EYES WID E OP EN Vol. 1 No. 1 February 2016
In Sight Lucas Lao Celebrating Life Book Sale Finds Project 365|January Selected Images
In this Issue: In Sight ~ START FROM WITHIN Lucas Lao ~ WHERE LUKAS LOOKS IS
pg. 4
WHERE HE’LL ABLY SHOOT! pg. 6
Celebration of Life ~EVERYDAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY Book Sale Finds ~ GEORGIA O’KEEFE ALFRED STIEGLITZ Project 365|January ~ JANUARY 2016 TOP 3 PICTURES
pg. 36
Selected Images ~ JANUARY 2016
pg. 40
Cover photo: Day 19|365: "#backtobasicsmonth Study 19|31"
pg. 16 pg. 30
Home Page: http://enlivenedeye.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matangbuhay
ABOUT MIGS
Enlivened Eyes in Filipino is “Matang Buhay” or “Eyes that are alive” and can also be “Mata ng Buhay” or “The Eyes of Life”. The title of this publication is “EYES WIDE OPEN” and for this author is a succinct way of looking at world. i.e. a concept of seeing “Life through enlivened eyes”
A growth-service-oriented person for the past twenty-three years, Jose Miguel “Migs” Lisbona, worked in the hotel and restaurant, academic services and human development fields. Currently residing in Davao, he is engaged as a life-coach, a “fire-starter”, encouraging others and/or groups to express and expand their strengths and abilities. Preparing a safe space for his clients to connect, play and practice their expressions. Being with them through collaboration in their hopeful journey until they shine in their passion. Photography for him is about capturing the profound in the mundane and sometimes profane. Generally a street shooter and a contemplative photographer . His unique strength as an empath and is often commissioned to document important events .
"What I look at disappears and what is left is what I see, the essence of something yet to be." He believes in the brilliance that resides within each person, and it is his fervent desire to inspire that spark so everybody can become centers upon themselves, and ultimately centers for others. It is his ardent purpose to remind and encourage A BRILLIANT LIFE because once everybody is living this, it will be in-deed a life lived living.
IN SIGHT
START FROM WITHIN Making creative images is a talent which may be brilliantly developed. Though some are naturally endowed with this skill and ability, it takes a special interest and enthusiasm for someone to look into Life’s happenings, sees it as it is and creatively sets it on film or digital storage.
find
Digital cameras made it easier to catch millions of unique moments. Any kind of camera can be used as the tool of choice. From the profound to the profane or even the most banal. Some may creatively and brilliantly work while others may not.
While technical skill is quite important, what matters most is for the image-maker to have that connection within what one is as a human being. This in relation to the Life he or she is living in. That sense of interest comes from intrinsic worth which represents also ones self-respect. It allows one to be centered, authentic and significantly connects to your images. When built, pictures can extended beyond its appearance.
your
Find that key that unlocks the block in connecting with your real self by asking yourself “why” you shoot images. Going beyond the top-ofmind answers and really working at it until you know and feel it.
natural BRILLIANCE
LuCas Lao
WHERE LUKAS LOOKS IS WHERE HE’LL ABLY SHOOT! Who would ever think that the images made by someone who started in photography about 9 months ago would be recognized locally and internationally in 20+ Facebook photography interest groups as well as some of his works put up for sale in a popular photo sharing/selling website? Lucas Tupas Lao or Lukas was able to with his natural talent and hard work! Over signature coffee and donuts, he shares with www.enlivenedeye.com his story. He reveals that as a young boy and into college, he was not really into photography. When he was in the 3rd grade, Lukas loved to draw and express himself with pencil on paper. And what excited him even more was to show his masterpieces to his elated relatives and friends. The lively and appreciative reactions further encouraged him to create more art on paper. This went on for years but unfortunately in his High School Sophomore year, it took one discouraging experience to make him stop his interest almost completely. With the deep need to let out his creative expressions, Lukas turned to massively multiplayer online games (MMOG). Where he puts into good use his talent in eye -hand coordination and quick thinking. And for a period of five years, he with his motley crew were winning local tournaments. The team made good money from the MMOG. Like his drawing, he became well-known and was respected in the local gaming community. Coming into computer shops around Manila and being recognized as an expert player, he felt really good. This encouraged him to become better at MMOG. In fact, at one time almost making it to the United States for one tournament finals. “Kung nanalo lang kami sa coin toss, eh sana nasa states na kami!” (“If we won the coin toss, we would have been sent to the states!) He looks back with disappointment.
