I definitely feel that I’m making progress in bringing more organization to my portfolio, as categories are defining themselves and themes are emerging.
The emerging themes are not a complete surprise, as I know of my predilection towards images that give a sense of lonely struggle with a bit hope of beating the odds and elements. While this is a bit broad brush, my favorite landscape images are not those that portray a beauty, but rather those rugged ones where you can see yourself persevering.
In a more urban setting this often translates to a draw towards cemeteries…
This image is from the new graveyard in Reykjavik, Hólavallagarður; new, as it was established in 1838, as the one that had been used since Viking times didn’t serve the needs of the growing city.
For me a walk through a cemetery is restful and provides a sense of connection with those who have gone before; older cemeteries are my preference due to their portrayal of the history of the area and giving some idea of how people approached both life and death. Memento mori is a great reminder to all of us.
When I saw the lantern hanging above the grave, it provided me with the idea of lighting the way to the great beyond, which is a theme throughout millennia of civilizations. The Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Bardo Thodol in Buddhism and crossing the Styx in Greek mythology are examples that spring to mind. We, the living, want to make sure that the dead find their way to a good place in the great hereafter.
