Determination, Pingyao, China, 2007 by Phil Douglis

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13-SEP-2007

Determination, Pingyao, China, 2007

This woman uses an old stool as a walker. She moved towards me very slowly, with each and every step a great effort. I could sense her determination, and I tried to express it in this image. Determination, perseverance, patience, doggedness are all human values, and they are all present to a degree in this photograph.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/80s f/3.2 at 20.4mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Phil Douglis		22-May-2008 02:37
Hi, Ken -- good to hear from you again. You see this one very much as I did. She has indeed come a long long way, and yet she maintains a positive attitude.

Ken Zaret		12-May-2008 00:30
Superb rendition! The diffuse cement walls frame her nicely, the sign provides a diagonal balance, and her placement to the right shows how far she has come; i.e., the positive perspective despite her difficulty walking.

Phil Douglis		01-May-2008 18:22
Thanks, Han, for seeing the value of the context here. The building seems as old as she is. As such, she does not seem to be relocated. She seems to be relatively at ease with her life.

Guest		01-May-2008 14:27
good that she's not dislocated from the old residence where she lived. the background made it a wholesome pictures.

Phil Douglis		19-Jan-2008 05:03
Thanks, MOS, for coming to my galleries. I am delighted you appreciate what I am trying to say here.

Guest		18-Jan-2008 23:30
fantastic image with so much emotion, and such a story.

Phil Douglis		20-Oct-2007 00:35
Thanks, Tim, for pointing out the metaphorical wear and tear on the background wall here. You are right -- as we age, it matters not as much how we look, but rather how we function. Our own plaster crumbles away and leaves us with the brick beneath. This woman is obviously still functioning, even though she, like the wall, is down to basic brick herself. It is a wonderful metaphor. Thanks.

Tim May		19-Oct-2007 19:18
Many people have commented here about what I see and feel here - but to add to the discussion - I notice the wall behind her - the erosion of the plaster in a gentle curve that reveals the brick beneath - for me that becomes a metaphor for the process of aging - the erosion of our surfaces to the bricks of our selves.

Phil Douglis		02-Oct-2007 18:38
Thanks, Cyndy, for commenting on the color values. They are very typical of Pingyao -- sepia is the color of the earth, and Pingyao, an ancient walled city, is covered in fine dust. The green stool is well worn, and its color makes it stand out in contrast to the sepia surroundings. The faded red banner is emblematic of China, and gives this image its sense of place. Thanks for your kind words regarding humanity -- that is essentially what this gallery on human values is all about.

Guest		02-Oct-2007 17:44
I love the sepia tones and the gentle splash of green and red that balance them. Her story is gracefully retold by your artistry and humanity.

Phil Douglis		01-Oct-2007 18:07
Thanks, Ceci for seeing the substance in this image. It was a wonderful moment for me as well. There is kind of an affirmation in the look she gives us here. She seems to be asking us if we understand where she has been and where she is now, and each of us will respond to her in our own way, just as you have done so eloquently here. Thanks again, Ceci, for the incisive commentary.

Guest		01-Oct-2007 07:12
This is an exquisite shot of a tiny old lady "making do", not with a high-tech rolling walker equipped with hand brakes, basket, chrome handle bars and seat, but with a humble wooden stool as her support. It's evidence of a "prejudice" I have: believing that Asian elders are generally tougher than Americans in similar situations, and that they are generally in better shape than we are, due to keeping more fit with involvement in Tai Chi and perhaps less food. All the words you have used, Phil, and the image itself, personify that this woman truly knows that "old age ain't for sissies." I love the colors in this photo, the rythyms of stone, stance, clothing, curves, graffiti and the amazing human form. A truly wonderful moment!

Phil Douglis		28-Sep-2007 20:34
Thanks, Alina. I guess the picture speaks for itself.

Alina		28-Sep-2007 18:31
This is another great picture Phil. No comments

Phil Douglis		28-Sep-2007 04:15
You can certainly identify with her, Patricia. I did as well -- I had to use a walker when I ripped up my ACL a few years ago, and I can easily put myself in her position. You are right -- age and disability really does not matter when you have a life to live. Thank you for seeing what I was trying to do here. Given your own experiences, I can certainly see why you feel as you do about her. And thank you for your kind words, Patricia. I do care about the people I photograph. You really have to care if you want to make pictures that express human values. If you are indifferent, it will show in the picture.

Patricia Lay-Dorsey		28-Sep-2007 02:53
How did I know that she was using this stool as a walker, even before I read your text? Maybe because I've done the same myself. Yes, nothing will keep her inside away from the life that she still feels pulsing through her veins. Age, disability, none of that matters. This is a woman who loves life and is going to milk it to the very last drop. Good for her, and good for you, Phil, for seeing and bringing her to us. It is your humanity that caused you to value what you were seeing enough to photograph it. Thank you for that.

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