It was a rainy day today in Nashville. We needed it, but it certainly did nothing for my mood. To cheer myself up, I decided to walk over to the library. The main library branch in downtown Nashville is so beautiful, and I'm lucky enough to work only three city blocks away from it. It's the perfect place to escape mid-work day.

I was especially excited to check out the latest exhibit, which was supposed to open today:

Poet and master calligrapher Huang Xiang will be turning the library’s fine arts gallery into a larger-than-life work of poetry as he paints his words and feelings on walls and banners this week. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to watch art in the making.

When I got there though, I was disappointed to find that the old exhibit was still displayed. (Not that it wasn't good, but I've seen it twice already and was looking forward to something new.) I think I may go back tomorrow to see if they've started yet.

On the upside, I buried myself in my favorite spot, the fine arts room, for an hour. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a copy of Strangers: The First ICP Triennial of Photography and Video. What a find! I've just started reading through it, but already I've been introduced to photographers who have me captivated. A few that have really stood out so far are Bill Henson, Justine Kurtland, and Shizuka Yokomizo. If I get the chance to go back tomorrow, I'm going to check out a copy of Mnemosyne, which is a book entirely of Bill Henson's work. (I was so excited to see on their online card catalog that our library has it!)

This evening, I decided to sign up for this class on BetterPhoto.com. Maybe it's cheesy, I don't know. I figured I'd try one class and see how it goes. It starts July 4th. I'm excited. I've just really wanted to learn more about what makes good photos good (beyond the old standby rule of thirds). I'm trying all I can to look at others' work and learn from it: on DeviantART, at local exhibits, by reading books. But I guess I really need some insight on what to look for, so I can really understand why certain shots are more appealing than others. I'm really looking forward to lessons and particularly to doing assignments and getting critiqued.

I've missed school in general, I guess. I want to be challenged. I want to think. I want to create. I'm hoping this will be just what the doctor ordered, or at least a step in the right direction.