What is Light Shadow and Ink?

Light Shadow and Ink is a photography and writing project and exhibition by Xanda Monteiro. It is a series of astronomical and landscape photography (with the landscape mostly made up of sky). It is a series of moments of life caught on film and in haiku's. It is a way for the artist to practise Zen and keep her eyes and mind open to the natural world. And it is an attempt to bring these very personal things to you and share and invite participation.

There are many aspects to the project, of which the most obvious is the joy of photography of the natural world, especially the sky and the heavens. Light Shadow and Ink was also an exhibition showcasing not only the photography but inviting viewers to write a poem and leave it alongside an image that inspired it. There is a book in the planning stages pairing the photography with the writing. There are more interactive exhibitions planned, hopefully internationally. And there is the dream of the permanent exhibition which will include a meditation space and much audience participation. Read the original press release (146K Word document) for the Light and Ink exhibition for more information.

So what is Light Shadow and Ink really? It is Xanda Monteiro's attempt to understand Zen, to "photograph" each moment emotionally in life, and to notice and celebrate the beauty of life and the natural world. It is also an exercise in reaching out through art to communicate with others and invite them to be part of the artist's process and hopefully produce their own art.

If you only came to look at the pictures, that's okay, too.