Saturday, July 25, 2009

yann arthus-bertrand



i see little pieces of this earth visually. the challenge is that the little loops and ecologies that i am a piece of are experientially and visually distinct from the larger pieces.

i can cerebralize my connection to the whole. even feel my connection to larger wholes but it is almost impossible to truly see the whole.

fortunately, shortcuts abound because there are people like yann arthus-bertrand who have gone to the literal ends of the earth to bring back images and sequences that i would otherwise have no idea about let alone access to.

visiting his website you will quickly become aware of the fact that he takes his presence and impact on this planet seriously. he also takes his photography seriously. there are images here that will leave you awestruck. not only that the content of the images exists, but that someone could capture something so extraordinary.

yann spoke at the ted talks back in february. he is an articulate, passionate, talented man. it is beautiful and mind-opening work. watch this - i hope that you will be as blown away as i was.

9 comments:

Reya Mellicker said...

This is very cool, Steven. Maybe it's because my eyesight is so weak that I don't long to truly see the whole earth. Smell is my strongest sense ... a blessing and a curse!

But this is amazing, and yes definitely mind-opening. Brain opening, too.

steven said...

hi reya, my eyes are gradually weakening as well . . . i have a stronger craving year after year to see all the small parts. every tiny detail . . . so, knowing that that's unrealistic and will hasten my failing eyesight, i've decided to focus on what's right in front of my face. when that's not satisfactory, i use the 'net!! have a peace full day. steven

ellen abbott said...

I came across his website, his photos years ago. They are fabulous aren't they. It's been the one (well, one of) the constants in my favorites/bookmarks list.

I don't know how you got the slide show though. The last time I tried to download a photo, it wasn't an option given.

ellen abbott said...

Well, maybe never mind about the slide show. I'm on dial-up out here at the country house...I just assumed that it was of some of his photos. Then I went back and read what you said about the lecture. It loads way to slow so I'll have to look at when I am in the city again.

Anil P said...

Have come to feel that pieces are wholes themselves, worlds within themselves.

Must check the link now. Thank you.

steven said...

hello anil, i share your sense. in the smallest everything is contained. thankyou for that!! have a peaceful day, steven

steven said...

hi ellen, the slide show is a video of yann's talk at the ted conference. it has still shots and video footage of him speaking as well as some excerpts from his films. it's truly fascinating, at times, sad-making and then also very lovely. i think you'd better wait 'till you're off dial-up for sure!!! enjoy your time at the country-house. lucky you! steven

Tess Kincaid said...

I must go take a look at his site. (He has an amazing face, don't you think?)

steven said...

i had a teacher who looked like this guy when i was in high school. he has a great face - amazing eyes!!! it really suits his work and personality. have a lovely day. steven