In these images entitled Das.su, photographer Gustav Willeit tackles the subject of loneliness. The viewer may either be left feeling alone and isolated or free and empowered. Stunning images that really did get me thinking.
They got me contemplating my own loneliness, which may sounds weird coming from something who seems to be happy and always looks on the bright side. That's how I'm built, I've never been one to complain or get to a point of annoyance as to where anybody really notices. But deep down I must admit I do feel quite alone. I mean, blogging is amazing, it's my life and as Buckets & Spades turns six very shortly it feels like a good time to look back and reflect. It's fair to say I lot of what I've achieved over the past six years has been connected, in some way to my blog. I'm immensely proud of how myself and the blog has grown. I don't want to take away from that feeling but it doesn't hide the fact that on a daily basis I feel completely lonely.
I don't tend to discuss personal matters on here very often. I know you guys know me and Hollie are getting married (hurry up already!) and I enjoy sharing travel experiences, other talented bloggers and on-going projects but after reading Anna's post, The Lost Art of Vocabulary it really made me think about what I choose to write about. I try to post every day (bar Sunday) and everything I share I'm truly passionate about but aside from that I think I'd like to incorporate more personal posts.
By saying I'm lonely may sound quite superficial to some but that's what sitting behind a computer screen for a living can do to you, and it's left me feeling isolated. It's a subject I'd like to discuss further and to be honest, it's probably a subject best shared.
Does anyone else feel they're in a similar situation or feel isolated by their daily routine?
Firstly I love this imagery you have chosen to illustrate your post. It is beautiful. Thank You for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI would say I haven't felt lonely or loneliness for years. I used to feel it a lot when I was at University. I always felt like I was missing out on something. When in fact I probably wasn't. But I did spend a lot of time on my own. It did teach me however to be happy when I was on my own or alone which is very different than feeling lonely or loneliness.
However it is been a very long time since I have spent a lot of time on my own. I know you can feel lonely in a crowd, but I no longer do. Maybe I am just more comfortable in my skin now. Who knows.
Do you feel that speaking to someone one-to-one might help? Maybe these guys can help http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/#.UuaCJfanw9U
Xxxx
I don't get a sense of loneliness looking at these photographs but like you mentioned empowered! I'd love to be in his posistion, it look's so calm and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty introverted myself so I do enjoy my own company and would rather be by myself at times but I think we all experience feelings of loneliness. When I move away in April I have a real fear of loneliness building up for example. Work has been good for me to develop friendships and through studying, I'd like to do it more with blogging/meet ups and things but it's just finding the money and time really to do so! I am also always there for a chin wag whenever you feel a bit down in the dumps, I think that's the good thing about social media!
The composition in these photographs is really quite stunning. And I have to admit that it's nice to see a personal touch in your blog! Lately I've begun to realize that combating loneliness has less to do with the quantity of people in my life, but rather the quality. When I'm surrounded by people who have depth and truly care about our relationship, it seems to fill me up so much more and for much longer.
ReplyDeletereally like this post mat! you should def share more personal things...i feel like thats the direction i want to go too - i think blogging started out really cool and i made a lot of connections, but over the years its gotten a little superficial. but glad i can keep it real with blog friends like you!
ReplyDeletebut yes, i think everyone feels a little lonely. i feel more so in waves. and i even work during the day, so i don't know if it has to do with being behind a computer? maybe its just growing older?
The pictures are stunning, and I don't quite feel the loneliness in them but more the empowerment... though some of them seem quite depressing to me.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great to share these kinds of matters. Loneliness is something of all times but seems to grow in this 'digital age'. Though I think there is a distinct difference to being alone and feeling lonely. I would love for you to incorporate more personal posts.
These photos are beautiful but you can really sense the isolation in them! I have been feeling more isolated recently, despite living with my other half and having a very sociable office job, more and more friends are moving away and I see them less and less! I haven't been to any blogging things recently either which only seems to makes it worse!
ReplyDeleteMaria xxx
These pictures are really beautiful. Kind of intrigued by the composition and how in quite a few everything is centered on a straight line vertically down the middle of the image.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really interesting topic that you bring up and one that isn't addressed very often. It's strange that in an age when we are ever more connected it's capable to feel more isolated than ever. I'm like you, I spend most of the day in front of a computer. I work from home so I'm all by myself for most of the time. I definitely miss the interaction of being around lots of people during the day (before freelancing I worked in a busy shop and was at university - so always surrounded by lots of people). I think it's a hard thing to tackle.
