John Paul Caponigro provided us with a list of homework questions to prepare for our week together in Miami. One of these was to determine our photographic influences. I realised that I had not respected nor acknowledged those whose expression of their own life through their creativity – had influenced mine; in particular my photo-media.

Over the coming weeks I would like to acknowledge these artists whose philosophies and artistic expression have helped me formulate my own.

I will start with my artistic influences which relate to philosophical influences rather than visual ones. John Paul’s father – Paul Caponigro has said words which have influenced me greatly. They touch me profoundly and deeply. I have them printed and pinned on the walls around my studio. I would like to share them.

1. “…There is something in me that wants to breathe in harmony with the breathing of the earth, something in me that wishes to attune to that mysterious ocean and which would allow deeper communion and understanding. In being willing to fully commune with what is there, to touch by freeing myself from the insistence of rules and authorities which all too often impose a drone-like formula for living, I can experience something much deeper…like the heartbeat of the earth.” Paul Caponigro

2. “ At the root of creativity is an impulse to understand, to make sense of random and often unrelated details. For me, photography provides an intersection of time, space, light, and emotional stance. One needs to be still enough, observant enough, and aware enough to recognize the life of the materials, to be able to ‘hear through the eyes.” – Paul Caponigro

Paul Capoonigro has a special connection with the Earth which is reflected through his photographs. For me – his words are equally as beautiful and moving.

Thank you Mr Caponigro for sharing your words so that they may touch me.