Welcome to Complicated by Choices.
A multi-media journal that blends my original art, photography, and writing to delve into a diverse range of thought-provoking social and personal topics.
Introduction
If you tuned in to the very first episode of the ‘Complicated by Choices’ podcast a couple of weeks ago, you might recall my conversation with Will Linn about those life-changing moments that seemingly appear out of nowhere. However, when we pause to reflect, we often realize we’ve been laying the groundwork for change all along.
‘Complicated by Choices’ is a prime example of this phenomenon.
Keeping that in mind, today I’m going to provide you insight into the ambition behind my work. Ultimately, I hope to offer you a glimpse of what you can expect from me in the weeks, months, and years to come.
The Catalyst for Change
For 15 years, I worked in film and television production, and every single day, I suppressed my urge to be artistically creative.
Over the years, this desire took various forms, and whenever it surfaced, I’d tell myself things like, “I’m not good enough,” “I have no talent,” or even, “it’s too late to start now.”
Of course, none of that was true, but I didn’t realize it until a recent opportunity went awry, and I was given a change to reflect.
Now, I’m an artist, photographer, writer, and podcaster, but of course, the transition wasn’t and isn’t that simple.
A lot of things contributed to this transformation, but ultimately, I discovered what fulfills me, what brings me joy and peace, and how I want to show up in the world.
The Power of Choices
I’m fascinated by humanity and the world at large. I find people, animals, nature, politics, entertainment, news, self-care, and self-reflection captivating. I’m also intrigued by growth, learning, history, and technology, among many other subjects.
What has always captivated me the most is the ‘why’ behind our actions. Why do we choose one path over another? What drives us to make certain decisions? Before we do anything in life, we have to make a choice. Sometimes these choices are subconscious, while other times they are conscious. However, understanding the thought process that leads to our decisions is what piques my interest more than anything. This is why I focus on ‘choices.’ They are they final step before we engage in any activity, and we make thousands of them each day, often without realizing it.
Inspiring Growth
Like everyone else, I have made countless good and bad choices throughout my life, and there have been just as many times when people or events made decisions for me. Each of those experiences taught me something new about myself, others, and the world around me.
With that in mind, my ambition for ‘Complicated by Choices’ is to share my experiences in a way that not only entertains my audience but also provides them with valuable insights and tools they can apply to their own lives.
By sharing both my missteps and achievements, I hope to inspire others to learn, grow, and make better choices for themselves, ultimately improving their lives in ways they never thought possible.
Creative Expressions
I began exploring art in October of last year and started learning to oil paint in December. Now, I paint daily, and ideas for new pieces are constantly emerging from all corners of my mind. These ideas come from nowhere and everywhere all at once, appearing vivid and clear in my thoughts.
My style is narrative, which involves visually representing stories by depicting characters, scenes, or events that convey a message to the viewer. My hope is that those who see my work will engage with it, interpret its meaning, and connect to the story being told.
I strive for simplicity rather than complexity in my art work, aiming to provide a clear message and story that can spark further conversation about the topics I address.
It’s important to mention that I’m still an amateur when it comes to painting techniques. Over the past few months, I’ve been teaching myself through practice, experimentation, and occasionally turning to online videos for guidance on specific aspects of the process. So, please be patient with my technique! Focus on the stories, and I hope you’ll gain as much meaning from them as I intend to share.
For a deeper exploration of my journey into art and the passion that ensued, check out my first article here.
I have a deep passion for taking candid photographs. Capturing moments of unfiltered reality allows me to tell stories, and my fascination with people and animals is evident in my photographic work.
You’ll often find me walking or hiking through urban or rural environments. While I relish exploring new places, I’m constantly seeking to capture their essence through the experiences of others I encounter along the way. Perhaps it’s the filmmaker in me that drives my excitement for capturing moments like these.
Taking candid photographs has not only improved my work but also sparked my curiosity about the world and its inhabitants. It has trained my brain to observe and listen to my surroundings, leading me to discover stories wherever I go.
A compelling story resonates when it comes from a place of truth, and I strive for the same authenticity in my candid photography.
Like my art, I have developed my photography skills through practice and experimentation. Some photos will appear straightforward, while others are adjusted and transformed to create a new narrative I’ve discovered in my mind.
