like eyes
This one reminds me of eyes. As someone has well said, “the eyes are the windows to the soul”, these windows are like eyes to this abandoned structure.
The starkness of it reminded me of Steinbeck’s writings when he spoke of those who use fear to motivate the masses. I see it being practiced in our society today in an opposite way. Instead of keeping the masses apart, I see a movement to bring the masses together; pushing them toward one another with fear. It seems as if the masses have been made to fear something non-existent. It’s as a man beating the wind, fighting a straw man. A straw man invented by those in power to motivate the masses with fear to accomplish their own greedy goals.
Zygote
noun
Etymology: Greek
The cell formed by the union of two gametes, especially a fertilized ovum before cleavage. The organism that develops from a zygote.
“Here is the node, you who hate change and fear revolution. Keep those two squatting men apart; make them hate, fear, suspect each other. Here is the anlage of the thing you fear. This is the zygote. For here ‘I lost my land’ is changed; a cell is split and from its splitting grows the thing you hate – ‘We lost our land.’ The danger is here, for two men are not as lonely and perplexed as one.”
— John Steinbeck, from The Grapes of Wrath, chapter 14
22 Comments
Marcie
June 3, 2011Yes – I can see how these might remind you of those windows to our souls. Lovely thoughts!
Andrew Graeme Gould
June 3, 2011A subtle image accompanied by some powerful writing… Or is it the other way round?
Christopher
June 4, 2011First–great thought-provoking post Sherri. Second–I love this shot! Great abstract presentation and it works so well with your thoughts.
Mark Johnson
June 4, 2011Wow, such a stark view of a beautiful old building. If it weren’t for the light through the windows I would have to wonder if this shot was from inside or from outside the building. Of course the latches are kind of a give-away :)
yz
June 4, 2011really look like eyes, but a bit scared eyes
Arnd
June 4, 2011Picturesque urban decay. Looks great in b&w!
rem_la
June 4, 2011j’aimerai connaitre l’histoire de cette fenêtre !
Michael Rawluk
June 4, 2011We need a John Steinbeck writing about our present day. He really got to the heart of problems.
....peter:)
June 5, 2011Hi Sherri…. you stole my line:( ….when i first looked at this photo the first thing that came to mind was “The eyes are the windows of the soul” but you beet me to it….good for you:)….. it is a great composition of words and photo…..your quote is most appropriate for the mood that you have captured here….peter:)
Otto K.
June 5, 2011definitely see the eyes. I like the somewhat high key feel to this.
John Maslowski
June 5, 2011Interesting writings and image Sherri. Like the effect with the light and the decaying details.
rian
June 5, 2011now that you mention it, i seem to see eyes when i look at this.. :)
Krunal
June 6, 2011the eyes of the monster house :)
Kala
June 6, 2011I certainly see the resemblance. Nice work.
joshi daniel
June 6, 2011simple and nice!
Ginnie
June 6, 2011Looking in or out…does the soul do the same thing? Yes, for sure….
John Prior
June 6, 2011Walls have ears also :-) Nice capture.
Ryan Sexton
June 6, 2011I like your post, its very fitting to urbex photography. Great shot too!
Fritsch
June 7, 2011Steinbeck, one of my favourite writer & your great frame, Sheeri: Soulfood! A tremendous frame!
All the best & safe travels,
Fritsch.
Frida
June 7, 2011They really look like eyes Sherri. Nice find and great presentation.
Elaine-
June 7, 2011if that house has a soul i think it’s long flown off… :) dead house!
Michael
June 10, 2011I love photos like this where objects are nearly personified. And I love love the greyscale processing of the image.