Finding these lonely crosses, icons of loss for some anonymous family or loved one, leaves me with a sinking feeling. Placed at the summit cross of Jacks Mountain adds a sweeping perspective of the world and reflects the notion of how small we all are in the world.
Even in the bright sun there's a heaviness to this.
Suppose I'll keep photographing until I answer the question. Maybe I never will.
There is an "old world" feel to the cross---in the way that it's a small tribute. You are right, the bright colors and sunlight should give me a lighter feeling. I suppose that if I didn't know what the roadside cross represented I would assume it was an Easter decoration, and the bright colors would be a celebration. But, I can't help but picture a family member---maybe a mother---carefully placing the cross and arranging the flowers. And the second image becomes what she sees when she looks up---a darker, joyless sky.
ReplyDeleteI like how the second image throws me off balance. At first glance it looks like it could be a reflection in water. The branches and leaves are taking over. They struggle to block out the sky.
I understand the old world feel. On a path not far from my grandfather's house in Germany was a small cross in a little box with flowers. I don't remember it as colorful but it did mark something that had happened there that someone wanted to remember. And have remembered. I often wonder how much of that is in play as I make photographs or write blog posts -- creating paintings on the cave walls saying "I was here".
ReplyDeleteThe image of the sky and the way you see it surprised me. Probably because I so thoroughly enjoy dark skies. There's no heaviness or lack of joy in what I see. For me they're about mystery and magic and unseen adventure.
You probably see dirty pictures in those inkblot pictures!