His interest in gaming went on for most of his High School life. Eventually graduating and getting into University. Lukas then decided to focus seriously on his college work and life. He was almost done but by some personal circumstances he had to put it on hold for the time being.
It was during this lull time when he took pictures using his camera phone and posting these on Facebook. In no time, he was receiving praises and great comments in the images he was posting. So much so that Lukas’s relative sent him a Samsung digital APS-C mirrorless camera from abroad and asked him to put it to good use. This then 29 year-old “newbie” took the opportunity to sign up and joined a FujiFilm sponsored event less than a year ago in April. Since, this was his first time, he was quite anxious being in the company of experienced and famous photographers. So nervous, in fact, that he did not submit a required image for the end-of-activity contest. Only the eyes of a respected photographer, Teni Sta Ines, saw a posted image in Lukas’s FB’s timeline and asked if he had submitted the image during the event. Lukas replied embarrassingly answered, “No.”, for the reasons mentioned. Sta. Ines said that if he had submitted the image, he had a good chance of winning due the unique “Point-of-view” of the composition. He further affirmed that Lukas had the eye and should develop it further. Encouraged and enlivened, he took on to shoot what moved him: Street portraiture.
Lukas has the “eye”
Lukas’ very first image on page 7 was credited in Asphalt Photos from the Street.
Nine months as of this posting, he is using his FujiFilm 1” sensor camera and still shooting and posting every day. Often receiving instantaneous recognition from some of the street-photography group sites and photo. There is no secret to his ability. Lukas used what tool he had on hand, learned its strengths and weaknesses, observed and made images that moved him. He used the camera settings to get his intended look and patiently waited. He wasn’t anxious to shoot in the streets. Most of his image edits (edits here means choosing the image that works for him) are done in-camera and slightly processed on his phone using an image processing app. Posting almost immediately and not waiting long. He is driven by his artistic desire to express himself immediately. If the image lingers for quite a time, he may not be inclined to post it anymore. “Panis na ang shot.” (“The shot becomes stale.“), he laughs. sharing sites where he shares his images. What was surprising to most is the fact that Lukas hasn’t taken any formal technical lessons and has little knowledge of the common photography “rules“. This self-taught photographer’s natural and intuitive eye for art and composition shined through.
Imagine if he could get his hands on a more technical camera and use it as a tool to create more images? He is acknowledging the limitation of the Fujifilm camera he uses and hopes to have an upgrade soon.
patient,
His photos are up close and personal due to what he jokingly shared about him not being able to see afar due to his poor eyesight. “My weakness is to see afar. My sight is blurred but they can be sharp when it comes to photography.”
A few months into his enlivened art. He learned by taking what works for him from listening to street photographers he met and have become acquainted with. He is not afraid to experiment and wait for the shot. He practices every day and wherever he is. Lukas shoots for himself first and then for others. His various photography groups discusses often and he learns from this. Most of the time open to new ideas to help better his skills. One particular experience motivated him more to shoot better. Lukas wanted to become Facebook friends with one well-known street-photographer but after repeated attempts to contact, he felt “snubbed” and promised to become better by being more open to “newbies” and those wanting to learn.
energetic
He describes himself as a “Patient, energetic and focused photographer.” This shows in the images that he posts. He is like a “shutter button” so that he can “continue to capture really stunning pictures.”
He made it to Urban Street Photography’s Best Photo Covers last October 2015.
and patient
His creative, meaningful and authentic expressions of his photographic style is still expanding. He has yet to explore and express fully but if he works hard and smart, Lukas’ will shine brilliantly through his images! Like his FB page
Lukas’ aspirations include helping those in need and feeding the hungry children. He hopes to work on a portrait project with them. As a street photographer he also wants to travel to different places so that he can use his camera to capture beautiful images that he can share with his family, relatives, and friend and fellow street photographers.
——————-
All images in the article Lucas T. Lao and used w
e are copyrighted to with permission.
Project
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: EVERYDAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY Last January 22, 2016, a Balikbayan doctor from Singapore celebrated her birthday at the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s House of Hope and visited the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital’ Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit (CCBDU) of the Department of Pediatrics, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). Together with other doctors, her friends from Singapore, Davao, Manila and the US, they came with not only nourishment for the body but nourishment for the soul. The kind generosity of donations and the gratefulness for receiving these touched me. The Parents and guardians in collaboration with nurses, aides and doctors are relentless, untiring and committed to provide necessary care for kids who are undergoing a challenging journey. Unpretentious and simply sincere. I had the privilege of documenting the celebration of life and affirmed that “Where there is Life there is Hope.”
