My inner snail (going SloMo) – 7 September 2024

I didn’t follow the assignments in the class order, and I started reflecting on why that was. The answer came to me quickly: the two assignments I had been putting off ('Be a Tourist' and 'SloMo') made me feel uncomfortable, though for different reasons. Still, I was determined to complete every assignment in the class. After all, it’s common knowledge that the things that make us uncomfortable are often the ones that help us grow the most.

So today, I decided it was time to release my inner snail. One part of me was saying: ‘If you’re going to do it, do it well - commit at least an hour!’ But another part of me chimed in ‘The real benefit lies in just doing it, even if it’s only for 10 minutes’. And then there was that voice of doubt: ‘You’ll never find three things on the floor anyway!’

In the end, I chose to let all those voices take the backseat and simply started with 10 minutes to see what would happen. As soon as I made that decision, my curiosity took over, and the discomfort began to fade. I even set the timer for 15 minutes and donned my ‘snail helmet’ A surprising sense of peace washed over me, though moving slowly was harder than expected. Walking was fine, but my arm movements stayed quick no matter how aware I was.

On the floor, I found a box of vintage magazines from the day before, and my dog’s frisbee - no surprise there, as she loves to play! When the alarm went off, I felt like I was only just getting started. So I (very slowly) walked to the timer and set it for another 15 minutes to stroll around the garden. There, I found a small shell and an acorn cap - gifts from the birds and animals that visit my garden, perhaps. I also came across a flat stone, perfect for my #secretkindnessexperiment collage project.

The second 15 minutes passed just as quickly, and by the end, I felt proud of completing the task. The peacefulness, the heightened awareness of my surroundings, and the connection to them - it was a beautiful, grounding experience. Thank you so very much Lucy! ♥

My inner snail - image 1 - student project

I love browsing Vinted in search of new (old) source material for my collages. A box full of Paris Match magazines from the '50s ♥ arrived yesterday, and I can't wait to dive into them. I picked up one magazine from the box, I decided to replace it and photograph the back of the magazine because it was even more beautiful than the cover.

My inner snail - image 2 - student project

My sweet border collie Bubbels ♥

My inner snail - image 3 - student project

Some unexpected garden treasures ♥

Be a tourist – 2 September 2024

I took a little tourist trip to Lanterstrand and Tulip Island, two recreational areas just a few minutes' walk from my house. Tulip Island is an artificial island shaped like a tulip located in the Wolderwijd lake near Zeewolde (the Netherlands). While Lanterstrand isn’t quite like the beaches I grew up with near Langevelderslag, it’s a charming spot with a small beach that’s conveniently close. It even hosted a flamingo for a time, which became a popular subject for photographers.

During the Tulip Route in spring, Tulip Island is covered with blooming tulips. After the tulip season ends, wildflowers start to bloom, adding a new splash of color to the island. I often bring my camera along when I visit Tulip Island because I enjoy capturing images of the birds, flowers, and butterflies.

This time, I challenged myself to explore with a fresh perspective, trying to see everything as a tourist would. Admittedly, this wasn’t easy for me, as I don’t often experience places as a tourist might. I have a tendency to stick to familiar locations due to the anxiety that new places can provoke. Despite this, the exercise helped me appreciate my local surroundings in a new light.

Overall, the assignment was quite rewarding, and my walk and exploration of the island and beach took longer than usual in a very pleasant and relaxing way. I even enjoyed having my photograph taken (thanks to the other Skillshare classes by Lucy). When I looked at the pictures on my computer, I realized I should have captured more of the setting and the overall view to provide a better impression. For instance, you can see Harderwijk on the other side of the lake, but that’s not visible in my photos. While my pictures may not differ significantly from my usual shots, I hope they still offer a glimpse of the beauty close to my home.

My inner snail - image 4 - student project

It doesn’t get more touristy than this! And yes, there are pictures of me sticking my head through one of the holes (apologies to the spiders for disrupting their beautiful webs), but… let’s keep those to ourselves.

The tulip-shaped chairs look like they’re having a lively conversation.

My inner snail - image 5 - student project

There was a beautiful family of swans, striking all kinds of curious poses.

