Not a fan of balconies: the higher, the worser. Sometimes, though, getting an uncomfortable distance off the ground provides a different perspective. Here’s just such a perspective from Winnipeg last weekend, just before sunset.
What we’re seeing is one highrise (the one I was in) reflected in the windows of another highrise. The wavy distortions are somehow provided by the large pieces of glass, a phenomenon I’ve observed before even though I can’t explain it. The sunset-y colour is provided directly by the sun; that is, it is not reflected from our building because the setting sun lies behind us and off to the right.
The result is visually striking, for sure, but is it art? I don’t suppose so. Art requires intention, doesn’t it? None of the players here have any intention: not the “sending” highrise with its balconies, not the “receiving” highrise with its windows, not the inherent optical qualities of glass, not the sun. Everyone is just doing what comes naturally, even inevitably, to them. Mine was the only intention to be found, and it was a recording impulse, not a creative one.
But if it’s not art, at least it’s beauty. It’s also a reminder that I don’t have to create beauty or other things of value all by myself: not in my photography, not in my community. Using this reflection for my metaphor, I can send, I can receive, I can simply be, or I can light up the work of others. Like all the players in this reflection, I may never know what my contribution amounted to. I may never be standing where I can see it, but when combined with other contributions, it may gladden someone’s heart even so.
Your art is beautiful and uplifting. Photography involves the art of perceiving, comparing, reacting, and preserving experience. And we are the lucky recipients of your art.
Laurna – Many thanks. I am the lucky recipient of your graciousness.
Your closing paragraph could almost qualify as a creed. Thank you.
Jim T – Thank *you*. We could all do worse than to gladden a heart, here and there.
I am enamoured of window reflections! Your eye and framing make the every-day science of reflection an artwork.
Judith – I seem to remember you doing photo shoots in downtown Calgary. Lots of scope there! Many thanks.
You don’t like balconies? You’ll have to come and visit my place and have a beautiful panoramic view from my 8th floor condo balcony.
Tom
Tom – 🙂 I’ll wave to you from the street. Not all of us are CN Tower Edge Walk graduates, or likely to be.