As a young boy, I first heard the saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words' and I believe today that there has never been a truer word(s) said but where did the saying come from?
Its introduction is widely attributed to Frederick R. Barnard, who published a piece commending the effectiveness of graphics in advertising with the title 'One look is worth a thousand words', in Printer's Ink, December 1921. Barnard claimed the phrase's source to be oriental by adding 'so said a famous Japanese philosopher, and he was right'. Printer's Ink printed another form of the phrase in March 1927, this time suggesting a Chinese origin:
Chinese proverb: "One picture is worth ten thousand words."
Whichever reference you choose, it is true that not many have mastered the art of turning the phrase into existence. In previous posts, I have made reference to Jack Vettriano who is a master of the art, to the contemporary figurative art of Kathrin Longhurst, both on canvass, but then I reconnected to an old friend Paul Giggle and his incredible work from behind the camera.
As I myself have somehow and mysteriously evolved into what some would call an indie author and storyteller, I was intrigued by the explanation of this phrase - 'A picture tells a story just as well as, if not better than, a lot of written words'. I realized that this was spot on, as I carefully chose the images for the front covers of my books - trying to tell a story, not in an obvious way, but trying to capture the soul and of the characters within.
It is with this connection to the soul that I felt so compelled by the work of Vettriano, Longhurst, but also the masterful work of Paul Giggle who has what appears an innate talent that captures the essence of the moment and either through still or film gets to the soul of the story before him.
It is no wonder that Giggle has been recognized worldwide for his art. Born in Surrey the UK, and growing up in the Lakes District in the north of England, Paul is a distinguished photographer and highly sought-after film director. What sets his work apart is his highly developed artistic sensibility and talent for capturing incredible images that speak to the pursuit of perfection.
Early in his career, Paul worked as a creative director in London. In 1996 Paul decided to make a move into fashion photography photographing for Vogue, Madame Figaro, Gq, Marie Claire as well as countless fashion campaigns. By 2005 he made the transition to commercial directing, shooting many international commercials and lifestyle films.
Here is an incredible example of his storytelling on film that captures the essence of the story in an unobvious but nevertheless powerful way, At The Stroke of Midnight:
Now calling Brisbane, Australia his home, Paul has won many international awards for both photography and directing, his success can be attributed to his meticulous attention to detail and his devotion to the craft of film making and storytelling. His ability to blend artistry with elegance and his understanding of sophistication has set the benchmark for the luxury genre with his refined aesthetic and arresting images.
AWARDS
- IPA: WINNER 2015, 2019
- MONOCHROME AWARDS: WINNER 2017, 2019
- PX3 PARIS: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019
- GOLDEN AWARDS MONTREAUX:(Film Direction) WINNER 2016, 2018
- LUXURY AWARDS MONACO: (Film Direction) WINNER 2015
- BAD AWARDS AUSTRALIA: SILVER, BRONZE 2016 
I feel honored to even have the faintest connection to talented people like these, and I am humbled in the face of my own artistic efforts through the written word. On my writing journey, I aspire to stimulate the same level of depth and soul to my work and to engage my readers in a less obvious way, to stimulate thought, speculation, and wonder of the fine balance between truth and fiction.
As I set out on my own path, my own artistic intent was to leave my readers asking as many questions as were answered as a result of reading my work, and I continue to be inspired by amazing talent like Vettriano, Longhurst, and of course Paul Giggle.
Thank you for your inspiration!
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Willy Mitchell is an indie author, writer, and storyteller. His first title was Operation ARGUS, and then the sequel Bikini BRAVO where a group of former Special Air Service operatives enter the dark and murky world of maskirovka and discover the lengths that some people will go for power and greed. Cold COURAGE tells the epic tale of Shackletons 1914 Trans-Antarctic Expedition and all that was happening in those extraordinary times. Book four, Northern ECHO is about to be released and tells the story of two boys growing up during the punk rock revolution in the north of England, and how a dark secret keeps them apart until the end. Mitchell's latest installment, about to be released at the end of 2020, is Gipsy MOTH about his Aunt Nikki, her friend, and fellow Aviatrix, Amy Johnson, and Amelia Earhart on the other side of the pond during the golden age of aviation.
Up next? SS Indigo is the story of an eclectic mix of guests mysteriously invited to a cruise on a luxury steamship around the Caribbean. The only thing they have in common is their lust for power, advancement and wealth.
All of Mitchell's books so far are novels, works of fiction, blended with real events. For further information or how to buy his books, visit his author website:
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