My inner snail - image 6 - student project

A duck on the outlook. And I was pleasantly surprised to find black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) blooming on Tulip Island. I love these flowers, though the snails in my garden seem to love them too.

Is it a castle or a pie? Not quite Langevelderslag, but this beach definitely offers the perfect spot for building your own sandy creations.

My inner snail - image 7 - student project

A peacock butterfly. It was quite windy, so capturing a sharp image was challenging, and the butterfly’s head isn’t as in focus as I’d hoped. Although it was perched on a flower, it looks like it’s floating in the photo.

The flags look like they’ve had a hard time struggling the wind.

That’s me. I’m surprised at how relaxed I look. I used to freeze when a camera was pointed at me. Thanks to Lucy’s classes, I feel more comfortable! (Technically, it’s not a selfie; my partner took this photo and created a bit of shade while doing so, but I was fine with that).

Bend over - 1 August 2024

I never would have guessed there was so much to explore about a pencil sharpener. Taking it outside and examining it from different angles was such a mindful experience. I discovered so much - its shapes, structure, and even the view through its holes. I had fun creating abstract pictures, placing it in a glass, and photographing it with a dried leaf or a piece of plastic in front of it.

I really enjoyed being in the moment. I felt totally focused and relaxed. This exercise is a great reminder of the benefit of looking at things from different angles, not only everyday objects.

Here are some of the pictures I took:

My inner snail - image 8 - student project

My inner snail - image 9 - student project

My inner snail - image 10 - student project

Points of view - 31 July 2024

I was surprised how much I liked searching for a subject to make my abstract image. I grabbed my camera and just started photographing things around me, I just clicked with a curiosity to find out what I could make of it in Lightroom.

When I turned my everyday object into an abstract piece of art :) I really liked the outcome and the overall feeling of the picture.

To me it is some sort of sweet and curious fish looking at me smiling with an open mouth. I also love the heart pattern that accidentally appeared.

My inner snail - image 11 - student project

Because I know what the original subject is, it was a bit hard NOT to keep seeing it. So I was really curious how pairs of fresh eyes would take in the image so I posted it on my Instagram and asked for help. I really enjoyed reading all the different answers.

There were a lot of heads and mouths: snake, fish, frog, insect, bee, grasshopper, turtle.

Other answers I got:

Happy duck
Smiling robot
Hearts
Cake tins
Car emblem
Mask
Helmet
Darth Vader
Fu dog
Open lid of a can
A tuna can in a kaleidoscope type pattern giving snakey vibes

This whole process was a lot of fun!

Tunnel trouble :) 30 July 2024

This project turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. At first, I struggled with creating the ‘perfect’ paper tunnel. Despite multiple attempts, I felt I was doing it all wrong and even revisited the video to double-check.

Once I created a satisfactory tunnel, I found myself constantly changing the lens of my camera. Although tempted to use my phone, I resisted because I’m more comfortable with my camera.

To be honest, I found this exercise rather stressful. However, I was aware of that and accepted it, almost like an observer of my process. It was even a bit amusing to watch my own struggle and listen to my inner critics Ms. No-it-All and Ms. Perfectionista jittering.

I learned a lot from this experience. Although I didn’t overcome my perfectionism, I accepted it and moved on.

What I liked about the exercise was how it made me focus more on details, colors and patterns in my environment. It reminded me of Corita Kent’s viewfinder, which I recently discovered and plan to try. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the photographs I captured. Despite the not so smooth experience, I will definitely try it more often.

My inner snail - image 12 - student project

Looking at the little bird on my thermos through my paper tunnel. I like the effect of the 'rings' in the tunnel.

My inner snail - image 13 - student project

Same bird but out of focus. I like the colors and seeing the paper edge.

My inner snail - image 14 - student project

Piano keys out of focus. I like the abstract effect and the repetition.

My inner snail - image 15 - student project

The reflection of the window coverings on the glass of a Wouter Stips screen print. I love the yellow and pink and the pattern created by the window coverings.

My inner snail - image 16 - student project

A close up of a thrifted maraca percussion instrument.

My inner snail - image 17 - student project

Notes in my journal.

Meisje De Vos

One of these things first.

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