Some other random thoughts that come to mind as I'm reading your replies....

The joy of going for an arts degree Michael is that there are no tests! Well, sure I still have to take exams for non-art classes, but with the exception of the technical test I had to take in Photo I (A+ of course), there are only projects, most of the images I posted from last September to this May were school projects.... which you will use to pad your portfolio with.... And other than that it's learning different darkroom techniques, and expanding your vision to express what you want to say.... My professor, a woman, is talented, fantastically supportive, open to ideas, and blunt as hell, if it sucks she'll tell you so .... she does not give an easy A... and expects a lot from her students.... I respect her more than anything, and would seek out her opinion on a regular basis...

But what she said to me one day, really stuck with me and sort of correlates to what this man wrote, and what I said above.... I had showed her my portfolio, seeking advice about which images I should submit into for a show..... she had good things to say about my work, all which had been done prior to taking any of her classes

.... but then she said... "Find something that really has meaning for you, and shoot that....." It sort of made me feel as if all that I had done, did not have meaning....

Nilla, I know what you mean.... nature is as close to God (no organized religion for me either) as it comes.... I think the Native Americans had it right when they said that everything has a spirit and a soul....

Pat I do hope you find your joy again .... :~(

Wolf.... I enjoy your beer induced soap box speeches.... feel free to stay up there as long as you can maintain your balance... :~)

Now I need to think a bit more....

Message edited on: 07/13/2004 08:07

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com