Humbled....

Getting back to college was a goal since graduating nursing school many years ago, although I always seemed to find a "good" reason why it just wasn't the right time. That was until 3 years ago when I took my first class and was an official college student again. Do you know what I realized? I love being in school and using my brain in a different way. Sure, on the first day of class I usually could throw up, because of nerves and then panic when I read the syllabus...but after I get past the first two weeks and settle into class....it is really good.

This semester I attended the local community college to take an art elective....digital photography. This class is amazing on so many levels. Thinking I was going to learn all the functions of my camera (which I have), but the primary focus is on the art of the photo. We only shoot in RAW and full frame photography...no cropping in this class. The entire picture is graded. The attention is on the composition of the photo; the light, the geometry, and the feel of the photo. Each week we are given a shooting assignment....that is always left for our interpretation. My scientific brain has been pushed to function less in the black and white of things, but learn to live in the grey. I have made many mistakes and find myself humbled by how much I have to learn. On a weekly basis our photo's are shown on the gallery wall and critiqued by our peers and professors. I have had my photo's picked a part and elements liked. I am thankful for this hour of truth...it is what pushes me to grow....to take risks....to want to learn more.  I have gained a great appreciation for this beautiful form of art.

This week I was blessed with an amazing honor. One of my pieces (titled, Table Service) was chosen to be in the Student Honor Show. This exhibit is open to the entire art department and over 1,000 pieces were submitted....100 were selected for the final exhibit. Speechless is all I can say. It was an honor to have my print hang beside some talented artists.

Humbled....sometimes it is a good place to be.