Final Project: Self Defined

Title: Fluid Minds – A Journey Through Emotion

In this series of photographs, I explored the concept of water as a metaphor for the human mind and emotional state. Inspired by Bruce Lee’s famous quote, “Be like water,” I tapped into the depths of our inner world and examined how our emotions, thoughts, and feelings manifest in our daily lives. Water, in its various forms and states, symbolizes the diverse range of emotions we experience. It represents our calm, collected moments and moments where we’re sad, angry, or even genuinely boredom. Each photograph in this series captures a distinct aspect of water, reflecting the different facets of our emotional landscape. At the end of the day, bad things happen to everybody; whether you feel like somebody’s a bad person or a good person, life comes for all of us the same way with its rough currents. It really comes down to our ability to ride the waves and still keep a smile because life is very very short, and it’s definitely meant to be enjoyed. You’ll always have a good enough reason to cry if you decide to, but you’ll also always have a good enough reason to smile if you decide to so personally, I decided every moment in my life where I’m not in a state of distraught I’ve chosen to smile every time.

References & Influences:

  1. Bruce Lee – Martial artist, philosopher, and the mind behind the “be like water” quote
  2. Masaru Emoto – Researcher who investigated the impact of human thoughts and emotions on water crystals
  3. Ansel Adams – Photographer renowned for his breathtaking black and white images of nature
  4. Hiroshi Sugimoto – Artist who captures the interplay between water and air in his seascapes
  5. Edward Weston – Photographer known for his intimate images of natural forms, including water
  6. Henri Cartier-Bresson – Photojournalist who introduced the idea of “the decisive moment” in photography

I hope these images inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, reflection, and emotional growth. Let us all strive to “be like water,” embracing the fluidity and ever-changing nature of our minds.