Seeing what is real

Seeing what is real

A photographer describes his spiritual practice of "looking for the pattern of things."
Chuck Cox, Tuckaway Farm.
Chuck Cox, Tuckaway Farm.
Chuck Cox, Tuckaway Farm.

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Chuck Cox, Tuckaway Farm. © 2010. Barn Light, Brookford Farm. © 2011. Cow's Breath, Brookford Farm. © 2011. Digital, giclée prints, 10 x 15 inches.

In addition to being a photographer, I have trained to be a Unitarian Universalist minister and worked in supply chain management. Whether exploring spiritual questions, analyzing data and systems, or organizing the world into a rectangular frame, I have spent my life looking for the pattern of things. I create images that reveal the deeper order I see in the world.

Creativity is inherent in all humans. Making art connects us to the larger creative forces in the universe. In that sense, you could say that photography is my spiritual practice. Photography is how I am best able to express my sense of reverence for the earth and humankind. Because I’m a visual person, I see that in the quality of light. I am most at peace with myself when I am photographing, and my photos convey that sense of serenity.

These photos are from my series Grounding: Small New England Farms, which emphasizes the inner tranquility that comes from doing real, meaningful work and being directly connected to the earth.

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