A new word, an old friend

July 10, 2006

My photographer colleague John Nordell recently left the Monitor for the greener pastures of western Massachusetts. Besides admiring his excellent work on daily assignments, I was always inspired by his unique way of seeing art in the everyday scenes of the world – a wisp of grass tilted just so or a rusty thingamajig resting against a rough wall.

I have spent a fair amount of time reflecting on John's photographic explorations. And I am trying to commit myself to slowing down and seeing those fragments of life that make up the beauty around us – to make art from the unexpected.

I have decided on those occasions when I have a worthy submission, to use a new adjective to describe the photograph – Nordellian. I am hopeful my creations will clear the high bar John has set.