We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robin Salcido a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robin, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Like every creative individual I know, I suffer from moments of “who do you think you are” or “you aren’t good enough.” I’ve found the best way to still that voice is to surround myself with other generous, honest and invested creative artists who believe that when we lift up one another, all win. I have been blessed with finding women (as well as my biggest cheerleader, my husband) who are just that. So on the days when my confidence is faltering, I know where to turn.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an artist working in photography and as well as a writer, currently writing free-verse poetry.
Now in my sixties, I find myself sitting on my patio for well over an hour each morning or evening watching hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, squirrels and dragonflies enjoy my garden. This feels sacred and deserving of my attention. Smoothing on moisturizer, paying attention to the way the morning light moves across the hardwood floors and the daily brewing of coffee are also sacred. I feel people who are no longer of this world in the breeze, winter snow or harvest moon and there is a sense that maybe, just maybe time is permeable in some way and our lives live on in ways we cannot know. These are the types of things I work to document in my photography and poetry series.
I am wrapping up a photographic series that explores these moments and invites viewers to pay attention to all the ways we are leaving behind traces of who we are. Transience is a fact of life as is imperfection. Through use of multiple exposure and self-portrait, I spotlight the sacred moments in every life.
Exploring the art of being alive while aware of time’s inevitable running out is something I choose to hear as a calling to honor these ordinary moments. The act of holding a partner’s hand, swinging alongside a grandchild, the way water feels running over our fingertips or the pleasure from the steam pouring from the kettle is a sensuous experience that we often do without much thought or attention.
We all leave traces behind, like a wispy ethereal cloud. This cloud is where memory lives.
Getting older in our culture is not celebrated. Decay is something we often turn away from. We are terrified when we become aware of our dwindling days. Some waste their final years in a holding pattern of denial, frozen and unable to feel the gift of being alive. My work aims to highlight our daily gifts.
My current series with the working title “Clues I will leave you,” is a visual invitation for viewers to pause, pay attention and think about the many ordinary moments they bear witness to each day. I want them to wish with all their hearts for the gift of growing older.
Coming in 2024, I will be working on a series with the working title “I want you to remember,” which consists of photographs of volunteer participants along with a paragraph or two of who they believe they are, kind of a pre-obituary if you will. I’m still seeking men and women under the age of 40 (I have many participants over the age of 50) as well as individuals of color to insure as many voices as possible are involved. There is no cost to participate and interested individuals are invited to reach out for more information.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity, openness to constructive criticism, eliminating, to the degree possible, fear of failure. You have to be curious to be an artist or writer–beginning work thinking you have all the answers or are positive of the direction closes the door to possibility. Constructive criticism is necessary for improving one’s skills–but close the door to anyone who doesn’t offer this without a desire to see you succeed (unfortunately there are many overwhelmed by jealousy or lacking in enough knowledge to guide your progress). And every artist must wrestle with the fear of failure. Some of my best work had my legs shaking and lots of self doubt, but I’ve since learned that being outside my comfort zone is precisely what helps me grow as an artist. Every project I’ve begun that resulted in ‘failure’ led me to another valuable project.
Do not ever think you know everything. Be humbled by all you have left to learn and do it anyway. Don’t wait until you are perfect. I know many talented artists who are paralyzed and do not produce work because they expect perfection. Don’t be that artist. You’ll improve if that’s what you want. No one can learn without making mistakes; it is part of the journey.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Poetry by Mary Oliver is my go-to for stalls in creative projects and sometimes just before bed. I, too, am inspired by the natural world and Oliver’s beautiful life lessons in verse always pushes me to ‘see’ again. I also enjoyed listening to Annie Leibovits’s master class on photography. Art 21 interviews are another source I turn to in between projects. Ann Patchett’s “The Getaway Car” on writing is fantastic. “The Creative Way of Being” by Rick Rubin, is a must have for any creative individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.resphotography.com
- Instagram: @womenwordswisdom
Image Credits
© Robin Enright Salcido
