“I am the decisive element: my personal approach creates the climate – my daily mood makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous: I can be a tool of torture, or an instrument of inspiration – I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. It is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de–escalated, and a person humanized or dehumanized.”
~ Haim Ginott
It’s been a rough week in the department of personal relationships. Well, only one in particular. We all go through times when emotions run uncontrollably high, often causing us to act in ways that defy our rational mind. This quote was an important read because my own ego sometimes clouds my judgment… especially if a battle involves another stubborn ego… many of us have an innate need to feel that we’ve “won” or to get the last laugh, or word, or whatever. But all this Ego chatter is simply NOISE. I went out to make this balance under the weight of a heavy heart; unsure of what it’s all for. uncertain of the future… but
For some reason, creating these things, photographing them, and reflecting on those moments of creation, is a very potent therapy. My intention with this balance was purely peace and unconditional love… that despite conflict with a friend, balance was still possible. I was determined to realize this balance as it carried a great deal of meaning to me and the current situation I found myself in… Realization: there is way too much positive in my life right now for me to spend any time focusing on such a petty, ego-driven conflict, despite how justified I felt in my stance. This balance effectively transformed a frowning heart into smiles. I felt as if I almost lost my fingers in the process due to the absolutely stinging cold water… but i couldn’t see it any other way…
In this photo I love the interaction of ice and stone. extremely ephemeral… this arch lasted long enough to snap this single photo.. ONLY. I was lucky to say the least because my fingers were pissed.. :)
you are amazing!
This is the first time I have seen your work. I first came across ‘Balancing’ in San Diego. A hispanic man was amazing people on the waterfront with his ‘mysterious’ talent. I might add people were putting money in a bucket at an amazing rate. I knew there had to be majic involved until I tried it at home for myself. There truly is a feel that you get when a ‘balance happens. Corny, but I think about the movie Karate Kid when Miagee tells Danielsone, ‘Balance Danialson , must have balance, life no good without balance.” There is a quieting of the spirit in us to achieve this art. Thankyou, this has inspired me to go farther.
יצירתי ומקסים
That quote was from Thor
Hi Michael: great, as always!!
fantastic, love your work, photos and balancing, stones are so beautiful and you turn them into an art form.
So interesting, thanks for taking the time to answer that so completely. I am amazed that I am just learning about this art form. It must be really neat to belong to what must be a rather small group of artists who do this. Your photos are spectacular, and at look forward to seeing more photos and videos.
I am balancer and photographer.. sometimes before i start building i have an idea of the general angle i want to shoot from… rea;;y broad though… best contrasts come from shooting up or down the creek…not so much to the sides… so usually i loosely orient the balances so the design I like, or the curve i want to emphasize is viewable in an up creek or down creek direction… best not to expect anything in my opinion and simply “flow” dangerous? YES. it CAN be if it’s done carelessly. I know of several balancers who are minus one digit. I am currently losing a fingernail that was pinched between 2 massive rocks… about a month ago… and i have almost crushed a toe before… i was lucky and learned the lesson the easy way… paying attention to safety is just second nature at this point… but a slip is always possible.. in some balances with massive rocks on top.. it can feel very uncertain at times and one moment out of focus can trigger sudden and dangerous collapse…
I do have two serious questions. 1: Are you a photographer? Is your art the balanced rocks themselves, or is the PHOTO the actual goal? 2: it seems like this can be dangerous. I’m thinking specifically about broken toes. Do you get hurt very often?
thanks! :) unfortunately i answered no to most of ur questions… might be cool to be bitten by a radioactive rock..
Seriously, your art amazes me.
heh :D
OK, I’ll stop now.
Have you ever tried to work on a smaller scale? Maybe balance grains of sand with a pair of tweezers?
Rocks or stones – do you have a preference?
Do you listen to rock music?
We’re you bitten by a radioactive boulder?
Do you have powers over anything other than rocks and Facebook?
Are you from another dimension?
Are you a warlock? Be honest.
balanced on ice :)
Is the rock on the right balanced on the ice? Or is it actually on another rock in the ice?
Amazing!
I think your works are awesome! Your ability to be so completely one with the stones to naturally glue them together is inspirational. Thank you. Your photography and quotes enhance your work further.
Copying as well!
Love this one!
wow – I got a load of rock for xmas as I am now getting more seriously into stacking and have used most of the rocks on my acreage. I found your site today – its so inspiring, so amazing and today’s post resonates for me big time as I’ve just experienced the same kind of ego trip – will be heading home after work to get my balance back from my rocks too.
Good one. Creation is always a good response to destructive forces.
LOVE that quote. Copying!! <3