Seeing Red
The thin line that brings it—something—anything, together
“The Thin Red Line has become an English language figure of speech for any thinly spread military unit holding firm against attack.”1
In a time where multiple nations are literally at war, old-timey war phrases can be very wrapped up in their literal meanings. But in this case, in this substack post, the thin red line has these two meanings: the literal string of the color red I continue to find in my photos, and the tactical role I (and the artist at large) play daily.
We are the thin red line, holding back the forces of anxiety, self doubt, and logistical & chemical discouragements from invading the sacred space of creativity, collaboration, wonderment and enthusiasm.
It is no secret it has been a month (maybe more?) since I’ve properly written here and shared a series. Perhaps it was the chaos of holiday travel or the heightened attention family time asks of us.
Perhaps it was finalizing the publication of
novel, The Requisitions, just days before he left the country. Or perhaps it was because that line dividing destruction and creation was growing thinner and thinner, and I simply needed to fortify my defenses and take a little time inward.A huge thank you to all my paid subscribers who continue to support me here.
https://www.quora.com/What-does-the-phrase-thin-red-line-mean
Missed your posts but these make up for it! It is a crazy world and seeing red is so prevalent and profound in these times. I see hope in your photos too amid the red. ❤️ Congratulations to you too for the successes of The Requisitions. I feel a lot of your passion and dedication when I hold the book in my hands. 🙌
Thoughtful words and, as always, great photographs. A sense of foreboding in your writing and shared by your images. Worrying, dark days…..stay strong. ❤️