Growing up on a Door County farm, I wasn’t exposed to a lot of art. And to tell the truth, besides books, pop music, TV and cinema, I don’t think I actually cared. One year, during my adult life, I had resolved, because I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, to visit art museums and Galleries.
What I had learned, like many an Edgar Allan Poe tale, is that visual art is symbolism. Much of it is anyways. And like a great piece of symbolism in literature, it can be stimulating to learn the root, or maybe the subconscious utterances, that brought about the piece one is observing. Then I learned of a series of lectures on photography. I was stunned to find out how interesting and understandable composition was. After that, I began using my new found skills on everything I saw.
This photo was taken while slightly straying from High Cliff State Park’s Red Bird trail. As I ventured the bluffs, searching for a memorable pic, this bright flower protested the sun’s descent. When I look at this photo, I remember taking it.
It seemed as if that day, like the flower itself, rose above the daunting perils of life. Though the cliff isn’t enormous, it’s fun to walk the limestone ridge and appreciate God’s own artistry.
Midwestern Escapes 
9 responses to “Atop a Cliff”
Thank you for sharing your experience with visual art and how it changed your perspective on it. It’s amazing how symbolism can be found in so many forms of art, and how understanding it can enhance our appreciation for it. I’m curious, do you have any favorite photographers or artists that you’ve discovered through your exploration of visual art?
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I don’t know, as a point of fact, if I actually have favorite photographers. But in the last few years, I’ve viewed many photos that have challenged me. I’m saying they left me spellbound to the point that I wanted to emulate the style. I’ll admit, some, even if I’ve spent countless hours watching lectures, I’ve yet to match.
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Thanks for the comment.
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Like you, so many of us grew up without a lot of appreciation or understanding of art. I took art classes throughout my school years, and the art teachers did their best to “educate” us about art. However, most of my fellow students (me included) only thought about art classes as easy credits. Glad you found your way into art museums and galleries. BTW, it is a lovely photo and an interesting way to think of it.
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Thanks Diana. Yeah, I don’t think I made it past elementary school art classes, collages and what not. But, besides the products of a few talented young ladies in my high school, I really wasn’t exposed to art that wowed me. And education about art, well, that’s really a tough feat. Especially when everybody understands art in a different way. Back in those days, my mind was on Scooby-Doo and the hip kids shows of that era. If I enjoyed any of the classical arts back then, it would have been literature. Though I was usually befuddled by the archaic nineteenth century prose.
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Love your back story. My in-laws vacation in Door County. I heard about this amazing place for decades-we were never invited as it was my brother in laws in-laws. I’d ask the women what was so special about it? They love the arts and crafts!
Finally, a few years ago my husband and I went. We LOVED all the state parks. We “hiked” through all of them-and learned how the mosquito is the state bird! What a great time as we were armed and prepared!
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Lol! Yes, depending on time and conditions, mosquitoes can be a pain in the rear. However, this particular state park isn’t in Door County. It’s located just east of the Fox Cities, which is about an hour south of the peninsula. In any event, I’m totally amped to hear you loved your visit!! Thanks for the comment.
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And you are quite clever, while, yes, Northern Door County has an abundance of artwork, the southern half, which is where I reside, is almost devoid of it. At least it was during my childhood. I just thought I should clarify.
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No problem! Things looks so different as we age!
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