Meridian, A Metaphysical Photo Series
Where physical and metaphysical converge.
As they relate to geography, Meridians are circles of constant longitude passing through a given place on the Earth's surface. And as they relate to anatomy, Meridians are a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy flows.
4 years ago I embarked on a journey of exploration, photography, & self discovery. My day to day life looks much like yours. Coffee first thing, gym, food. Phone calls to friends. Emails. What may not look quite like your everyday, would be the part about living my life out of a van and traveling the United States.
The point of striking out onto the road was to see the beauty that comes along with it. I wanted to photograph national parks, state forests, serendipitous adventure. I wanted to welcome the unknown into my life.
What transpired was a journey through myself. The synchronicity of freedom allows me to connect the dots I cannot see otherwise. I channeled powerful moments and experiences in these past few years living on the road. Each one teaching me more about myself, and in which river of the universe I am flowing.
I spend a considerable amount of time alone. I’m convinced there isn’t a more reflective mirror for seeing oneself. I’m oft disoriented in cities, sometimes more than I realize at the time. I’ve seen the path for me lies in correcting towards nature. Deep solitude immersed in the natural world provides the backdrop to heighten my awareness. An instinctual fabric permeates, wrapping time and place tightly. It’s my favorite way to achieve a complete form of presence. It’s in this state where I begin to make images.
Neuroaesthetics is the scientific study of the neural consequences of contemplating a creative work of art. Through practice led research I am redefining the art of photography. The camera is my tool to bridge the gap between human consciousness and nature. Reimagining the way a camera is used to see, experience, and cognisize the world around me, my work closely reflects human sight rather than digital imagery.
I’m fortune to have accumulated a group of friends that I know and love deeply. I visit them around the country, from New York to California. Making their towns a destination helps propel me forward. I have built my lifestyle as such that I can spend extended amounts of time in proximity to them when I choose. As the years go on, I know them deeper. There is nothing like spending time with another human being. You learn them, love them for who they are, and trust them to see in you the same.
Many times I’ve found myself immersed in nature’s beauty overcome with joy. A pure sense of gratitude can be quite overwhelming. I’ve wept at the thought of being loved by these people. At the depth of this transformation of self, I also wept in pain. For things I wished I had, or confusion about the journey forward. Being in the middle of a country as vast as the United States, completely alone, taught me how to swim.
The constant in my life, creation, has buoyed me through the emotional plains. Making art. Experimenting with a camera; seeing the world anew. Retreating to beautiful places for a morning, night, sometimes days and weeks, provided a window into who I am. Nature speaks the longer you listen. Nature is the teacher, and we the students.
“Oh, you grew a tree here on this cliffside? How beautiful.” I speak aloud.
A dry desert blooms a river after rain, its longevity ephemeral, disappearing a day later. There’s nothing in nature I would change. It seemingly applied the right amount of pressure and most beautiful brush strokes. There’s a lot to learn. Not in perfection, but in acceptance. To accept the landscape for how it lies, the rocks for how they’ve tumbled, and the tree’s resolve in continuing skyward.
It’s been nature’s patience writing code. Among the varied terrain and ancient wisdom of growth is where I find connection with oneself. The images I’ve made with this bond reinforce the singular connection we all share in the universe.
To see the full collection follow the link below where each piece is available for acquisition.
Link to Digital Collection: Meridian
Portfolio: RyanStruck.com
Socials: @RyanStruck