A personal thank you

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“What makes us interesting isn’t just what we have experienced, but also what we haven’t experienced. The same is true when you do your work: You must embrace your limitations and keep moving. In the end, creativity isn’t just the things we choose to put in, it’s the things we choose to leave out.”

This quote from Austin Kleon brings me to this thank you post. It was a difficult decision. Coastal Collage is one of the things I need to let go of in order to keep moving.

Writing for Bangor Daily has been thoroughly enjoyable. I have met and collaborated with many fantastic artists and business persons, gotten to know my Midcoast area intimately, and honed my writing and photography skills. Very much indebted to this newspaper for the opportunity to grow creatively, I say “Thanks so very, very much!”

So many fabulous experiences to recall from the last year, but my favorite of all was the time I hung out with the hoopers. Moved the post over to my personal blog for save keeping. (See ‘Coffee, hoop, beer’)

That connection led me to pursue photography in earnest. “These people are fascinating, how do I capture their movement and tell their story with pictures, how can I really use this camera well and make it do whatever I want,” were thoughts running through my mind afterwards. While interviewing Beth Lavinder she stated, “Every attempt at expressing ourselves is one step toward telling our story.” This thought has since allowed me the freedom to explore many creative concepts.

Not opposed to my craft but as another creative place to be, to hang out, photography has literally widened my thought process to a more panoramic viewpoint.  “Take time to mess around. Get  lost. Wander. You never know where it’s going to lead you,” is another Austin Kleon quote I love from his book “Steal Like an Artist.”

So if you feel like continuing to hang out together I will be at renukostyle.com, still traveling, still making art, and talking a lot about photography. Thanks so much for listening.

Karen

 

Karen Olson

About Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com