One of the interesting things that I have noticed during my stompings around San Diego County is the number of impromptu memorials (for lack of a better, or more relevant, term), such as this one:
I found that near some coastal railroad tracks where I had set up to watch the trains go by.
I was transfixed, mesmerized, inspired by it. It exuded peace and relaxation. Maybe that was its intent.
Is it a memorial? Is it religious? Anyone know?
The reason why I ask is because I want to create Photographic Art from that picture but I don’t want to be using a religious symbol or memorial inappropriately. The other thing is that on the back of each Photographic Art print will be some fact/information/trivia about what’s presented in the art. For example, the back of a flower art print might have information about the flower or plant—datura and brugmansia, known as angel’s trumpet and pictured at the right, are toxic and can create severe skin problems if you get the sticky white sap on you. How can something so beautiful be so dangerous?
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This is so beautiful!
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Hi Russel. Wonderful photograph and inquiry. The fact that you want to know what would be respectful use, leads me to believe you will do right by the way you choose to use it.
Visit Friends Along the Way because they are calling for stories and photographs of roadside shrines and memorials. http://www.friendsalongtheroad.org/markers.htm
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Oooooooooh, thank you so much for that link!
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It looks like Buddha, perhaps homemade, and half of a medicine wheel. Not certain of the figure, however, because the three pointed headdress is non-traditional for Buddhist sculpture, and almost has a South American feel. The construction definitely has some kind of spiritual import, perhaps personal, but if it’s out there for all to see, I think respectful treatment is all that’s required for any photo work you want to do with it.
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Thanks for your help, Morgan.
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I don’t know what the figure represents, but it does come across as some sacred space… Beautiful, anyway it is! Ohh, and the image of Zoey in the box – priceless!!!
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The statue reminds me of the Buddha. Perhaps a Hindu god? Regardless, I think you are right and it is spiritual or a shrine. Perhaps something happened to someone there. I think you treated the figure with genuine respect, and I don’t think anyone could fault you there. Perhaps on the back you can just indicate the mystery of it. Anyway you look at it, it’s a lovely photo of a beautiful home made shrine.
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