U. Htein Lin* reported that people don’t understand his desire to reconnect with a sense of confinement. An artist, he believes the six years he spent in prison produced his best work.
“I was completely cut off from art critics and an audience,” he said in an interview. “I just did what I wanted. In the cell I found freedom. It was the most important time in my art career.”
I find the “confinement” of publishing a blog post twice a week enables me to do what I want: I’ve always wanted to write. Lately, I’ve also been driven to capture images.
My schedule isn’t anything like prison (I’ve watched Orange is the New Black!). Nevertheless, I’m feeling the need for parole – until Blog Post 142 which will appear on January 9, 2014.
So until then, give yourself parole time from anything that confines you – and enjoy yourself. I’ll look forward to 2015 and continuing to explore the mystery!
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
The above portrait of an Egyptian woman, by Howard G. Buffett, can be viewed at the Photography Exhibit, World Food Prize Building, Des Moines, Iowa. To see more of his stunning portraits: www.40Chances.com
*New York Times International, December 7, 2014. Interview by Thomas Fuller.