Two "Pictodwams"

[Rob MacKillop]

Do you know the word "dwam"? I believe it is a Scots word, for which I can find no exact equivalent in English. Revery is not right. Stupor is not quite right either. Somewhere between the two might get close. I often find myself just staring at something while being there and not being there at the same time. Sometimes there is awareness of form (as in the first image), sometimes less so (second image).

Many of my Water of Leith images were taken when emerging from a dwam, so for fun I call them pictodwams. I'd like to say don't take any of this seriously, but I have to say I am serious with the images. I'm not looking to take pretty pictures, or for something some people might recognise, rather I want to capture those moments where I'm in a scene and forget myself, I drift off, looking and not looking, lost in between. It happens more for me with river scenes than with anything else. The results may or may not resonate with you, but that's beyond my control or intention. But it's nice if you get something from them.

 

[Dave Farnes]

I thought a wee dwam was a warming drink.

The dictionary defines it as "a state of semi-consciousness or reverie". I do recognise that state of mind, if I find myself feeling that way I describe it as being "off with the fairies". There, but not there, a pleasent feeling.

Those fine images do resonate with me and do capture that feeling, I really like them.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Hmm, not sure at all about fairies, and to be honest I'm not sure about pleasant feeling, but I think you know what I mean. Glad you like em, Dave!

 

[John Holland]

I usually experience dwam soon after walking into a room and wonder why did I go into the room. "Dwam!" might be a better word that what I had been using.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

That's just age, John...