Ease of Mind.
"Being common doesn't mean you can't be unique."
“E” is the workhorse of English, being used more than any other letter in the alphabet. However, as a vowel, “E” hasn’t achieved the status of becoming a word like “A” or “I.” That alone might make you think less of “E”. But being common doesn’t mean you can’t be unique. When you grasp that concept, you’ll have ease of mind.
–Ann Newman
Annstracts --
Abstract photography that tells stories. And stories transform us.
What is abstract photography? And why is abstract art important?
Staggered Viewpoints
The blue of an introspective journey, hints of the warmth of a pale yellow, and an intense black that you feel hidden away in. Squares and rectangles with four sides that represent structure, balance, logic, and order. Everything seems interrelated and yet distinct. Just like our own viewpoints, and how they change over time.
Abstract photography is a style where the subject may not be recognizable. But on the other hand, maybe the photo’s subject is familiar but composed so you view the abstract photo in a way you’ve never seen before. And it inspires imagination.
Lines, colors, textures, repetition, patterns, scale, motion, and shapes convey meaning beyond the literal. Abstract images bring you the unexpected and change how you view the world.
Abstract art expresses emotions. By exploring abstracts, we can access our feelings. Identifying what we feel helps us put things in perspective when stressed and frustrated. So taking some time to view abstract art is important for a more profound understanding.
Every abstract photo has a story to tell. And there are so many genres to explore.
Why are stories important to us?
Stories can change our perspective just like abstract photos can. They, too, connect to our emotions. Through storytelling, we learn what we share in common with others. We can find information everywhere with our technology; perhaps too much information. But to understand how to live well and find joy, we need to connect with others. Connecting through stories shows us that we are not alone in our troubles and concerns.
Stories make us human.
“Objects are People Too.” And they are very interested in what you are thinking. They don’t criticize or judge so they are the perfect audience.
Has this extended period of stress created some personal trauma for you?
Are you tired of the constant barrage of information with no break in sight?
Numb from cultural upheavals, financial pressures, maybe facing growing older independently?
All of that stress adds up.
Abstract Landscapes mimic our moods.
“Shadow Traits” from my Abstract Landscape Photography gallery. You’ve got a lot of depth there! Yes, some of it seems moody on certain days, but that’s part of being human. More important is how you react to those emotions. Symbolically, a moody silhouette of the layers of the Grand Canyon at sunset and a passing monsoon storm remind you that storms pass.
Decay and corrosion offer another storyline about how we feel.
“Monkey Mind” from the Wabi Sabi Photography Gallery. Are you familiar with the practice of quieting the mind? While not easy, watching non-judgmentally and acknowledging when the monkey starts jumping into your thoughts helps you to release stress. This abstract photography is the perfect visual affirmation to remind yourself to quiet the chatter in your head.
So how do you develop a more positive thinking style in light of this heaviness?
You take small and simple steps.
So how do you get unstuck from a case of the blahs? Steps. Small, simple steps. If you apply a bit of awareness to those pesky negative thoughts, that’s the first step. Then you reframe the negative thoughts. That’s another step. See how this works? And having prompts like abstract photos to enjoy or inspiring words invite you to wander into more positive territory. Take enough steps consistently, and you’ll be way above those blah thoughts. Way above!
Let abstract photos and words join forces to ease daily struggles.
Abstract photos might not seem like an answer to something so heavy, but this type of art opens your imagination. And that helps you to reframe problems. For example, if anxiety escalates, abstract art becomes a diversion to stop the spiral of negativity.
By taking a few moments to center yourself, you let go of focusing on good or bad emotions. They aren’t the issue. Instead, what’s essential is exploring your reactions to those emotions. Abstract photography allows you to be curious. As you build your curiosity muscle, you’ll find it easier to look at the responses and see patterns and triggers.
By starting small and focusing on one area, you aren’t spinning more plates in the air. You don’t need that. Instead, you’ll find abstract photography fun and calming. Let them distract you from negative thinking patterns.
“Wavelengths” invites you to be curious. Follow the arcs, the gradient lines, and the energy of the soft colors vibrating out. Just explore. This is good practice for your brain, and your thoughts will calm down. Are you on the same wavelength as me?
Abstract art is free of interpretation.
And giggling is allowed.