In my work, I often use the ‘rückenfigur’ technique, a compositional device where a person or animal is seen from behind in the foreground of the image. I find this technique helps convey what my subject might be thinking or feeling. It creates a sense of universality and allows the viewer to develop their own story.
Most of my photography has been captured using my iPhone (11 Pro Max and 13 Pro Max), which I love for its discretion and speed. However, I recently invested in a Leica D-Lux 7, which has been a fantastic addition to my toolkit.
In the end, my candid photography is about capturing truth and inviting viewers to connect with the stories and emotions portrayed in each image.
Writing
Though I never formally trained as a writer and had a slow start, the pandemic jumpstarted my passion. Since then, it’s been a journey of continuous learning and growth, which I find incredibly rewarding. Each piece I write is a step up from the previous one, and being able to merge my personal growth with helping others grow is irresistible. This is why I love writing ‘Complicated by Choices’.
The purpose of my writing for ‘Complicated by Choices’ is simple: I aim to start conversations and inspire others to continue them.
One important aspect of my writing for ‘Complicated by Choices’ is the diverse subject matter and style. This means that one week, I might share a motivational post, while the next could be about an experience I think others might enjoy as well. Sometimes, I’ll share personal stories like the infamous “The Day I Pooped My Pants” I recounted a few weeks ago, or the upcoming tale of “The Fourth Time I Almost Died”.
Additionally, I plan to introduce a fictional element to ‘Complicated by Choices,’ experimenting with serialized storytelling by releasing chapters periodically amidst the other formats I’ve mentioned.
As a reader, you shouldn’t expect a singular theme or style from me. While some articles might not appeal to you, others, I hope, will captivate you.
While I may not have mastered all the technical aspects of writing, I have plenty of stories to share. I hope readers will focus on those stories, rather than any occasional punctuation or structural errors. My writing journey, like art and photography, has been a process of self-teaching, evolving significantly over the past several years and particularly during the last 6-7 months.
Additionally, I’m a screenwriter. My exciting, diverse, and interesting life experiences, combined with my insatiable curiosity, have provided me with ample material for countless stories. I’m currently developing two TV series, and both projects address subjects and stories I believe the world would enjoy and benefit from experiencing.
I’ve recently introduced a podcast element to ‘Complicated by Choices,’ with the goal of understanding humanity better through the choices we make. By interviewing a diverse range of guests about the ‘how’s’ and why’s’ behind their decisions, I hope to learn alongside my audience about how we can all show up better for our Selves and those around us.
I have an incredible lineup of guests ready to share their experiences, processes, and insights, and as I find my rhythm, I plan to release episodes more regularly. Instead of adhering to a weekly format like my newsletter, I’ll distribute the podcast episodes as they are produced.
So, if you’re intrigued by the thought processes behind your own decision-making and that of others, I encourage you to listen to the podcast for one-of-a-kind insights you can’t find anywhere else.
Check out the first episode of the podcast with renowned mythologist Will Linn, here.
Interested in being a guest? Please email me at davidcouplandart@gmail.com
Conclusion
I firmly believe that to truly master anything in life, it’s essential to understand all the elements that make it whole. This principle has guided me throughout my life and is at the core of ‘Complicated by Choices’ and my other practical and creative work.
Over the last seven months, I’ve been fortunate enough to develop and nurture my creative skills. However, living life is costly, and as much as I’d love to focus solely on my passions, I also need to pay the bills. So, if you know of any opportunities that could benefit from someone with 15 years of experience in problem solving and logistics on the world’s most prominent and complex shows and movies, as well as the creative talent I’ve discussed, I’d be grateful to hear about them.
You can also support me by opting for a paid subscription to ‘Complicated by Choices’. or buying my merchandize. Every bit helps, but I also want to emphasize that I intend to always offer access to this work for free to those who cannot afford to pay. Money shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying my work, but if you can contribute, please do.
If you’re not able to do that, please share this article and others that I send your way. I must admit, I’m not a fan of social media, so building a following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter will be challenging for me, so sharing my content would be tremendously helpful in the meantime.
Thank you for your support, and I hope you stick around and brings some friends along for what I promise will be an exciting journey with ‘Complicated by Choices’.
For more photography and art, or to buy merchandize, please visit my website.