How Did I Get Here?

This is the first photo in a self portrait personal photography project I just started.

Before it was completed I shared it with my (almost 7 year old) son and began discussing it. Yes, we discuss photography often. In fact we love having ChromeCast scroll through images and we talk about them. He has been able to identify images created with a slow shutter speed and say how he can tell for a couple of years!

Back to the point though, as I talked about how I created the sky and water scene then I continued saying “I placed the rock there…” and he said “So you wonder – How did they get there?” (Gasp!) This amazing little guy understands me and my thought processes completely!

The inspiration to try something like this came from the wildly enchanting, surreal and magical images of Josh Adamski.  You can see his work on Facebook , Instagram or on his website here. Also, I am beginning to work on an “Inspiring People” series where I am sure he will be featured. Although (I think) I figured out the premise behind his methods, my attempt at the technique fell far short of the beauty he creates. This experience has once again “shown me how I can soak up their [other artists’] work, digest it and let it flow back out of my mind and hands in altered way that makes it mine.” Find out more about the book that brought me to that realization here.

I attempted this image to complete a photography challenge using a “Creative” technique. Before I added the white drawings it seemed to lack something. The path to adding the drawings started because my entry was to be shown projected on a black background and I thought it would be interesting if the edges weren’t just straight. So I began creating some elements in Adobe Illustrator. As I worked, the vector graphics grew and dominated the image. For me it changed the message of this image. My original title (without the white graphics) was “Future” where it seemed that we were looking at that person in an open vastness looking forward to a future of opportunity. Now the title is “Dream Your World” and I feel it makes that little person much less passive and gives her the power and control to create the world where she wants to live.

So, how did I get here? I have always enjoyed making, creating and sharing ideas. In college I studied Marketing and Advertising and began my career copywriting. Working with Graphic Designers lured me to try my hand at that side of the creative marketing process. Later, as a stay at home mom I began to explore my interest in photography. Now that my youngest child is almost old enough to be in school for a full day I am searching for a way to be able to financially contribute to supporting my family while still being home on sick days, snow days, school vacations and during the summer. I am working to create my own work-from-home, “sharing creativity” dream world. I truly appreciate your interest and support here at TypicalCheryl.com.

Please take a moment to leave a comment below and sign up for my email list here. I look forward to sharing creativity with you!

4 thoughts on “How Did I Get Here?”

  1. Love reading about your creative process Cheryl! As an artist myself I often find it a challenge to put this process into words, and “How Did I Get Here…” has helped to really inspire me. May all your dreams for the future come true!

    1. Hi Andrea! Thank you for your comment and your well wishes. I am so honored to be able to inspire you. You are an amazing artist. (For anyone else reading this, please check out her work at morganstreetdesigns.com)

      I realized more about this piece as I talked about it with others and wrote about it. I think we often have our subconscious working along with us. It seems I have discovered that here. Wishing you all the best too! -Cheryl

  2. I’ve always admired your photography especially the black background photos. They’re so vivid to me. I’m hoping to eventually purchase a DSLR soon.

    Hopefully I can learn from your point of view. It’s inspiring!

    Please continue to share your work. You’re awesome!

    1. Thank you, Cassandra! Let me know if you have any questions as you look for a DSLR. There are a lot of factors to consider. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I really appreciate it!

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