What Inspires Me
Key Points of Inspiration
- Walks in nature and the city
- Elevated spaces, like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
- Grand architecture and intricate details, especially churches and stained glass
- The Wanamaker Organ and its powerful music
- Movement: traffic flow, people, and trains
- Connecting with rivers and green spaces in Philadelphia
- Watching birds in flight and wildlife interactions
- Observing construction workers and city dynamics
- Memories of stargazing in rural Zambia
- Studying patterns in nature and human behavior
Walking the City
I find inspiration in the simple act of walking, especially along elevated spaces like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Seeing the constant flow of traffic and people moving energizes me. The intricate architecture of buildings and churches I pass is awe-inspiring. I’m often drawn to the facades of churches and the way light pierces stained glass windows, illuminating stories within.
Connecting with Nature
Walking through green spaces and along the Schuylkill River Trail fills me with inspiration. The breeze through the trees and the feeling of an endless path keeps me moving. There’s a powerful sense of connection to nature that is even richer outdoors, where the chaos of cars and the stability of natural beauty coexist.
Appreciating Urban Life
The sounds of the city – cars, chatter, laughter – capture the essence of life’s ups and downs. Looking out over the cityscape from elevated places makes me reflect on the grid below. The streets, filled with layers of human experience, inspire me deeply, from observing the organized chaos to the quiet moments that emerge unexpectedly.
Noticing the Details
I’m inspired by the little things, like pigeons in flight, squirrels in the park, and clouds drifting by. I often chat with the woman who feeds the birds or watch a man who has even built a tiny bench for squirrels. Studying these patterns helps my street photography as I learn to recognize spontaneity and rhythm in both nature and human life.
Sound and Movement
The auditory experience of the city is just as inspiring. The Wanamaker Organ here in Philadelphia, with its twice-daily performances, is one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements. Standing by the eagle statue and listening to the organ’s music fills me with power and awe. The constant movement around me, from traffic to people and trains, brings a dynamic energy to life.
Inspiration from the Horizon
Looking out toward the horizon, feeling the cold, crisp air, and watching clouds move over the city reminds me of life’s endless possibilities. From elevated spaces like bridges, I see people and vehicles moving toward destinations unknown, all part of the vast, interconnected world. This broader perspective fuels my curiosity and reminds me of the road’s infinite potential.
The inspiration is all around me – in every walk, every view, and every connection to the city and nature.