This particular batch of photos resonated with me unlike the other instances; and this is for a few reasons. Primarily, this destination felt like a continuation of the previous visits in exploration story-wise.
This time, my van had broken down and I needed a bit of a hand getting to the location as I could not do it myself. I instead went with two friends after shopping; one of which I’ve been good friends with for years now. It felt more natural and relaxed as we explore, despite taking the photos with way more intention this time. The others in my group also seemed to comment that they understood why I feel relaxed at these locations, and said it helped them to relax today too.
The atmosphere was perfect. It was colder, grey, and yet not too windy. We were surrounded by ducks and a pair of muskrats, which made this place ironically feel very alive. The location was incredible to see too; despite being tucked only a few minutes drive away, the hills made the place seem whimsical and neat; like something from Europe. I recognized some last names form other graveyards, which led me to consider which ones must be common last names in Maine. There was a crypt here like the last one; smaller but more defined and castle-like.
This location overall left me a lot to think about. It was more set-up for people to walk and even drive through, and felt way more put together than other yards I’ve visited. The two more somber things I thought about went in this order. Firstly, the graveyard was very hilly as I stated before; perhaps the top to bottom being the size of a multiple story building (in terms of an exact number, words fail me). This made the area look really cool, but also reminded me that
a. this area will erode one day exposing those hiding under the hills…
b. HOLY CRAP! I’m eye level with a body right now?!
And then the second somber part. Right across the street was another graveyard; perhaps even technically related to this cemetery. This other one however was flat, and uninteresting. I’ve been to flat ones before too, and the problem was this one just seemed to have no inspiration at all, and really was only there to serve a purpose. While nothing too crazy, it still certainly made me think a little about where we lay to rest in terms of overall location, and how the more interesting spot was perhaps already full.
Entering the graveyard. Castle structure was cool, and had no idea just how big this place would be.
Some duckies! They help sort of divide the image into fourths; tree, graves, ducks, water.
Tried to get an image that showed how big the hill was; not the best for it but shows how many graves there are.
My personal favorite. Shows size of hill and how the cemetery has many layers.
Some pals explore the outside of the crypt; the ivy is amazing.
More hills and layers, but shows the rows. Tree adds neat foreground.
True.
Neat collection of rows further up the hill.
1 Response
Julien,
Oh my god, DUCKS!! I had to choose this project to comment on because I cannot help but appreciate something as perfect as a duck. I am a huge fan of these photos, especially the one displaying the rows of gravestones. Really scratches some eery itch, and I am quite fond of it. Furthermore, I’ve always loved crypts and their role in cemeteries, so I’m glad you included an image of one. Big fan!! And of course, the duck photograph is my personal favorite, the division of fourths creating a lovely visual.