Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes,
And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes
The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,
Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills:—
He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:
Environment is but his looking-glass.

—James Allen, 1864-1912

THE SYSTEM WE GREW UP WITH IS A MESS. It’s falling apart at the seams and a lot of people I care about (maybe you) are in pain because the things we thought would work, don’t. Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. They have become victims, pawns in a senseless system that uses them up and undervalues them.

IT’S ABOUT CHOICE AND IT’S ABOUT YOUR LIFE. This choice doesn’t require you to quit your job, though it challenges you to rethink how you do your job. It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map.

STOP SETTLING FOR WHAT’S GOOD ENOUGH AND START CREATING ART THAT MATTERS. Stop asking what’s in it for you and start giving gifts that change people. Then, and only then, will you have achieved your potential.

FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, the population has been seduced, scammed and brainwashed into fitting in, following instructions and exchanging a day’s work for a day’s pay. That era has come to an end, and just in time.

YOU HAVE BRILLIANCE IN YOU, your contribution is valuable, and the art you create is precious. Only you can do it, and you must. I’m hoping you’ll stand up and choose to make a difference.

—Seth Godin

What could feel more distant than a dream/what better pursuit for a lifetime?




Kampong Speu, Cambodia: 2009.

“Masters” production footage by Matthew Bogosian.

90% of what I shoot for your typical Picture Story is edited out. And that’s okay with me. I see so much to capture when I get in that mode of being, too much.

But…

No matter how inspired any shooting session might be, the edit is really what saves the work… Presenting everything is embarrassing besides: in camera, I’m sketching.

But…

And I really like to take the time to live with the work; as much time as I can manage. There’s a lot learned by stepping away, sleeping on it, going elsewhere.

But, but, but… But this is something different, this is Vanessa’s moment. This is her story, her triumph, and to think of modifying this document of a perfect afternoon with an edit, it just doesn’t compute. Fundamentally, this is a gift of documentation, and more is more.

No live audio was captured, so a simple soundtrack is all we need. But what? Sequenced back-to-back, every frame shot of the Observer Obscura installation exports to an 11m 15s sequence. I checked in with iTunes, who was busy blasting Soundgarden (fast times!), and I immediately noticed the uncanny.



Stranger still: it works.

It’s not perfect, except it is. And perhaps when you create from a place of love, you get the assistance of strange forces. Ordinary magic, let’s say.

Congratulations, Vv!

I’m proud to know you, and so glad you let me be a part of such a defining day, on my birthday.

At 36, a spectrum of birthdays have come and gone in enough ways and in enough places to allow me the freedom to grow June 8th past self-celebration and into something else — I like this way. Every single day of life is essentially a day of birth, and I’ve noticed that the more I work to make my days about everyone else, the sweeter the fruits.

They’re good, very good, these times.

GO PLACIDLY AMIDST THE NOISE AND HASTE, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

AVOID LOUD AND AGRESSIVE PERSONS, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

ENJOY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR PLANS. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

EXERCISE CAUTION IN YOUR BUSINESS AFFAIRS; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

BE YOURSELF. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

TAKE KINDLY THE COUNSEL OF THE YEARS, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

BEYOND A WHOLESOME DISCIPLINE, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS CLEAR TO YOU, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

STRIVE TO BE HAPPY.

—Max Ehrmann, 1927