The world is such an assault on our minds that we often don't even recognize fundamental curiosities anymore. We are jaded by the constant social and economical threats in our lives, and many of us are imprisoned by them. I think that in bypassing introspective analysis of our lives, we lose a vital aspect of our personal growth. The unconscious desire many of us have to reclaim our childhood may lie in our desire to think "child-like".

We aren't at all sure how our minds respond to the over-stimulation we have been thrown into, but we have lost a certain attentiveness. I find attention to the intricacy of mundane artifacts refreshing. The photographer Abelardo Morell, who has created an admiration for the perceptive mind, has rekindled creative principals. He accomplishes this not only through the content of his photographs, but through the media and process as well. Just as a vertical line has a certain visual impact, so does the black and white media, the absence of digital processing, and the use of genuine silver halide-based paper. It is important to note this, because today, innovation is often attributed to be an aspect of the digital realm. While I am myself a child of the digital revolution, I put reverence in those who are masters of traditional form, in their individual ways. Morell has incorporated technical mastery with genuine insight to create images that leave you with a powerful aesthetic interest.

Characteristically, Morell deals with the innate functions of photography. Using familiar objects, he takes a new approach on their significance, feeling, and control. If one were to take a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a straight-on shot would yield clich� results. Instead, to be interesting, you would need to add interest by photographing it from a new angle, by applying an interesting effect, etc. Morell takes the most obvious of objects and does this, although in terms anyone who has literally grown up in a house, can understand. His images relate to grocery bags, living rooms, books; all things you can experience (without traveling to Italy). Using his 4 x 5 format camera, he explores aspects of subjects not often captured in photography. As Weston and Adams "scienced" photography, I think Morell has photographed the science of art.

Three stages of development exist in Morell's work. Although they overlap, distinct aspects exist in each one. On the reflections link is my look at each phase, citing examples and impressions I gained from them.

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