Amanzimtoti man on the quest for the perfect driftwood
An avid photographer of driftwood found on beaches shares a philosophical piece on his quest for the perfect driftwood, which reflects on life and nature.
AFTER photographing his first piece of driftwood on Winklespruit Beach three years ago, Hein Jonker had a philosophical epiphany about driftwood and human life.
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“We so often get occupied with everyday life, so photography and going for walks on the beach gives me an outlet and time to reflect. I can walk along the beach and either find nothing, a piece of driftwood or an interesting person to photograph and talk to,” he said.
After taking his first photograph of driftwood, he realised that no piece is the same, in terms of physical features, colour and its journey to get to where it is.
“My passion for photographing driftwood is not just about capturing their innate beauty, but also delving deeper into the connection between driftwood and the journey of human life. It begins as part of a larger whole, a branch or piece of a once mighty tree. Over time, it’s shaped by nature’s forces and transformed, eroded and polished until it becomes the distinct piece we find on the beach. Similarly, our lives are shaped by experiences, relationships, challenges and moments of serenity. Just as no two pieces of driftwood are the same so no two human journeys mirror each other perfectly,” said Hein.
He said the attraction of driftwood lies in its imperfections. “The gnarls, splinters and hollowed centres are a testament to its resilience and journey. It stands as a symbol that beauty isn’t about perfection but rather about the stories and experiences that shape us. In our own lives, our scars, both physical and emotional, tell tales of battles fought, losses endured and challenges overcome. They make us unique,” said Hein.
Every time he sets foot on a beach, he is on a mission – a quest to find the perfect piece of driftwood. “This quest is symbolic of our own search for meaning and purpose in life. Just as I search the beaches, many of us search for our place in the world, for a deeper understanding of who we are and what our purpose is,” he said.
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Photographing driftwood is his way of honouring its journey and the lessons it embodies. Hein said, “Each photograph captures a moment in time, a fleeting instance in the driftwood’s long journey, much like a snapshot of our own lives. My portfolio is filled with these moments, each telling a story. It’s more than just wood. It’s a symbol, a teacher and a mirror reflecting our own lives.”
Through his lens, he aims to capture, not just its physical features, but the deep, philosophical truths it embodies.
“As I continue my quest for the perfect piece of driftwood, I encourage you to make it your mission to reflect on your own journey and to find beauty in every twist, turn and imperfection,” added Hein.
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