This image: Gypsy by Caroline Gibello
"First there is the camera. Behind it there is the eye and then, most importantly of all, there is the heart"
Over the last month, I have continuously had to find things to inspire me. Things that help me to carry on believing in this daunting process of carving one’s own way out of life, managing one’s own time and trying to start and stand on my own terms.
Some days are easier than others. Some days have been downright hard! There have, however, been little sources that have inspired me along the way, my auctions, receiving compliments on some of the little jobs I have been doing, making my own money for my very own actions and ideas, exploring other avenues, even blogging. I came across Caroline Gibello a while ago, she was one of my inspirations. I have not only been mesmerized by her beautiful images, her portrayals of India and Africa and windswept plains, but more so, by her story.
Caroline studied Zoology and Botany- and after that decided to explore the world; she bought her first SLR camera from money she had saved as a shepardess on a Scottish sheep farm! She fell in love with the magic a camera can capture on her travels to India and after that began a degree in fine art photography at UCT.
I think her work speaks for itself, and it needs to be appreciated in full scale and on the beautiful paper she prints it on, when I came across it, I had that feeling in my heart that sweeps me when I know I’m absolutely in love with not only the image, but everything that it means, and the idea of the opportunity to capture such raw beauty! She has inspired me in the meandering path she has been comfortable for her life to take, something that is so free and full of opportunity, I have found this difficult to accept.
Now her work symbolizes more to me than just the beauty of Africa and exotic lands that represent travel and wonder, but more than that, it represents a person who has found her way, and because of that, and loving what she does, has captured real beauty.