MICHAEL WOLFE’S VIEWFINDER WORLD!

By likemindblog

Michael-Wolf test 1

My name is Michael Wolfe. “Wolfie” is what most call me. I was born an Air Force brat in San Antonio, Texas. As a child, I spent time in Las Vegas watching mushroom clouds from atomic testing in Yucca Flats, which may or may not have helped my creative journey. Today I live in Kansas City, Missouri, with my lovely wife, Leslie, a wonderful photographer who inspires me to photograph on a daily basis. I don’t have any expectations when it comes to where my photography is going, as I’m loving the process. If people enjoy my work, I am blessed, blessed to be a conduit of the creative art process.

Michael, I bid you a very special welcome as you are the first photographer to participate in this project. You are adding another dimension to this project and and thank you most sincerely for participating in this project.

No. 1) What is art to art for you generally an more specifically the art of photography in your case?

#1: Art to me is an inspirationally created form that evokes a feeling in the viewer, listener, or reader. To me an artist is a conduit for the unlimited creativity floating around this expanding universe. It’s our job as artists to get the hell out of the way and allow the art form to happen through us. Photography as an art form, for me, is creating a story that can keep the viewer’s eyes on the page, allowing them to make up their own story.

No. 2) What inspires you?

#2: What inspires me? That’s a loaded question! I’ve found through the years that my attention span is extremely short, so I’m inspired a lot. Must say, the Infinite that I choose to call God, gets my gratitude for inspiration today.

No. 3) When you are creating, or maybe I should say composing, where does it take you? Where does your mind travel?

#3: I spend a great deal of clock time trying not to think too much, trusting the process of “think, plan, do.” Before shooting, I will think and plan the image to the best of my ability – the light, environment, camera settings, composition, and the likes. The “doing” part of the process really floats my boat, the joy of being part of the moment – when the shutter clicks! When a shoot is done, I couldn’t tell you how much clock time has passed and I realize I’ve been in a place of peace that passes understanding, generally thought-less. I love a spontaneous shoot.

No. 4) Why did you choose photography versus another form of art?

#4: Photography chose me (snicker)! I’m an only child and never had difficulty keeping occupied or creating mischief. Even today trespassing for me is a sport! At age 10, Dad gave me a Kodak Brownie camera and my world through a viewfinder began! Probably the reason I chose photography is that it’s really pretty fast gratification.

No. 5) Would you say the art of photography and health are related and if so, how?

#5: Oh yes! For the viewer it can raise or lower blood pressure, depending on how the image is perceived. I have placed images in a retirement facility and watched the elders take joy in getting lost in the shot. For a brief space of time, forgetting they are on a walker or in a wheelchair. As for my health, photography brings me into the moment, allows me to be a part of it all, without incessant mental chatter. That has got to be good for health!

No. 6) Do you identify with your subject, and if so, on what level?

#6: I practice acceptance of the subject when I shoot, not so much labeling the differences or similarities.

No. 7) How do you feel when you are behind the camera, photographing?

#7: That’s a good question! Before I physically engage in the shot(s), an Michael 8 p excitable energy fills me. Then, when the capturing moment happens, I don’t ever recall feeling much of anything. It’s more like a letting go, or an allowing of what’s happening to just be.

No. 8) Does photography help you connect with your higher self, whatever that is for you?

#8: Higher self? I know there is a God and it’s not me. It’s a practice to remind myself of that throughout any given day. Years ago, I fancied myself a singer/song-writer, and during that time the book “The Artist’s Way” first helped me to practice letting go of “me” in the creative process. About that time, A.R.T.S. Anonymous (http://www.artsanonymous.org/about-arts/) and I met. A.R.T.S. helped me see where my creativity comes from and that it was my old way of “thinking” that gets in the way of the creative process. Eckhart Tolle helped me understand creativity and spirituality in the Now. These and many other life situations help me connect with what one might call my “higher self”.

No. 9) How do you feel about creativity in the public school system? About not only developing creativity in student, but also the use of creativity in problem solving?

#9” Not too sure I’m going to be much help on this one! Through out my life I’ve had a problem with authority and just couldn’t wait to get out of the public school system. You couldn’t see me for the dust when I graduated!

No. 10) In your opinion, what would be a simple solution to improve creativity, the use of creativity in the public school system?

#10: I am peaceful at this moment and desire to stay that way. This question would require me to divulge how I really feel about tenure and some aspects of teacher’s unions. There is no $imple solution inherent in the system here in the states.

No. 11What are you hoping to teach or to help people become aware of through your photography? In other words, what is your mission through this? What motivates you? What are you hoping to bring to the viewer?

#11: There is a high I get when watching people look at my photography, being able to listen as they comment on what they see or perceive. I published a book called “A Collaboration of Circumstance”. It’s a photography/poetry book. Mike Loman, a retired fireman, created poetry for each image. The book makes for a fun view and read. That being said, I’m motivated by what others see in my work; there are as many stories in one image as perceptions. I look at it as an invitation for others to participate in the creative process of the photograph.

Once again, Michael, that you for sharing your thoughts and feelings so generously with us. Until our paths cross again, I wish you well in all your endeavours. Be blessed!

TO THE READER: Michael 10P