Winter

Following the recent winter storm when temperatures dropped to an unusually low degree, the pond in the local park froze. It was an opportunity to observe the ice as it began to thaw and consider the similar processes that occur on a small scale here in the pond and those a larger scale in the arctic regions. Without a context the images could be seen as being either on a micro or macro scale.

Living in an urban environment, the inevitable rubbish was also present. Someone had thrown a bin into the pond scattering rubbish and plastic everywhere. It was now lying frozen in the ice. A reminder of the present concerns regarding the vast amounts of waste and plastic found along coastlines and in the ocean.

As well as the rubbish, twigs and feathers could be seen floating everywhere. It appeared as though Icarus had got too close to the sun again! All this detritus leaves an uncomfortable feeling but the resident birdlife seemed oblivious, too absorbed in their local rivalries. The Coots humorously chasing each other around in circles.

The feathers all seemed to drift to the edges of the pond - seeking a way out, clinging to anything they could find. The following day the ice continued to thaw exposing a larger reflective surface. There were some beautiful transitory marks sweeping across the pond. The world hangs upside down - tree and sky lay across the surface . While some reflections remain sharp, others were distorted by the movement of birds, or the gentle breeze. Nature was the artist here - playing at mark making. 

By the end of the afternoon the ice had dissolved. These photographs managed to capture a few transitory moments. Inspiration to put in store for another day, another project.