Commentary by Lynda Curtin

Dogwood in the Moonlight

Driving up the mountain to Big Bear from the desert below I was struck by the stark contrast between the dry sandy desert - plants not quite in spring bloom, and the snow sledding hills filled with families having a ball. The drive was made even more enjoyable because my favorite Roy Orbison CD was blaring - taking my mind to the place it goes when it needs to relax. Answers pop. I got answers during that drive!

My delight of the day came when I walked in to photographer, Timothy Wolcott’s gallery. His walls were jammed with the most stunning photos I have ever seen. There was something different about the colors. They were intense. They popped. I just knew I was looking at the work of someone with a rare passion for creating visual experiences for people. I had to go get my husband who was browsing down the street. I wanted to share the experience with him.

One photograph in particular kept calling me back to look at it - Dogwood in the Moonlight; a beautiful dogwood tree in shimmering full bloom, laden with pure white blossoms standing against the dark green forest in the background. I’m not a photographer and couldn’t imagine how such a glorious moment in time could be captured. I learned it took 8 minutes for the shutter speed to capture the photo in the moonlight. What patience. What planning. What vision.

I also learned that Timothy Wolcott has been involved in innovating new ways to use technology for printing processes. This explains why his work is so stunning. He pushes the boundaries of old conventions.

I share this experience with you because it speaks directly to the power of well executed creativity and innovation. These are the lessons I have taken away from this experience:

1. Sometimes it helps the creative process when we make time for our minds to relax in order for answers to surface; to pop.
2. When you look at your innovation does it exude a quality about it that draws customers to it; a specialness? Would customers immediately want to share their discovery of it with others? Perhaps this can become a question in the final analysis of the innovations you are working on.
3. Patience pays.

I look up at Dogwood in the Moonlight hanging in my office several times a day now to help me remember these important lessons and to work towards becoming better with my own creativity and innovation efforts. How do you remind yourself?

Until next time ...

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