Focusing on these new stimuli develops your awareness. That also strengthens you in breaking the cycle of repetitive or circular worries. And believe me, I know. I suffered from going in mental circles of anxiety for a long time. This work you are about to experience has helped me in many ways.
Abstract photography offers the opportunity to rekindle your sense of humor. We all should laugh more at life.
The cumulative effects of these steps, photo by photo, word by word, can be transformative. So let these abstract photos lead you towards coping with the turmoil the outer world kicks up.
“Socket Man” from the Everyday Objects as Art gallery. Finding funnies is what keeps us going in rough times. You’ll know quickly who in your circle of friends has a quick eye and lighthearted wit. I advise you should hang out with them more often.
Short quotes paired with abstract photography can spur self-reflection.
Inspiring quotes can help you find your way to peace within. If you are struggling to see things in a positive light, try reading short daily quotes. Invest in the time in you.
I’ve found that starting my day with a quote to reflect on and then journaling about what that quote reveals gives me insights into my feelings. As a daily practice, I notice that the quote comes up with more meaning as the day progresses. This practice helps me observe my worries and put them in a better perspective.
The benefit of self-reflection is that you review how you have approached situations and determine if there is a better way to act in the future. Over time, you’ll notice your resilience to stress strengthens.
As I worked with my images, I noticed themes inspired by them. So I decided to write quotes to accompany the images, which you’ll find in “Quotes.”
Short quotes to inspire.
These quotes will encourage you to be more mindful.
Want to separate yourself from reality?
Abstract photos let you shift away from concrete details.
Ever been caught up in a situation where you are so swept up you can’t see straight? So you lash out and say something regretful? Or worse, damage something physical like throwing someone’s favorite object against the wall?
Or perhaps you get paralyzed in thinking and rethinking the difficulty. It’s hard to shake those hard feelings, isn’t it? And then there are the poor decisions made in that vacuum of not seeing the big picture.
But, if we can step back, we gain perspective. And guess what?
Abstract photos help us do just that. We can explore our state of mind and see aspects of ourselves more clearly that are hard to define.
“Tipping Point” symbolizes the moment you find the distance between your perception of problems and see the bigger picture. Using abstract photography as a catalyst, you tap into feelings less accessible. Wander around the geometry of blues and whites, so clean and refreshing. Imagine one triangle balancing, teetering on the tip of the other–a beautiful distraction from the edginess of everyday upheavals.
Why do I love abstract photography?
There’s so much meaning in abstracts, and working with them brings me into a state of flow. And when others feel that too, my heart is touched. I’ve had my share of struggles with negative thinking and finding a way to change that thinking has made my life so much more tranquil. Although I am a private person, if I can help someone else find that feeling of ease, that’s reason enough to take my images and words public.
Desiring to create a positive vibe in your home?
Consider abstract photography prints to support the mood.
“Curve Ahead.” Slowing down before you enter the curve gives you more control of the situation. And that increases your confidence and reduces fear and anxiety. This fun autumn art print reminds you to take it easy.
Could your office team use a morale booster?
Brighten up those conference meetings with abstract in photography to lighten the mood.
“Emotional Footprint.” See the arc in the puzzle pieces in the mud cracks? A small animal walked through the mud of a receding pond. What emotional footprints do we leave in our walk through life? Yes, I’m talking to you, Storm Trooper! A simple but stunning abstract photo print to highlight our potential for having a lasting impact as we walk through life. Besides, galactic-length meetings deserve some beautiful artwork.
My most recent journal entry and print.
Journals
Appreciating the present moment with help from the color yellow.
So often we wait for a big event, for everything to line up just right. And when it doesn’t, are you bummed out? Well, the key is to appreciate the present moment. Big moments are wonderful, but most of life is about ordinary little moments. So if you want life to mean more, you’ve got to look at the gift of right now. The color yellow led me to this epiphany. Take a look at this abstract photo’s message.
Prints
The Great Wave.
The rise of the ocean and the spill of foam over the crest of a wave. That’s a recurring dream I’ve had, and I’m glad to deal with it in my sleep. During times of overwhelming emotions, our subconscious plays out themes like giant waves. This wave appeared in a piece of metal with paint overspray, deterioration, and scratches. And I hope it offers a symbol of releasing emotions that have been stirred up.