And Then Depression Set In

OK, quick re-write …

What I’d written was:

• I noticed this extra-large teddy bear hanging off a Christmas tree at the mall like a condemned man hanging off the stocks in the public square. Oh, I’m sure it was intended to look jolly, but as they hadn’t secured its large head it simply hung down in resigned misery. I hadn’t visualized the art emerging quite this way, but I liked the distinctiveness of the rendering. Functionally, as it wouldn’t move the way I initially intended for it to, it’s a reminder that photo art and lighting are linked, just as is photography and lighting. The nature of the work will run according to the lighting available, despite what the artist might have in mind. As I look at it now, I might have cropped it more tightly off the left, running the bear right up and over the edge and so adding a bit of claustrophobia to the work.

 
Then, not intending to create new over the holidays, I did anyway, and found some of the lighting I wanted, and cropped it the way I wanted. So, you see, another characteristic of photo art is that it’s really absolutely never finished. Of course, da Vinci held onto some works throughout his lifetime, continuously making changes or adding layers as he went, the Mona Lisa included. So I guess I could say no art is ever finished until the artist lets go of the damn thing. (or, as in da Vinci’s case, dies).

Symbolically, this work should be a reminder that, for most of us, the holidays are a time of great joy and reconnection with loved ones. But not for everybody. As society goes skipping down a particular path, there’s always some left behind. They have no loved ones or feel they don’t. There is no joy in their lives. They feel … left behind. Irrelevant. Over the edge.

Savor the joy but recognize the juxtaposition. The bear is out there.