Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Reason Why

Jupiter Lighthouse Jigsaw PuzzleJupiter Lighthouse Jigsaw Puzzle

"When you look back on a lifetime and think of what has been given to the world by your presence, your fugitive presence, inevitably you think of your art, whatever it may be, as the gift you have made to the world in acknowledgment of the gift you have been given, which is the life itself...That work is not an expression of the desire for praise or recognition, or prizes, but the deepest manifestation of your gratitude for the gift of life." Stanley Kunitz

Well said! I found this quote in a signature line on an email I received today. A long time ago, Paul Keller button-holed me with the question, "Why do you take pictures?" and I couldn't think of an answer to give him. I just knew that I had to make photographs. So, Paul, wherever you are, This is my answer.