Photography used to be a frequent obsession of mine but for the past couple years nearly all my creative energy has been funneled into my business. Don't get me wrong, I love writing poetry in a language only my computer and I can understand, but I often feel something missing in my life when work consumes most of my waking hours.

I did a quick little photo shoot with some peppers. Of all the sexy beauties who bared their smooth skin for me, here is my personal favorite. Isn't she sexy?

For all you traditional photography know-it-alls who've tried to convince me good black and white photographs can't be done "right" with digital processes I challenge you to defy this image.

For all you friendly folks, sorry about that little "toss of the gauntlet." I get a bit frustrated by people who not only use a challenge as an excuse not to adapt and grow but also attempt to impose their own shortcomings on young artists.

This black and white photograph of a vegetable is nothing fancy; just a warm up exercise I suppose. Veggies make good practice in most mediums, and I always work a photograph in black and white first, even when I plan to work the image in color. A series on peppers seemed like a good way to get back into the groove. Besides, I can chop up my sexy lil fruits and spread them over some baked, black beans for a nice little feast.

Some of you may remember I left off working on a few series' using digital color. I'm sure I'll come back to the manipulation side when I feel right - or maybe I'll reinvent myself yet again.

When I look back at some of my work from a few years ago I see an almost furious energy burning it's way to the surface. Most of the pieces seemed insignificant, for the most part, but I was definitely sensitive to some sort of energy. I know I used to see the world much more actively then late; I want to find my eyes again.

• syra | Friday, October 26, 2007 12:24PM

  Perhaps it was good you took some time away from the photography. It seems like you are now able to see the deeper beauty in your work. You might realize that with time everything looks different. I think you have already found your eyes, but this time they are looking at things differently. Nothing looks the same after time has passed. Sometimes it's a good thing.....

• virgohippy | Friday, October 26, 2007 04:37PM

  You're probably right. Even though I took a break from photography I did study a few other art forms. Perhaps my eyes have simply become more sensitive to a few other nuances as a result of visual communication cross studies.

  Of course, now that I've stepped away from this piece I'm no longer satisfied.