The definition of Dichotomy is basically a division or contrast between two things that are, or are represented as being, opposed or entirely different.
“Opposites are not contradictory but complementary.” – Niels Bohr
A friend once asked me WHY I photograph the things that I do. Apparently “because” was not a good enough reason. WHY. People have asked me that before. The standard answer was because that was what I saw and how I saw it.
WHY.
That is what I am drawn to.
WHY.
Nature told me too.
WHY.
You see how this conversation went for a couple hours. Relentless.
“Living Water”
For the next coming days, I sat with it. I wanted to nail down WHY I am drawn to certain things.
Black and White. Light and Shadow. Long Exposure movement with still rocks, ice and stumps.
Had a come to Jesus moment and realized I tend to shoot things that are opposites. Yin & Yang. Two things that are at odds with each other but also complement each other. The word that jumped at me was conflict.
I have tended to avoid conflict my whole life. I don’t like fighting or arguing. It has never sat well with me. So, for me to be drawn to that in my work took me aback and was an “Aha Moment”.
Yet, it is the epitome of Dichotomy for me to be attracted to it in my photography but avoid it in my life at the same time.
That is what my mind’s eye is drawn to, and I don’t even have to think about it. It is brain matter muscle memory and I do it without much contemplation.
“Eleven Mile”
Now that I have recognized this, it seems necessary for me to take the next step and THINK about it while I shoot and make it a serious project. For the next year I will be contemplating this a little deeper.
“Recognizing isn't at all like seeing; the two often don't even agree.”
― Sten Nadolny
