I found your post really interesting Lynn. Although I don’t technically classify as a TCK, I saw myself in the description of their psychology and behaviors. In particular, this statement of yours resonated strongly with me: “quietly, observantly, waiting to see which version of myself might be safest to show.”
The bravery you showed by sharing this story was very impressive. I think we all try to fit in, in different ways. I do feel you have helped many. You have helped me, and I thank you for this.
I once had the privilege of spending an afternoon with James Baldwin. He told the story of leaving NY as a young man when he could no longer bear the racism of the Jim Crow years, escaping to France where he didn't know the language and knew no one. He spent is early days in France alone with his own thoughts. "It was in that silence," he said, "that I finally heard my own voice."
This is such a wonderful series Lynn. It’s well written and revelatory. Kudos for you to be brave enough to reveal yourself here and for recognizing that your insights and observations could help others who have struggled with loneliness in their lives.
Lynn, I have been reluctant to comment, wanting to see how the story unfolds. But I wanted to jump in to congratulate you on your thoughtful introspection on what drives you as a person and artist. I love this - "It keeps us forever on the periphery, but peripheries offer the clearest view." - so bittersweet. I am looking forward to reading more.
Thank you for sharing such a personal insight, as a member of the U3A (UK University of the Third Age) a sub group of the fun writing group is looking at family history. Part of those discussions has highlighted the impact family life had on us. Really enjoying your journey with a camera. All the best David
Hi Lynn, this is really interesting, insightful and revealing. You're also really good at writing! Thank you for sharing the important and formative parts of your self-discovery. I relate in many ways. Though I was not bullied, I saw bullying up close and personal in grade school and it most definitely impacted me in the sense that I curbed my natural tendency for outspokenness just to avoid what I saw others go through. It's a shame that cultures continue to do this. I was always naturally quiet, taking to the pen way more readily than a party. Photography came at just the perfect time or I might have ended up locked up in a cabin for years working on novels!! Photography reconnected me with people, social situations, etc. Street photography was something I took to readily. Yet, the experiences of childhood taught me so much empathy, which I still hold today for those less vocal. Thank you so much for sharing this series!
I also was a silent child, more from abuse at home than bullying at school, although there was some of that too. And yes, it affected what I choose to shoot. I prefer nature first, because it brings peace instead of chaos, and I also like to shoot industrial, architecture, or farm equipment scenes. It is very rare you will find me taking photos of people, and when I do, it most frequently is in another culture, or a special event, or they are in the distance where their face isn't identifiable.
So I think it takes a special person to push through all their history to choose to photo shoot people, even when it is challenging. You go, Lyn!
Thanks for sharing, Sheryl; I’m sorry you had a difficult childhood. It’s interesting how our lived experience shapes our world view and manifests in our life choices, photographic or otherwise.
I found your post really interesting Lynn. Although I don’t technically classify as a TCK, I saw myself in the description of their psychology and behaviors. In particular, this statement of yours resonated strongly with me: “quietly, observantly, waiting to see which version of myself might be safest to show.”
Thanks, Todd. It seems as if what I'm saying is resonating with quite a few people, even if the circumstances aren't quite the same.
The bravery you showed by sharing this story was very impressive. I think we all try to fit in, in different ways. I do feel you have helped many. You have helped me, and I thank you for this.
Thanks Kristine.
I once had the privilege of spending an afternoon with James Baldwin. He told the story of leaving NY as a young man when he could no longer bear the racism of the Jim Crow years, escaping to France where he didn't know the language and knew no one. He spent is early days in France alone with his own thoughts. "It was in that silence," he said, "that I finally heard my own voice."
Cheers, Lynn. Keep writing.
Thanks, Mark. I guess it’s been in my own kind of silence that I’ve found understanding.
This is such a wonderful series Lynn. It’s well written and revelatory. Kudos for you to be brave enough to reveal yourself here and for recognizing that your insights and observations could help others who have struggled with loneliness in their lives.
Thanks, Bill. I've learned much from writing it.
Lynn, I have been reluctant to comment, wanting to see how the story unfolds. But I wanted to jump in to congratulate you on your thoughtful introspection on what drives you as a person and artist. I love this - "It keeps us forever on the periphery, but peripheries offer the clearest view." - so bittersweet. I am looking forward to reading more.
Thanks, James. It was a bit of a leap to share all this but, as the subject is resonating with so many people, I’m glad I did.
Thank you for sharing such a personal insight, as a member of the U3A (UK University of the Third Age) a sub group of the fun writing group is looking at family history. Part of those discussions has highlighted the impact family life had on us. Really enjoying your journey with a camera. All the best David
Thanks, David - the lines from Philip Larkin's 'The Whitsun Weddings' sometimes spring to mind.
Hi Lynn, this is really interesting, insightful and revealing. You're also really good at writing! Thank you for sharing the important and formative parts of your self-discovery. I relate in many ways. Though I was not bullied, I saw bullying up close and personal in grade school and it most definitely impacted me in the sense that I curbed my natural tendency for outspokenness just to avoid what I saw others go through. It's a shame that cultures continue to do this. I was always naturally quiet, taking to the pen way more readily than a party. Photography came at just the perfect time or I might have ended up locked up in a cabin for years working on novels!! Photography reconnected me with people, social situations, etc. Street photography was something I took to readily. Yet, the experiences of childhood taught me so much empathy, which I still hold today for those less vocal. Thank you so much for sharing this series!
Thanks, Juliette - I'm glad you're enjoying it. Writing the series has helped me to clarify and understand so much in my mind.
This resonated with me.
Thanks for sharing, Candi 🙏🏻
I also was a silent child, more from abuse at home than bullying at school, although there was some of that too. And yes, it affected what I choose to shoot. I prefer nature first, because it brings peace instead of chaos, and I also like to shoot industrial, architecture, or farm equipment scenes. It is very rare you will find me taking photos of people, and when I do, it most frequently is in another culture, or a special event, or they are in the distance where their face isn't identifiable.
So I think it takes a special person to push through all their history to choose to photo shoot people, even when it is challenging. You go, Lyn!
Thanks for sharing, Sheryl; I’m sorry you had a difficult childhood. It’s interesting how our lived experience shapes our world view and manifests in our life choices, photographic or otherwise.
Yes, our history does shape our choices, but it is most admirable when someone overcomes by doing what doesn't come easy.
Beautifully written Lyn 👏🏼
Thanks, Jen.
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