Several times each year I make a pilgrimage of sorts to the St. Francis Retreat Center, a holy place sweetly nestled in the serene foothills above San Juan Bautista, most recently last weekend.
The grounds features a modest pond (when water is present -- blissfully so this year after an extended drought); a peaceful circuit of this aquatic scenery can be strolled on an encircling paved path. In addition to a pleasant variety of views afforded by the walkway, one can also take an aging yet compelling installation of the Via Crucis.
These passionate depictions consist of porcelain reliefs mounted on brick edifices. At various times of day (particularly in the very early morning and late afternoon) the portraits are endued with heightened dramatic texture by the low angled lighting acutely washing across the anguished faces. The points of emphasis quickly shift with the arc of the sun . . .
Here the nose's shadow grabbed my eye, being incongruously reminiscent of Cyrano (or Mr. Hope!) rather than tracing the grace of Mary. As always: it is about the light -- and sometimes its absence.
Sufferer, #7951
© 2010 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
(click image for larger version)
Details: May 15, 2010; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/100 sec; -1/3 EV; ISO 200; 100mm.
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beautiful, James.
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