Cumberland Island is a magically beautiful place, and my photograph Stallion in Marsh makes me want to return: to inhale the organic smell of the marsh, to taste the salt air, to listen to the sound of the waves, to feel my feet and legs sinking in the mud, and to see a feral stallion calmly wading towards land as if he came walking out of the ocean. The mystical atmosphere of this place contributes to the beauty of the image, which documents a place and a moment in time. But the horse and the water are archetypal images; their significance transcends the specific record. Also in the image several dualities create tension and meaning, yin and yang. First and most obvious is the horse himself and his reflection. Also evident is the eternal ebb and flow of the tide, flowing in to fill up the marsh. In this image land alternates with water, earth with sea. The opposing forces of the static square format and the dynamic spiral formed by the water create tension. The square symbolizes earth, while the circle represents eternity. All these elements contribute mystery and meaning to the photograph. It tells a story, but I hope also speaks to emotions and says something that cannot be expressed adequately with words.
This photograph is in The Center for Fine Art Photography's Elements of Water exhibit, juried by John Paul Caponigro. The exhibit will open Feb. 17 - March 11, 2010 at the Center in Fort Collins and also appear on
The Center for Fine Art Photography's online gallery.
1 comments:
Awesome photo Anne!
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