The Moment it all Clicked....

   I made this photograph on South Uist in 2005.  I had just discovered the idea that photographs could have metaphoric possibilities and everyday was so exciting as I was able to frame meaning within the landscape through the lens of my camera.  This one, Enduring Faith, is one of my favorites from the trip. (I was in a strictly monochrome mode at that time.  I did no color work until 2007!)

   I was in a bit of a crisis of faith at the time with the death of my husband and the turmoil surrounding it.  This image, with its threatening dark shadow on the left, resonated with me.  The stone cross, beautifully lit, the wall that went from darkness into the light, it all spoke about hope and endurance and faith.

   When I returned to South Uist in 2011, I made it a point to revisit this place but as I drove around where I thought the church was, I couldn't seem to find it!  There aren't that many roads on South Uist so I was a little befuddled.  I finally stopped at a house where I saw some workmen and asked. I showed them the photograph.  I had a little book of my images from South Uist with me for reference.  He informed me that they had torn down the fence and cross topped pillars in 2006, not long after I photographed them!  Something clicked in me at that moment.

   We receive the images we need to have...always.  This moment in time, this shadow and fence and cross was there for me when I needed the message and now it is gone.  I have the image to remind me of the time and the idea that no matter how difficult or threatening life gets your faith comes from a higher and more enduring place.  I was so glad I had been able to receive that message so many years ago.  It is why I make the search for the metaphoric wisdom in the landscape my abiding passion.