The Inspiring Dance of Clouds
When the sky is perfect and blue, we are mesmerized. The sun sets just right, silhouetting a figure as he or she walks through the light. Unforgettable moments like these are not only captured in photographs, they cross our minds time and time again. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to appreciate what's right in front of you!
Clouds offer this new perspective for all of us to enjoy. There are many beautiful cloud formations to admire and each time we do, we can learn a bit about ourselves as clouds remind us that there is more than meets the eye in this world.
It's no surprise that clouds have been associated with emotion since the beginning of time. The Greeks believed that certain clouds were symbols of the seasons and allowed them to be used as a calendar to keep track of time. In China, they had many different meanings depending on how they appeared in the sky at different times of day, often reflecting changes in weather cycles. This is why the Chinese developed such a profound respect for their environment.
When in the company of clouds, it is sometimes hard to see yourself for who you really are. "Walking on Water," an exhibit at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, CA offers a fresh take on those photographic moments. The exhibit is full of amazing photographs taken by Ken Teng and his mother, Yung Teng who has been taking pictures since 1954.
Yung first noticed Ken's unique vision while he was taking photographs around the house. One day she provided him with some film and asked him if he could take pictures of her clouds. That's all it took! Ken was immediately hooked as he captured images that many had failed to notice before him. "This is a photographic artist. He has a unique eye," says Yung.
Ken's ability to take pictures of the world around him without even seeing them makes him so much more than meets the eye. The exhibit at the Museum of Photographic Arts is not unlike his parents' work in that it explores the world of photography through lively depictions of clouds and their role in life. Artists like Ken Teng have made a name for themselves by capturing our world in such a way that makes us pause and reflect. They offer perspective and make us look again!
Conclusion
Light, play and perspective in art are gateways to works of art. The same goes for the different ways that composers and artists approach music, film and literature. Even when they're not trying to be innovative or experimental, artists must experiment with their craft. For this reason alone, my conclusions can be boiled down to three main points:
1. Emotion is the single most important piece of art in a work of art. To experience emotion is not just an individual task; it takes groups working together drawing out their own personal emotions in order for us to have these universal experiences that transcend our time and place.