Category Archives: Articles

When we encounter art we are engaged in a way of seeing that goes beyond the conventional, beyond what can be conceptualized and defined. It means one has to allow oneself to be open as much as possible. With practice, we facilitate this switch to seeing creatively and recognize that appreciation and creation of art have a common root.

Boredom is part of the human condition. Instead of avoiding and rejecting it the author suggests to work with it in creatively. Paying close attention to boredom affects one’s life. Applied to photography it allows for a different perspective and changes the quality of our pictures.

A. Koestler talks about conflicts that can not be solved by logic or reason. Because they have no rational solution they play a fundamental role in creativity. To transcend the impasse they create, the author suggests a contemplative approach, allowing photography to have a spiritual foundation.

We like to give titles to pictures. They provide directions for the viewer. The author feels this practice is incompatible with a contemplative approach and explains why.

The contemplative method of photography, rooted in Buddhism, addresses creativity from a different perspective. It promotes shooting from the heart and not shooting from the head alone. In order to make this transition, we need to turn ‘within’. The author comments on the difficulties involved and makes some suggestions as to overcome them.