and it is so very cool. I suppose, coming from a photographer, that sounds a bit odd, but it is true. When taking photographs, my eyes pick up beauty, my mind recognizes the beauty of light and my camera captures the image.
While it takes a bit of skill, it isn’t obstinately complicated.
Art class, however, has taken me to places I never knew existed, realms that before that first day, I hadn’t had the insight to imagine. I find that my eyes want to see things that aren’t there, almost like a camera. I see dark shadows and try to put into place what exists there.
I’m learning that nothing exists there other than the dark shadows.
I know about shadow and light. I know about aperture and lens speed. I am quite adept at depth of field and have macro down to a science.
What I don’t know, however, but am learning, is about shadow and shading. It is a different world, one that I find I love. More than photography? I don’t know. The jury is still out on that, but I know this; I love watching a pencil sketch become something recognizable.
Knowing that it came my eyes and my hands and my mind.
Knowing that I have the ability to breathe it, with some effort, practice and determination to learn the craft, as well as encouragement from a stellar teacher, onto the paper.
It is mind-boggling and it makes me feel powerful in a way that I never thought possible.
It makes me feel closer to God knowing that, through my eyes and by the movement of my hand, I can create something out of nothing.
Without sunsets or full moons or mountain vistas.
Me.
Creating something beautiful.
I am awestruck at the joy I feel when I have a pencil in my hand and blank piece of paper before me.
I find, though, that the old habits of little faith and lack of self-confidence butt up head-to-head with my new-found joy; I am also learning , however,to tell that voice that tells me I can’t to shut up.
I can. And I will.
As a matter of fact, I already am.
So for those who feel inadequate, that they don’t quite measure up, that they are inferior … think again.
I am finding that when I don’t compare myself to others, when I believe in myself, when I have faith in the gifts that my Father God has given me, I measure up just fine.
Sam … beautiful Sam … 
An eye for which to see with … 
A Photographer's Heart 