Below is an email sent to me a few days ago.
I have asked the writer of it, Christina Comeau,
to allow me to reveal it to my readers
and those thinking of signing up to PHOTOGRAPHY: Making Meaning.
I have done this so people may gain an objective view of the depth of ideas
involved in this project.
I also think that this email is perhaps refreshing to those who read my Substack essays
as the making of photographs is intertwined with my concerns about society,
about us as a dangerous species, and about beauty, truths and creativity.
“Hello Robert,
I am writing to thank you for producing and sharing your work. I’ve been photographing for some 65 years and have spent the last 3 years searching to understand how to connect meaning to my work and (to) establish direction for my ongoing efforts. It has not been an easy quest.
A few years ago, my friend and mentor pointed me toward Eugene Smith and from that focal point I recently happened on your images and philosophy. I’ve thrice completed the first three facets of your meaning-making series and anxiously await the next nine. I’ve also subscribed to your sub-stack and purchased two of your books. It seems you’ve struck a long searched for chord in me and I am grateful that you have chosen to share your work with the World.
I am writing a PhD at the University of Waterloo in catalysing change that is socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable. That study is based in second-order cybernetics* and how collective consciousness makes or declines to make sustainable sociological decisions. The academics can be dry at times but I find that photography is a useful tool for connecting the research with my soul and therefore the directions that need to be pursued.
I love your exploration of the two sides of beauty. The beauty that, as propaganda, intoxicates and conceals Truth; and the beauty, whose subtlety penetrates to the radiance of Reality and the importance of caring for each other. Yet, the challenge of awakening to Reality is compounded by a universal abuse of power that conceals itself behind a polished and massive false narrative. I fell for it for a time, but no longer.
All this to simply say thank you. I hope the next three facets of your meaning-making series will be out soon. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to do what I can.
Best wishes,
Christina Comeau
NOTES
* Cybernetics is the science of control and communication in living organisms, machines, and other systems.
To find out more about PHOTOGRAPHY: Making Meaning go here
