In Siglufjördur, Iceland, we witness the enduring nature of windows amid ferocious weather.
This week finds us about as far to the East as we were to the West in last week’s Wednesday Window. We’re going from Grafton, Utah, to Siglufjördur, Iceland.
The elements are ferocious in both locations and the years of weather can definitely show their impact and reduce the functionality of the window…
Weather’s Resistor
Here the window tells us about the history of the building and how it has bravely battled the elements for many years in an attempt to protect those who brought in the bounty of the ocean; this window is part of a barn at the Herring Era Museum complex in Siglufjördur in the north of Iceland. It is interesting to get a sense of what life was like for the men, women and children who made up this community; life wasn’t easy during the herring fishing times and everyone in Siglufjördur contributed.
For more fun with windows, please check out the Monday Window blog!
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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3 thoughts on “Wednesday Window – pt.3”
We certainly had a taste of the elements during our rainy visit…! Your photo captures the flavor of the history & persistence of the people.
We certainly had a taste of the elements during our rainy visit…! Your photo captures the flavor of the history & persistence of the people.
Yes, the rainy day visit to this locale was a great diversion and protected us from the elements