"My Father's Pencil Sharpener" by Harold Ross

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My father taught me many things; among them, how to build things and how to repair things by hand. Along with those skills, he gave me a great appreciation for tools that were designed to be used by hand. There is something meditative and calming about using a hand tool (as opposed to a power tool).

It is slower, of course, but it is generally quieter and there is more control. In some ways, I feel the same about photography… I prefer a slower and simpler approach, and I feel that this can lead us to a more refined and beautiful image.

This pencil sharpener, which belonged to my father, is a symbol of the inherent beauty and simplicity of a hand-operated tool.

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