The resemblance between the practice of mindfulness and of conscious camera work suggests to us that they could be either complementary or even alternative methods for personal development.
Phillip L Grosse and S. I. Shapiro, The Tao of Photography
The act of photographing is mindful and activates the brain to repair and make neural connections. Shifting subjects, processes and methods helps me uncover what is missing.
Sally Auman
Lens-based Photographic Artist
Wonder, Curiosity, Flourish
under development
Walking in the woods is relaxing and promotes flourishing.
Flourishing is about living an authentic and full life. It’s feeling present and alive by noticing and appreciating what you already have around you…is a combination of several psychological and neural states that work in tandem to bring you the sense that you are in sync with yourself and the world at large….Awe, curiosity, novelty and surprise help contribute to flourishing. You’re Brain on Art, Susan Magasamen and Ivy Ross
This series is made up of images of flora composites printed in large-scale on Japanese Kozo paper.
Resilience
Resilience….How would we get along with out it? In the course of learning adapting skills I’ve come across neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to repair and rebuild itself. As I get older and various health conditions set in, I’ve learned that practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction or MBSR* by photographing, walking in the woods, creating, or meditating go a long way toward building and rebuilding neural circuitry and becoming more comfortable with what is. Last year, I completed the eight-week MBSR Palouse certificate program.
This series of photography and encaustic* pieces using photographs of bare tree limbs and branches reminds me of neuro connections and rebuilding.
Studies show the arts can physically change the brain, increasing cerebral cortex size and improving resilience through strong neural pathways. Susan Magsamen, Your Brain on Art
*Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D
Strength
This photography and encaustic* series made up of a group of photographs of winter Cottonwood trees taken in the area of Taos, New Mexico when I stayed in Questa, NM during six months of Covid in 2020. Bare trunks and trees reveal strength, survival and rest.
"The arts are the most effective way to explore what it means to be fully human and to flourish." Margaret “Meg” Chisolm, MD
Drive-by Museum
There is nothing like driving around areas that I’ve never been. This encaustic* photo collage series is made up of nature and man-made objects collected from the many road trips around the U.S. that I’ve taken over the years.