Monday, April 4, 2011

My World Tuesday / Desperate Prayer



 Click on photo to enlarge!
This image means more to me today than when I took it 2 days ago. I was walking on the beach (El Matador Beach, Malibu, California USA) and saw this mask on top of a column of rock that stands about 30 or more feet high. The sun was behind the rock creating a brilliant glow around the top. I took several shots hoping to get a good one...left, and didn't give the mask much thought the rest of the day. As I was editing the image, I noticed the formation of praying hands in the rock and realized this was artfully placed to represent the strong emotion surrounding the pain and suffering in Japan. The realization, on my part, moved me to tears.

28 comments:

Sylvia K said...

That is incredible, Carolyn!! I'm afraid I would have missed seeing the true meaning in the beginning as well, but hope like you, I would have recognized it later. It is so very moving! Thank you for sharing it with us today! Hope your week goes well!

Sylvia

Samson said...

Great find Carolyn, I would've missed it too if you had not mentioned...

Tammie Lee said...

yes, and it has stirred sadness in me. Such a beautiful artful expression!

Photo Cache said...

I did notice the clasped hands. Very touching.

Pat said...

That is a wonderful display of support and prayers for the Japanese people. Thanks for sharing it.

Indrani said...

So artfully expressed. Great post, thanks for sharing.

Rick said...

Thanks for pointing it out, Carolyn - I would have missed it; does make a great symbol of remembrance for that tragedy.

snowwhite said...

Your picture gave me strong and deep emotion. The mask on the rock looks like Noh mask, Noh is highly stylized masked play of Japanese theatrical art. With mask and joining hands, this object is the great art, quietly expressing compassion, sorrow and prayer. Thank you for posting and sharing this photo.

Kevin said...

Would have missed that as well. Thanks for sharing an interesting monument.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Incredible. I'm speechless. Remarkable that you captured it before seeing the significance. And then that you caught it.

SandyCarlson said...

This post lets me into so many worlds. Thank you.

Martha Z said...

Yes, you caught just the right angle so that we could see it and feel it's impact.
Thank You.

My name is Riet said...

wow, that is amazing. Great shot

Carletta said...

A great find!
It is very poignant especially with today's news.

VALKYRIEN said...

I am glad I read your words Carolyn! The image in itself is wonderful, and the meaning moved me deeply! A wonderful photo!

overtiredmum said...

simple and beautiful

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh! I see the praying hands too! Yes, another sad day in Japan.

Francisca said...

Very powerful image, Carolyn. I had enlarged it before reading your post, and I did miss the praying hands. Glad you mentioned it, because it does give it more meaning.

Smalltown RN said...

That is simply perfect! I did notice the praying hands...but I must admit it wasn't until you pointed it out...what a great photo!

Liz said...

Wonderful photos. I see the praying hands.

Liz @ A Simple Life

Greensboro Daily Photo said...

Look beyond the mask and hands, the woman is crouched in prayer. The rest of the rock forms the KIMONO.

I'm so lucky that the randomizer brought me here!

Tanya Breese said...

that's incredible, truly!!

Kim, USA said...

Wow this is a powerful image. Whoever made this and put it there is amazing!! I see the praying hands too. Thanks for sharing Carolyn!

SWF-kite

Janie said...

I didn't notice the praying hands until I read your description. It is a powerful and moving symbol.

Pat Tillett said...

What a great find! Art is everywhere...

KMOYMAMA said...

I was moved to know that you found the praying hands in the photo and reminded you of the suffering caused by the earthquake, tsunami, and the accident of the nuclear power plant. Thank you very much for sharing this photo on your blog.

forgetmenot said...

Such a beautiful and meaningful photo--all our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan who just keep facing trial after trial. Mickie :)

http://graceolsson.com/blog said...

very interesting shot, Carolyn