be.

So, here I am. Not feeling naked and vulnerable, but feeling freed and empowered. If you enjoy my art, I'm pleased for you. If you do not, I'm certain you'll find what will, and again I'm pleased for you. My pleasure has already been derived through engaging in the creative process. There are better, and worse, photographers out there. But such qualitative descriptions are defined by you, are based on the end result, and, quite frankly, are none of my business.

Regardless of your opinion of me and/or my art, I appreciate you. Thank you for stopping by. Be warmed and cheered, and spread it to others.