A future project...

I spotted this scene from the roadside while travelling in Nova Scotia, Canada. I was quite awestruck by it’s almost life-like size and the locale of the cross. It stood at the very end of a small cemetery, off the road.

Coincidentally, I had actually been thinking about a future photographic project where I would photograph the cross, (mainly the Christian one) in all it’s forms, sizes and contexts – and so this scene fit that bill perfectly.

Anyway, with that in mind, I thought maybe this shot would make a great initial image for the project.



Dartmouth NS, Canada '10

[IMG]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/paulyrichard/jesusoncross1of1500-1.jpg[/IMG]

I'll preface this comment by saying that I mean what follows in an entirely complimentary sense.

I must pay tribute to you, Paul. One of the marks of a great photographer is the ability to evoke strong feelings in one's audience.

I almost invariably dislike your work, while at the same time being most impressed by your observation skills, and your ability to compose photographs in an unusual and yet effective way.

This is no exception. For personal reasons I dislike almost all Christian imagery, and yet I'm forced to admire this.

First the reflection in the puddle. Class. Second, the annoying slant of the treeline, contrasting delightfully with the aggressively vertical cross. Also class. Ditto the way the cross itself isn't quite in the centre of the broad path, all amplified by the square crop.

And the revoltingly white christ-figure, contrasting defiantly with the misty background.

Excellent - I hate it. Can't wait for the rest of the series.
_____

PS... By the way... why?

It means a lot to me that you have picked up on certain elements within the scene.
Your right about the subtle slope of the horizon contrasting with the upright cross, which anchors our view. I liked the puddle and it's reflection and I guess it could elicit some meaning, too. Also with the reflection, the crucifix is on two planes of distance, in the foreground it is closer to the viewer, but upside down. Hmmmm

The locality of the cross, the dead-end road and the foggy morning light offers a sense of desolation/ loneliness, too. These things were what attracted me into photographing this scene.

The reason for the project comes from a genuine desire to document this religious symbol.
I guess it kind of makes it a nonsense when people are not allowed to where a crucifix around their necks in the workplace or wherever, and yet they're all around us on the street and in the countryside etc. This is just one question I have rattling around in my brain at the mo'.

Anyway, I appreciate your honesty in your comment. Thanks.

Agree with all that has been said, it is as though there's an almost heavenly glow to the figure on the cross, an emotive shot.

An amazing image Paul. Chris has described why it works so well. I find religious icons like this both trite and fascinating in equal parts. So i'll look forward to more images in this series.

The reflection of the crucifix in the puddle transforms this image from a relatively nothing record shot, into a masterpiece of vision.

I like it . . . a lot.

A remarkable shot, Paul. There's so much to admire here: composition, reflection, background, low angle of view and that stark crucifix dead centre.

A most memorable image.

My view is you don't have to be religious to appreciate religious art and icons although many of the icons, as has already been said, are trite. I'm bowled over by the great European cathedrals (I live within two miles of one of the very best examples) and consider good architetcure to be a major art form.
So whatever your beliefs you can't fail to be stopped in your tracks by this photo, for all the reasons stated by the previous commentators. Keep up the good work Paul.
David

Absolutely excellent shot, composition superb, well spotted. The Cross is vertical so why is the tree/ground line an issue, or just me?

Nice one....

Paul

Because of the dissonance it introduces by not being horizontal.

Thanks very much for commenting, guys.

ChrisA has pretty much said it all really.

All I can add is that I keep coming back to this photo and staring at it again and again.

I look forward to seeing more in the series later.

Gwyn has summed up my feelings too . It's a commanding picture

Actually there's one more thing that I had at the back of my mind last night, but I couldn't remember the details.

I've found it now... There's a quote from the bible...

In Matthew chapter 7, vv 13-14, it says this:

[quote="god allegedly"]... For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.[/quote]It's another contrast with Paul's photograph. A great big wide path, with a big cross, leading nowhere.

Love it.

One of the best photos I have seen posted to this forum.

K.