“Where there Is Life, there is Hope.”
KIDS AT THE EUCHARISTIC CELE
Eat and drink, my love. Taking in the nourishment . For the heart and soul.
Balloons fill On the floor, ch Neither floa
EBRATION
led with air. hasing the drag. ats nor flies.
A cupcake for me. Everyday is my birthday. Yummy icing swirls.
NOURISHING NOT ONLY THE BOD
Eat and drink, my love. Taking in the nourishment . For the heart and soul.
Balloons fill On the floor, ch Neither floa
DY BUT THE SOUL
led with air. hasing the drag. ats nor flies.
A cupcake for me. Everyday is my birthday. Yummy icing swirls.
HAVING FUN WITH EACH OTHER
Hat just like that. Party better with Lady. Life swishing us by.
Balloons filled with air. On the floor, chasing the drag. Neither floats nor flies.
R
Come with me, my ‘loons. The shadow casting forward. Me and my balloons..
ACTS OF GRATEFULNESS FOR TH
Love for the children. Both prayers expressed. Paying it forward.
Wonders of being. A gift beyond giving.. Humanity’s soul.
HE OTHER
Celebrating Hope. Tears of gratefulness expressed. Sincerest of smiles.
COMPASSION SHOWN AND FELT
A cupcake for you. Seeking respite from the pain. Mother looking on.
Second time around. Where there is Hope, there is Life. One day at a time.
Expressed Love brings Hope. Being with and for others. Essence of presence.
Does these images move you to make a difference in the lives of these children and the team? Please call House of Hope at +6382-3059390 and ask for Arlene Paredes or Annie Ong. Alternatively, visit us at the Southern Philippines Medical Centre Compound (formerly Davao Medical Centre), Bajada, Davao City, The Philippines You may also write to them at email@kidsofhope.org They need us to continue this awesome work. You can donate via direct bank transfer (see the information below). All donations are used to provide medicine, treatment and prosthesis for the kids. You can also donate directly to House Of Hope, or send us some necessary items. Donation information: For Peso Donations
For Dollar Donations
Davao Children’s Cancer Fund Inc.
Davao Children’s Cancer Fund Inc.
Acct Number 2035-0459-21
Acct Number 2034-0077-24
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Bank of the Philippine Islands
JP Laurel St, Bajada, Davao City
JP Laurel St, Bajada, Davao City
THE PHILIPPINES
THE PHILIPPINES SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM
BOOKSALE FINDS Ishbel’s Flett’s translated German author, Peter Cornell Richter’s 2001 book about two artists whose interesting and dramatic relationship helps each other’s personal and creative growth in remarkable ways. The parallel (and oftentimes intertwined) journey of the highly regarded 19th Century pioneering American photographer, Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) and Painter extraordinaire, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) makes this book captivating. I love how the book narrated in such a succinct yet engaging manner the lives of these two great artists. From their biographies, highlights, low points, transformative occurrences and most especially how they deeply influenced each other. I thought their significant works of art (47 from O’Keeffe) and photography (27 from Stieglitz) sprinkled with the narrative were reflective of their experiences at the time.
The section on Equivalents was what I could relate with the most. The way Stieglitz was “profoundly moved” by the subject matter of his images. “The idea that photographer and image become “equivalent” in terms of inner truth is the greatest heritage Stieglitz left to creative photography.” As the author described it further “What Stieglitz and O’Keeffe had in common was their endeavor to have their art mirror inner processes.” The idea of “straight photography” appeals to me. Straight photography is being authentic and translating this authenticity to film or Sensor. Sadakichi Hartmann describes it as being able to do all the composition before clicking and the “negative” or raw will be perfect. This “Georgia O’Keefe Alfred Stieglitz” ~ Peter-Cornell Ritcher, is seen in fine art photography and the practice of Perceptual or Contemplative Photography. He “led photography towards being a medium of diPrestel (2006) Printed on Acid Free Paper rectly experienced and profoundly interiorized expressive force” . Book Price US$ .71 (P35.oo) from US $3.25 (P155.oo)
Alfred Stieglitz, Georgia O’Keeffe, Hands in front of a turned up coat collar, 1918, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston MA, Gift of the Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation, Sophie M. Friedman Fund and Lucy Dalbiac Fund
Alfred Stieglitz, Self-Portrait, 1907, platinum print, Philadelphia Museum of Art, From the collection of Dorothy Norman
It is an evening star O’Keeffe saw shining over the Texan dessert. She related it to how it seemed to watch over her like Stieglitz. She painted this for him.
