As someone who loves to document their life, whether in written or photographic form, I really loved this! But it also made me think of a situation I was in the other day that made me realise that their is a bit of nuance within the "documenting ones life" discussion...
I was in Bogota at the Museo de Oro (the gold museum which I would highly recommend if you're ever in the neighbourhood!) and there was a group of three young girls, maybe 16 or 17, each holding their phones loosely in their hands, filming each and every item, but without actually looking at anything. It was as if to experience a place was the film it, rather than to just be there, looking at what's in front of you with your own eyes and not that of your iPhone.
Were they really going to go back and look at these poorly framed, carelessly filmed clips when they were back in their bedrooms? Would they realise what incredible artefacts they had been in the midst of after the fact?
I think it made me realise that there is a difference between documenting your life for a genuine love of what you see around you, and documenting your life because it feels like if you don't, you were never really there. The latter of which made me kind of sad.
Anyway — just thought I would share! Again, loved this piece :) xx
this was incredible ava, thank you. im going to be one of the lucky ones shamelessly documenting every moment i care about from now on
This is the most therapeutic piece of writing I have read in years. Thanks so much Ava, it is beautifully written xx
Yes, couldn't agree more!! Narcissist on resume, CV and lower back absolutely killed me.
As someone who loves to document their life, whether in written or photographic form, I really loved this! But it also made me think of a situation I was in the other day that made me realise that their is a bit of nuance within the "documenting ones life" discussion...
I was in Bogota at the Museo de Oro (the gold museum which I would highly recommend if you're ever in the neighbourhood!) and there was a group of three young girls, maybe 16 or 17, each holding their phones loosely in their hands, filming each and every item, but without actually looking at anything. It was as if to experience a place was the film it, rather than to just be there, looking at what's in front of you with your own eyes and not that of your iPhone.
Were they really going to go back and look at these poorly framed, carelessly filmed clips when they were back in their bedrooms? Would they realise what incredible artefacts they had been in the midst of after the fact?
I think it made me realise that there is a difference between documenting your life for a genuine love of what you see around you, and documenting your life because it feels like if you don't, you were never really there. The latter of which made me kind of sad.
Anyway — just thought I would share! Again, loved this piece :) xx
What a beautiful perspective! Thank you for writing and sharing
Amazingly put. Love this <3
love this! so well said. reminded me a bit of sam irby’s philosophy on quite simply just liking things, which i love https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a43590494/my-taste-is-basic-so-what/