Defining One’s Muse for Creating Art

If I do have a muse it is in the form of Mother Nature.

Starting as a child of 11, when my parents gave me a home darkroom kit, I spent most of my time shooting and printing captures of Mother Nature’s creations around where we lived. That has continued throughout my life.

My photography is defined in the way I capture light and shadow and endeavor to do so in the way those elements are created in natural scenes, be they landscapes or seascapes, night or day.

Fenwick Island Dunes and Waves
Fenwick Island Dunes and Waves and Sea and Sand in the Afternoon Sun

I could not say why I “create as I do” but I know that if something out there catches my eye, I will go and take a look. Someplace in my mind I like to think that my photography attempts to capture some of the beauty seen in nature. No matter what medium or the camera used, I have tried to capture the essence of what is seen in nature through the camera. Being able to do so allows me to enjoy every shoot and, as a result, my camera becomes an extension of my eyes.

It is true that the architectural endeavors of mankind are also creative and beautiful and at night they may need artificial light (man-made) to be seen. However, during the day it is Mother Nature that brings out the designs, forms and textures of that architectural “masterpiece.”

Historic Waccamaw River Bridge in Black and White
Mother Nature sets the stage for the creations of man, the bridge and the pier are surrounded by the texture, light and shading that sets this scene apart from normal – especially in a black and white presentation.

My goal or wish, through my photography and writing, is to share with you the view of Nature that I have come to know over the last half century. Just as a painter strives to find unique ways in capturing and creating images, I too am always searching for a variety of creative outlets in photography and, occasionally, in writing.

Photography with its many disciplines is vast, it has been said that there are as many definitions as photographers. My photographs may not be for everyone, but if someone wants to see my work I invite them to do so at:

Link to: My Full Gallery at Pictorem

Link to: My Ocean City Gallery at Pictorem

Link to: My Full Gallery at Fine Art America

Link: Fenwick Island Dunes and Waves Panorama

Link: Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge at Conway in Black and White

The world is full of photographers, the ubiquitous cell phone camera has made sure of that, and anyone can look at the creations of others and say to themselves, “I could do that.” But do they (or we) really have the “eye” to see it? The creative eye that takes something out of nothing and creates a work of art? What does one need to do in order to create art? I have been striving to answer that answer for a very, very long time.

What I am seeking is what my Muse gives me when I visit her throughout the wonder of Creation’s pathways. What is within me seeks expression in the form of capturing a feeling or mood which often resides in the compositions that appear before me. For me it starts with an idea and evolves into the moment of commitment to an image. That is what I endeavor to share with my viewers and buyers.

Camera Screen with a Scene of the Indian River Bridge at Sunset

Bill’s Killer Irish Coffee

An old traditional Irish Coffee recipe from Mr. Joe.

I have received many requests for how I make my version of Irish Coffee. let me begin by saying there are many, many different ways in which Irish Coffee is presented – from the simplistic shot of Jameson (or other) Irish Whiskey in a cup of fresh brewed coffee – to a mixture of several liquors in coffee. My version uses six liquors – five in the coffee itself plus one on the top as a garnish or decor/flair finish. I was shown this recipe by a older (80+ years) Irish gentleman who owned an Irish Pub in South Baltimore.

The following is a response by email to a good friend who had asked. I’ve has so many requests recently that I thought I would replicate that response here…

Gail, you had asked about my recipe for Irish Coffee —> Irish Hot Chocolate on FB. But I would prefer not to share there.
I tried the Irish Hot Chocolate last evening for our Happy Hour here at the house and Nancy said it was good. She is not much into the high octane drinks but does occasionally likes a Hot Chocolate with Fireball (we use Tennessee Fire by Jack Daniels because it is a much better whiskey than that used in Fireball). But I digress…
So, anyway my Irish Coffee is a two full shot drink made with six liquors. Start by pre-heating (with hot water) an Irish coffee glass (or mug or whatever you like). Then empty the water and…

  • Pour one full jigger (the large size shot glass) of Irish Whiskey (Jameson or Tellamore Dew or ???) into the glass
  • Add one-half jigger of Kahlua
  • Add a healthy “splash” of Frangelica (or Amaretto) – for a “nutty flavor”
  • Add a healthy splash of Triple Sec for a bit of an “orange” flavor
  • Add a healthy splash of Licor 43 for a bit of a Cream sickle flavor

Note—those three “healthy splashes” should equal about another half shot in total – the combination of flavors adds more wonderful taste sensations than you’ve ever had in a bar-prepared Irish Coffee. 

  • Add hot fresh made coffee – or Hot Chocolate – to with a half inch of the brim – stir gently with a spoon. You should end up with a drink that is about half coffee (or hot chocolate) and half liquor. 
  • Top with real whipped cream (but we never make whipped cream – we use Ready Whip, which is cheating, but still tastes good).
  • Drizzle green Creme de Menthe over the topping. 

Enjoy!

Your critiques will be appreciated. 

Note that the photograph is available as prints and other home bar decor items at my online gallery. Link: https://bill.pixels.com/featured/irish-coffee-time-bill-swartwout-photography.html

Time for a Workstation Upgrade

One can never have too many screens

‘Nuff said…

Workstation Snapshot

Try on a 24″ HP all-in-one coupled with an external 24″ HP Monitor. On the left is an old HP 19″ monitor that is connected to (out of the picture on the left) an old 15″ HP laptop. Nice upgrade and fully functional at a budget price. Happy camper here.