What's most vital is right in front of me, by Stephen Wilkes
Jun 4, 2024
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Photographer Stephen Wilkes shares his unique approach to capturing light and perspective. He reflects on caring for his resilient mother, turning darkness into art. The podcast delves into the transformative impact of photography and finding calm in chaos.
Stephen Wilkes uses photography to connect with the present moment and transcend personal struggles.
Photography helps Stephen Wilkes express emotions and confront his family's history, leading to healing.
Deep dives
Finding Solace in Photography Through Mindful Observation
Photographer Stephen Wilkes engages in the art of photography to immerse himself in the present moment, capturing the passage of time within a single frame. Through patient observation and an openness to subtle changes in light and perspective, photography becomes a means for Stephen to transcend personal struggles and connect with the world around him. By shifting his gaze outward when overwhelmed by powerful emotions, Stephen discovers a way to cope with internal turmoil and find solace in the act of creating evocative images.
Exploring Family History and Emotional Resilience Through Photography
Growing up with a mother who faced mental health challenges, Stephen navigates the complexities of his family's past, including his mother's traumatic experiences as a child refugee. Through photography, Stephen learns to express his emotions and confront his family's history, using visual storytelling to capture his mother's resilience and beauty. The process of creating images becomes a therapeutic journey for Stephen, allowing him to see beyond his mother's struggles and convey a deeper understanding of her identity and strength.
Healing Trauma and Creating a Future Through Artistic Expression
Stephen's exploration of abandoned spaces like Ellis Island reveals a connection to history, trauma, and hope present in his photographic work. Through the practice of mindfulness and art, Stephen reshapes his perspective on past struggles, using photography as a tool for self-reflection and healing. By reframing his experiences through the lens of a camera, Stephen transforms personal pain into creative expression, paving the way for a future filled with compassion, awareness, and artistic exploration.
Stephen Wilkes has a unique approach to photography that requires a sustained focus to capture subtle changes in light and perspective. The same could be said of the way he cared for his mother, whose resilience and love belied the trauma she experienced as a refugee from the second world war. Though it often falls on young Stephen to manage her spells, he is able to transcend his family’s haunted past by turning his gaze outward when the darkness threatens to consume him, transforming it into art.
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Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.com