Vacant Country House
All photos appear as slices of time. In the scene above I had the feeling that time was standing still -- reflecting a certain loneliness.
My photo above of the vacant country house was taken a few years ago when I was living in Kentucky. The owner, who lived nearby, told me the house had belonged to his family -- he shared a few personal memories with me -- about his time spent there as a boy.
Yesterday while perusing my files I came upon this photo from the past and was struck by its aura of coldness in addition to its loneliness. As I gazed at it I reached back remembering the personal boyhood memories that the owner shared with me.
Time -- stood still at the vacant country house.
A photo's slice of time can give us a full range of feelings. Our interpretation is not always right but sometimes it is. Sometimes we know -- for no particular reason -- that something was amiss but we just cannot put our finger on it.
Perfect photo and I appreciate you photographic eye that translates into so much more.
ReplyDeleteTabor -- Our mind can work overtime when we look at that slice of time in a photo -- conjuring up the many possibilities surrounding the photo. I do this especially when I am looking at the terrific depression photographers works. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteA picture like that brings many possible stories to mind. But they would be stories we know, never the real story. In my mind, I put one or two people on that bench (I guess I could say rocker) and ... even what they might look like, comes from my memories, no the true events. It's wonderfully evocative.
ReplyDeleteJune -- Known actions in a particular landscape can color our views. I visualized the owner's boyhood memories in viewing this photo. Like you say -- there are many possible stories that can be brought to mind in a photo like this. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteWhat seems scary to me about that photo is that there seems to be no story, at least not one I can imagine. I can see myself sitting in the swing, maybe shuffling the leaves around and thinking I might sweep them away if I had a broom, but beyond that? Nothing.
DeleteInteresting post, Barbara. Yes, that feeling something is amiss ... we are usually right. Love the metal glider ... everything about this belies the ease of it ...
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DeleteTeresa -- the metal glider is a nice -- good one for catching the breezes on a hot summer day -- thanks for the comment -- barbara.
Are you missing where you moved from or possibly like me where you live now there are just a lot less photo opportunities ? Nice header!!
ReplyDeleteOne Fly -- About your question. What I miss about KY is the country folk and their landscapes. I guess you and I are in the same boat as there are few photo opportunities in this area.
DeleteI now realize that some areas are rather devoid of good photo material while other areas are rich in photo opportunities. Will make the best of it for now -- planning a back-road trip through Oregon, Idaho and Utah within the next few months if all goes well. thanks for the comment -- barbara
I enjoy visiting sites like this.I always want to flashback to that simpler time.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- I remember one of your posts saying how much you liked Walker Evans photos -- I too like him and most of the photographers from that era -- they could compress so much into one photo. --thanks -- barbara
DeleteLove this photo and the implied story. And the story with the swan.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- One of things I do like about photos is the potential for genealogies, a news report, and all other types of stories. They bring us the truth along with the mystery. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteFor whatever reason, I like photos of rural decay. This photo intrigues me as well as saddens me.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- Yes, Michelle I have always been intrigued with rural decay too -- it does sadden me but yet there is so much to wonder about why it has decayed. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteOne can tell there is a story to be told. Somehow you captured a bit of it.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- I guess all photos have a story to be told --- some more than others. I so enjoy looking at some the wonderful photos that are put on the internet -- you certainly have nice photos, -- barbara
DeleteThe new header is great...good idea. The glider does bring reminiscences (if I spelled that right it's pure coincidence)...and I want not only to feel the sensations that porch used to have, but to hear the squeaks as the glider moved once...the laughs and whispers shared. To me that scene speaks in sounds somehow!
ReplyDeleteBarb -- The header was fun to construct. Interesting that the photo speaks to you in sounds. An interesting way to observe it. Certainly the glider would have made some movement sounds when used. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteIf I look closely I guess it does have an abandoned feel, but my first impression was winter neglect. I think it has a nice 'end of winter' feel to it, and would have imagined things greening up there this week, and someone coming out to clean off that porch. But maybe that's because it's starting to feel like spring here.
ReplyDeleteMelissa -- I think it is always interesting to wonder what a photo is really all about - especially when there are humans or animals involved. I like your interpretation of the porch scene -- it does feel like spring here. So many flowering trees bloomingin this area. -- thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteOh, so wistful...I can hear & see the leaves being shuffled across that porch by gentle breezes...Again, I love that you learned the reality story of this house, more oral history. I think there is a special beauty in a photo that draws different interpretations, expressing something that is not just personal, but perhaps more universal...days gone by, & what is left of places...memories...the transient nature of our lives...we project our stories & experiences onto certain images & that is part of the art that you create...Thank you, Barbara...
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention that our stories and experiences of images become the art that we create. Sometimes we know the real story but if we don't know it we create it. Why we do this is rather baffling to me. But we do it and enjoy doing it. What a wonderful comment -- everything you say is so true. -- thanks barbara
DeletePoetry in pictures...
ReplyDeleteRaining Iguanas -- Among the many interpretations in photos is poetry. thanks for your comment -- barbara
DeleteBeautifully written and thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteSublime Birdy -- Thank you for your kind words about my post -- barbara
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