Laura Miller: pathway

I love being in the middle of the comfort zone. It's so cozy and secure. Safe and easy. Unfortunately, it tends to be very boring. There is something so invigorating, if not slightly terrifying, to wade into waters yet to be explored, to move beyond that position of security into something new and untried. It's not always a natural step; it can take a lot of courage. Some times the way someone moves out of their comfort zone is through coaxing, or even a gentle (or not so gentle) push from a friend.

I've recently been a witness to several people moving beyond their level of comfort and into new areas, expanding their idea of what they can accomplish and feeling proud of their ability to make the most out of their new opportunities. I'm inspired by their acts of bravery and their willingness to be vulnerable in trying new things.

As I look back at some of the photographs I've taken through the years, there is a theme of searching or wandering that runs through so many of the pictures. There are many photos of pathways, winding roads, twisting sidewalks, subway tracks - I've never really thought about the grouping until now. As I make those pictures, I always wonder what's beyond the bend in the road, what's on the other side of that door, where does that track lead and who might I find at the end of the path? I like the sense of movement in those pictures; an idea that there is something waiting to be discovered if we're willing to take a walk in a new direction.