“To me, photography is about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
-Elliott Erwitt
I took a photo the other day. I was held captive (joking!) while Paul toured a reclaimed wood store. I moseyed around for a bit but the varnish fumes were too strong for me, so I bolted to the car and said, “Take your time”.
I love parking lot moments. Pockets of time to let my mind wander and soak up the scenery. In this situation there weren’t many people to observe, just lots of handyman and carpentry trucks in and out of the lot.
Not knowing I’d retreat to the car, I was grateful for a view of an adjacent field and not the lumber store itself. To my eyes it looked like a converted “Frank’s Nursery & Crafts” from my childhood.
Propping my feet up on the dashboard and making myself comfy, I spotted something with a little glint and not just the metal fence reflecting a streak of sunshine. Turning to get a better look, I saw this:
I remembered reading about famed photographer Elliott Erwitt and the power of finding interesting things in ordinary places and smiled to myself. If you’re not familiar with his work, I promise you won’t be disappointed if you scroll through the retrospective.
I wasn’t stuck in the car waiting. I had an opportunity. Found time.
The bicycle drew me in because she glimmered with the vibrancy of glory days. By the looks of the old girl, she’d be a lousy getaway ride with flat tires and wilted…everything…but I suspected she’d had a grand life…once upon a time. I studied her.
• Original paint job? Seemed so as I admired the dusty turquoise hue. Possibly unconventional for a vintage girls’ bike?
• The basket in front? Looking sturdy and well-used…but I wondered how long it had been since she’d been used. Not just the basket, but the bike itself, given the coppery streaks of rust.
• Did she get dropped there? Ditched by someone who thought the open field was the perfect place to start a garbage heap?
• She could tell stories. I could feel them emanating from the bicycle that could still claim a heyday. Enough lustre left on her front fender and chain to signal she was on the go-go-go, once upon a time and if someone offered her a little love and repair, she’d be ready to roll once again.
Later that night I looked at the pics I took and zoomed in, wondering if I could tease out any other distinguishing features. None came, but while I thought about the bike and the girl (or girls who’d proudly ridden her with abandon) my mind wandered to dear friends who are talented photographers:
***My blogging friend, Elizabeth Wickham and her generous posts of her photography assignments. I know she would’ve taken amazing photos of my two-wheeled discovery. If you don’t know Elizabeth, check out her blog for inspiration.
***My dear friend Linda Frank, who has a keen eye for all things visual and studied photography, too…taking some of the best photos I’ve ever seen. I wondered what Linda would’ve done to capture the essence of the bike, perhaps tease out details I missed.
I’m not much for story prompts but I can’t get the two-wheeled treasure out of mind. I don’t know if she’ll become fodder for something more, igniting my imagination. She might. And you’ll be the first to know.
-Vicki 💝
Elizabeth’s beautiful blog: bleuwater | thoughts about life from below the surface
One of my favorite posts about photography and inspiration from Saul Leiter.
https://www.elliotterwitt.com/
https://www.magnumphotos.com/arts-culture/remembering-elliott-erwitt-1928-2023/
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.
Victoria Ponders 
Leave a comment