Light Of Inspiration
The flame of creation burns bright in our lives and enriches everything we do. What feeds that fire is different for all of us and that is what makes the works that we produce so fascinating in all its variety. For some artists there seems to be a compulsion to produce this work, in whatever field that they are working in, constantly seeking to stimulate, delight or intrigue the senses.
We need the beautiful feeling of being able to create art to feel alive. But also there may be a deeper purpose, where the work produced is a deeper exploration into finding answers to the questions we might have. I have come to realise that I have a restless spirit, always seeking those deeper answers. Although I have certainties over some things, I always seem to be searching for validation. The closest I have come to those answers is with my camera, and the insights that come with writing poetry. The light and atmosphere at certain times combine to give me what I need, while I am there, while I can feel a presence. Transferring that to an image is a constant quest.
Why do it? I certainly feel a compulsion. I feel that with some pieces of work I get close to what I want to achieve, and yet it is not close enough. So I keep trying, and I am drawn back to where I might find what I am seeking. Sometimes I find that connection, I am allowed to see. And it could be argued that I do not need the camera at all. But the joy and beauty is too wonderful not to share for those that might need it, and as a presence in a church told me one day, "Share what you see, share what I see."
Another World
Another World
Sometimes there is a way
That can appear before you
It's a question of whether
You then dare to take it
Are you ready
Is there longing enough to leave
Such rifts in time
Rarely appear on a whim
The otherworld
Has answered your song
One you have been loudly singing
It's offering you a chance to go
Such a gift may not come again
Oh my goodness your heart is breaking
How can I make this decision...
Right now?
It's so tempting, it's so wrenching
What will happen if I go?
Not to go is just as bad
I think it could send me slightly mad
Always living with the what 'if's'
Oh god, what have I missed?
If some day you cannot find me
It's alright, I've not gone blindly
I have gone where my heart has led me
Maybe I have always been there
I am only answering an old call
One where I would always follow and fall
But you will know where to find me
Forgive me, I had to go
I know this will not surprise you
For me, I have just gone home
Photography and Poetry
By Shelley Turner
Another Shore
Another Shore
My heart was always on another shore
A night of wild longing
And words like a grimoire
There was life and there was death
All let out in one final breath
My spirit chooses to remain here
And the elements seek to claim me
But I'll not yield to them just yet
Come and stand at the water's edge
Feel the rhymes ripple around in your head
The beauty of nature was my muse
And I'll find it hard to finally leave her
Which is why I still haunt this shore
From dusk until the bright dawn
Until I cannot linger any more
This poem is a homage to the poet
Percy Bysshe Shelley [1792-1822]
And for my Mother, who loved his works
Photography and Poetry
By Shelley Turner
Crucifix
Photography and Poetry
By Shelley Turner
For The Fallen
Ukraine 2022
Crucifix
How many more crosses
Are we going to place in the meadows
That cover our lands
We might not know your name
But you search for us
Try to find us
The longing remains the same
The crosses are a marker of time
Their shadows forming line after line
We have been here before
All these crosses
From shore to shore
When you walk through these meadows
Remember we keep adding
To the score
Yet again counted and sorted
Not known anymore
But still we lower you down in the meadow
Keepers of our memories
Guardians of our legacy
Each one supposed to be the last
Please remember
Please no more
Learn the futility of war
Homage
Homage
The last of the light
Appears at the end of the day
More precious for this
After the clouds and the rain
We pay homage to you
On this winter afternoon
As we have for all our years
probably forever
And we will keep honouring
Each day in the future
Just the same
The light is the source
Of our love
Constant
And true
We wait for you
Until the last ray
Has struck the earth
And you gather us up
To start again
✝︎
Photography and Poetry
By Shelley Turner