What a shot! Perfectly balanced and beautiful color/contrast on the black background--worthy of all the attention it receives, past and future. 1/3
I am actually hidden in plain view in the darkness! One of the things I love about light painting and long exposures is that they don't capture me, only the light. So, inside this photo, I am literally surrounding the image working inside a liminal plane. I think that is so cool lol. You are too kind, Erik. I appreciate you! Thank you! :)
Edited on Thursday, 05 November 2026 13:12 by Christy Cooksey.
Also, I love the Bandcamp shout-out here!!! You're absolutely right; we all just want to be seen. There's a thrill to having your perspective and time with your craft recognized, and Bandcamp helps immensely with that. 2/3
I really believe this! And Bandcamp is such an important platform. I really wish more music fans would explore it. There's so much incredible talent out there - of course the kinda of music we instantly love, but also seemingly wacky things that have tremendous beauty in the undercurrent. I love surfing around on that app just listening to different things. It's so inspiring.
Edited on Thursday, 05 November 2026 13:04 by Christy Cooksey.
I was talking to a graffiti artist in Philadelphia years ago. He would do graffiti art around the city, and even do it for parties. For example, he showed me pictures of him spray painting this giant 3D spider on a brick wall through the duration of the party. I asked if it paid well, and he said a lot of times it was only enough to cover the cost of the paint. To which I offered that he just did it for the love of the craft. He retorted, "well, I'm not just masturbating." Funny, but more profound than profane, I believe, as I think about that conversation often. He's right! "Look at the 3D spider, what it took to make, and who made it! A person did this, and you can even talk to him!" (What a great idea for a party feature, by the way!)
We are looking at your photography. Always inspiring. Mesmerizing to consider its process. Painting with light. -Erik
I LOVE this story - it's so true! Ultimately, it's so helpful to be reminded that a human is behind the act, especially when being human is becoming an act of resistance more and more everyday. Even connecting with other humans has become this kind of exertion. The fact that you posted these comments - that took effort! - and maybe more than it has ever taken as a human. Composing a human response, navigating many clicks, tapping on a screen, making decisions with no immediate tangible transactional award, faith that connection will happen. It is all "extra" as the kids used to say. lol I am reading Dostevsky's Notes from the Underground right now. Our growing obsession as a society to simultaneously resist the status quo and yearn for an impossible connection is maddening, just like it is for the narrator of that book. Art is what we have. It's like a beacon in a way. So, thank you for seeing my work. For seeing my struggle to be human. For seeing me.
Edited on Thursday, 05 November 2026 13:05 by Christy Cooksey.
I am actually hidden in plain view in the darkness! One of the things I love about light painting and long exposures is that they don't capture me, only the light. So, inside this photo, I am literally surrounding the image working inside a liminal plane. I think that is so cool lol. You are too kind, Erik. I appreciate you! Thank you! :)
I really believe this! And Bandcamp is such an important platform. I really wish more music fans would explore it. There's so much incredible talent out there - of course the kinda of music we instantly love, but also seemingly wacky things that have tremendous beauty in the undercurrent. I love surfing around on that app just listening to different things. It's so inspiring.
I LOVE this story - it's so true! Ultimately, it's so helpful to be reminded that a human is behind the act, especially when being human is becoming an act of resistance more and more everyday. Even connecting with other humans has become this kind of exertion. The fact that you posted these comments - that took effort! - and maybe more than it has ever taken as a human. Composing a human response, navigating many clicks, tapping on a screen, making decisions with no immediate tangible transactional award, faith that connection will happen. It is all "extra" as the kids used to say. lol I am reading Dostevsky's Notes from the Underground right now. Our growing obsession as a society to simultaneously resist the status quo and yearn for an impossible connection is maddening, just like it is for the narrator of that book. Art is what we have. It's like a beacon in a way. So, thank you for seeing my work. For seeing my struggle to be human. For seeing me.