Not totally photo related, not just a journal. A bit of both.

Friday, December 31, 2010

The Say Good Bye Time


On Thursday afternoon, I had CBC radio on during the Tapestry time slot. It's not something I listen to on a regular basis as I would not characterize myself as being religious, but Mary Hynes happened to be interviewing Canadian artist and naturalist Robert Bateman as part of an episode called Art and Soul. Towards the end of the interview, he made a comment about how we are changing the world  - and not for the better, and focused on shopping malls. It made me think back on all the places I have seen torn down for the sake of 'progress'. Such as the above little barn I photographed a couple of years ago that has now been flattened. Here is part of what he said:
I call that the instant pudding world... we have been busily destroying our natural heritage and human heritage with a vengeance since the 1950s. So I would say that if you love to say good bye, then you are living in the best time of the history of the planet, because this is 'say good-bye time'. And it is intensifying. But it's not being replaced with nothing, it's being replaced with instant pudding... It's sweet, smooth, slick, extremely convenient. You have nothing to do with the ingredients.... even if you read the labels you don't know what they are going to do with your system. And I am using this as a metaphor for subways, plazas and throughways, of course, which is what I call instant pudding. It's all manufactured by somebody somewhere else who doesn't know you. And I think it is a deadly thing that is spreading over the planet. And so things like shopping malls are spiffy and brand new and convenient and automated and heartless and not human at all.
So, as we say adieu to 2010 and roll into 2011, take time to reflect on the things that have become part of your past. And don't be so quick to replace the next thing in your present with 'instant pudding.'

Mike

7 comments:

21 Wits said...

Clearly this is certainly one of my favorite photos I've seen of your work...the darkness behind and the light as they move forward into the unknown....great transition in so many additional ways! It's funny about leaving 2010 for 2011, just again today I wrote 2010, like I'm not willing yet to have the new year take over...and March is almost over...silly huh?

CorvusCorax12 said...

unfortunately so true... i walked through a wood path last week that i haven't walked since the onset of winter. There is a spot i always loved because it had these huge majestic pine trees, they must have been there for a long , long time . Now they are gone, cut down and i felt such sadness. Why can't we just leave some things alone ??

Bob Scotney said...

A truly magnificent photo that draws you to it and through the door into the light. Unfortunately all is not sweetness and light, so much of our heritage is being destroyed in the name of progress.

Anonymous said...

The composition and lighting are perfect for highlighting the subject in this shot. Quiet reflection, the subtle dance of light and shadow- perfect shot to illustrate 'transition'.

Alexia said...

This is a hauntingly beautiful photo - I always admire your shots but this is special!

Mike Wood said...

Thanks for your comments everyone. Glad you liked the photo and the sentiment behind it. :)

On My Soapbox said...

I really like this photo because it conveys emotion. It is particularly good as a B&W photo. Nice!