[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]I now know why I am not content with a traditional performance of a cello sonata or solo Bach. It’s because I don’t have single answer to the question, “Who is Carter?”
Trying to imagine the perfect photographic story, I have spent the last week pondering representations that might depict my favorite color (red), my favorite food (chocolate), and my favorite dance (the tango).
The Color Red
I first reflected on the color red. A wall in my studio is red. Nearly every rug I own has a red element. I wear red more than any other color (except black, which is technically not a color). When I am in nature, I am compelled to photograph every red fruit and flower. It represents fire, passion, boldness, and love. I adore this color.
At the same time, red, by itself, is often too aggressive for me. I prefer to balance it with subdued yellows or deep greens to offset its intensity and propensity for drama for drama’s sake.
In terms of a photograph, a rose might be too much, but a rosebush with an abundance of greenery could work…
Chocolate
I know I won’t win creative points for my favorite food. Perhaps it is the serotonin-inducing effects of chocolate, perhaps it is a magical property in the cacao bean.
Whatever the reason, as much as I love my chocolate, I don’t know that I want a heap of truffles or bon-bons in a photo. For one, I wouldn’t be able to look at the photo without fighting an urge to raid my cupboards. For another, it is just too plain predictable. Ah well.
The Tango
Which brings me to the tango.
What it is about this dance that will not let me go? I have skirted around it for years, learning first belly dancing, then a bit of samba while in Brazil. Yet, for as long as I can remember, whenever I hear (or see) a tango, my eyes grow distant, and I begin swaying to my own rhythm.
I am drawn to the combination of unique instruments, from strings to winds to bandoneon and percussion. However, even more than the tantalizing melodies, it is the groove that grabs hold and inspires me to spend hours discovering and writing new tango music.
Putting It into a Photo Story
I don’t think that these three elements describe my personality fully. But, at least they are a start. Thankfully, my photographic collaborative partner has showed himself worthy of weaving enticing scenes with only a few elements.
I look forward to seeing what he creates from this exploration.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her new album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
