Jason Lowry - Publisher Administrator

Creativity involves risk and a willingness to be unnoticed, embarrassed or to be labeled as a failure. However, without those willing to take risks, to break the rules, to go beyond what is traditionally accept, we don't evolve. But, what is creativity and how do we tap into the true expression of ourselves, how do we create something truly unique to our being, to our experiences. A tough task and I do not profess to be some great prophet on the topic. I simply recognize through other writers and artists and personal experience that we cannot tap into our full potential of creativity if we are not fully engaged right now or in the moment we create.

We must be willing to ignore all wisdom and rules and ideas ingrained in out thoughts if we are to break new ground in the artistic evolution, to create something only we can create, something so unique to our own existence, to our own inner intelligence. We must get out of our thoughts, out of our heads and let what is natural take control.

I think various techniques offer opportunities to teach us how to see and how to experience life. I've been amazed by the artists on Stark-Magazine and their abilities to see shapes and lines in various forms of architecture. I never really had an interest in photographing buildings and structures, but what I've seen in recent months is stunning. In fact, I spent a few days in Washington DC and I found myself observing and noticing structures and considering some of the works I've seen posted on line of recent.

Now, the 3 points of this article. First, what we have in common as photographers, our vision, our ability to see, experience and adapt to what is unfolding in front of us. Yes, we must understand the importance of may things, lighting, composition, rule of thirds...etc. However, losing ourselves in the moment is critical to unique creativity, something that is truly consistent with our being. No matter our interest in a particular style, we must strive to focus, to lose our thoughts, to experience the moment and allow our instinct to dominate.

Second, we have much to learn from each other. We should be open and willing to share and as a result, we will grow as artists. Just the pleasure of enjoying the art on Stark-Magazine has influenced my vision in the field.

Third, we must always be willing to take risks and willing to do something different. In my opinion, there are no rules, only suggestions. There is no right or wrong way to create if we are not hurting others. We must tap into what unique to us. Remember, many of the great artists throughout history didn't become famous until they were dead.

Profile

Photography is my passion and a way to relax and to escape from this busy world for at least few brief moments. The best inspiration I have found in the nature with all the differentness forms, shapes and atmosphere it can take. I have been using different large and medium format cameras loaded with black and white film to achieve my photographs in the past few years.

all images © Otakar Hevler

Ice Cap

Frozen Tree

Open Space IV

Between

Dreaming Ice

Serenity