21 Comments
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Jon Gibbs's avatar

Good on you for trying new things Paul. I believe this platform will be good for showing other sides to our artistic lives. Whether it be writing, drawing or painting it is nice to discover other sides to photographers you admire.

Discover Still By Paul Sanders's avatar

It is lovely to be surprised by people showing what else they do.

Glenda Spackman's avatar

Love your charcoal piece! Yes I agree wholeheartedly with your words. Was like that with seascapes. Dabbling with street at the moment while I’m in Auckland. Hopeless at it but it’s good to stretch myself.

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It’s that stretching into the unfamiliar that makes us grow enjoy being a beginner at street photography

Alison's avatar

Absolutely! If you recall, this time last year I was beginning my journey into watercolour painting and your encouraging words and guidance on what was primarily supposed to be a photography retreat were just what I needed to give it a go with no expectation of the outcome, to not worry about getting it 'wrong' and to simply enjoy the process. Having those conversations were completely liberating and you need to heed your own advice more often! Your belief in me was so encouraging and I, in turn, believe you are, absolutely, an artist, both in what you can turn your hands to and in the way you encourage others to explore their own inner artists.

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Thank you Alison, I was thinking about the other day and wondered how you were getting on with your painting. You are quite right I need to listen to my own advice more often

Alison's avatar

The practice waned a bit over the remainder of the year but I joined my local art society and take part in a social painting group each week. I've started nature journaling and draw/paint something I've seen in nature that week. This is my latest painting: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGa564NtwsW/?igsh=MTd3ajRyd2w0dWhjdA==

Lin Gregory's avatar

It's so nurturing for the soul to step out of our safety zone creatively. Glad to see you're stretching your creative muscles in other fields Paul and, most importantly, enjoying it! In a couple of months I'll stop work and have a lot more time so I intend to embrace it trying out something completely new - woodcut printing is at the top of my list :-)

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Wood cut printing a wonderful process I’m sure you’ll love it

Josh Woll's avatar

I took up pottery as well this year Paul, absolutely love it.

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It’s so much fun isn’t it, I was Surprised how much I enjoyed it

Josh Woll's avatar

I’m hooked! Would love to see what you’re made!

Edith Clifford's avatar

Be the mentor to yourself that you are to me … I have seen and experienced your creative, understandings and techniques through your teachings … in one word … exquisite …

Love that the photo above is from Krowji … your new studio!

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Thank you Edie I need to take more notice of things I saw

Michael Beecham's avatar

Morning Paul.

Thanks for such a helpful and timely reminder to stretch ourselves outside of the comfort zone. I know it's hard to take those first tentative steps into something unknown, awkward, and unsettling, but I suspect we'll be better for it.

Now I'm wondering what I can do with MY time...

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You can have coffee with me my friend

Michael Beecham's avatar

SOLD!! to the man with the clay-splattered eyes 😂

Michael Beecham's avatar

If Fridays are still good for you, I’ll be around this Friday morning. Does that work?

Gary Swann's avatar

Oh how I resonate with this piece, Paul! Last year I reached a point where I felt I was 'treading water'. The ocean speaks with many voices. I needed to find a new voice, a different perspective, a new approach to interpreting its moods. I haven't found it yet but am enjoying exploring new creative pursuits, each of which may 'spill into my photography'. I'm also finding freedom and joy in being a beginner.

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."

- Mary Tyler Moore

Discover Still By Paul Sanders's avatar

You are so right Gary something has to give to help you grow