I'm Ann and I currently live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina-- a wonderful college town a lot like Madison, Wisconsin! In fact, I grew up near Rockford, Illinois, so I'm definitely from your part of the country-- howdy neighbor!
I'm a former ICU nurse, who now works in the field of dentistry. I love to create space for patients to feel safe, and respected, and valued for their own unique way of being in the world. Nursing is an honor and a calling for me. It's also so much fun! My patients are such humorous and honest folks :)
On my days off, I hike on local forest trails and observe the 72 microseasons of the natural year by taking photos on-the-go with my phone.This has become such a reliable practice for my creative expression— yet still contains so much serendipity and surprise!
I really love the feeling of a fresh start— and I get to enjoy this all the time now, because a new microseason starts every 5 days.
I feel profound gratitude to all the generations who’ve come before me in creating and refining this ancient, natural, beautiful way of thinking about time and our planet Earth. And I started this Substack to spread the word and encourage others to tap into their own natural curiosity and creativity by spending a little time outside.
In getting to circle around again and again to each microseason, we can all inhabit a beautiful spiral of time wherever we live! And we can use this creative energy to live more happily together.
I am not a photographer or artist but art of any kind enriches my life at a soul level.
My art form is writing. I agree that it's vital to reflect on the meaning, or the why, behind our creation. When I hold my focus on why I am writing I don't get caught in the web of wanting to be further along the path than I am, I can enjoy the work for the work's sake and the reader's sake.
Thanks for this Andy, I am a new subscriber and look forward to joining your community from a non-photographers perspective!
Hey Daniel that’s a great question! Clearly I should have said fledgling writer as my way with words is a little sketchy🤣
I think it’s the age-old imposter syndrome where I believe anything creative is art, from cooking to music and all in between. Except when it comes to myself. Then, apparently, the word artist would only apply to visual art which I don’t do. Funny/not funny how disconnected we can be about ourselves.
I agree with the second part, this was my thinking. Certainly my intention was not to question your abilities or choice of descriptors. No, if anything the opposite! But it's clearly something many of us seem to struggle with, myself included.
I hear you! I stopped worrying if photography was art a long time ago. Who cares if it's art? It's photography! But I think there's something unique about creative people. Words don't always fit. You're making me question this post headline, Dina!
This conversation is so interesting to me. While I have considered myself a “creative” - I never called myself an artist until I finally stopped doing other work besides my creative work. I use many different mediums to express my creativity, but I’ve always thought “artist” was a classification designated for those who sold their creations. I am formally trained in a few different art forms, but I am mostly self taught in photography. I like to experiment with photography as a way to capture the creations I make and to use light as another medium of manipulation of the creation. I might even sometimes call myself a sculptor in some instances of photography because just like a sculptor uses depth of stroke to create shadow and highlight and relief, I may use light in a very similar way with how I use my camera. It’s hard to deny photo it’s classification as art for me - it has a classification as record keeping as well - though I think this is more troublesome than calling it art.
As a musician, photographer, and writer here on Substack I identify as an artist to the degree I believe in myself and my own work (that means somedays yes and others' no lol).
Artist, photographer, writer over here! Pretty much everything I do is influenced by my love of fantasy and fairytales. I’ve come to realize that my whole “purpose” as a artist is just wanting to make the imaginary feel real for a moment. In so many ways, I’m a kid who never outgrew playing makebelieve.
I find it hard to call myself an artist... probably because I’m not ‘trained’ and/or because a lot of my (non-written) creative work is embroidery-based, so more of a ‘craft’. I used to do a lot more photography, but over the past handful of years have really slowed on that front. However, seeing more photography shared on Substack (including your newsletter!) has inspired me to pick up my camera again. And I’ve recently decided to start putting my visual work out into the world (I stopped sharing on Instagram about a year or so ago) and have created a new section to my newsletter (called Vernacular/Nostalgia) to share my photography, art/craft, and selected archive finds I come across. Feeling excited (and also a bit nervous).
