Sunday, November 9, 2008


Possibility
c.2008
Digital Photography
Sellersville, PA

My fiance and I just bought a 2.9 acre property, inclusive of a main house, carriage house and dilapidated barn. Most would have looked at this property as a "dump" of sorts because it is in great need of repair and beautification. With some elbow grease, cleaning and a lifetime of "adjustments", we saw it as an opportunity to create our dream home.

This photograph was taken during our home inspection, when the property was in grave need of attention. I felt compelled to record the romantic simplicity of a window, letting in a flood of winter light, casting beautiful shadows, in abstraction, upon a curtain. Regardless of the surrounding repairs, this window demonstrates the possibility that lay just beyond the shadows.

11 comments:

lebuck8 said...

This piece is so interesting. I had no idea what I was looking at before I read your post, but I thought it was really beautiful. Knowing what the photograph is about adds so many more layers to your work. The house sounds like a great opportunity, I hope it goes as smoothly as possible...

Sam said...

This piece is really strong. The composition is really interesting. At the bottom of the photo there is something emerging out of the darkness and I think this speaks to your hope of turning your house into the house of your dreams.

gracki said...

This is such a really enchanting photograph. I agree with Lauren and Sam that this pice is really powerful and captivating. The composition is really elegant and has such graceful movement. The colors enhance the tone of the piece even more. This is really beautiful and I think the meaning behind it further emphasizes it.

Unknown said...

I am in total agreement with the other posts! The image alone is moving but after I read your text I saw it in a greater light. Your text is very descriptive and nicely written. I can see the construction going on and all the love that it takes to make a house a home. Its beautiful and I wish you all the best.

Amy said...

I love the play of light and shadows. I also love the sepia tone the photograph has that is my favorite tone in photograph.

jmkilburn said...

Man, I could've puzzled over that picture for a long time! Until you told me it was a curtain in a window, I didn't know what exactly I was looking at. Then I thought it was light going OUT of the window, on rolling snow. Turn your head to the right and it all falls into place, though. So subtle and effective! And, yes, very romantic and evocative.

favorite things said...

Now that's an idea worth investing in!

Jennifer Welsh said...

In response to your comment, I might just have to make a series myself! I really love my little apartment and I will be moving out in August. Having a series of these might be nice to leave with.
Congrats on the house! I think it will be beautiful and I am curious to see more photos of the home. Your image is beautiful and I am sure you have a ton more. You should make a series of before/afters to have in your home... You've probably already thought about that though right?!?

ChambersoftheSea said...

This is a gorgeous image on its own, ambigious, yet full of warmth. It reminds me of waves, of wood.

I like what you had to say about it, too. It's interesting that windows feature in both your depictions of home, letting light into your space.

Congratulations, too, on your new home. There is nothing more satisfying than renovating a house.

jmkilburn said...

Thank you for your comments and thoughts, Christy. Indeed, the changing leaves entirely take over the visual aspect of the city. And, yes, the powerful yellow of the ginkgo leaves is stunning every year. I refuse to take fall for granted.

And although I still have a tough time thinking of Philly as my 'hometown,' yeah, I really did just head out of my door and keep my eyes open to natural beauty. Your eye will find what your mind wants to look at. Like anyone, I guess, I'm drawn to beauty, and it was just a perfect day that day... did you get to see the whole album of photos? There's a link at the bottom of my post to a Shutterfly gallery.

Anonymous said...

Hey Christy!

This a great photo and I love that it was taken during your home inspection! It’s a really beautiful image captured during a time that I’m sure was stressful. Rock on!