Cobblestone Path
Remnants of early streets and pedestrian walkways can be found all over historic Boston. I've always admired these old stones because they remind me of a bygone era. There's a deep respect I have for history and I often wonder who trod over these stones.
This image, to me, is not unlike the stone wall from Pictorial Metaphor, posted last month. The differences, however, are in the sizes of the stones and how they are put together. Cobblestone pathways consist of similar sized stones in a typical "running bond" pattern.
There's a metaphor in this image. What is it to you? I think how nice it would be if my internal system was so ordered. I also think of direction, path, and journey. And cannot help but notice the difference in texture from stone to stone.
I've included a high resolution (1920 px) image. Image was shot at f/3.2 and focused on the foreground.
I can relate. I am also fascinated with history, as well as with transition spaces -- doorways, stairways, paths, etc.
It would be nice if we could line up our thoughts, emotions and memories in a simple, linear pattern... I think that's probably hard for everyone.
This picture reminds me of placid temperance and of holism strength. It is serene - I enjoy historic objects, too.
Hey, I don't think I've posted on your blog before, but have really appreciated reading it recently.
This post reminded me of a National Trust working holiday I once did, where our task was to build a stone footpath up this hillside. It was using original technique- no cement etc. We used very large stones found up on the moor and mud and a simple wooden tool. Each stone would be placed in like a tooth - so you only saw a small amount on the surface but the stone went down deep into the ground. Then you packed mud around it and placed the next stone. But the key was to make sure that each stone was touching. The more contact between the stones, the stronger the path was and the less likely it was for the stones to move and gaps to appear. Each stone was totally unique but when connected like this, formed a strong path that would last for over 100 years.
Anyway sorry for rambling, but this just came to me as I was reading your entry.
I like the concept of the footpath you describe beautifulstones - an underlying strength in each of us and a need to work together.
It's a stunning image Paul. When I look at it, I get a sense of the stones warmth, rather than anything about their configuration. Also a sense of timelessness and certainty that comes from it's historic nature - although even stone is eroded by the elements, use etc.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments. It's interesting what an image can tell us. When I posted this it was late and I wasn't in a really big thinking mood. So, I didn't see anything beyond what I said. But it's interesting what you all found.
I'm the odd man out on this one, I think... what strikes me about the image is that the stones are all trapped together... regimented and stuck.
I wonder if that's why I couldn't look at their pattern? I could only get their warmth - but even that was imagined and a hope rather than certainty. The pattern is too regimented and authoritarian for me...
Thanks for making me look at it again David.
Come now, don't tell me you don't sometimes long for this kind of order. Tomorrow I'll post another image from the same day's shoot and we'll see what you think of it.
Long for this kind of order??? I'm not sure. I know that on some level it terrifies me - too many associations with having to conform and being a very square peg trying to fit into a round hole. I'd like something between what I experience now and the defined order that is represented in this image.
Does that make me a fence sitter :)
What I really mean by asking if any of you "long for this kind of order" is asking if you think it would be a good idea to have some antidote for the disorder and chaos? Obviously, strict order is not the ultimate goal, but neither is strict chaos. What came to mind was that movie INSiDE. Do you all remember how the "doctor" needed to assert that control and bring the system into order? When things are so chaotic, yes, I do long for some order. But as far as a long range goal, no, I definitely long for something in between.
Sorry my thought processes haven't been all that logical lately, so I missed what you were originally asking Paul - thank you for the clarification.
I'd like order that isn't born from having to put emotions, experiences and thoughts into compartments within my brain and buried. I think that's where my idea of order is different from the concept shown within the INSiDE movie - that seemed to be about obtaining order by forcing each part back into their box to achieve the aim of getting out of hospital. I also freely admit to having so many issues with hospitals that this will be heavily influenced by that negativity.
What I'd like as a long term goal, is for the order to come from co-operation and understanding. To have a continuum of time and to gain control over the triggers, rather than the triggers controlling me. So I think our goals are possibly similar, but we're looking at it from slightly different angles??
By the way I always appreciate good photography, so looking forward to seeing the other images :)
Take care
You don't have to apologize for anything. I hear you on burying things. I sometimes say it feels like putting emotions (or parts even) in places that are inaccessible and this is not a good place because I get stuck there for long periods of time. The concept I liked in INSiDE was the ability to bring order to chaos. I didn't get from that film that parts were locked away. I got a sense of order from it, which was probably only temporary. As far as getting out of the hospital, my goal used to be just to get back in order, but this has not been the way for the past several years. I've been able to use the hospital to reach a middle ground. Your long term goal is one I share, wholeheartedly.