Silence and stillness: exploring quiet transformation in the natural world
I spend a lot of time outdoors, and this winter’s outings with my dog became an opportunity to reflect on silence and stillness in the natural world. As a San Francisco still life photographer, these thought exercises doubled as mindfulness practices and sparked inspiration for a series of images rooted in quiet transformation.
Stillness is not empty
Even in winter’s quiet, life is constant. New vines unfurl tendrils, and mushrooms quietly claim a stump. These subtle, often unnoticed transformations are reminders that growth persists, even in moments of apparent stillness.
The liminal spaces of silence
Silence and stillness also inhabit the quiet edges of our days—like delicate smoke rising from an extinguished match. These suspended moments hold the evidence of recent activity, hinting at human presence and interaction.
Relics of nature and humanity
The brass bowl in this series captures the interplay of nature and humanity. It holds burnt matches, a pebble, and a mollusk shell gathered from a rocky Northern California coastline. A stone props up a red-tailed hawk feather from the woods. Each object is a small relic, a testament to stillness, change, and the traces we leave behind.
How do you notice stillness and transformation in your own life? For more quiet explorations and resources, visit my Creative tools, contact me to discuss collaborations, or follow along on Instagram @sara.anderson.photo.
