...more rantings...
Referring to this period as a "plateau" in the growth curve,
here's things to do while you're there:
It's a great time to ask questions. Not so much the destructive ones,
(as in "am I finished ?") but probing ones, as in "why do I do this,
as opposed to anything else ?". Where have I been ? Who am I as a
photographer (this time) ?
Ask
Give yourself a retrospective of your work. Remember the rise of
the growth curve, and believe that the next part of the "S" is ahead.
Work has a life of its own. Be internally quiet while looking at
your work, have some non-intrusive music on, and let the work
talk to you. Do not question or doubt this.
The work itself will tell you where it wants to go.
Listen
This "S" curve thing *is* scary, because you are a snake
shedding its skin, in that a part of you has to die, and be
left behind in order for you to be born anew (and yes, I know
this part sounds like a tantric tent revival:). This is critical,
and without it nothing else will happen. Let yourself go. The
zigs and zags of the "S", like all life transitions, can be stressful
and bring one pain. Think of your artistic growth as a series
of small lives -- and deaths -- lived within the context of your
lifespan.
Leave part of yourself behind
If the rising part of the curve involves output, it only follows
that the plateau might involve input. Look homeward, angels.
It's time for new authors, different music, faces, places,
books, attitude, simple cameras, and more.
Feed your heart
Like a bride, borrow something new, something old, something blue,
and loan something out, too. It's a way to live out the metaphor
of exchange, which is life itself. Bring in something alien into
your life. Allow something familiar to leave your hands.
Open a door
The plateau can seem arid, hot, lifeless, and is a trial (it's all
a trial, but the excitement sometimes blurs that).
Eat well, exercise yourself hard, drink water, etc.
Tighten up physically. Work on your discipline.
Get strong
There's lots to do while "nothing" is going on. Get cameras CLA'd.
Tend to the things that have been passing you by. Sometimes there
are keys to the future there. Organize your work area, hardware.
If you're in a commercial slum, approach potential clients, market
and promote yourself.
Maintain Momentum
Sometimes when we are about to fall, we forget that we have loving
arms that will catch us, our support system. Let yourself fall into
them. They are not there by concidence, IMO. Someone or many people
in your support system (perhaps a mentor ?) can be your guide(s).
in this passage.
Let your midwife find you
Maybe more later...
--- Luis
