Friday, February 4, 2011

The Grace of Trees


Nearly two years ago, when I took this photo of a sandy lane in North Carolina, I felt such a strong affinity to this place.  It contributed to the impetus for the latest work-in-progress. Where does the road lead? Why do the trees beckon?

I often used similar photos or paintings when I was teaching, as story-inspirers. Who is on the road? Where does it lead? What is that place? I loved how the same scene could inspire such different responses.  The artist or photographer has already selected details and tone. Each viewer then reshapes the scene with his own eyes.

I'm wondering what you see/think/feel.

9 comments:

  1. Lying in the trees shade on a lovely warm day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. My first response is "Ahh, no ice or snow!" but my imagination quickly took over to imagine all sorts of wonderful possibilities. Trees are inspiring. I keep focusing on the boards affixed to the lower part of the tree. Part of a long since removed old fence? Was the fence there to keep us out, or keep something else in? And the road.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Robert Frost is what first comes to mind...I have sometimes used photos as story ispirers too, I think that can be very helpful. I haven't done it in a while, though. It always makes me wish I was a better photographer...

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I find photographs and artwork to be one of the most fruitful writing prompts...and this one certainly gives you a lot to think of! The vanishing point of the road draws my eye, and I can't help but think of Tolkien's poem, "The road goes ever ever on..."

    ReplyDelete
  5. It makes me think I could go down that road right back into earlier times.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I feel the blessed silence of the place. I wonder what that means.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ... there were footprints long ago, since covered, with stories to tell.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is especially in nature where I find not only solitude, but inspiration. I just read your enchanting book, THE UNFINISHED ANGEL. I love the voice of the angel and her sweet, whimsical view of life. It was a delight to read and I will recommend it to everyone I know. Thanks for making my day.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a perfect place to perch...if only I could climb those trees. Spend an afternoon dangling my toes and catching the breeze.

    ReplyDelete