Games of my Life

As the daughter of an athlete, I was raised with the concept “It is not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” Throughout my life I have held on to this mindset. Like many households, we were not a wealthy family who vacationed to exotic destinations, rather we spent our weekends and summers as a family immersed in sports and bonding while playing a board game. Although I was not the oldest sibling in my family and therefore less likely to understand the rules and strategies involved in winning the game, I remember fondly the excitement of gathering to play and the simple joy of choosing a playing piece. I was excited to see what would come up on the roll of the dice and enjoyed the surprises and challenges each game encapsulated. I fondly remember the funny jokes that my brothers told while playing and the dearness of playing with my Grandmother included. It was always surprising to me to encounter the reaction of other kids who were upset they didn’t win. Instead they allowed there enjoyment of the game to be hinged upon who was in the lead or how much money their fellow players were accruing. Personally, winning was always a thrill, but playing the game was the cherished experience. I believe that life with all its pitfalls and travails is full of many daily treasures, if only we are willing to keep our minds and hearts open to the world around us. I whole heartedly agree with the sage words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Life is a Journey, not a destination.” These personal ideals are the inspiration for my self portrait retrospective series “Games of my Life.”

Dianne Yudelson is a photographic artist and master of the New Eclecticism. Dianne was just awarded Merit of Excellencne "Photographer of the Year" in the 6th Annual Black and White Spider Awards June 2012. Her images are international winners in Photography Master's Cup, the PX3 (Prix de la Photographie, Paris), IPA (International Photography Awards), LICC (London International Creative Competition), the Black and White Spider Awards, KLPA International Top 40 Portrait, and a WPGA Julia Margaret Cameron Award finalist in Documentary. "Throughout my life art has been the one true common thread, the stitches that have bound my chapters together. As a photographic artist I embrace the ability to spotlight my point of view and give a voice to my imagination. I have melded my fine art, theater art, fashion and stylist background with my academic training and teaching experience to create multi-layered images that explore both the visual and psychological aspects of our world and that challenge, delight and educate the viewer." ~Dianne Yudelson -- www.dianneyudelson.com