a peculiar patina

a certain vision : a self reflection : a photojourney

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Ice Climbing in Maine!

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My favorite light is found where the fog embraces color and sound of any moment.

© 2014 courtney elizabeth

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Campfires.

Simplification of life through a gaze into the warm glow of a smoky summer campfire.

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Spring Point Bliss

I just have to laugh. I try to find stillness often, as it is something that I value. 

And then, just when I become too serious about the necessity of absolutely stillness, internally and externally, I realize that laughing out loud at the blissful spontaneity of playing in the sand and jumping and howling and letting go...

is where my soul rejoices in the stillness of my own bliss.

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Moonset

When the moon goes down, the sun comes up. And, as it should be, the opposite is also true.

It's just a matter of speaking a truth from your own heart. You cannot be wrong here. 

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Meditation in Doing

Meditation does not necessarily require physical stillness. I find I am more in tune with my thoughts and self when immersed in the rhythm of my craft.

I cannot think of anything else. It is the best method of freedom, to let my heart, visions and hands connect and create.

Personal work is simply from the heart.

© 2014 Courtney Elizabeth

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Bright Colors on a Rainy Day

"Life is too short to be neutral"  — Shelley Stevens

Bloomers: Portland, Maine

I was thrilled to spend a rainy May morning on Bolton Street with creative sister Shelley Stevens, sole owner of Bloomers, a unique and colorful small floral business. Although the rain makes me want to stay in bed, I was so grateful to have packed my camera the night before. Off into to rain showers I went. Honestly, knowing that I would spend the morning in the office of a florist made it much easier to pull back the covers.

When I arrived at Bloomers, I was already seduced by the authenticity of the little garage-turned-floristry. Soft green moss covers the rooftop and the multi-toned wooden doors feel likely to conceal a secret of sorts. I opened the doors to the up-cycled shed, only to reveal buckets, upon buckets, filled to the brim with a potpourri of pink peonies, orange and yellow tulips, bright red poppies and other radiant springtime colors.

Shelley’s careful selection of the most vibrant and beautiful colors was a reflection of her positive attitude and outlook on life. It was a true joy to observe her delighting in her work.

Working carefully amidst the bride-to-be’s loose color and floral requests, she said she had been able to have fun and indulge in her own creative mindset, while picturing her work on the tables and scattered throughout the Merrill Farmhouse at Pineland Farm rustic venue. 

I am in love with the Shelley’s passion for color and life… and the simple combination of both!

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Wellies Make Me Feel Invincible.

When life ceases you with surprise and takes the wind out of your lungs, what do you do to find a break and open up your heart to let the necessary oxygen come to your rescue?

I put on my wellies and romp. and play. and explore.

Water, mud, snow, rain, fire-- well, maybe not fire, but they've got my back in most situations.

They allow me to think only of my footsteps and the cycle of inhalation, and exhalation when that's what I need most.

Freedom to breathe. Freedom to embrace my vulnerability and feel invincible.

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Dancer. Day 58.

In the middle of winter, this brave soul shines and dances on. Wind gusts of 20mph and -10F with windchill... 

... and she's still living her dream in grace.

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Flight. Day 57.

Watching a kite free in flight is, in itself, freeing. It's beautiful and poetic.

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Reflection. Day 56.

It seems there are always so many layers to the onion of reflection. Thought processes and daydreams consist of so many subconscious stratum. 

It's all so lovely.. and seemingly seamless.

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Playfulness. Day 55.

Yoga is a concrete way to practice playing around. i had the pleasure of meeting, experiencing and photographing a gaggle of inspiring individuals this afternoon.. all of which are soon to be 200-RYTs. 

I loved spending time with these strong women and getting got know their personalities... helping coach and guide them from nervousness to playfulness was heart opening and spectacular.

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Space. Day 54.

Where you find it, take up all the safe you can. The feeling of expansion without restriction is a royalty we are overdue.

Even if it is in your dreams, let the wide open space fill you with fresh air and light. Perhaps it is the audio and the soundtrack that gives life and company to your memories.

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It Started with Coffee and a Drive Through the Mountains. Day 54.

Simple days can end in big moments. The augmentation of the moments before a turning point in your life do not always present themselves as such.

My day started with coffee and ended in a promise of forever... between giggles, tears and momentary squeals, I was able to say yes to the man I love.

There is a reason I take time to make images that express my journey. These images, marks and imprints inside of these precious rectangles will last me a lifetime, when the moment is over and and only ghosts of feeling remain. 

The light of each moment is a direct reflection of the energy and beauty of itself. It is the only thing that belongs to me, and I hold it tight.

Ring by Anne Sportun Fine Jewellery

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Seeing the light. Day 53.

Two variables... arguably three, if you include gray. Color can distract and seduce. Strip it away and simplify, and you have the dance between light and dark, or black and white.

Highlight and shadow give depth, and sometimes, it is easier to see the source of dimension if you simplify the variables.

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Fluctuations of Light and Life. Day 52. 

It's interesting how fast things change and fluctuation. Like the tide, yes, but not as predictable. You feel a change coming on and think you are ready, or the contrary, you wish the impeding change to back off and hold out. 

The sun and the clouds play a constant game of hide-and-seek in Maine winters, especially up here in the Rockport Harbor. One moment is beautifully, evenly gray and the next is piercing, warm and sunny bright. 

As a photographer, I am drawn to the even-ness of the gray and blue light. As an artist, I am infatuated with the uncertainty of the light and energy of each new moment. Change keeps me going and challenges me on a consistent basis. 

The fluctuations of light and life are what keep me interested in the world and its happenings. Else, what would be the point?

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Ice Fishing. Day 51.

It seems that every time I make time for myself to go outside and adventure, I come back with new favorite memories. Out for a stroll in a small town in Maine, I stumbled upon a boat launch at the frozen river's edge.

Scattered about the ice were the Ice Shacks I heard so much about but never ventured out to see. Cautiously stepping out onto the ice, I made new friends and was welcomed into the world of these kind gentlemen, their love for the hobby and beautiful light!