So I was asked by a visitor at my opening event why I chose to capture what I did. I thought it was a great question and didn’t really have to think too hard on the answer. Most artists – at least the ones I know – have a hard time describing the work they choose to pursue. I’ve always been looking for that something different. I want to show the view that others never see.
My answer was simple – because these places, object and things intrigue me.
Later on, a co-worker said to me, “you’re the only person I know who walks by a pile of rope and thinks “that’s art”. I would just walk by it.”
So, I thought more about how I captured “Tangled Ropes”. What was so intriguing about a pile of ropes?
I remember when I first stumbled upon it, I loved the color. It was simple, clean almost, with the little purple accents. My first focus was on capturing those accents. But I wasn’t happy with what I saw. Something was lost when I got that close.
I moved back a step or two and then I noted the deep shadows and varied rough textures. I jumped from side to side of the pile trying to find the best balance of light, shadow and contrast. Alas, nothing made me happy.
Finally, I moved back a step or three more. I saw a mass of chaos on the ground in front of me. It wasn’t rope any more. From a few steps away it became intriguing. There was movement and light. There was rush and flow.
Then running through the middle of the pile seemed to be this one cord; straighter then the rest; as if it were on a mission to get someplace. That line splitting the pile seemed to be in control; on a path; direct and confident. What stopped me dead in my tracks was this feeling of capturing this one cord, moving at its own pace, through the chaos on its own mission.
That was it. This was no ordinary pile of discarded rope any longer.
I fiddled with the camera to get the exposure I wanted, waited for the sun to poke out from behind a cloud just slightly — and there it was.
Next time you are out and about – and happen to come across a pile of rope, don’t pass it by. Stop for a moment. Look at it. What do you see?
I don’t mind telling you that “Tangled Ropes” is available for purchase. This is the original piece from the “Scene | Unseen” collection. Fine Art Print, matted and framed in a black and gold accented frame. Overall size is 23″(h) x 19″ (w). $125.00