Youth is both a beautiful and challenging period in a person’s life. Now, living it, I am trying simultaneously to find my purpose and not lose my inner self. When I think about who I am, I answer questions we all have asked ourselves at once or another. What is my passion? What am I interested in? I think creativity is an essential part of my life, my primary motivator, and my source of everyday pleasure. Today I will reflect on this topic using a film camera, my smartphone, and a potted plant to reflect various aspects of my personality.
Each of these items reflects some critical aspect of my personality for me. Firstly, the film camera demonstrates my passion for photography and shooting. Further, my smartphone in this story is a “window to the world.” It is a tool for communicating with the community of creators and sharing my art. Finally, the plant – not cut, but growing – reflects my vision of myself in art as capable of change and not getting hung up on one topic.
I’ll start with the camera, as it is a metaphor for my passion for photography and my working tool. I shoot not only on film but for this performance; I chose it as this technique embodies everything I like in the shooting process – spontaneity and capturing that unique moment. Still, in film shooting, retro photography has charm – no editing, no ability to remake the frame. Instead, you press the shutter – and that’s it; the moment is captured precisely in the form you could catch. I also like the moment of developing the film. My parents gave me this camera; I think they know me and what I want.
I talked about why I like taking pictures, and now, using the example of a smartphone, I’ll tell you how I love to communicate with like-minded people.
I use my smartphone mainly for social networks, where I post my work and get inspired by other people’s art. It’s not enough for me to shoot something and put it in an album; I love interacting with people and finding inspiration in this. Of course, criticism is also present, but I appreciate constructive comments – this allows me to improve my skills. I think a smartphone with access to social networks and a modern photographer is a beautiful tool for work. I can’t imagine myself without access to a community of creators from all over the world.
The previous two items directly reflected my interests, but the flower in the pot is instead a metaphor for my personality.
I don’t like cut bouquets – of course, they can be wonderful, but this story is always about withering, not development. This green sprout may be tiny, but it clings tightly to the soil with its roots and someday will grow into a beautiful plant. I also like that living plants can grow as long as possible until something restricts their growth. I feel the energy of creativity and creation, and I hope never to limit myself because the bolder you dream, the more chances you have to achieve success. Even though I have just put down my roots and grope my way to the sun, this is already an essential step in finding a path in life. I feel like I’m growing every day, just like this flower, and it’s an incredible feeling!
Today I opened my inner world a little to you, using three essential items. First, I told you about my passion for photography using my film camera as an example. Then, I explained why the smartphone plays such an essential role in my creative life. In the end, through the flower metaphor, I explained how I felt during this period.
So, returning to the tricky questions I identified at the very beginning – can I call creativity my main passion and interest at this stage of life? I believe this is true, but like a flower in a pot, I will always allow myself to change and transform but listen only to myself on this challenging path.