The image(s) – I am going to talk about it as if were a single image – – which it now is – is a good example of keeping your mind/perception open. Over the years I have been to the Lake Quanah Parker dam countless times. It is one of my favorite places on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. I have always been captivated by and have photographed the gear mechanism many times. That day was the first time I became aware of how it fit together in the visual design of the dam itself. In the moment, I was drawn to the shadows and curves of the concrete stairs and walkway. I included the gear more as a counterpoint. I did not realize the degree of convergence until looking at the downloaded images on the computer. Then the harmony in the shape of the entire dam was striking. This was more than just textbook engineering. Someone had created a functional piece of art in cement and stone. I was lucky enough to notice … eventually.
That the triptych is the best representation to the beauty and scale of the dam’s harmony was also an evolution of perception. I worked with several images but these three as one best reflect the scale and congruency of the whole structure. It seems to be more of an encompassing, if serendipitous, representation than any single image or combination. Some images are like that – even if they are a surprise.
"... the photograph is a function instead of a thing..."
Minor White
...and the shadow seem the spire of a place of worship. Grand photo!
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