The Lardner Report

Unleash your creative superpowers!

Fleeting Moments: Catch Them When You Can

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(Pic #1) Mukluk finds a fashionable moment with my blue bandana. Ten seconds later she was out the door.

Savor the seconds. Save the sentiment.

I’ve started relying on my iPhone for little visual bursts of joy. Whether it’s a goofy or graceful pose choreographed by our cat, one of our garden blooms reaching up toward the morning light, or a concrete wall sporting abstract patterns of smudges and cracks, I make sure to document the moment. (Pics #1,2,3)

(Pic #2) Okay, this pic was shot by Josh — but the point is the same — it’s all about capturing the moment — and it’s why he ALWAYS has his Fuji Camera in tow.

These flashes of beauty, art, and love can disappear in an instant. In nature, they can leave as quickly as they came into view. I’m making a point to cherish these ephemeral gifts, as long as they keep presenting themselves.

(Pic #3) A deteriorating exterior wall (with cool smudges) outside an old recording studio in San Pedro, Cal.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plant….It’s WTF?

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(Pic #1) Yulan Magnolia flower

Lately I’ve been looking for distractions to extricate myself from the grim news all around us. Experts say we should take in headlines in small doses, and seek out more zen experiences to balance out the darkness with something light and joyful. I typically turn to nature.

I’ve started exploring “the best of” photos in National Geographic, and I keep my eye out for Images that will lift my spirits, not crush them.

I ran across the photo above — of the Chinese Yulan Magnolia flower — that teases the viewer with an alter ago: that of a precious pink baby bird, sitting in a cozy nest. The web went abuzz when these pics began to surface, and then skeptics pointed out that they are too perfect, that very few of these photos actually exist, and someone may have Photoshopped an eye onto one of the flower babies.

I’ve decided I don’t care. The beautiful thing about art — especially in nature —  is that its purpose is to engage. Ideally, when we look at a painting, we’re drawn in — we may not be able to figure it out — but we’re hopelessly hitched. I love when I’m fooled. I look forward to being tricked. I’m drawn to the kind of art that messes with my head. Whether it’s an optical illusion, trick photography, or yes, even Photoshop — I’m in for the ride.

(Pic #2) Monkey-faced orchid

(Pic #3) Dracula Orchid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Take A Spin — Find Unexpected Art

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(Pic #1) Facing South, Westlake Village, Cali. (Photo by Josh Kaplan)

(Pic #2) Facing North, Westlake Village, Cali. (Photo by Josh Kaplan)

These two shots were taken from exactly the same spot: in the middle of a field in Westlake Village. Josh stopped to grab the image of the sprawling bougainvillea, and when doing an about face, discovered the wispy tendrils of the dry brush. Kind of a double gift: twice the art — with the effort of one.

So I’m making it a point to take my 180 and find the opposing view. A bonus for staying open to all angles. The life lesson metaphor is not lost on me.