Destruction in Color
by Joni Eskridge
Title
Destruction in Color
Artist
Joni Eskridge
Medium
Photograph
Description
In April of 2012 a derecho (a derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a land-based, fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms) hit the Chicagoland area, including the western suburb in which I live. The destruction was severe. After the storm passed, I walked around the neighborhood simply amazed by the water and downed trees � certainly it was not tornado grade destruction, but people were standing out in their yards and on the streets of the neighborhood trying to take it all in and figure out how to clean up or make repairs. Some streets were impassable. I took a walk down to the marsh where I often walk my dog or take my camera to de-stress. The path I usually take was blocked by sheered off trees. The marsh area was completely under water. I met up with a couple of teenagers who were kayaking through the area I usually walked through. Fully 30-50% of the trees were twisted or broken in some form, leaving it grotesque and spooky. How long, I wondered, would it take before my frequent get-away place would again be the peaceful place I knew? Over the weeks and months I walked often through the woods with my camera, clicking the shutter in attempts to create an image that would convey the devastation that brought me to tears that first day. But none of those early images told the story as I saw it. It was not until November, on a cool and foggy fall morning, that I felt I had finally captured images that elicited the same emotion as being there in person.
Uploaded
October 14th, 2015
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Viewed 3,004 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/27/2024 at 1:24 PM
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Comments (12)
Theresa Campbell
Love the natural landscape and the mist in the distance. LFTPG and following fellow Illinoisan!
Rosalie Scanlon
Wonderful capture, I like the fog in the background and the Fall colors. l/t
Joni Eskridge replied:
Thanks Rosalie. It was a great morning to be in the marsh with camera in hand. Was glad I decided to take the day off!
Connie Handscomb
We have huge windstorms in our parks here, Joni, that we never used to have in the past; it breaks my heart when the enormous trees topple as a result but they have, & I've been in tears over it a few times now.. Mother Nature is doing some housecleaning (my optimistic "take" on it) .. or else, we are being warned to change our ways to more sustainable practices ..; your image is strong with its message :))
Linda Foakes
Even though this is the result of a derecho there is something beautiful about the shot.It shows a beauty alongside destruction. l/f