New homes for the year
A website is a home, so is this newsletter. And some thoughts on letting ideas linger a little longer.
Recently, I returned from a 5-week trip to Aotearoa. My journey was a way to close out 2022, visit family, and go on some adventures (the hiking-to-swimming-holes kind). Each year I savour the chance to reflect on the past year and look forward to what's to come. I like to play games like "highs, lows, and learnings" or "less of, same of, more of."
Having extended time in one place allows me to slow down and spend longer periods of time with different activities. I catch up on the latest issue of Apartamento or watch saved YouTube tutorials about AI or photo-editing techniques. I aim to read two books, one lighter in theme than the other. I contemplate my photography and art practice, something I don't make the same time for while in Melbourne or working. My thinking mostly happens during morning runs, lingering coffee moments, walks, or conversations. However, with so much focus on the photographic medium, I rarely pick up my camera. I used to take trips and shoot through rolls of film or experiment with new digital cameras. Now, I let ideas and thought experiments linger and hope for unexpected connections. It's an evolution of my practice, thinking, and process, leading to work that feels less reactive. Instead of letting feelings dictate the strength of an idea, I let ideas settle and find a home when the right one presents itself.
I have some new homes for my projects:
My new website, benclement.world, built by Dan Leigh, showcases my work and evolution of style.
And once you have had a browse, tell me your thoughts.
My podcast series, "Process: Movement," now lives on Substack and can still be listened to on platforms like Apple and Spotify. The first season was rewarding to create, and I'm excited to share the second season later next month.
I did pick up my camera and take a few pictures during my time in New Zealand. View them on the Substack app or in your browser to avoid email cutting it off.
It was a very pleasant experience to read what you were up to during the holidays.
The new design looks very clean, which made it easier for me to navigate and let me curiosity lead where I wanted to click next.
I'm excited to see what you create this year.