Seeing Light
Spoon on Photography with photos by Bryce Mick
I was part of Solano News, we had a newspaper for a while and a professional teaching photography. She asked interesting questions. This is my reflection on what she asked and how it turned out.
I see darkness and light, the many shades of light on the blades of grasses, chips glowing like icicles.
The light dancing shadows on the long fanning leaves of the palm trees look like blonde hair. I see the darkness and light in the many shades of the sunset and how the smoke made the sun look like orange sherbet. I see the fire burning down the mountains, licking the dry grasses away, leaving the evergreen trees. Two smoky black mountains’ fires burning out bright yellow orange, black smoke, wings tipped with white.
Light travels through time backwards and forwards. What can we see without light? Light reflected from the moon, eyes, and blades of grasses.
I stand inside the prison day room, 5:30a.m., looking down from the upper tier. The eight metal tables and stools have different shades of light and darkness. The other two tables not quite as dark, the 4 tables furthest away show the most light, the metal, the silver reflecting the clear, brightest light. Some parts lighter than other parts like clear nail polish. I see the light. I see the darkness mingling to create a shadow of silver. The direction of the light is from the building’s light, in contrast to the real light from the earth and sun. The building light beams off the tables, creating a colorful relationship between light and shadow. It seems to enable my sight to go into the structure of the table. The creation of the dark and light reflected shows in other dimensions that can only be captured by shadow and light’s shadowing.
How does light affect mood overall? Overall, the mood and how I feel. Perhaps the darker the light, the more solid the spirit or feel. The brighter the light or shading, the more serene and peaceful the mood. Light may alter moods in real ways. We see it in nature and in animals and plants. How light affects my mood can be endless, just light, the warmth and reflection of light, natural and creating light. I treasure the lights and textures of sunsets, moons, and sunrises. Sometimes I even notice when the sky dims or brightens in the moment. Light and the different shades of light and darkness have always played a role or have been an element in my life - not only on a physical outer level but also on a inner level. You look long and deep enough you can see light and total darkness or shade.
Light and darkness are metamorphical, mythical, and practical.
There would not be much art without shades of darkness and light. How does light affect my mood? It energizes and inspires me on endless levels in my life, art, writing, poetry and music. Dark moods make my heart sigh and sing. Light moods makes my heart glow and spirit soar. There are shades of light coming from the red-tailed hawk, the red-winged blackbirds and the rock doves that glow at dawn and dusk. The light glistens off the black bird wings. Light in the mixing of shadow changes everything. And I admire light and shades and the way the relationship of light and shadow builds upon things, perhaps our beginnings in the total darkness with light.
Spoon Jackson, who committed a first-time offense murder in 1977 at age 20, has spent nearly 50 years in prison and has shown remarkable rehabilitation. Finding poetry through an Arts in Corrections class in the 1980s, Spoon became a prolific writer and mentor, inspiring prisoners and global artists alike. His work has extended beyond prison walls, contributing to films, music, and podcasts, such as Uncuffed, where he amplifies prisoners’ humanity. With no infractions in over 15 years and a strong reentry plan, supporters, including filmmaker Michael Mann and musician Ani DiFranco, urge California Governor Gavin Newsom to grant Spoon clemency, enabling him to inspire on an even greater scale in freedom.
Spoon always enjoys letters - he will write you back! Feel free to reach out to him at:
Spoon Jackson B-92377
CSP- Solano
Levell II, Bldg D24, 150
Vacaville, CA 95696-4000