In my blog post, “Topophilia,” an essay about the value of the desert southwest, particularly southern Utah, I wrote that I, “feel connected with the land in a way that words cannot describe.”
Indeed I do. Some people may contend that the wild canyons and plateaus are dangerous; yes, Mother Nature can be treacherous–violently so. However, despite that, I find sanctuary in the sandstone, a place of refuge and rejuvenation, of clarity and healing. How can I find words to describe this place? I may not ever be able to do it justice.
Cedar Snag, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, August 2009
Last week, I met Ann Marie Whittaker through her blog, “Age Old Tree,” and discovered her prose about why she loves her Red Rock Wilderness. In a brief email exchange, I could sense a profound sense of place and love in her voice for this beautiful slickrock desert so many people fall in love with. We need more people like Ann Marie in this world; I hope you go to her blog and read the post over and over (make sure to check out part two as well). You’ll be inspired; I am, and I learned that its actually okay to embrace an honest silence about a place.
I’m still not sure what I want to say about southern Utah, but I’m very happy its there, and that its loved by so many.
Sandstone Kaleidoscope, January 2011
Excellent post and photos (and link) Greg. It calls to mind a quote by Lewis Hine:
“If I could say it in words, I wouldn’t need to photograph it.”
Couldn’t agree more, Greg. We need to preserve these places even if it takes a lifetime to figure out what they really mean to us. The only certainty is that when they’re gone, they’re gone.
As the native Americans put it, we didn’t inherit the earth from our parents, we’re just borrowing it from our children.
One of the striking things to me about the Colorado Plateau is that, especially taken in its entirety, it’s absolutely unique in the world. Sure, Jordan has a little comparable canyon country, Australia has some good red rock formations, there are some other examples, but these aren’t even in the same league. The enormity of the geologic landscapes in unprecedented anywhere else, and there aren’t many other landscapes that can make that claim. Rainforest, old growth, alpine country, steppes, swamps and badlands can be found in many places, and are geomorphologically similar (I’m not talking biodiversity here, which is another matter). I’ve visited places in Turkey that felt just like the Colorado high country, and western Mongolia is a dead ringer for western Montana. But I never expect to go anywhere that serious reminds me of southern Utah. Every place is unique (that’s why I’m a photographer!), but the American canyon country is really unique.
Hey Jackson, I’ve never been to western Mongolia. Sounds like a cool place…
These are all important thoughts. We really need to do our best but I am afraid we are doing very little.
Wilderness is wilderness because our lifeline is so tenuous. Having spent a lot more time in Tibet and the Himalaya than I have in Utah (although I loved it when I was there), I never feel more alive than when I am close to death!
Knowing the altitude, environment or wildlife can snuff me out like a match in the wind is a treasure.
Both your images are very expressive, the tree on the sandstone is a wonderful metaphor for the adaptability of life in general, and the lower one is such a study of fragility and impermanence.
A great post Greg…
pj, it’s a coll place indeed: mountains, river valleys, forested ridges, amazing fishing, nomads. Think western Montana 150 years ago.
Greg, I also meant to say, I love that first shot! The juniper skeleton, all the detail in the vegetation, the walls, it’s spectacular in a more subtle way than the average Escalante shot.
Excellent post, I feel the same way about Big Bend country in west Texas.
Fantastic post and images, Greg. I’m especially fond of the first one. The detail, textures and that lovely old juniper are so wonderful today.
I chose to live here in red rock country for a reason. I may not always be able to convey that reason in images or words, but I do feel very at home here. It’s just a natural fit.
Thanks for all the comments, guys!
Jackson, I agree completely that the Utah canyon country is unique–I’m sure it has a lot to do with the worldwide attention (and visitation) it gets. There’s nothing else like it. My roommate from college spent a lot of time in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and said it reminded him a lot of north-central Wyoming.
Also, thanks for the kind words about the first image…
Ali, this landscape is in a constant (if slow) state of flux, and I think it has a lot to teach us. Thanks for pointing out these two important lessons from my images!
Greg, thank you for featuring Ann Marie’s beautiful blog. I have bookmarked it – what an inspiring person she is and so are you.
I think your photos of the cedar snag and sandstone are exquisite.
Sharon
If I hadn’t already set roots in Bishop I would be somewhere on the Colorado Plateau. It is a place that you can’t describe…..you can only feel it. Very nice images Greg.
Greg, your photographs just keep getting better and better. These two are exquisite and evoke the essence of the desert so well. Who needs words when you have photographs like these?
Thanks for the great comments! Sharon, I’m glad you bookmarked Ann Marie’s blog–its really very unique and I’m glad I found it.
Greg, we’re trying to get back to the Colorado Plateau. Its such a special place, and you’re right (along with David)…sometimes, words just don’t do justice.
I’m humbled David…I’m glad you like the images too! These aren’t dramatic, grand, landscapes by any means. The intent was simple: to convey a sense of place, and I’m glad I was successful.
Cheers,
Greg
Beautiful post — it’s amazing to me how there are certain landscapes or places that can touch us so deeply, yet we cannot grasp in words what it is that draws us there. Even if we can’t express ourselves as beautifully as Ann Marie, I’m glad these places exist and that we can share images that attempt to capture some of that magic.
Thanks for the comment, Pat! I’m also intrigued about how some landscapes just capture the imagination. I think about Ed Abbey’s Southwest, Muir’s Sierra, Stegner’s Saskatchewan prairie, or Ehrlich’s Wyoming.
I think, perhaps, like like choosing a mate; we need a fit with a complementary personality. Landscapes or people, its all the same…