Rusted Spokes–and a Different Way of Seeing

Wabi-Sabi--First in a Series

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. –Leonard Cohen

I am working in my photography archives, inspired to begin a new project that celebrates the beauty in the old, the worn, the natural, the simple, the impermanent, the imperfect. The photos reflect the ancient Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, a combination of two words: wabi which translates as humble, and sabi which indicates the beauty found in the natural passing of time. It is an aesthetic which focuses on a gentle acceptance of transience, and of the quality of beauty in ephemeral things.

In part, perhaps wabi-sabi is to the East what beauty in perfection is to the West.

In applying the concept to your life, the practice of wabi-sabi invites you to slow down, attach value to a simpler life-style,  and de-emphasize the material goods in your life. It offers encouragement to find beauty in the unexpected. It provides for a deeper connection with nature, and a deeper connection with the people around you.

The photograph of these rusted spokes is the first in a series. It was taken deep in the woods in a less-traveled part of Door County in northern Wisconsin last summer..

Lady Liberty Makes Her Re-Appearance

humor in winter is necessary!

Humor - A Necessary Winter Commmodity

The Statue of Liberty is back on the ice of Lake Mendota. She has a long and fabled history here in Madison.

Here’s the story.

A Valentine Birthday

Mac on my Mac

Mac the Monkey ©2009 Bo Mackison

A quarter century ago my Valentine’s Day might not have been the most romantic, but it was the most memorable. My second child, and only son, arrived mid-afternoon, a nine and a half pound Valentine. One of the sweetest Valentines I know, he’s studying elementary education. Wants to show little kids, especially, little boys, that learning can be fun.

I am so proud.

Happy birthday, guy. Enjoy the game. (Hope Wisconsin beats Ohio State!)

Bowing to the Sun

another summer memory

another summer memory

Remembering summer, long walks through the prairie, bathed in soft evening light from the slowly setting sun.

Mostly Cloudy

Strawberry Island

Strawberry Island

Still doing photos from last summer. How did I ever manage to get such a backlog? This photo is from a cloudy, windy August day in northeastern Wiscosnin’s Door County. I spent a long afternoon sitting on the beach watching the clouds drift over Strawberry Island. I remember thinking everyone else was in such a hurry to go see something, go do something. I was pretty satisfied doing what I was doing — thinking about “stuff” and watching the clouds drift by. Once in awhile I’d pick up my camera and take a couple of photos.

Aren’t those clouds something to behold?