About the Book
As a photographer I love capturing images of things most people take for granted or never even notice. It's a shame, so much to see and so many of us are just too busy to look. I'd be willing to bet that close to fifty percent of what is on this planet is never looked at and appreciated by fifty percent of the human race, perhaps more. What do you think? Ask another question like, who has watched the flavor of the month reality show and you got more hands going up that you know what to do with, like one massive human race stick-up. Except, in this case the thief takes no money or valuables, just time and brain power, the worst thief possible.
Lets discuss nature as an example of things people take for granted and don't truly see, they may look, but do they really see? We are so blessed to live in a world that offers different climates, terrains, and a wide variety of animal life, it is cool.
A conversation between God and Saint Francis of Assisi
"Francis, not you the other Francis, Francis of Assisi. Well please go get him from the trees."
Three minutes later
"Hello the God, I heard you wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes Francis. I was watching our children and looking at all the wonderful things you enjoyed during your time on earth."
"Isn't it beautiful? I still love watching the trees move with the wind and the animals migrate as the seasons change."
"How right you are. I am concerned though."
"What about?"
"Francis, do you feel that our children appreciate the life we have provided for them? That they truly see the little pleasures around them. The ones that require no transfer of funds or long travels. Are they enjoying life?"
"My God, I am not sure. I want to believe they do. But, they are confused, they get to busy, and then time has passed them by."
"Ah yes, time, time is something they worry about. If only they would appreciate the now, the here, the present, and the world around them."
"They try."
"Some, some certainly do Francis. It's ok though. I know they are good and shall learn as they go."
I am impressed by this land of ours and those that made it into something. I will not step into the political realm and say it is better or worse, what party is right or wrong, and who can fix or change it. That's for you and you only to decide for yourself. I simply believe in humanity and his/her never-ending desire. It was that desire that built a home on the ridgeline that stands today, empty, yes, but still there. It's an old time refrigerator alone in the field, still holding together despite the rust. A lone tree in a field of wheat stands tall as the sky darkens, what a sight. Please, dear GOD, you must agree, an old building and blue sky is heaven sent!?
I imagine many in the world have seen what I've seen or at least a few thousand. However, I imagine I am perhaps one of a few that has taken the time to not just see, but to explore, visualize, and attempt to bring to life through my camera lens and words. There are so many roads and much to be discovered down each road or trail. Like Robert Frost so eloquently wrote "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I have yet to truly discover or arrive to the difference my travels and art have or will make, one day. Until then I'll explore and create. Enjoy
About the Author :
Brendan T. Kelly is a retired Army Veteran, a former high school teacher, briefly a federal employee, and now writes and makes visual tales. He is married going on twenty-five years and has three daughters, ages 21, 19, and 17. Brendan credits his artistic talents to his family, as he puts it they are his muse. He looks for the overlooked, forgotten, and the stories that need told when traveling. He has had the luxury of seeing a good amount of this wonderful world, with some thanks to the Army and by taking long drives or weekend trips. One thing Brendan has discovered is that there is almost too much to see and explore. That is why he loves photography. Brendan states that photography and writing gives us the ability to capture a moment in time, a story, and a feeling. When he is traveling or just walking around town, Brendan loves to see what is going on around him, day-to-day life with all of the things that make it up. Often times the places, people, and items we overlook turn out to be the most interesting. That is what he desires and hopes to capture in his photography and in his writings, the uniqueness of life around us. From people watching on Grant Street in the heart of China Town in San Francisco to speaking with the cows on the outskirts of Fort Worth, TX. Life has a great story and it never gets old. As a kid, Brendan spent much of his time between Northern California and the Panhandle of Texas. These two different places helped to make him who he is. When people ask him where he is from he likes to kid around and say I-40, it seemed as a kid he spent a lot of time on that road. Along with twenty plus years of military service, Brendan has had some interesting and emotional experiences. Most of all, having those opportunities to see the hidden places, different countries and dealing with his own demons has helped him to learn how to enjoy life. After all the years of moving around with the army and as a kid, Brendan has settled with his family in Marin County. Brendan has always been involved in the arts. His grandmother and father were both portrait painters, so it was something he was immersed in. However, something about photography and writing captivated him. The ability to capture a visual story entices Brendan, for he has always been a bit of a storyteller. Brendan's photography has received numerous awards; from publication in Popular Photography to 2015 Best in Show image at The Texas State Fair in their Arts Competition in Photography (BIS: Adult B&W), regional and national awards in photography, his artwork is in private collections around the world, and he has a book out "Beyond The Image." Brendan continues to challenge himself and is always looking for a new story to make and capture.
