This visual poetry piece, inspired by Charles Bukowski’s The Laughing Heart, explores themes of seizing the moment and living fully. Shot entirely on a smartphone with an APEXEL macro lens, it captures the flora and fauna around the SCAD Atlanta campus during the pandemic.

It aims to convey the feeling of discovering hope and meaning amidst the darkness and unknown. We are often faced with numerous paths, which can make decision-making a challenge. It’s natural to wonder if the choices we make are meaningful or if our efforts will amount to nothing. However, it’s important to recognize that we possess more power than we often believe. The future may be uncertain and potentially unpleasant, but it pales in comparison to the strength we have within us.

To bring this message to life, the visual direction incorporates the contrast between life and death, using flower imagery to represent this juxtaposition. The message is emphasized through a mix of constructivist graphical treatment and subtle type animation. The sequence of imagery progresses from a place of “death” to “rebirth”, which is highlighted by increasing lighting as the visual plays. The shots are framed from low angles at first, indicating our lack of power or control over reality. As the visual progresses, the shots gradually rise to higher angles, symbolizing our growing sense of empowerment.