Waves of Life || An Ocean Between the Waves
August often feels like the calm before the storm. For many, and certainly for myself, it represents the last chance to bask in the warmth of summer, savoring the sun’s embrace before the busy months ahead. The ocean, too, seems to share this sense of tranquility, aware that stormier days are on the horizon.
Capturing the ocean’s changing moods is a favorite subject of mine. No matter how many times I visit the same spot, the sea always offers something new, revealing different facets of its character in response to the sky and the sun's reflections. These visits evoke many emotions and feelings, and as an artist, I often hope to receive this gift by simply surrendering to the subject. The ocean, sky, and sun are so full of mystique and a power we can barely comprehend.
For the August blog post, my featured shot was taken at Rodeo Beach in Sausalito, California. On this particular day, I was captivated not just by the crashing waves but by the entire wave formation process. From the trough to the crest, each wave’s fleeting journey reminded me of a conversation I had about the brevity of life. A cherished life coach once described our lives as akin to small waves in the vast ocean: we are born, we rise, and then we settle back into the universe.
Watching the waves rise and fall, I was struck by how quickly each moment passes. It underscored the importance of living in the present, pursuing what we love, surrounding ourselves with uplifting people, and embracing our authentic selves. Our energy and emotions, like waves, surge and recede swiftly, reminding us to make the most of every living moment as it truly is fleeting. Our energy and our emotions, like waves, come in strong and then they go.
The editing process for "Waves of Life" was inspired by one of my most listened-to bands in recent years, The War on Drugs, and their evocative song, "An Ocean Between the Waves," from their critically acclaimed 2014 album, Lost in the Dream. Adam Granduciel, the band's frontman, has described the song as reflecting themes of introspection, longing, and personal struggle. The rhythm and beat of "An Ocean Between the Waves" align with the "Waves of Life" image, starting with a brisk tempo and building in both speed and emotion.
The song’s expansive and atmospheric soundscapes—highlighted by reverb-soaked guitar lines and lush synthesizer textures—complement the reflective and nostalgic qualities of the image. It captures feelings of isolation and the quest for meaning amidst life’s challenges, with lyrics that convey emotional distance and yearning. The recurring ocean imagery in the song symbolizes both a barrier and a connection, representing the vast emotional and existential space between individuals and their struggles.
Pairing my photographic work with music presents its own unique challenge. Finding the perfect song and band to reflect and enhance my images involves more than just a simple match; it requires a nuanced connection between visual and auditory elements. The process of aligning my artistic vision with the work of another artist can be complex and elusive. However, the combination of "Waves of Life" with "An Ocean Between the Waves" may be as close to a perfect pairing as I’ve achieved thus far. This blend sets a high bar for future "Image and Icon" collaborations, as I continue to explore and refine the interplay between image and music.
Written August 2024