Friday, December 16, 2005
Featured Photo by CARLOS BRAVO
Kahlil Gibran once wrote, “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts.”
Beautiful words of wisdom, indeed, but if these three beautiful children were mine, I’m afraid that I’m going to find the Prophet’s words hard to take. When I saw this photograph on Carlos’ site at flickr, I immediately sent him my reaction: “a colorful yet subtle celebration of innocence.”
I told him I chose Independencia to feature on my site simply because it speaks of connection, harmony and unity. And since Carlos is from Monterrey, Mexico, I added that I’ve always considered Mexicans and Filipinos as cultural cousins as well. So, this is indeed the ideal photograph for me to spotlight as a way to introduce him to my readers.
However, don’t let Independencia fool you and think of Carlos as a mere portrait artist. He happens to also excel in conveying surrealism, horror, culture, wit and playfulness in his other photographs. He’s indeed multi-faceted with his camera.
Please visit his galleries, but make sure you have plenty of time to browse around and fully appreciate his photographs.
Labels: Featured photographer
posted by Señor Enrique at 6:47 AM
12 Comments:
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niceheart said... I used to quote that particular one to my mother when I was a teenager. When she wanted me to do things that were different from what I wanted for myself. Looking back now, it seems selfish and hurtful to say that to your parent, although it is so true.
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said... This is one of my favorites from Khalil Gibran. And I kept this in mind when raising my children especially now that they are passing through their adolescence.
So far, this is effective, less tension, more open communication.-
Señor Enrique said...
The fact that she didn't scold you for having quoted Gibran showed how broad-minded your mom was, niceheart. And that she appreciated such words of wisdom albeit sort of hard to accept. Parents, as you know, tend to be over protective at times. :)
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Señor Enrique said...
You are to be commended, myepinoy. Like I said, parents want to be lenient but there are times they have to be stern and show who's boss. :)
This is also a favorite of mine that Gibran had written; that's why it came to mind immediately upon seeing Carlos' photograph.-
bing said...
i have that in my file. when i read that quote, it struck me real hard and made me ponder the truth behind the beautiful words. it made me afraid, too, that one day my kids will leave and live their own lives... sad thoughts... but that is how life is.
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said...
I am sorry but I disagree on the "being lenient" being stern and show who is the boss"
These attitudes of parents are no longer applicable now. My term is not "lenient but rather understanding. Being stern won't do any good nor showing who is the Boss.
I guess the best way is to show them what a "good parent" is. Things have changed now.
As for me, I only have two rules: Discipline and Responsibility.
BTW, do you have children?
Thank you.-
said...
Thank you, I have 3 beautiful daughters, the second best thing that has happened on my life.
Pelucas:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/47320286/in/set-1043440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/58152196/in/set-1043440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/57202595/in/set-1043440/
Cachito:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/49800900/in/set-1043440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/47956779/
And Kayla:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/66420793/in/set-1043590/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/47746426/in/set-1043440/
This is my wife, my best thing that has happened in my life:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/45700101/in/set-997511/
And this is my city:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miedo/sets/1043576/show/
As I said, this is a honnor. You have a brother here in Monterrey México.
Thank you.-
said...
Those links...if you can help me with that...
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said...
Pelucas:
Pelucas 1
Pelucas 2
Pelucas 3
Cachito:
Cachito 1
Cachito 2
And Kayla:
La Kayla 1
La Kayla 2
This is my wife, my best thing that has happened in my life:
La Wife
And this is my city:
Monterrey
As I said, this is a honnor. You have a brother here in Monterrey México.
Thank you.
Carlos Bravo.-
Señor Enrique said...
Yes, Bing, they are indeed beautiful words of wisdom. And to think that parents only get to be with their children for 18 years; after that they fly off to pursue their individual paths.
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Señor Enrique said...
I respect your parenting skills, myepinoy. Actually, I tip my hat off to all parents, especially to my brothers and friends in New York who have to juggle their demanding responsibilities at work along with those of parenthood. They often feel guilty for not having given their kids enough quality time.
No, I don't have any children of my own, and that's by choice, simply because I don't think I have enough wisdom to raise one. Parenthod also requires a lot of letting go. Even my own brothers in a few occasions, based on how they see me with my dog, commented that I wouldn't make a good parent because I am over protective.
What I lack in parenting skills I compensate in "parenting by appointment;" that is, mentoring my nephews and nieces, and later on those outside of my family circle -- corporate world underlings and interns, as well as underprivileged kids.
Yet, my brothers who claimed I wouldn't make a good father also admitted their admiration for my communication skills with their kids. But that's as far as I get with parenting.-
Señor Enrique said...
Based on their photographs, I can tell Carlos that the kids enjoy having you as their father!!! I think it's wonderful how your entire family participate in your love for photography!
BTW, my nephew's daughter is also named Kayla!
San Diego was the closest to Mexico I had gone to. However, I have friends who had been to Monterrey and they raved how great that city is! I'm planning to visit California next year and I might just spend a couple of weeks in Monterrey.
Incidentally, Carlos, it's wonderful how your Independencia along with Gibran's quote started a whole discussion about family and parenting here! :)
Thanks again, Carlos!
