Sunday, February 10, 2013

In Praise of Stone Walls...

   This photograph was made on Inis Oirr, one of the Aran Islands off the West coast of Ireland.  It is a favorite destination of mine when I'm visiting the Burren in County Clare.

    What is amazing for visitors to this tiny island is the hundreds of dry stonewalls that enclosed the small fields.  Without gates, one can enter only by disassembling a part of the wall.  But what really entrances me about these walls is how each and every stone fits together in almost a haphazard way.   It couldn't possibly be strong you think yet these stonewalls endure the winter gales year after year.  They endure because of the spaces between the rocks.  These spaces let the wind pass through. The wall accommodates the wind allowing it to be what it is without fear.  They don't fight the wind, they except it.

   Each stone fits into it's place perfectly and is a part of the whole fabric of the wall.  Big stones, small stones, oddly shaped and thin stones...they all have a place in this wall.  Each supports and lends integrity to the whole...none apologizes for what it is.  If only we human beings could be more like this stone wall...

1 comment:

jgardin@aol.com said...

I had the privilege of meeting you at Glastonbury Abbey at the start of 2013. Since then I enjoy starting every day with one of the photographs you have made and your accompanying contemplative ideas. You have inspired me to resume making photographs as companions for the journey and to learn how to use them as a window into my ever unfolding inner life. Thank you for who you are and all that you do to share your vision.
Namaste'
Janet G.