The Great One
The reason we wash our prints to archival permanence; the fuss we put into selecting the best archival inks and papers; the choice of mats and storage materials we so painstakingly select; all of this is done because we all hope that our work will survive our mortal existence. We hope our work matters. We hope also that it matters for future generations. This is natural and we should do it all.
However, The Great One has taught us all that the way to artistic immortality is found through artistic brilliance, clear vision, keen insight, hard work, lasting themes, sagacious observation, and indefatigable pursuit of excellence. I refer, of course, to Charles Dickens — whose birthday was 200 years ago today, February 7, 1812. Long-time readers of LensWork know he is one of my personal favorites and one from whom I have learned innumerable lessons about the creative life. Tonight I will read a bit of Dickens — it doesn't really matter what, it's all great — and remember the man. If you are not a reader of Dickens, then celebrate his birthday with these opening paragraphs from one of his best works, Bleak House, read by Sean Barrett in a spectacular Naxos production available from Audible.com.
Bleak House, Opening paragraphs
Brooks' books on photography and the creative process are available in print from Lulu.com, and as eBooks for Kindle or EPUB readers. As one of the membership benefits, these eBooks are available in their entirety to members of LensWork Online via download.
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