I really like abstract images taken directly from nature as found. As I have said before, you just cannot explain art. When you get even deeper into abstract art, the explanation is impossible. All I can do is tell the story of how I got there. There isn’t much more I can add.
We had been in Zion National Park for near a week and I had walked passed this fallen, rotting, cottonwood tree numerous times. It was right next to the parking lot and was in no way difficult to find. I had made a photograph of this fallen tree the year before in a much wider view of the valley. I had seen the fuzzy bark at the base but chose to ignore it at the time. This year the fuzz, deteriorating bark, was even more fuzzy and struck me as looking like a beard. It was a sunny day that started off at about 20 degrees and warmed to maybe the low 40’s. Perfect to be out with a large camera.
We had returned to the end of the valley road to what is known as the Temple of Sinawava. This is a deep canyon and the entrance to the narrows trail. There are times during the day when you have sun, but only about noon. The rest of the day you are in shade and the light is soft and beautiful. The high canyon walls reflect light into the valley and is continually changing.
I kept ignoring the bearded log, but something kept calling me back. I knew I had to do something, so out came the 11×14 camera. I can’t tell much more of the story since the framing, camera position, and perspective was something that had to be adjusted till it looked right on the ground glass. When it looks right. . . it is right!
There is little else I can add. Listed below are the particulars of this photograph. . . the easy part for sure. The facts and figures are purely right brain. The look, feel, and atmosphere of the interpretation can only be experienced by looking at the finished print.
JB
