Werner Ulrich's Home Page:  Picture of the Month

 Now "Ulrich's Bimonthly"

Introduction

Introduction  In the fast rhythm of everyday life, with its pressures and deadlines, I find it important to preserve a sense of the meaning of it all. For me, a major source of meaningfulness is to have a project, that is, to work towards some meaningful long-term purpose – an idea that underpins much of my work on critical systems thinking and reflective professional practice, and which (I hope) may be noticeable in some of the pages of this web site, too.

Another, complementary source is to take occasional time-outs, that is, to enjoy moments of conscious relaxation and reflection, so as to keep or regain a healthy distance from everyday routine. With this monthly page, I hope to encourage and assist my visitors (as much as myself) just a little bit in this endeavor.

Hint: For an overview of the topics of all the monthly reflections available thus far, go to the site map and roll your mouse over the mini-pictures (thumbs) corresponding to every month; you will then see a short description of each month's topic.

Note: In July 2006, this series of monthly pictures-cum-reflections adopted a new bimonthly format under the name Ulrich's Bimonthly. For some thoughts on the new format, see the introductory comments in the page of July-August, 2006.

For a hyperlinked overview of all issues of "Ulrich's Bimonthly" and the previous "Picture of the Month" series, see the site map

Themes  I often get my inspiration from observing the seasonal change of the landscapes that surround me or the particular ambience of places I visit. Accordingly, landscapes and locations will be frequent subjects of my "Pictures of the Month" or (from July 2006) my "Bimonthly" pictures, though by no means the only ones.

„Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth
find reserves of strength that will endure
as long as life lasts. 
There is something infinitely healing
in the repeated refrains of nature –  
the assurance that dawn comes after night,
and spring after winter.”

Rachel Carson

„To be interested in the changing seasons
is a happier state of mind
than to be hopelessly in love with spring.”

George Santayana

Basically, though, any issue or event of current interest to me (whether academic or personal) may provide subjects of reflection. I am thinking particularly of my current interest in reflective research and professional practice; applied science and expertise; the role of science in society; the development of Academia; philosophy for professionals; and so on. I am also thinking of occasionally writing about a book that I recently read and which made me think; of personal appreciations or (hopefully not!) obituaries dedicated to people whom I find inspiring; or of other subjects that may offer themselves at the time I will be writing.

Photographic reflections, or: photography as a form of reflection  Each page will offer not only a reflection of topical interest but also a photograph (usually of my own making) that I find fitting and inspiring. Remember that a photograph is not a neutral representation of reality but embodies the photographer's framing and interpretation of the subject. That is,

Every photograph represents a reflection of the photographer,

as much as of that which is being photographed. A good photograph invites the viewer to "realize" and unfold this reflection, in the sense that the viewer her- or himself will get involved and contribute actively to the process. It invites, no more, no less: it leaves space for the viewer's imagination and discovery. Like a good essay, a good photograph does not create an illusion of objectivity, nor does it impose a single standpoint. A good photograph, far from being just a decoration, may become a subject and source of reflection in itself.

Looking at a photograph is perhaps not a bad metaphor for what happens to us as readers: When we read another person's reflections, we effectively co-produce the message that we (believe to) receive. What we read (see) depends as much on us as on the author (photographer). We must make the reflections we read our own, as we must make the pictures we see our own; otherwise neither tells us much!

I wish you enjoyable, and productive, moments of reflection.

„ Every photograph represents a reflection of the photographer, as much as of that which is being photographed."

(From this Introduction)

„ I like photographs which leave something to the imagination.”

Fay Godwin, British photographer (1931-2005)

Last updated 17 May 2010 (layout) and 7 July 2008 (text and picture; first published 12 Aug 2003 )
https://wulrich.com/picture_intro.html