Solace in the solitary…
Outside is cold, dark, damp and miserable. It has been for days. This time of year is both literally and figuratively depressing and my agitated mind seeks solace…
Over the last few years in particular I’ve learnt a lot about myself and to recognise these symptoms, low mood can be contagious as well as somewhat of a self fulfilling prophecy. I have found that keeping creative is some measure against this - I continue to practice this approach… It may lead to short lived projects like recreating 97304 or Mchowisko. It may also be part of a larger project, Denton Road, Beaverbrook or Lochdubh.
It can go beyond the physical act of modelmaking too, for in the most desperate of times, turning off the world at the flick of a switch and being transported to a calmer, more peaceful place, somewhere of our creation, of us - that can be just enough. Today I share a view I enjoyed earlier this week on one such occasion, a photo I took to remind myself of both that moment - but too of the power of model trains.
Stay safe, talk about how you’re feeling, remember you can enjoy your hobby in different ways, keep taking one step forwards. We’re all here together, even 08761. Until next time, more soon…
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Well said James.
ReplyDeleteThank you Scott.
DeleteBrave words James, all due respect to you for saying them. Great photo too. Spring is on the way. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSpring is certainly on the way… days will get warmer… things will carry on, life and love move us forwards. I’m ok, just not shy of sharing my experiences - perhaps to my detriment sometimes! In this case, hopefully encouraging others in darker moments to feel less alone.
DeleteLovely photo/model. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stephen, on both counts.
DeleteThis is a fantastic example of a photograph perhaps being better than seeing the model in person. The atmospheric perspective of the backdrop reducing distraction, the depth of field reducing the near track to a suggestion, the weathering just enough to not snag the eye, the details edited to the minimum to reduce visual noise, the overall color palette reduced and subtly skewing to support the feel of a slightly aged print--all lovely, intentional, thought provoking. A lot is said about the art of modeling in this hobby, and here is an example of what this really means (in my mind; of course art is subjective): Transcending the craft to moving beyond presentation into narrative, translating the physical into something deeper that grabs at an emotional level, presenting just enough to keep the viewer looking. I don't live in the UK, didn't see this type of equipment in this type of scene in my youth but it immediately registered as believable and, dare I say, familiar?
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, that’s all very kind and you’ve managed to put into words some of what I think I put across, and even some of what I don’t realise I’m doing in this process…
DeleteI'll just add that what you don't realise simply implies to me that you've internalized the craft so deeply that the craft no longer distracts your process and allows you the opportunity to elevate what you are creating into art. It is possible simply because of your constant practice as a creator of these models and scenes--and your willingness to push beyond. As a painter, years of practice have reduced my dealing with the "how to" work with paint, clearing my mind to deal with abstract problems, emerging ideas and chasing "feel."
DeleteThanks for the reflections Dave - this is along the themes I've discussed with good friend Chris Mears - as well as touching on I think in the past. It's lovely to hear the concept expressed in fresh terms.
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