Blog Prompts #5-8

#5. Think of various cultural, religions, political, personal, scientific associations and symbols of “light” and “darkness”. Discuss some that come to mind.

In religion, God is associated with light and the devil is associated with darkness. Angels are depicted as a blinding light and walking in darkness is the equivalent of walking in sin. Culturally, darkness is associated with evil. Shadowy figures tend to be the antagonist and horror movies are centered around night. Light is a signifier for what is good. One can be in a dark mood, darkness may be associated with depression or anger. It generally holds negative connotations. Lightness is typically positive. If one is a “bright” student they are intelligent and hold potential. Light and Darkness have a seemingly endless number of associations. 

Oh, and the force, Star Wars style.

#6 Think of some experiences that you have had in which you felt a sense of “lightness”. Describe one or some of these experiences.

I have felt lightness in that brief second on the top of a swing where you are neither moving up or falling down. I feel lightness in moments of clarity where I can think clearly and nothing is clouding my focus. I have felt lightness with joy and excitement. Your body feels light when you swim in the ocean. I have felt lightheaded. Light can cause pain when coupled with a migraine. 

#7. Think of some experiences that you have had in which you felt a sense of “darkness”. Describe one or some of these experiences.

I have experienced darkness during power outages, in moments of anger or frustration, with the death of a loved one, inside of a cave, on walks at night. Dark is more emotionally charged for my than anything. Literal darkness has held comfort at times. When I was young we would wander the golf course in the dark and hunt for fireflies. If that failed we would lay on our backs and watch the bats fly overhead.

#8 From the reading on light and shadow, pick an artist/photographer whose work inspires you. Describe why you like her/his work.

Anna Gaskell's photographs were particularly inspiring to me. Her images are both dark and theatrical. She seems to crop out faces so that her subjects maintain some anonymity. I am interested in working with a noir aesthetic this semester and feel that I could learn a lot from Anna's use of dramatic lighting and contrast. Her images are beautifully unsettling.