I'm an artist. I think it's a core part of my identity. That doesn't mean I earn a living from art or even that I'm constantly creating; some seasons look different from others. But artwork is the way I respond to and process the world around me.
hello Andy! it's true, even though social media prevents us from getting more creative ideas, it's also a powerful tool for artists and creators alike.
Thanks for this post. Struggling at the moment to accept the intrinsic role creativity plays in my life.
Growing up I did not realised the role creativity has in nourishing my soul and instead I filled the void with self-destructive behaviour. I didn’t realise something was missing and that my actions were a way of avoiding emotions that arose due to a lack of direction or meaning.
Thanks to posts like this and the community you’ve cultivated, it’s easier to accept what is clearly true - I need to create.
Thanks for the encouraging post I have subscribed and look forward to more of your work and sharing my photography in this cool corner of the internet!
hello my name is José Armando and I am a photographer -I am form Brazil,São Paulo city and I'm developing a project - common place 2023 - I make photographic images on a white background where I project photos taken from the window of my apartment in the city center. I'm 75 years old and I got my first camera from my father when I was 10 years old - it was a rolleiflex - I had several professions and today I take photographs
Definitely consider myself an artist and that manifests in various ways (including photography.) Thanks for sharing the Ethan Hawke vid. I’ve seen it a few times before and it’s always worth the reshape. Love what he says and absolutely agree. ❤️🙌🏻 (If anyone wants to check out some of my art: visit nancyforde.com ☺️)
Love your post Andy. I identify as an Eclectic Old Bird, living in Cavan, Ireland. I would describe myself as an artist with a eclectic mix of creative projects. I love generating and being part of communities of creative people. If you have time do pop into my Substack and say hello. I’m only just beginning this particular journey and so far I’ve found a lot of people who’s notes and posts really resonate with me, including yours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts it is much appreciated.
Hey, Maria — Good to meet you! Thanks for reading and for making time to say Hello. I would love to hear more about you and your projects. Would you email me sometime? Cheers!
In my early 20s, the shadowy realm of the more illicit side of society drew me in. I think it's because artists and criminals are two sides of the same coin, but one subverts and the other destroys.
When it comes to photography or many visual arts, I'm not as talented as you and many of the artists you showcase here, but pictures give me stories. I love the Bill Hicks quote, "We are all one consciousness experiencing life subjectively." 1. Well, psychedelics. And 2. I feel it with art. Pictures bring that steam of consciousness to life for me. It helps bring stories to life.
With the stories and essays I write, I hope to "break down borders." I get outside my comfort zone and hope to make people see the world beyond the street they grew up on.
To me the problem is not to be creative. I need to be creative. I need to take photos. To me the problem is to be realistic. I am an artist that makes photo montage or digital collage, And I am still stuck building my portfolio. I learn that you need more marketing than creativity, And unfortunately I am not good at all in that. So now that I even have 2 kids is more difficult to understand what to do. A lot of artwork, a lot of creativity but no way to "spread my voice". It's frustrating because when I was living in Australia and i joined some group exhibition I even sold my pieces. And got nice feedback. So I really feel stuck just for my poor marketing skill. I think with just creativity you can't do much. Unfortunately.
Yeah, getting your work seen is a problem to solve. Chris Davies has written extensively about this in his newsletter. You might appreciate his insights, Virginia: https://theintentionalartist.substack.com/ Take care!
Hi Andy!
I'm Ann and I currently live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina-- a wonderful college town a lot like Madison, Wisconsin! In fact, I grew up near Rockford, Illinois, so I'm definitely from your part of the country-- howdy neighbor!
I'm a former ICU nurse, who now works in the field of dentistry. I love to create space for patients to feel safe, and respected, and valued for their own unique way of being in the world. Nursing is an honor and a calling for me. It's also so much fun! My patients are such humorous and honest folks :)
On my days off, I hike on local forest trails and observe the 72 microseasons of the natural year by taking photos on-the-go with my phone.This has become such a reliable practice for my creative expression— yet still contains so much serendipity and surprise!