I wonder how we deal with loneliness though. Isolation is something that lots of people seek out. There's a desire to get away from everything and everyone. So on some level being alone isn't necessarily a bad thing. Hah. I just looked up the definition of lonely and what came up was, 'Sad because one has no friends or company.' I know that's not true of you. Anyway, I was just thinking that it's possible to feel lonely but to deal with it in a way that isn't too self-destructive. It's bad if you let that feeling really get you down and weigh on your spirit.
Personally I find it hardest to deal with in the winter. When it's dark and miserable outside being alone somehow feels even more oppressive. I've started going for runs outside most mornings which I find really helps. Being stuck inside all day doesn't make anyone feel good.
Do you find being connected with people on Twitter etc helps at all?
xx
Hi friend!
ReplyDeleteThese images are powerful. And so are your words! I think what is kind of interesting to think about is that you are not alone in your loneliness! I think the human heart usually wants to be around what it can connect with, feel comfortable with, and of course feel happiness. In our very digital age of online interaction, we forget that loneliness can be very real despite all the happy images and words. I even feel it sometimes with three little ones around!
I hope you write more posts like this because they are truly well done, and I bet it will in the process be quite a reflective experience for you to learn and grow from!
:) Anna
I love this post Mat! The words and pictures, I totally can relate to you with feeling lonely being a freelancer.. I do feel alone and the need of talking to someone when I am in the studio, sometimes I take a break and come over at the house and talk to my mum (if she wasn't on the phone!) who works at home too.
ReplyDeletebe good to see more of personal posts from you, it will be really inspiring to all of us x
Katrina Sophia Blog
Truthfully, this isn't an issue I deal with too often because I enjoy being alone but I can understand where you're coming from as far as working by yourself. Getting personal on your blog is a hard one - I admire and respect you quite a bit for putting yourself out there.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean. I have been a stay-at-home-mom for the largest part of the past 14 years, and while my routine includes much more than cleaning and cooking, I have found myself feeling lonely quite often – as a serial expat and someone whose work doesn't have a built-in community, yes, it can happen that I feel isolated.
ReplyDeleteI have had to work extra-hard at handling that, and now I make more of an effort to make time with friends, but in small groups (2-4), where you actually interact and share and are not limited by social niceties and such. In other words, not just socializing, but creating opportunities to remind yourself that you are social, and loved, and that you are not alone. It has helped me a lot.
As for the images, they are truly beautiful and haunting!
Beautiful pictures. Feeling lonely occasionally is normal, I think. But I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Being alone with your own thoughts is healthy :)
ReplyDeleteOh and congratulations on getting married! :)
Huh I wish the grilled cheese was the answer! But on days like these it's hard to excite myself with food. I do know what you mean by being all out there online but in reality just sitting in front of a computer. But you shouldn't feel like that, you have so many amazing things going on and coming in the future (yes, think the wedding, the honeymoon, the new life!) and also, spring.
ReplyDeleteYo! I should be packing for my flight at 5pm today but I wanted to comment so hey ho! If I miss my flight it is your fault man. ahahahaha.
ReplyDeleteI am a naturally solitary type. I always have been. Loneliness has haunted me since childhood in Kenya where circumstances meant that I was very isolated. When I moved to UK, I was anything but isolated but then I learned that one can be lonely in a crowd of people. So i guess loneliness is a a state of mind and comes from having few people around that really "get it". The first person that I met that really "got it" was Hiro and now he is my husband. I am less lonely now (though I still have my moments) and somehow we have become lonely together which is actually a lot of fun.
Blogging has been great because it has allowed me the chance to voice all my mental shizzle and sometimes another person of similar spirit reaches out and I feel so happy when that happens. I suppose that is how we found each other init? ahahaha
You know my most recent bout of loneliness drove me to find part time work away from my desk and sewing machine no? I was driving myself loopy by thinking too much and only having myself for company which is good but for someone like me it can start to become dangerous. So for my sake and Hiro's....I got a part time job where I have to talk to people all the time! Funny no?
Well be strong because being lonely makes us strong in quiet unexpected ways. Never underestimate that okay?
Anyway I better go pack....remember what I told you about this adventure? Well the "underground bit" that I am shitting myself about? Just found out that that is going to be 1 hour long! HELP!!!!!!