“… a bright lodestar. Calmly watching over the land as it sank into darkness then the fiery red of the setting sun was spent.” (Left) Georgia O’Keeffe, Evening Star III, 1917, watercolor, 22.5 x 30.2 cm, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Strauss Fund
His moving towards the abstraction and at this time O’Keeffe did not accompany him. I see faces in the clouds. A recording by Dorothy Norman and published in “Aperture”. Issue No. 95, New York, 1984. Says a lot on this:
Man (looking at a Stieglitz Equivalent): Is this a photograph of water? Stieglitz: What different does it make of what is a photograph? Man: But is it a photograph of water? Stieglitz: I tell you it does not matter. Man: Well, then is it a picture of the sky. Stieglitz: It happens to be a picture of the sky. But I cannot understand why that is of any consequence.
(right) Alfred Stieglitz, Equivalent, 1926, Photograph, gelatin silver print, 11.4 x 9.2 cm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gift of Georgia O’Keeffe
PROJECT 365| JANUARY 2016 TOP 3 PICTURES
Mother so dearest! Life lived living for others. (+) Until we meet again.
Day 6|365: "Study 6|31" Day 15|365:
Day 26|365: "26|31"
Up the stairs, I go. An awaiting figure looms. Morning duties call. "Study 15|31"
Where do we go now? Coming from the front or back. Shadows of our lives.
#backtobasicsmonth ~ January was getting back to basics of composition. Focusing on light, shadows, colors, patterns and textures., etc. It was quite a month. My mother died and my son got sick after we arrived back to Davao. Life’s basics is simply to Live in Love of the Light.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 12
Day 23
Day 3
Day 13
Day 4
Day 5
Day 14
Day 24
Day 7
Day 16
Day 25
Day 17
Day 27
7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 19 Day 18
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
#backtobasicsmonth
Day 28
Day
Day 29
Day 30
Day 31
2016 Project 365 link to read the #haikuforyou for each
SELECTED IMAGES JANUARY 2016 from the different Street Photography Groups
B&W WINNER Jose Miguel Lisbona .. Alexander's analysis: “This photo of yours stands out amongst the flood of photos submitted for this challenge. I am truly impressed with your use of low key angle which really helped portray a powerful story here. My eyes are immediately led down to the feet of your subject, wearing just slippers, running away, and fading, as if someone or something is after him. It makes me imagine that something is happening here, or is to happen...gruesome...terrifying...suspense ful, perhaps. Also, I like the way you take advantage of the surroundings and the natural environment and light too. It is very artistically done photo, congratulations Jose Miguel! “ 0124— Vivian Maier Inspired Gallery ”b&w section WINNER from the NIGHT TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME. weekly themed challenge selected by guest judge Alexander Merc.
0129 — Street Photography First Class
0129 — Asphalt. Photos from the Street
Special thanks! Happy and grateful for View Bug and Street Walker PH in selecting me as one of its curators for their photo sharing site and gallery. 0131 — Street Walkers PH Gallery
Does these images move you when you look at it? Let me know what your opinion or perspective. You can ask any questions related to the why and how made the image or services that I offer to assist you in your photography or idea generation by contacting me at: email : matangbuhay@gmail.com mobile: +63.920.967.5082 Face Book : https://www.facebook.com/matangbuhay “Like” my pages:
The Practice of Perceptual Photography
The Pop-up Photographer: F & B page
Follow me Twitter or Instagram @enlivenedeye I regularly post the following at:
Street Photography Black and White Images at www.kujaja.com/en/MataNgBuhay
Street Photography Colored , Geometry and Contemplative Images at https://500px.com/matangbuhay
Vibrant and Colored images at www.viewbug.com/member/Enlivened-Eye
Assorted Albums at https://www.flickr.com/photos/134767466@N02
———— “Eyes Wide Open” is a monthly publication by Jose Miguel Lisbona
enlivenedeyes, firestarter, ISee, matangbuhay, shootwhatmovesyou, urbrilliantlife are concepts by Jose Miguel “Migs" g. Lisbona is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs International License. The images are likewise under this license. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
You can share i.e. copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format but cannot adapt i.e. remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, especially commercially. If you share, kindly give me appropriate credit by providing me a link via the contact points indicated above. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests that I endorses you or your use. I can revoke these freedoms as long as you follow this. Thanks!