I really love the feeling of a fresh start— and I get to enjoy this all the time now, because a new microseason starts every 5 days.
I feel profound gratitude to all the generations who’ve come before me in creating and refining this ancient, natural, beautiful way of thinking about time and our planet Earth. And I started this Substack to spread the word and encourage others to tap into their own natural curiosity and creativity by spending a little time outside.
In getting to circle around again and again to each microseason, we can all inhabit a beautiful spiral of time wherever we live! And we can use this creative energy to live more happily together.
Come visit me over at "Microseasons" 72seasons.substack.com
I just subscribed! Thanks for the note, Ann. Great to meet you. And thank you for reading!
Wow Ann, this sounds amazing! I’m heading over to your Substack now.
I am not a photographer or artist but art of any kind enriches my life at a soul level.
My art form is writing. I agree that it's vital to reflect on the meaning, or the why, behind our creation. When I hold my focus on why I am writing I don't get caught in the web of wanting to be further along the path than I am, I can enjoy the work for the work's sake and the reader's sake.
Thanks for this Andy, I am a new subscriber and look forward to joining your community from a non-photographers perspective!
I'm glad you're here, Donna!
My dear Donna, an honest question: how is it that you practice an art form without being an artist?
Hey Daniel that’s a great question! Clearly I should have said fledgling writer as my way with words is a little sketchy🤣
I think it’s the age-old imposter syndrome where I believe anything creative is art, from cooking to music and all in between. Except when it comes to myself. Then, apparently, the word artist would only apply to visual art which I don’t do. Funny/not funny how disconnected we can be about ourselves.
I agree with the second part, this was my thinking. Certainly my intention was not to question your abilities or choice of descriptors. No, if anything the opposite! But it's clearly something many of us seem to struggle with, myself included.
I have always been allergic to calling myself an "artist." Wrote a whole newsletter about that
https://dinalitovsky.substack.com/p/photographys-phallic-stage-or-why-22-04-08
I hear you! I stopped worrying if photography was art a long time ago. Who cares if it's art? It's photography! But I think there's something unique about creative people. Words don't always fit. You're making me question this post headline, Dina!
Haha don’t, it’s a punchy headline!
This conversation is so interesting to me. While I have considered myself a “creative” - I never called myself an artist until I finally stopped doing other work besides my creative work. I use many different mediums to express my creativity, but I’ve always thought “artist” was a classification designated for those who sold their creations. I am formally trained in a few different art forms, but I am mostly self taught in photography. I like to experiment with photography as a way to capture the creations I make and to use light as another medium of manipulation of the creation. I might even sometimes call myself a sculptor in some instances of photography because just like a sculptor uses depth of stroke to create shadow and highlight and relief, I may use light in a very similar way with how I use my camera. It’s hard to deny photo it’s classification as art for me - it has a classification as record keeping as well - though I think this is more troublesome than calling it art.
As a musician, photographer, and writer here on Substack I identify as an artist to the degree I believe in myself and my own work (that means somedays yes and others' no lol).
Artist, photographer, writer over here! Pretty much everything I do is influenced by my love of fantasy and fairytales. I’ve come to realize that my whole “purpose” as a artist is just wanting to make the imaginary feel real for a moment. In so many ways, I’m a kid who never outgrew playing makebelieve.
Oh yes, I am an artist. I create because I have to. Creativity is life.
I find it hard to call myself an artist... probably because I’m not ‘trained’ and/or because a lot of my (non-written) creative work is embroidery-based, so more of a ‘craft’. I used to do a lot more photography, but over the past handful of years have really slowed on that front. However, seeing more photography shared on Substack (including your newsletter!) has inspired me to pick up my camera again. And I’ve recently decided to start putting my visual work out into the world (I stopped sharing on Instagram about a year or so ago) and have created a new section to my newsletter (called Vernacular/Nostalgia) to share my photography, art/craft, and selected archive finds I come across. Feeling excited (and also a bit nervous).
