Airplane Mode - ON

Give yourself permission to switch on the off button and use the three "S's" of creativity

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My first book “Still - a mindful practice for photographers” will be on sale from 6th February in all good bookshops and some not so good ones. You can preorder the book so you get it on the publication day.

“More than a photography book, Still is a must-have guide for anyone seeking calm and clarity in their creative life.”

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Abbazio Di Sant’antimo

There is something about adjoining rooms without doors that I love, the long view, shapes, shadows and light leading the viewer on a journey through the location. This was made in the Bishop’s quarters which although elegant and opulent were also so calm and peaceful.

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Hi,

How are you all?

I love taking a plane, when the seat belt sign goes on and they ask us to turn device to airplane mode my heart literally sings.

But airplane mode is not just for flights, it is sometimes essential to your own sanity.

I am probably not blessed with the gift of great business acumen, my phone is always on silent, notifications are silenced, I even have vibrate turned off - it is a wonder any ever calls! I am the same with emails, text messages and social media notifications - all turned off.

For me airplane mode is becoming something of a way of life, it is not that I don’t want to hear from people but I want to choose when I am available and when I am not.

My space at Krowji is a place of quiet creativity that I love, I don’t want my phone chiming all the time.

In last month’s newsletter I wrote about the importance of connections, this month I seem to be saying the opposite.

I use the three “S’s” as a guide to creative life, they are; space, solitude and silence.

Each of these give me chance to hear what the little voice inside me is saying and by listening to this part of myself I let it guide me through the processes I use as part of my creative life.

In the modern world, I feel as if I am standing in the middle of a crowded dance floor, trying to have a conversation, all the while I am shouting to be heard and being jostled from side to side by sweaty people with red faces, slopping drink over my shoes!

By allowing myself to switch into airplane mode I can find the space, solitude and silence to hear that moment of inspiration as it starts to form from the creative blob that starts the process.

Being in airplane mode doesn’t mean that you avoid all input, you can still read, take time in a gallery, watch a movie, paint, draw, sculpt, write and sleep - yes inspiration comes while sleeping too!

I am naturally insecure, I have been for as long as I can remember but that said I don’t need the security of my devices to make me feel connected to the world, I need those three “S’s”

What do you need in your creative life to help you navigate your day?

Thank you for your time today

Best wishes

Paul

ps one image from the same Abbey that I am quite fond of is this one. You may think this nun is sat in church reading the Bible, but she like so many of us was distracted by her mobile phone - even the most devout need airplane mode!

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If you are interested in beginning your practice of still life photography I am offering 121 workshops at my studio. These sessions will cover lighting and camera craft but more importantly subject choice, composition and expression. The cost of a day in my studio is £280 which includes lunch, coffee and cake and collection from your hotel, rail station of Newquay Airport. Email me to start the conversation

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