Eyes on the Horizon
“The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
A large portion of my work is in landscape photography. With countless hours spent in my digital darkroom recently, I have taken notice of something. The object of my attention seems to be horizons. Decisions about whether, or not, to include the horizon in my image, making sure it is straight, ensuring it adds interest, and the ever important lines that lead the eye to it have occupied much of my thoughts and efforts…almost to the point of obsession.
What is it about that special line at which the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet? I decided to explore ‘horizons’ beyond the obvious. Most reliable sources claim that a horizon is:
the line where the earth or sea seems to meet the sky
the range of a person's knowledge, outlook, understanding, or experience
the limit of what is possible
Throughout the ups and downs of this wild pandemic rollercoaster ride, I have often relied on the old expression recited to those suffering from sea sickness, “Keep your eyes on the horizon!”. As one who experiences a disconnected, unsteady, and lightheaded feeling while riding in any sort of watercraft, I can vouch that this works.
As a new business owner and product designer, it has been a challenge to keep focus and not be swayed by the doom and gloom of the oppressive barrage of daily news. It is hard to avoid calling it quits. Surviving the impact of lock-down has required a lot of dancing in the moment, shifting of perspective, gratitude, positive self-talk, embracing new marketing techniques and ideas, and simply just looking forward rather than behind.
I have come to realize that it is possible to fully embrace the broader notion of a horizon in both our lives and our businesses. I believe that:
it is possible to see the horizon of a new day when things will be better. It means hope. To quote Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.”
it is possible to broaden one’s horizons by meeting challenges, accepting change, and learning new ways. It is called growth.
and, it is entirely possible to view the horizon as limitless and magical.
So, with that in mind, this girl is going to keep her eye on the horizon and her hands on the wheel. With the release of my new fall line, I will venture forward and leave what I can’t control in my wake.