I'm an artist. I think it's a core part of my identity. That doesn't mean I earn a living from art or even that I'm constantly creating; some seasons look different from others. But artwork is the way I respond to and process the world around me.
What an amazing video! I'm such a Hawke fan. He has a lot to teach us.
hello Andy! it's true, even though social media prevents us from getting more creative ideas, it's also a powerful tool for artists and creators alike.
btw, ever heard of the term "starving artists"?
yes, that's me XD
Thanks for this post. Struggling at the moment to accept the intrinsic role creativity plays in my life.
Growing up I did not realised the role creativity has in nourishing my soul and instead I filled the void with self-destructive behaviour. I didn’t realise something was missing and that my actions were a way of avoiding emotions that arose due to a lack of direction or meaning.
Thanks to posts like this and the community you’ve cultivated, it’s easier to accept what is clearly true - I need to create.
Thanks for the encouraging post I have subscribed and look forward to more of your work and sharing my photography in this cool corner of the internet!
Hi Rick, good to meet you. I hear you, believe me. Thanks for subscribing. I appreciate it!
hello my name is José Armando and I am a photographer -I am form Brazil,São Paulo city and I'm developing a project - common place 2023 - I make photographic images on a white background where I project photos taken from the window of my apartment in the city center. I'm 75 years old and I got my first camera from my father when I was 10 years old - it was a rolleiflex - I had several professions and today I take photographs
Good to meet you, Jose!
Definitely consider myself an artist and that manifests in various ways (including photography.) Thanks for sharing the Ethan Hawke vid. I’ve seen it a few times before and it’s always worth the reshape. Love what he says and absolutely agree. ❤️🙌🏻 (If anyone wants to check out some of my art: visit nancyforde.com ☺️)
Love your post Andy. I identify as an Eclectic Old Bird, living in Cavan, Ireland. I would describe myself as an artist with a eclectic mix of creative projects. I love generating and being part of communities of creative people. If you have time do pop into my Substack and say hello. I’m only just beginning this particular journey and so far I’ve found a lot of people who’s notes and posts really resonate with me, including yours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts it is much appreciated.
Hey, Maria — Good to meet you! Thanks for reading and for making time to say Hello. I would love to hear more about you and your projects. Would you email me sometime? Cheers!
Will do! Thank you.
In my early 20s, the shadowy realm of the more illicit side of society drew me in. I think it's because artists and criminals are two sides of the same coin, but one subverts and the other destroys.
When it comes to photography or many visual arts, I'm not as talented as you and many of the artists you showcase here, but pictures give me stories. I love the Bill Hicks quote, "We are all one consciousness experiencing life subjectively." 1. Well, psychedelics. And 2. I feel it with art. Pictures bring that steam of consciousness to life for me. It helps bring stories to life.
With the stories and essays I write, I hope to "break down borders." I get outside my comfort zone and hope to make people see the world beyond the street they grew up on.
Good to meet you, Nolan. Fellow Bill Hicks fan here — He was amazing. Thanks for checking out FlakPhoto! I appreciate it.
To me the problem is not to be creative. I need to be creative. I need to take photos. To me the problem is to be realistic. I am an artist that makes photo montage or digital collage, And I am still stuck building my portfolio. I learn that you need more marketing than creativity, And unfortunately I am not good at all in that. So now that I even have 2 kids is more difficult to understand what to do. A lot of artwork, a lot of creativity but no way to "spread my voice". It's frustrating because when I was living in Australia and i joined some group exhibition I even sold my pieces. And got nice feedback. So I really feel stuck just for my poor marketing skill. I think with just creativity you can't do much. Unfortunately.
Yeah, getting your work seen is a problem to solve. Chris Davies has written extensively about this in his newsletter. You might appreciate his insights, Virginia: https://theintentionalartist.substack.com/ Take care!