Woman of Mystery

Cryptic, indecipherable, mercurial, and certainly mysterious - and simultaneously exotic and... beautiful.

Jack, I was taking a very quick glance through the critique forum and in the second I saw this I knew it was yours. This is so good, I love it.

You have been such a incredible inspiration to me throughout the many years. I just bought 3 more years with Photo.net.

My wife just passed away last month and I am poised to do a exhibit in her honor. I need a few more pieces to complete my endeavor. I must tell you Jack, that you have played a big roll in giving me the eye that I have achieved thusfar.

Thank you my friend. It was my sweet Love that told me at least 12 years ago that I must start exhibiting my work. Since then I have done 7 shows.

Thank you Jack,

Kind Regards, Todd 

Really, thanks for the quick response to this. I took a lot of pictures yesterday in Kobe and the great majority of them were complete zeros. This was the one shot that really intrigued me and I am certainly pleased with the result.

Todd - I am sad to hear about your wife. You're still a relatively young man and I'm sure your wife must have been about the same age. I just can't imagine dealing with the loss of a life-time companion like this. I'm sure you must have thought how can I continue without her. But the human spirit is a marvel of resilience and we somehow find the strength to continue the journey. I'm glad you are using the memory of your beloved wife as further inspiration in your work. Her spirit then travels with you in whatever you do. Good luck on the show and please don't forget us here at pn. Best regards, Jack

Every time I've looked at this one today, my eye always sees the white graphics before the woman comes into focus. The different levels in this piece make it very interesting. Your pieces almost always call for a second or third look to take them in. As usual, nice work.

*And to Todd..I was sorry to read of your loss. We've not "met" on PN before, but I can only imagine how tough that must be. May you find comfort and strength when you need it. 

Amy

Jack. Your picture always give inspiration to new and old photographers. I am one of them. Thank You for not forgetting Spencer. I am coming back with my real name. Let's continue to keep in touch. Shalom :)

Very nice original work, Jack!

Jack, Things are chanching during the time. In this picture you show very nice the transitoriness, which has often a mysterious and frightened character. Best regards, Marco

Such great capture...I knew it's yours. You can see reality in layers and bring them all to us. 

Jack - this one is a winner in my books. It has such a painterly character that it deserves to be exhibited outside of cyberspace. In the bottom half there is a understated palette of colors while the top half is more dramatic. I even see a fish head on the middle-right  and a black forest on the upper-left side of the image. It also reminded me that I took some similar shots in Aruba which I had forgotten about and now I am motivated to search for them.

Congrats.

PS I have visited recently your other offerings like the 'monster' image and it is the type of image that you have to visit a few times before I can make a meaningful comment.

All the very best,

Jack.  I think this is a special image and am adding to my favorites.  Graphically, it is really interesting and it works partially because the face is monochrome and contrasts with the bolder graphics.  I also like the texture of the surface.  I totally missed the fish until Tony pointed it out.  Well seen.  Dana...

Ones there was a woman...and there is a wizard that observe all the mysteries  life  is leaving behind ,for the real spirit and eyes that discover, and  let us human to  enjoy  with  !.

No wonder this woman is so mysterious.  She's hiding behind layers of color and texture.  There's even a barrier placed across her mouth to keep her from speaking.

Jack,   Ephemerality and ruthlessness of time on this beautiful woman of mystery. Your work is arty and emotionally powerful.  Compliments, 

Thanks you all for taking the time to comment on this picture. I apologize for taking so long to reply.

Amy - I think you and I often see things the same way. I'm just as much a fan of your original and always refreshing take on life, as you've probably noticed.

LJ - I see you have re-invented yourself. Sure is good to have you back. You are a photographer's photographer.

Ruud - Always welcome your visits. Thanks.

Marco - I think as we get older we develop a deeper appreciation for the transitory nature of things. The book of our lives is written page by page, and in our obseration of the passing days we eventually compile our own personal version of the history of our times.

Tatjana - You know mine and I know yours. I can identify your work immediately because it's so unmistakeably you.

Tony - You make a good observation. I like pictures that aren't necessarily comprehended in a hurried passing view. It's just a feature of my personality, I guess. I'm partial to analogy and symbolism that doesn't state openly but alludes to something deeper. I don't particularly like photos that can be eaten like potato chips in one quick bite but rather images that open up to further truths, evoke questions or speculation - or even hold a sting in their tail.

Dana - Thanks for the comment. I agree the layering of textures, figure and text is important to the success of this picture. I'm honored that you have included this in your favorites. By the way, I never saw the fish until it was pointed out but now I can see it, too. Such is the nature of perception.

Pnina - Thanks for your kind words. I'm afraid this wizard is tripping over his long, gray beard. Good to see you posting again. I hope your late troubles are now well behind you.

Michael. This goes to show you that photos have a secret life of their own and are not limited by our own observations or intentions. That's a good catch about the slashing line across the woman's mouth, an accidental feature to which you have added meaning. But that's true of everything, isn't it? Each of us interprets and finds individual meaning in life.

Bachir - Thank you for your comment. I took a very quick glance at your portfolio and found much there of interest. When I have a moment I'll comment on a couple of your pictures that especially caught my attention.