22 Comments
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Paul Maven's avatar

Work looks special Mark. I am a firm believer in art as therapy. Used it as a prop on many occasions and still do. Sorry for your loss mate. This looks like a fitting tribute.

Mark White's avatar

I will be working on an “art as therapy” post soon. I personally doing think it's the “art” per se as much as it is the effect that the concentration on the act of creation has on the operational mode of our brain. With the intense “flow” focus, our fuller brain can work out the grief, or whatever malady, without distraction. But that's just my supposition at this time. My act of writing may change my mind on this.

George Appletree's avatar

That’s a nice homage

Marcel Borgstijn's avatar

What a wonderful rite you have made. Thanks for your openess. The photos and the book are beautiful.

Susanne Helmert's avatar

This a very personal work, Mark! I am moved. I think it is a wonderful way to channel your grief and express it.

PS: Hahnemühle Rice Paper is beautiful. I have used it before with B&W images.

Mark White's avatar

Thank you Susan. Yes… the Rice paper is a nice touch. I really enjoy working with it. For the binding, I've grown to especially appreciate the long fiber papers, mulberry especially, so flexible and strong.

Mark White's avatar

I appreciate this, Martha.

Mary Martha's avatar

I'm sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful way to honor your stepson, both in spending time in nature, in creating the images and book, and sharing your story here.

Janet Brown's avatar

These photographs are beautiful beyond any words I might have.

Alicia Paley's avatar

This is beautiful, Mark. I’m amazed at how you’ve been able to channel your grief into a work of art. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and moving piece with us.

Mark White's avatar

thank you...!

Kenneth Mills's avatar

So sorry, Mark, but you have taken time to go slow and find and make beauty.

Tom Schroder's avatar

Mark, this is a deeply touching and emotional post - with powerful and beautiful photograhs. Thank you for this.

Mark White's avatar

Thank you Tom.

Donn Dobkin's avatar

This is brilliant, in several ways. The imagery, honoring Ian, and taking us along with your grief. It's beautiful.

Being present to all these feelings is what it means to be alive.

Mark White's avatar

Thank you Donn. So true...being present.

Kate Caddell's avatar

Great photos, and thanks for being vulnerable. It really helps encourage others like myself to embrace art as therapy.

Mark White's avatar

I am working on the next and final post, an examination on how art/therapy overlap. I hope that will resonate as well. We each have our own experiences with grief, and its important to tell our stories. We are none of us alone and need to hear from one another. Thanks for popping in! I appreciate this.

Kate Caddell's avatar

I'll look forward to reading that next post, thanks Mark

søren k. harbel's avatar

Beautiful photographs, Mark! Wow. They are intense and powerful in their own right, without the additional context you describe. I am sure it will be a great tribute once you feel it is complete, it is already well on its way!

Mark White's avatar

With this project I've struggled with giving the viewer a "way in" to the images. I don't know that the background is necessary, perhaps they can stand on their own. but in this day and age when we are no longer surprised by any type of image, when technology has made us immune to what we see and are no longer surprised, or amazed, by any photo, I thought these images would pass us by as simply more proof of the status of technology in our photographic lives. Look what a macro lens can do! As such, that they would need explanation for their personal meaning to come through. I'm still working on that balance.

Thank you for the time on this Soren. Cheers!