SnakeMedicine_Book1

C o n v e r s a t i o n s w i t h t h e A r t i s t
The history of the forgotten is a profound sentiment. Monticello is part of the birth
of our country. At one time, it was the dwelling for Native Americans. We looked
for the Indian mounds, and instead we found the resting place for the slaves of
Monticello.
This is the resting place of the inhabitants here. There is a circle of light piercing
through the trees which creates a sense of spiritual peace. The idea of its dark past
is coming full circle. I think it tells a story of sadness and experience that has been
uplifted in death.
Notice how the focus brings out the green which represents life and the brown of
the earth represents death. Out of death comes life, the plants grown out of that
which has died.
The black-and-white photo shows the starkness of a sacred resting place. It reveals
the reality of death and life. But the center of the focus is the immovable rock
that is surrounded by light.
There is nothing here to crop. The picture is complete as is. I wanted to capture
the stillness of the air and the sight—to be sure that the shadows were not moving;
no winds played with the picture I had in my mind.
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