Brynjar Ágústsson: An Artistic Journey Through Mindfulness and Photography Early Life and Inspiration Brynjar Ágústsson, a native of Iceland, was born into an artistic family in the northern part of the country. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland, Ágústsson developed an early passion for photography. His fascination with the island's rough nature, bright summer nights, dark winter skies illuminated by the northern lights, and majestic waterfalls from melting glaciers, provided a stunning backdrop for his burgeoning interest in capturing the world through his lens. Evolution of a Photographer Over the course of nearly three decades, Brynjar Ágústsson's photography evolved through various stages. Initially, his work consisted of random snapshots, gradually transitioning to creating images that brought others' fantasies and ideologies to life. Despite his technical prowess and artistic eye, Ágústsson struggled to infuse his images with deeper meaning, often feeling that his work was just a mere representation of the scenes before him. The Turning Point: Mindfulness and Meditation The significant transformation in Ágústsson's work came when he began practicing mindfulness and meditation. This new approach allowed him to connect more deeply with his inner voice and the world around him. "I felt so much liberation, like my senses were going through a resetting process and entering a state of total awareness where I could use much more of my senses," he recalls. This profound change helped him to see the objective world as a symbol, much like in a dream, and to tell a story through his images. Influences and Philosophies Ágústsson's philosophical journey was significantly influenced by Carl Gustav Jung's theories on archetypes, dreams, and symbolism. His understanding deepened further after reading "The Hero's Journey" by Joseph Campbell. These insights helped him categorize his images and view his artistic journey as his own hero's journey of evolving in the visual craft. Visual Liberation Ágústsson describes his photographic journey as one that creates more questions than answers. His work transcends simple snapshots, aiming to provoke thought and reflection. He emphasizes that a picture of something great does not necessarily make a picture great. Instead, his goal is to create images that are full of meaning and abstraction, often devoid of easily identifiable elements, pushing viewers to engage their senses rather than their analytical minds. Connection with Nature and Healing Living in Iceland, Ágústsson has witnessed numerous natural wonders and volcanic eruptions, which have deeply influenced his work. His practice of mindfulness and meditation has allowed him to see beyond the surface of these landscapes, integrating the elements of earth, water, fire, and air into his art. This approach has not only enhanced his creativity but also served as a healing process, helping him release old ideas and thoughts and find deeper meaning in his work. Artistic Philosophy Ágústsson believes that the outer reality is a reflection of the inner reality. He posits that in order for the "here" to exist, there must be a "there." This interconnectedness of the inner and outer worlds is a central theme in his work. His images aim to transcend traditional storytelling, moving into the realm of abstract and objective art that exists independently of labels and meanings. Conclusion Brynjar Ágústsson's journey as a photographer is one of continuous evolution and deep introspection. Through mindfulness and meditation, he has found a way to infuse his work with profound meaning, creating images that challenge viewers to look beyond the obvious and explore the deeper layers of reality. His art is a testament to the power of inner transformation and the boundless possibilities it can unlock in the creative process. Brynjar's fine art prints are highly sought after by interior designers and corporate art buyers. His images have been widely published worldwide and have found use in advertising campaigns, product design, tourism brochures, books, magazines, and calendars. Some of Brynjar’s clients include Restoration Hardware, Arteinmortal, and Arstspring gallery in SF