Moon Over Modigliani Photo

Photographer’s Note

This image was captured during a meeting of Trekies at the Painted Cove area of the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds near Mitchell, Oregon. Painted Cove Trail A short trail winds around a crimson hill, permitting a close view of the popcorn-textured claystones that distinguish the Painted Hills. Nothing grows here in these claystones because they soak up water so fast that plants cannot get enough to survive. The sign posted at the start of the trail said “Each person sees these hills in a different way…please look for the higher meaning and value present here that we ask you to help us protect.” The voluptious curves of this image brought to my perverted mind the the painting by Modigliani “Nude on a Cushion” linked to the environmentalist’s Oedipal injunction to “Love Your Mother Earth”. What higher meaning and value could be present here than to protect the whole Earth, rather than a few parks? Another sign posted at the Fossil Beds Museum quoted a scientist as saying the consciousness of man began last night, at midnight, on the scale of geologic time, yet as Shakespear said "We fools strut upon the stage of life, ranting and raving, signifying nothing"(paraphrased).

plimrn, jwmunro, feather, xuaxo, robertosalguero, TheMystic has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

baba_flies (7937) 2008-04-29 9:06

Hello Larry! Your words are so special and I could just listen what you have to say but I can also get lost over your wonderful photo work with the tiny moon coming up behind these red hills. You have high expectations, I always have them too when I return from such places but seeing the discussions we have when planning a new park and all the commercial interests that come in the way, I doubt it a little what can be changed. I realize that TE is maybe a planet on its own and very often it has nothing to do what I see outside. Just some thoughts if you don't mind. This is wonderful, just the hills some sky and the tiny moon and not more. Barbara.

plimrn (19558) 2008-04-29 17:19

Hi Larry,
I really like the way your photo shows the unusaul texture of the soil with its excellent deatil and stunning color. Great note too.
HLJ, Pat

jwmunro (6709) 2008-05-01 12:56

Hello Larry -

This is a stunning image. I like the simple nature of it and the light is just fantastic. But, what really catches my attention is the texture of the image. This is under ratted for sure and deserves more attention IMO. Well seen and accomplished.

Thank you for sharing

John

feather (49848) 2008-05-07 7:29

I was directed here by Pat. The texture is amazing and nothing like I have seen before. The zoomed in view certainly does resemble the human form, like often the dunes in the desert. The little moon is a nice addition to the scene. Looking forward to September.
Kath

xuaxo (5635) 2008-05-07 15:32

Hi Larry,
As this is a shot from another planet, are you sure that is the moon? Is the moon seen from Mars?
:-)
Really amazing Nature. Maybe there isn't any planet like the Earth; it has everything.
Best greetings,
F

robertosalguero (2759) 2008-05-08 0:34

Larry this is an awesome shot. The lines of the hill create a pleasant pattern. And yes I agree with your vision of the Nude on a Cushion painting. So much alike in several ways. The colours are beautiful and the little moon add an extra little detail to enhance the sky. Lovely work larry.

Roberto

MarianneS (14262) 2008-05-11 22:26

Hi Larry,
I am coming from Pat's link and comment your photo before going back on hers.
Both are pefectly complementary. I like the details you show here, with a very good sharpness on these painted hills. Nice curves and colours!
Well done,
Marianne

brandstaetter (13654) 2008-05-22 23:21

Hi Larry,
you´re right with Modigliani, those shapes are wonderful, colours also, and the position of the moon is the cream on the cake.
Compliments, Chris

TheMystic (896) 2008-07-19 14:07

Very artistic, good title also. Love the colors and compo is great!
Cheers
otto